The newest addition to a large field of candidates looking to take on Rep. Leonard Lance is David Pringle, the longtime New Jersey Environmental Federation director.
The Cranford resident has spent decades as a powerful environmental activist – his state group touts a membership of 100,000 – but he might be remembered best for his 2009 endorsement of Chris Christie over the incumbent Democratic Governor, Jon Corzine. It was a decent attempt to influence environmental policy in a Republican administration, but whatever alliance there was fell apart within the first year. Pringle’s decision created a permanent rift within the state environmental community.
Pringle wasn’t the only Democrat to back Christie – publicly or privately. Most others have been forgiven, more or less, by the Democratic establishment, but somehow it doesn’t appear likely that Pringle will be rewarded for apologizing for his endorsement four years before the Star-Ledger did. In 2013, the group backed Barbara Buono.
One quick note: Pringle grew up in a Republican family. His father, Malcolm, was active in local Republican politics, and served as a Township Committeeman and Mayor in Cranford.