Kilpatrick Says Republicans Aren’t Right for West Deptford

West Deptford committeeman Sean Kilpatrick, the lone Republican on the committee, took a stand Thursday after being largely silent on the upcoming election, refusing to endorse fellow Republicans Ray Chintall and Sam Cianfarini, who he said are too extreme for the job.

“I’m not endorsing anybody,” Kilpatrick said in a brief interview after the statement came out. “I’m just speaking my mind.”

Kilpatrick said he struggled with the decision, but ultimately put the interests of the township above those of his party.

In his statement, Kilpatrick said a bipartisan approach was necessary to lead West Deptford.

“At this critical juncture, we do not need individuals with a pitchfork and torch mentality,” he said.

Kilpatrick decried the polarizing politics his fellow Republicans have espoused, saying that there needs to be a common goal and an effort by all involved to get to that goal.

“We are already seeing this issue on the federal level and it is the reason why our nation is not moving forward. I do not want to see this in our town,” Kilpatrick said.

When Cianfarini was reached for comment, he said he wanted confirmation Kilpatrick had issued the statement. When Cianfarini was told it had been verified, he said he was on his way to a meeting and declined to speak about Kilpatrick’s position.

Local Republican head Joann Priga also declined to comment, having not seen the complete statement.

Kilpatrick split from the Cianfarini-Chintall campaign in the primary, as well, endorsing moderates Loran Oglesby and Matt Mahon.