Polistina Questions Levinson's Ability to Run Again; County Executive Fires Back

ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. — A simmering dispute between two of Atlantic County's most prominent Republicans erupted publicly this week after state Sen. Vince Polistina questioned whether County Executive Dennis Levinson is physically capable of seeking another term and suggested he could face a Republican primary challenge.

Levinson fired back Friday morning on WOND's The Don Williams Show, saying he remains actively involved in running Atlantic County and that his absence from Republican Party functions is by choice, not because he is unable to attend them.

The increasingly personal dispute comes as both men remain major figures in Atlantic County government and Republican politics.

Polistina raised the issue Tuesday during an appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on WOND while discussing potential candidates for future county and legislative races.

When Cronick asked whether Levinson, who has said he plans to run again, would seek another term as county executive, Polistina responded:

“I don't see how he can.”

Cronick followed up, and Polistina added:

“He can't get around.”

Polistina then said he believes Levinson could face opposition from within his own party if he seeks reelection.

“I think that you see some of these local clubs and some of these organizations,” Polistina said. “He hasn't been around for, you know, since before COVID. That's now seven years.”

Polistina said that absence could prompt Republicans to look for a change.

“I definitely think you're going to see some of these local organizations say that we need a change in that spot because he's just not been around to engage with some of the local club members and some of the other people in these organizations,” Polistina said. “So, yes, I do think that there — if he decides that he wants to do it — I do think there will be somebody challenging.”

Cronick asked whether Polistina meant a challenge in the Republican primary.

“Absolutely on the Republican side,” Polistina replied.

Polistina noted that Levinson historically has not faced serious Republican opposition and said the situation now appears different.

“I know he comes on the radio and I know he does those interviews, but he can't get around anymore to get to any of the events,” Polistina said. “He can't get to the clubs. He just doesn't do any of that stuff anymore.”

Polistina concluded: “It's going to be very difficult.”

Levinson: Staying Away From GOP Events Is My Choice

Levinson responded directly Friday when Williams brought up Polistina's comments.

“I do not go to Republican functions, Don,” Levinson said. “And I made that clear quite some time ago.”

But Levinson said Polistina is wrongly equating his decision to stay away from party events with his ability to perform the duties of county executive.

“I go where I want to go, Don,” Levinson said. “The people themselves that I represent know what's going on.”

Levinson said he continues to work regularly from his office and meet with county officials and other community leaders.

“If I don't go to work, Don, as he said, if I ought to resign, I met with the president of community college yesterday in my office,” Levinson said. “I had a staffing meeting yesterday. I met with the undersheriff yesterday.”

Levinson added: “I don't know where he's getting his information.”

Levinson also acknowledged that he has dealt with physical problems.

“I did break my back,” Levinson said.

He said those health issues have not prevented him from functioning as county executive.

“I've had my problems,” Levinson said. “But, you know, I'm still functioning extraordinarily well.”

Levinson strongly rejected any suggestion that he is incapable of performing his duties.

“Anybody that's listening to my voice right now can tell that I am not demented, that I am not suffering from dementia,” he said.

Polistina, however, did not use the words “demented,” “dementia” or “feeble-minded” in the Sept. 1 WOND interview reviewed by South Jersey NewsBeat. His criticism focused on Levinson's ability to get around, attend Republican events and wage another campaign.

Levinson Says Record Should Be the Test

Levinson argued Friday that voters should judge him by Atlantic County's finances and county government operations rather than his attendance at political functions.

“We have one of the lowest debts in the country,” Levinson said.

He also pointed to the county's recent tax rate reduction.

“We lowered the tax rate by three cents, Don,” Levinson said. “And we're doing our job.”

Levinson also cited county initiatives ranging from economic development efforts to placing automated external defibrillators in emergency vehicles.

“The commissioners have done an extraordinary job,” Levinson said. “They haven't given in to bullying. And we're going to continue to do the best we can.”

He portrayed his disagreement with Polistina as political rather than a reflection of his ability to govern.

“All I am doing now for those out there that feel that I'm mean-spirited, all I'm doing is responding to his nonsensical comments about me,” Levinson said.

Levinson Says He Would 'Bury the Hatchet'

Despite the sharp tone of much of his response, Levinson said he would be willing to end the dispute.

“At any time he's willing to sit down and bury the hatchet, I'm willing to,” Levinson said.

But Levinson also continued criticizing Polistina's record and accused the senator of being preoccupied with him.

“He has a very, very unhealthy obsession with me,” Levinson said earlier in the interview. “And, you know, it's unfortunate that he's our seated senator. I don't know what his problem is.”

Levinson said he does not object to Polistina criticizing him politically, but believes the dispute has become unnecessarily personal.

“I don't know why he's obsessed with me,” Levinson said. “And whatever his difficulty is, I go where I want to go, Don.”

George Norcross Enters the Conversation — According to Levinson

Levinson also offered an unexpected detail during Friday's interview, saying South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross called him earlier this week about the dispute.

“Two days ago I received a call from George Norcross,” Levinson said.

According to Levinson, Norcross told him, “I want you to stop picking on the senator.”

Levinson said he responded: “I'm not picking on him. He's picking on me.”

Levinson said Norcross then told him not to respond because, according to Levinson's account, “I'm praying that he runs again. I can't wait.”

The conversation was described solely by Levinson during the radio interview and was not independently verified by South Jersey NewsBeat.

Disagreement Goes Beyond Personalities

The dispute appears to reflect a broader divide within Atlantic County Republican politics.

Polistina said Tuesday that Levinson's reduced participation in party organizations could become an issue if he seeks another term. Levinson responded Friday that he no longer considers attending those political events important to doing his job.

“I do not go to Republican functions,” Levinson said. “And I made that clear quite some time ago.”

He added that Republican leaders are free to make their own decisions about Polistina and the direction of the party.

“If the Republicans want him, you know, that's their business,” Levinson said.

Polistina, meanwhile, said Tuesday that Republican organizations may decide it is time for new leadership at the county executive level.

“I definitely think you're going to see some of these local organizations say that we need a change in that spot,” Polistina said.

Neither man showed any indication this week that he intends to retreat from his position.

For Atlantic County voters, that could turn what has largely been a feud among Republican leaders into a much more public political fight if Levinson follows through with plans to seek another term — and if another Republican decides to challenge him.