Friday, February 24, 2006

Down to the Wire


The biggest question going into tomorrow Title 19 election to fill Monmouth County’s Freeholder seat is, Will there be a quorum? Will 401 Republican County Committee Members show up to vote? Will committee members from east of Route 34 make the trek to Manalapan?

The race is shaping up as a match up between Howell Mayor Joe DiBella and Highlands Councilwoman Anna Little.

As the establishment candidate, DiBella still has an edge, despite his problems in Howell and the press attention they have received this week.

Little and her growing entourage have been crisscrossing the county and burning the phones gathering support. The “Little Lady from a Little Town” has developed a powerful message and established herself as an emerging star.

Wall’s Bob McKenna has been a disappointment. While he has been trying to tone down his “in your face” style, McKenna lite is not playing well either. Even his Wall support is weakening. Whispers about his past advocacy of eminent domain and his “Middletown gets everything” comments will make him a first ballot casualty. His attempts to make deals with other candidates have fallen short.

Marlboro Mayor Kleinberg’s on again, off again, on again campaign has had too many adjustments.

Bridget Antonucci is not ready for prime time. She has gained some name recognition, but won’t get 20 votes.

Tom DeSeno as established himself as a future star and should be considered a serious candidate in November if Ted doesn’t run.

My prediction: No quorum and the seat remains vacant. If I’m wrong about that, Little on the second ballot.

7 comments:

Art Gallagher said...

Keep guessing lets go devils. Not gerri or jim here.

I don't know when the last time you saw Anna speak was, but if you saw her this week I think you would have been impressed. I think you will be impressed with her tomorrow.

I agree that her presentation was week when this campaign started about a month ago. She has come a long way as a speaker in a very short time.

Downtowner said...

I think your prediction is based on sound analysis. I disagree with the conclusion. But, that's why politics is the ultimate reality show.

I don't see how the county committee puts in dibella. he's got issues that can be exploited come race time. if it happens, it's going to be quite a show during the fall classic.

if your right and dibella is looking good then at least it won't be boring.

as for anna, she would be fresh and interesting. it would give things a grassroots appeal.

i don't think mckenna has made any mistakes this campaign, but perception is hard to gauge. personally, i think he could very well be the winner. but, as i write this the committee is already convening so we'll know in a few hours what the "tale of the tape" is.

Honest Abe said...

Aaaaaand it's Little!

Honest Abe said...

"If I’m wrong about that, Little on the second ballot."

And it's Little on the second ballot!

Art Gallagher said...

And how pleased I am to be wrong about my first prediction! It was close and Ronald Reagan was sweating at 10am...but not much as he (they) were sweating at 11:30!

Congratulations Freeholder Little!

Congratulations also to Bob McKenna for being a principled candidate and not taking the bait for the deal offered to him by Fred and DiBella after the 1st ballot.

Our party won today, and more importantly, the people of Monmouth County won today.

Downtowner said...

TYhis proves there are people with conscience that will not tow a party line just for its own sake. Anna is going to be a great freeholder and a very strong candidate in November. My congratulations to her and her campaign supporters. You guys won a big one.

Downtowner said...

It's a small world after all. : )