Phil Rizzo tells Trev first 3 things he'll do if elected governor

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was first published May 5. Phil Rizzo did not qualify for the the Republican debate, which is being carried today by New Jersey 101.5.

NJ gubernatorial candidate Philip Rizzo called into my show on New Jersey 101.5 last night, Tuesday, May 4, to explain why he did not vote for Donald Trump in 2016 after I questioned it based on an article by Dan Alexander on New Jersey 101.5.

"As a pastor for the last decade, when 2016 came around, like a lot of conservatives around America, President Trump didn't have a political record at the time, and I've been on record many times, multiple videos, where I said I was very nervous," Rizzo said when he called into the show.

He continued on to say, "President Trump was saying all the correct things, but I was unsure and so in 2016 I did not vote for Hillary Clinton, I did vote third party."

When did Rizzo come around to Trump?

"When President Trump was inaugurated, one of his first orders of business was on Jan. 31 when he appointed Neil Gorsuch to the supreme court. He was in office for about 10 days and I switched right there and I've been a supporter of President Trump from Jan. 31 to this phone call right now."

Rizzo also says he voted for Trump in the 2020 election "one thousand percent."

Rizzo's running for governor of New Jersey and told me three things he would do if elected.

Number 1:

"The first thing I would do is eliminate the sanctuary state policy. I think it's bad for our budget. I think it's bad for New Jersey families that are struggling under the lockdowns. I think that it is not fair. I think it's creating frustration within the Garden state. That would be the first order of business."

Number 2:

Piggybacking off of his first point, "This would allow us to restructure our budget and cut taxes."

Number 3:

"I would lift the lockdowns all the statewide mandates, shutdowns, lockdowns, mask mandates, all of those things with coronavirus that has destroyed New Jersey families and New Jersey businesses — I would end that day one."

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Steve Trevelise. Any opinions expressed are Steve's own. Steve Trevelise is on New Jersey 101.5 Monday-Thursday from 7pm-11pm. Follow him on Twitter @realstevetrev.

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Phil Murphy is running for reelection as Governor of New Jersey and it's looking like he's going to be unopposed in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side he could be facing Jack Ciattarelli or Phil Rizzo. Given the competition, can Murphy win reelection? Steve Trevelise asked his Facebook following what they thought, here's some of what they came up with.

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