No surprises. Not much drama.

With a turnout of less than 300, the Republican County Committee Convention was a rubber stamp for Adam Puharic.

Puharic started the proceedings by justifying his screening process, saying the only opposition to it was the Asbury Park Press and the loser of last year's Chairman's race. He said there was no contract for candidates to sign, which was met with a shout from the gallery, "Tell the truth." He then admitted that he asked Anna Little to tell the Asbury Park Press that she had signed the contract, when in fact she did not.

A motion to pass the Puharic rules passed on a hand count by 174 to 98. A roll call was called for and temporary chair Claire French called for speakers from each side of the issue. Atlantic Highlands Chair Jane Frotten spoke against the rules, calling for the use of Roberts Rules of Order. Aberdeen Chair Mike Borg spoke for the rules. On a second vote, the rules passed 198 to 85.

Neptune Township Committeeman Tom Catley called himself the most qualified candidate for the 11th district Assembly nod. Catley spoke of his family tragedy, the loss of his son in a car accident, and then withdrew from the race. He said retiring Senator Joe Palaia would try to get him a Superior Court Judgeship. Dave Rible and Mary Pat Angelini won be default.

As expected, Kim Guadagno won the nomination for Sheriff and Jeff Cantor won the contested Freeholder race.

Honest Abe has a complete breakdown of the nominees.

Freeholder Anna Little's plan for re-election is still unknown. She was on hand to compete for the Republican line in the event that Puharic's rules were defeated. While the Republicans at the convention seemed to be expecting a primary in the Freeholder race, the door is reportedly still ajar in for the Democratic nod, should Little switch parties.

Among the Democrats mentioned as candidates are Former Assistant Prosecutor Robert Honecker, who has also been floated as an Assembly candidate in the 12th. Former Judge John D'Amico and Howell Democratic Chair Steve Merlino are also considering a run for Freeholder.

The Democrats have a convention next Saturday March 31. The filing deadline for the primary is April 9.