By Jessica Ercolino, Staff Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — One local official is hitting the campaign trail this fall.
Mayor Dave Fried last week was named one of Mercer County’s two county coordinators for Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign.
”It’s really an honor to be chosen and be responsible for Mercer County,” he said.
Working with fellow county coordinator Michael Carnivale, of Princeton, Mayor Fried said he plans to set up municipal coordinators in individual townships, manage campaign signs and get the word out about the Republican candidates.
Mayor Fried will be speaking to the Mercer County Regional Chamber today (Thursday) at the Trenton Country Club. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public.
”We are very focused on winning Mercer County for McCain, and I really think we will,” he said. “That’s a pretty bold statement considering New Jersey typically goes Democratically, but I think the ticket has a lot to offer this year.”
The Arizona senator recently selected Sarah Palin, Alaska governor and former mayor of Wasilla — a city with a population comparable to Robbinsville — as his vice presidential candidate. Critics have questioned if Gov. Palin is qualified to serve in the White House, but Mayor Fried said he is happy to see someone with mayoral experience on the ballot.
”Mayors are where you get to work closely with your constituency; you’re really used to dealing with the public and dealing with issues in a rapid-fire way,” he said. “When you’re in Washington and someone’s not happy, they send you a letter. When you’re a mayor and someone’s not happy, they get you in the supermarket.”
The Robbinsville mayor called Sen. McCain “a real hero” and praised his commitment to keeping America safe. He said he is excited to have the opportunity to work for two “mavericks,” adding that he has often been referred to in the same way.
Mayor Fried said Sen. McCain’s ability to work with Democrats and “reach across the aisle is something sorely missing in politics.”
”You can’t have the belief that all good people are only Republicans or only Democrats,” he said. “You have to believe that you can work with all good people, regardless of their parties.”

