Governor Codey and Speaker Roberts are quoted as saying that acting former and future Governor Jon Corzine is a changed man as a result of his near death experience. It is not uncommon for those who have nearly lost their lives to have a transformed outlook on life. For some it is a profoundly spiritual awakening. Concerns that were paramount appear petty and the lives they go on to lead can be heroic, difference making and inspirational.
Let's hope there is a profound change in Jon Corzine and that what he is experiencing is more than the euphoria of a second chance or a Percocet induced high.
Now that it appears that all the prayers for Corzine's recovery are being answered, let's pray that his transformation is real and that he doesn't revert back to the John that has been pandering to political hos for most of the decade.
The acting former and future Governor is a man who in his short career in public service has exhibited incredibly poor judgement for a man so accomplished.
Carla Katz, Zulima Farber, Robert Menendez, giving bail money to the stalker, shutting down the state, raising the sales tax and giving half the money away for "Christmas tree" items, speeches written by a cave man and lizard lobbyist, property tax reform that isn't, no meaningful ethics reform, traveling at 91 mph without a seat belt to meet Don Imus. This is just a short list that demonstrates the poor judgement of the John who has been annointed Governor by the hos who could care less about him and his agenda but who crave his money.
When the drugs wear off and the cards and flowers stop coming, Jon Corzine will face a choice. He can give New Jersey more of the same, i.e. government for the hos and by the hos, or he can face down the hos and advocate what everyone knows must be done but no one has had the courage or wear-with-all to do.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Morphine will do that for you Jon
"Dick, I've never been at peace with myself as I am now."
~ acting former and future Governor Jon Corzine to Governor Dick Codey, during Codey's visit to Corzine this afternoon at Cooper University Hospital.
Must read
"What took me twenty years to figure out is that the political process in New Jersey centers around one thing: Money. That's it. And it seems to suit the electorate just fine as frustrating as it may seem to some."
~ Dan Gallic, former Monmouth Republican Organization Executive Director and the blogger known as "Ronald Reagan"
Dan Gallic's post, "Brief Apologetitcs in support of a New Jersey Hatch Act" gets right to the heart of the matter of what is not working in New Jersey politics. While Dan has a rosier view of post 2005 Monmouth County than I do, his premise is right on the mark.
~ Dan Gallic, former Monmouth Republican Organization Executive Director and the blogger known as "Ronald Reagan"
Dan Gallic's post, "Brief Apologetitcs in support of a New Jersey Hatch Act" gets right to the heart of the matter of what is not working in New Jersey politics. While Dan has a rosier view of post 2005 Monmouth County than I do, his premise is right on the mark.
It's all about selling books
Is it a coincidence that that the previously amicable divorce and custody proceedings are now making salacious headlines just as Dina Matos McGreevey's book is about to be released?
Excuse my Machiavellian cynicism, but these people are laughing all the way to the bank.
I have to give Jon Corzine (what is his technical title now, acting former and future Governor?) credit. He had the decency to prevent Jimmy from making a spectacle of his portrait unveiling as an occasion to sell books. Too bad the McGreevey's judge didn't put a gag order on their custody proceedings.
Jim McGreevey is clearly not qualified to be teaching ethics at Kean University. He should be teaching marketing.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Say it's not so, Joe
"It's my understanding the speculation is coming from the various blogs related to Monmouth County politics, and quite frankly in my opinion the blogs are nothing more than a compilation of rumors, lies and innuendo." ~ Joe DiBella to the Asbury Park Press
Cantor: "Being a reservist, I could be called at any time to go back over, I haven't gotten any notification of that happening. The first time I was deployed, I had about two months' advance notice."
"Things can change, but I intend on running for freeholder and serving the people of Monmouth County."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
More commentary on Unclean Elections Program
Assemblyman Michael Doherty has an insightful piece on how the 14th, and not the 12th became the "split" clean district, exclusively on GOPUSANJ.com
Beck, O'Sanlon and Cassagrande call on their opponents to limit spending to $1,000,000.00 or less.
Both of the above links are well worth reading. There is some interesting inside info in Doherty's piece especially. However, for the most part, as the NY Posts' Cindy Adams is fond of saying, you read it here first kids.
Beck, O'Sanlon and Cassagrande call on their opponents to limit spending to $1,000,000.00 or less.
Both of the above links are well worth reading. There is some interesting inside info in Doherty's piece especially. However, for the most part, as the NY Posts' Cindy Adams is fond of saying, you read it here first kids.
New Rules
Lightshines said...
My voice is a little hoarse this week so instead of singing a song, I thought I'd ask Bill Maher to help us out with some New Rules for this year's campaign:
New Rule: Stop telling us that you are “independent” when you’ve been nominated by a political party. They nominated you because they know you’ll do what they want, not because of your good looks (when Ellen Karcher and Jen Beck pass as “hot women”, you KNOW no one has been nominated for their good looks).
New Rule: Don’t insult our intelligence by telling us how you’re going to cut the budget just as soon as you get to Trenton. No one is going to listen to a freshman assemblyperson or even a sophomore one, so the answer is, you’re going to do what you’re told to do.
New Rule: Please don’t send us those campaign pictures this year with you and your family. If your family life was so good, you wouldn’t be taking all of this time away from them to run for office.
New Rule: Spare us the campaign biography that says you were president of the student body or campfire girls or whatever you did before you grew up. You didn’t work a 50 million or 100 million or 500 million dollar budget in the campfire girls or on campus so we don’t care.
New Rule: We don’t care whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life. You’re not running for Supreme Court or for president, so it doesn’t matter. It’s not an issue you’re ever going to affect.
New Rule: If you don’t have any experience, don’t pretend you do. When you tell us you were the “assistant to an attorney who advised someone who represented a person who helped get a friend elected president of the republican club” you’re telling us you have no experience to tell us about. Trust me, we already know that.
New Rule: Stop getting your friends to post online that your opponent is gay. We’re living in Monmouth County. All of the residents here have been screwed up the rear by local politicians for years. We’ll just assume your opponent lives here too.
New Rule: Stop trying to convince us that your opponent is controlled by “special interests.” You are running a campaign. Unless you paid for it yourself, you are controlled by whatever special interest is paying for your campaign, even if it’s your county chairman. If you did pay for the campaign yourself, you’re an idiot and we don’t want you representing us anyway.
New Rule: We don’t want to hear that you are against crime, opposed to domestic violence, or will fight for more services and lower taxes. A crime by definition is already a violation of law – there’s not much more you can add to that picture. Since we don’t expect you to say you are for domestic violence, you’re not telling us anything. You can’t add services and cut taxes at the same time; at best you can “rearrange services” and replace one tax with another one that’s not as visible.
New Rule: Finally, don’t knock on our door and say “I want to be your committeeperson/councilperson/assemblyperson/senator or whatever.” You don’t want to be MY representative. You want the title. You don’t care whether I come with the package or not. But that’s ok, after all these years of campaign promises and lies, I really don’t care who my committeeperson/councilperson/assemblyperson/senator or whatever is. But the campaign literature is a lot of fun.
My voice is a little hoarse this week so instead of singing a song, I thought I'd ask Bill Maher to help us out with some New Rules for this year's campaign:
New Rule: Stop telling us that you are “independent” when you’ve been nominated by a political party. They nominated you because they know you’ll do what they want, not because of your good looks (when Ellen Karcher and Jen Beck pass as “hot women”, you KNOW no one has been nominated for their good looks).
New Rule: Don’t insult our intelligence by telling us how you’re going to cut the budget just as soon as you get to Trenton. No one is going to listen to a freshman assemblyperson or even a sophomore one, so the answer is, you’re going to do what you’re told to do.
New Rule: Please don’t send us those campaign pictures this year with you and your family. If your family life was so good, you wouldn’t be taking all of this time away from them to run for office.
New Rule: Spare us the campaign biography that says you were president of the student body or campfire girls or whatever you did before you grew up. You didn’t work a 50 million or 100 million or 500 million dollar budget in the campfire girls or on campus so we don’t care.
New Rule: We don’t care whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life. You’re not running for Supreme Court or for president, so it doesn’t matter. It’s not an issue you’re ever going to affect.
New Rule: If you don’t have any experience, don’t pretend you do. When you tell us you were the “assistant to an attorney who advised someone who represented a person who helped get a friend elected president of the republican club” you’re telling us you have no experience to tell us about. Trust me, we already know that.
New Rule: Stop getting your friends to post online that your opponent is gay. We’re living in Monmouth County. All of the residents here have been screwed up the rear by local politicians for years. We’ll just assume your opponent lives here too.
New Rule: Stop trying to convince us that your opponent is controlled by “special interests.” You are running a campaign. Unless you paid for it yourself, you are controlled by whatever special interest is paying for your campaign, even if it’s your county chairman. If you did pay for the campaign yourself, you’re an idiot and we don’t want you representing us anyway.
New Rule: We don’t want to hear that you are against crime, opposed to domestic violence, or will fight for more services and lower taxes. A crime by definition is already a violation of law – there’s not much more you can add to that picture. Since we don’t expect you to say you are for domestic violence, you’re not telling us anything. You can’t add services and cut taxes at the same time; at best you can “rearrange services” and replace one tax with another one that’s not as visible.
New Rule: Finally, don’t knock on our door and say “I want to be your committeeperson/councilperson/assemblyperson/senator or whatever.” You don’t want to be MY representative. You want the title. You don’t care whether I come with the package or not. But that’s ok, after all these years of campaign promises and lies, I really don’t care who my committeeperson/councilperson/assemblyperson/senator or whatever is. But the campaign literature is a lot of fun.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Joe DiBella for Freeholder?
Joe DiBella has been showing up at Freeholder meetings and is using the party email list he acquired while running last year to promote his recent accomplishments as Mayor of Howell.
With Jeff Cantor's resignation from the ticket widely expected, speculation is growing that DiBella may have already been promised Cantor's spot on the ticket. He may have even been promised the spot prior to the nominating convention.
It is beginning to look more and more as though Cantor's candidacy has been a farce since February.
Monday, April 23, 2007
So how about these "Listening Tours?"
Chairman Puharic has sent out a Wireside Chat congratulating "the hard working, Republicans-of-good-will who helped make these events a tremendous success."
I have heard that the two events so far, were sparsely attended and focused on state issues, with little mention if any on county issues.
In his April 4th chat, Puharic said, "The purpose of these important meetings is threefold; to meet your great candidates for this year, to get your ideas for the Monmouth County Republican Party platform, and to build party unity."
Have any readers attended? Where they well attended and worthwhile? Do you plan on attending either of the next two meetings?
I have heard that the two events so far, were sparsely attended and focused on state issues, with little mention if any on county issues.
In his April 4th chat, Puharic said, "The purpose of these important meetings is threefold; to meet your great candidates for this year, to get your ideas for the Monmouth County Republican Party platform, and to build party unity."
Have any readers attended? Where they well attended and worthwhile? Do you plan on attending either of the next two meetings?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
If only he had turned out this way...
Friday, June 09, 2006
Why the Party Needs Puharic
"I'm not a 'Western Monmouth' guy, or a 'Two Rivers' guy, or a 'Southern Shore' guy. I want to represent the Monmouth County wing of the Monmouth County Republican Party." -Adam Puharic, Candidate for Monmouth County, NJ Republican Chairman, from PoliticsNJ.com.
Leadership is vital to the success of any organization, business, political party, government entity, etc. Without leadership an organization tends to fracture or even dissolve. In Monmouth County NJ, the Republican party will decide on Tuesday, June 13, who their new leader will be.
There are some critical skills that stand above the rest when selecting a new chairman. These three skills are: (1) ability to unite the party, (2) fundraising ability, and (3) ability to put party before self.
First, the new Monmouth County Republican Chairman should be a person who not only wants to unite the Party, but is capable of uniting the party. The Party is currently fractured and needs effective leadership to facilitate unity through effective leadership and communication.
Second, the new chairman must be a proven fundraiser who can raise money effectively and ethically. Raising 10 million dollars means nothing if the money was acquired illegally. This last year hasn't exactly been a banner year for Republicans and ethics. Republicanism and sound ethical judgment should always coincide. Otherwise, the party will have disgraced itself, the Founding Fathers and the American people.
Third, and probably the rarest characteristic in any politically ambitious person, is the necessity of a chairman to put the Party before self. An effective chairman deflects positive press to candidates and to the Party, and is willing to take responsibility for the decisions of the Party in the public spotlight. A chairmen should live by Reagan's 11th commandment to "never slander a fellow Republican in public." Only a chairman willing to put the Party's interest above his/her own can truly wield leadership of the Party.
The aforementioned abilities are critical to picking the next chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Party. The party must put faith in their new chairman, but more importantly, the new chairman should be a person of strong faith. A smart man once said that "Faith is the only known antidote for failure." It would be comforting to have a chairman that represented, "the Monmouth County Wing of the Monmouth County Republican Party," instead of a portion of it.
Adam Puharic has throughout his career demonstrated all three abilities mentioned in the analysis above. He has brought differing minds together at the table. He is a man of strong faith and the highest ethical standards. He has raised over $750,000 with non-profits. Adam Puharic has demonstrated the ability to put the team before himself.
May the Republican County Committee pick the best Republican to lead them into the next election and the future.
Posted by Brett Palat at 10:10 AM
UPDATE 4/23/07
I was going to follow this post with an analysis of where Puharic has gone off track. However, DaTruthSquad beat me to it.
Thank you Lightshines
Lightshines said...
This was a tough week to get into politics. With Imus, and the Durham prosecutor, the “auto crash” and, most of all, Virginia Tech, political pedantry seemed a little meaningless. But this past week, we celebrated a career of courage that is worthy of recognition. With the help of Simon and Garfinkel, this week we’ll Graduate to something a little more positive.
And here's to you, Jackie Robinson
The nation loves you more than you will know.
You’ve blessed us all, Jackie Robinson
Heaven holds a field for you to play ,
Hey, hey, hey
You taught us all a little bit about just who we are
We learned to be much better than we were.
When you played you might not notice sympathetic eyes,
But if you played today you’d feel at home.
And here's to you, Jackie Robinson,
The nation loves you more than you will know.
You’ve blessed us all, Jackie Robinson
Heaven holds a field for you to play,
Hey, hey, hey
There wasn’t any hiding place where you could ever go.
A place where you weren’t always in the spotlight.
You made a better world a Robinson's affair.
Most of all you were a model for the kids.
Koo-koo-ka-choo, Jackie Robinson,
The nation loves you more than you will know.
You’ve blessed us all, Jackie Robinson
Heaven holds a field for you to play,
Hey, hey, hey
Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon.
Watching the world that you made happen
When they shouted boy to you
You showed you were a man
Every time they hate, you win, they lose.
True, we all liked Joe DiMaggio,
But our nation came of age because of you.
Where you have been, Jackie Robinson.
Your courage made the hatred go away,
Hey hey hey. Hey hey hey.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Watch for news on Cantor
Someone at the Pentagon is Googling Jeff Cantor this morning. I'm glad they made it here.
VISITOR ANALYSIS
Referring Link
http://moremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/cantor-is-out.html
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moremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/cantor-is-out.htmlmoremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/dems-are-pumped.html
19th April 2007
10:34:29 AM
www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&q=jeff cantormoremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/is-jeff-cantors-redeployment-probable.html
VISITOR ANALYSIS
Referring Link
http://moremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/cantor-is-out.html
Host Name
proxy-ext-78.osd.mil
IP Address
140.185.55.78 [Label IP Address]
Country
United States
Region
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City
Arlington
ISP
The Pentagon
Returning Visits
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Visit Length
33 seconds
VISITOR SYSTEM SPECS
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Operating System
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19th April 2007
10:33:56 AM
moremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/cantor-is-out.htmlmoremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/dems-are-pumped.html
19th April 2007
10:34:29 AM
www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&q=jeff cantormoremonmouthmusings.blogspot.com/2007/04/is-jeff-cantors-redeployment-probable.html
The dirty truth about the unclean 12th
The Asbury Park Press jumped into the debate about campaign spending 12th. In an editorial they called on the candidates to voluntarily limit spending to $100,000 per candidate.
The Karcher/Panter/Mallet Democratic campaign would be smart to agree to this. It will get them brownie points with the Press and the electorate and it won't limit Democratic spending in the 12th or the county at large anyway.
Senator Karcher would be smart to sponsor Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck's legislation making the 12th a "clean" district this year in the Senate. Such a bill will not pass anyway, but Karcher could claim to be on the "right" side of the issue, and then point out that she is voluntarily limiting her campaign's spending. This would be great spin, but it would not restrain the Democrats from spending millions to get her and the rest of the Monmouth Democrats elected.
Karcher's press releases calling for the 12th to be a "clean" district and expressing her disappointment that it was not chosen were written and released by Jason Butkowski. Regular readers might remember the introduction I gave Jason to Monmouth County voters last August when he was seeking the Democrats nomination to replace Lenny Inzerillo as a Freeholder candidate. Jason is a hack for the Senate Democrats and plays in a band that has a website with pictures of Jason that are not politically correct.
As a hack for the NJ Senate Democrats, Butkowski works for Acting Governor/Senate President Dick Codey. The same Dick Codey that determined that the 14th, not the 12th will be the split "clean" district. Butkowski writes what Codey tells him to write. The Senate Democrats are playing both sides of this issue in coveted Monmouth County. They have ensured that they can spend whatever necessary to win in the 12th, while at the same time issuing press releases on behalf of their candidate expressing regret about that decision.
Senator Karcher and the rest of the Democrats are playing both sides of this issue, and will likely continue to do so. Even if the Karcher/Panter/Mallet campaign voluntarily limitis its spending, come mid-October the flood gates of special interest/union cash will open in Monmouth County for Karcher and the rest of the Democratic ticket. The TV, radio and mailed ads may not be paid for directly by the campaign, and Butkowski might even write a release in Karcher's name demanding that they stop, but behind closed doors in Trenton and Hazlet there will be high fives all around.
The Karcher/Panter/Mallet Democratic campaign would be smart to agree to this. It will get them brownie points with the Press and the electorate and it won't limit Democratic spending in the 12th or the county at large anyway.
Senator Karcher would be smart to sponsor Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck's legislation making the 12th a "clean" district this year in the Senate. Such a bill will not pass anyway, but Karcher could claim to be on the "right" side of the issue, and then point out that she is voluntarily limiting her campaign's spending. This would be great spin, but it would not restrain the Democrats from spending millions to get her and the rest of the Monmouth Democrats elected.
Karcher's press releases calling for the 12th to be a "clean" district and expressing her disappointment that it was not chosen were written and released by Jason Butkowski. Regular readers might remember the introduction I gave Jason to Monmouth County voters last August when he was seeking the Democrats nomination to replace Lenny Inzerillo as a Freeholder candidate. Jason is a hack for the Senate Democrats and plays in a band that has a website with pictures of Jason that are not politically correct.
As a hack for the NJ Senate Democrats, Butkowski works for Acting Governor/Senate President Dick Codey. The same Dick Codey that determined that the 14th, not the 12th will be the split "clean" district. Butkowski writes what Codey tells him to write. The Senate Democrats are playing both sides of this issue in coveted Monmouth County. They have ensured that they can spend whatever necessary to win in the 12th, while at the same time issuing press releases on behalf of their candidate expressing regret about that decision.
Senator Karcher and the rest of the Democrats are playing both sides of this issue, and will likely continue to do so. Even if the Karcher/Panter/Mallet campaign voluntarily limitis its spending, come mid-October the flood gates of special interest/union cash will open in Monmouth County for Karcher and the rest of the Democratic ticket. The TV, radio and mailed ads may not be paid for directly by the campaign, and Butkowski might even write a release in Karcher's name demanding that they stop, but behind closed doors in Trenton and Hazlet there will be high fives all around.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Jen Beck takes another crack at a clean 12th
Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck announced today that she will introduce legislation making the 12th legislative district an additional split district in this year's election.
The Democrats will never let it happen. They smell control of Monmouth County and they will not give up any advantage that they have.
The Democrats will never let it happen. They smell control of Monmouth County and they will not give up any advantage that they have.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Dan Peters bows out.
Dear Friends;
Today I instructed the Monmouth County Clerk to remove my name as a candidate for Monmouth County Sheriff. It was my belief that a one year residency was required for candidacy, further investigation revealed that residency of three years was required. Yes, I am very disappointed that I will not be able to continue my campaign for Sheriff, however I will still continue to campaign for inclusion in our party and the eradication of political influence and corruption here in Monmouth County. I will also make myself available to Mrs. Guadagno who is the other Republican candidate and offer her my knowledge and skills in public safety and security if she desires. Our vision is clear for safety and security here in Monmouth County and enabling the Sheriffs Department to continue being a premier law enforcement agency.
Yours Truly;
Dan
Daniel Peters
Today I instructed the Monmouth County Clerk to remove my name as a candidate for Monmouth County Sheriff. It was my belief that a one year residency was required for candidacy, further investigation revealed that residency of three years was required. Yes, I am very disappointed that I will not be able to continue my campaign for Sheriff, however I will still continue to campaign for inclusion in our party and the eradication of political influence and corruption here in Monmouth County. I will also make myself available to Mrs. Guadagno who is the other Republican candidate and offer her my knowledge and skills in public safety and security if she desires. Our vision is clear for safety and security here in Monmouth County and enabling the Sheriffs Department to continue being a premier law enforcement agency.
Yours Truly;
Dan
Daniel Peters
Regarding Governor Corzine
I think the Star Ledger's Tom Moran said it best.
So for today, put aside arguments over taxes and reform, and try to appreciate that Corzine is just one of us, subject to the same whims of fate, vulnerable to the same dangers on the Parkway.
And maybe even follow the path that Wilson (State Republican Chair Tom Wilson) suggested to several hundred thousand people on the Republican State Committee's mailing list yesterday: Pray for this governor's speedy recovery.
So for today, put aside arguments over taxes and reform, and try to appreciate that Corzine is just one of us, subject to the same whims of fate, vulnerable to the same dangers on the Parkway.
And maybe even follow the path that Wilson (State Republican Chair Tom Wilson) suggested to several hundred thousand people on the Republican State Committee's mailing list yesterday: Pray for this governor's speedy recovery.
School Elections
Today New Jersey celebrates its annual farce. School Election Day. Most people won't vote either because they don't know about it or because they know their vote doesn't matter because if they vote against a tax increase and the budgets are defeated, the resulting cuts will be insignificant if any.
Last year, a record number of school budgets were defeated. Not much was cut. But we did end up getting a sales tax increase and sham of property tax reform.
With most of New Jersey's education spending going to the 31 Abbott districts, how come we don't have a state wide referendum on those budgets?
The school budget I will be voting on is lean. The Board of Education in my town did a good job. I am going to vote against it.
I'm not voting against the kids. There won't be meaningful cuts anyway. I'm voting against the system and to keep the pressure on Trenton to enact meaningful reform. If the majority of budgets pass, the gluttons in Trenton may delude themselves into thinking the electorate is satisfied.
Last year, a record number of school budgets were defeated. Not much was cut. But we did end up getting a sales tax increase and sham of property tax reform.
With most of New Jersey's education spending going to the 31 Abbott districts, how come we don't have a state wide referendum on those budgets?
The school budget I will be voting on is lean. The Board of Education in my town did a good job. I am going to vote against it.
I'm not voting against the kids. There won't be meaningful cuts anyway. I'm voting against the system and to keep the pressure on Trenton to enact meaningful reform. If the majority of budgets pass, the gluttons in Trenton may delude themselves into thinking the electorate is satisfied.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Divided: We'll fall
Honest Abe has a terrific post on the Monmouth GOP FACTIONS.
While Abe and others are saying the right things, i.e., that we need to rally around our good candidates, the truth of the matter is that the mood amongst the Monmouth GOP is grim.
The Democrats are energized and will be well funded, especially with the 12th being open to special interest money. Our chairman spent the five months after last year's 2 of 3 victory purging the party of a popular incumbent Freeholder and alienating her base throughout the county, especially among the Bayshore and Two Rivers regions. Her replacement on the ticket is not likely to be the candidate come November, as his military deployment is "probable."
To make matters worse, in a year when we know we will have better qualified and better funded opponents than in the past, our chairman is prohibted by law from any fund raising activities, by virture of his federal employment.
How will we Adapt, Overcome and Win? Will listening tours, $500 a head cocktail parties and the Jersey Guys do it?
12th Dems will be flush with cash
As predicted, the 14th legislative district as been designated "clean" and will have publicly financed campaigns this fall.
Senate candidate, Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck said, "Come October, you are going to see more dollars spent (in the 12th District) by special interests than any other place in the state."
Beck's opponent, Senator Ellen Karcher, said, "I am disappointed that my running mates and I will not have the opportunity to show New Jersey that the Clean Elections program works, and that we can remove the influence of money on the political process.
"I had petitioned Senate President Codey to give us a chance to run under the Clean Elections designation because I believe that the only interests lawmakers should be serving in Trenton are the public's interests. For too long in the Garden State, political donations have influenced the minds and hearts of policymakers, often to the detriment of the greater public good."
If Karcher really means what she said, she can voluntarily limit her team's spending to the amount that would have been spent in a "clean" election.
There is about as much chance of that happening as there is of Karcher giving up the farm designation for her property in Marlboro.
Senate candidate, Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck said, "Come October, you are going to see more dollars spent (in the 12th District) by special interests than any other place in the state."
Beck's opponent, Senator Ellen Karcher, said, "I am disappointed that my running mates and I will not have the opportunity to show New Jersey that the Clean Elections program works, and that we can remove the influence of money on the political process.
"I had petitioned Senate President Codey to give us a chance to run under the Clean Elections designation because I believe that the only interests lawmakers should be serving in Trenton are the public's interests. For too long in the Garden State, political donations have influenced the minds and hearts of policymakers, often to the detriment of the greater public good."
If Karcher really means what she said, she can voluntarily limit her team's spending to the amount that would have been spent in a "clean" election.
There is about as much chance of that happening as there is of Karcher giving up the farm designation for her property in Marlboro.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Meet Sheriff Candidate Dan Peters
Dear Friends;
Today we take the first giant step toward change here in Monmouth County, I have delivered my petition to the Board of Elections and will be placed on the June 5, 2007 primary ballet. From this day forward I need you all to spread the word on my candidacy, and work toward getting the vote out June 5th. I am clearly the best suited candidate for Sheriff, I am the only candidate who has attended the New Jersey Police Training Commission Academy which certifies all NJ Law Enforcement Officers, and exercised the powers of arrest, search and seizure which is the essence of Police work here in NJ. I am the only candidate who has the emergency and crisis management skills as it relates to the safety and security of our families and friends, and all of us here in Monmouth County.
The Monmouth County Sheriffs Department is the largest Law Enforcement/Police organization in the County, and has and excellent staff of well trained professional law enforcement officers. Sworn law enforcement experience should be a priority in its leadership, but not the only requirement. My experience in management, finance, real estate, collective bargaining units and security are all key elements which will enable me to provide exceptional safety,security and other services to our fellow residents here in Monmouth County. I also plan to implement initiatives in the area of juvenile safety, anti-gang and narcotic interdiction programs, as well as others which I will announce at a later date.
When elected Sheriff I will evaluate the entire Sheriffs office, determine what programs need refreshing, are duplicated or obsolete, and what new programs or services may be needed. This will enable me to determine where our resources are being utilized and if the are being utilized effectively and efficiently. And as I wrote earlier I pledge be a full time Sheriff, this will not be a part time honorary position. I will work tirelessly to ensure the Sherffis department is the premier law enforcement agency in the state. We want change, together we can make it happen!
Yours Truly,
Dan
Daniel Peters
What's next?
Quite a bit has transpired in Monmouth County politics since the Freeholders last met on March 22.
Both parties chose their county and legislative candidates and petitions have been filed. Freeholder Anna Little bowed out of this year's race, saying, "During the last year as Freeholder I have focused on doing the work of the people: voting against Malcolm Carton, calling for reduced spending and working toward a flat budget, promoting transparency and ethical reforms, and proposing an economic development plan for the county. I will continue to do this work with the same intensity for the remainder of my term."
In preparation for tonight's Freeholder meeting, the Asbury Park Press brings the Hall of Records project and Director Bill Barham's relationship with the contractor performing the project back to front and center of the public's attention. There is another change order to the tune of $76,000 on the agenda for approval. Also on the agenda for approval is a $32,600 expenditure for a audio visual system for the Freeholder's meeting room.
And let's not forget the petulant pettifogger, Malcolm Carton. Will the Freeholders take any action against the sassy solicitor for his defiance of Freeholder Little and his unwillingness to be held accountable for his department's spending? There is nothing on the agenda to indicate that any action is planned.
Both parties chose their county and legislative candidates and petitions have been filed. Freeholder Anna Little bowed out of this year's race, saying, "During the last year as Freeholder I have focused on doing the work of the people: voting against Malcolm Carton, calling for reduced spending and working toward a flat budget, promoting transparency and ethical reforms, and proposing an economic development plan for the county. I will continue to do this work with the same intensity for the remainder of my term."
In preparation for tonight's Freeholder meeting, the Asbury Park Press brings the Hall of Records project and Director Bill Barham's relationship with the contractor performing the project back to front and center of the public's attention. There is another change order to the tune of $76,000 on the agenda for approval. Also on the agenda for approval is a $32,600 expenditure for a audio visual system for the Freeholder's meeting room.
And let's not forget the petulant pettifogger, Malcolm Carton. Will the Freeholders take any action against the sassy solicitor for his defiance of Freeholder Little and his unwillingness to be held accountable for his department's spending? There is nothing on the agenda to indicate that any action is planned.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Petition problems for Declan?
4/11/2007 Update, thanks for an anonymous poster:
Update from Politics NJ:
O'Scanlon's petitions are just fine
By Editor - April 11, 2007 - 11:54am
The state Division of Elections has updated their website to reflect that 12th district Assembly candidate Declan O'Scanlon has filed petitions with 393 signatures. As of yesterday, their records indicated Scanlon having submitted petitions with just 104 signatures.
Politicsnj is reporting that Declan O'Scanlon filed his petitions with only 104 signatures, 4 more than required, and that the Democrats are considering a challenge.
O'Scanlon, who apparently didn't get the chairman's memo about not participating on blogs, wrote:
"Now my friends at PNJ - you know not to underestimate me - and that I'd never cut things so close! I actually filed with 168 signautres but 64 of them were held awaiting our bracketing letter," O'Scanlon wrote. "And yes - I did verify the validity of my signatures! The bracketing letter is in the hands of the DOE now and my signature total will be updated shortly. Sorry to disappoint my Democrat opponents who I'm sure would prefer we focus on petition signatures rather than their records."
Caroline Cassagrande filed 225 signatures.
Update from Politics NJ:
O'Scanlon's petitions are just fine
By Editor - April 11, 2007 - 11:54am
The state Division of Elections has updated their website to reflect that 12th district Assembly candidate Declan O'Scanlon has filed petitions with 393 signatures. As of yesterday, their records indicated Scanlon having submitted petitions with just 104 signatures.
Politicsnj is reporting that Declan O'Scanlon filed his petitions with only 104 signatures, 4 more than required, and that the Democrats are considering a challenge.
O'Scanlon, who apparently didn't get the chairman's memo about not participating on blogs, wrote:
"Now my friends at PNJ - you know not to underestimate me - and that I'd never cut things so close! I actually filed with 168 signautres but 64 of them were held awaiting our bracketing letter," O'Scanlon wrote. "And yes - I did verify the validity of my signatures! The bracketing letter is in the hands of the DOE now and my signature total will be updated shortly. Sorry to disappoint my Democrat opponents who I'm sure would prefer we focus on petition signatures rather than their records."
Caroline Cassagrande filed 225 signatures.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Primary Race for Sheriff
Daniel Peters, 42, of Middletown will challenge Kimberly Guadagno for the Republican nomination for Monmouth County Sheriff.
Peters is a retired police detective, having served for 10 years in the South Amboy Police Department, before being injured in a car accident while on duty in 1998. He is also a certified FAA Air Marshal. He is employed as a consultant for the FAA Federal Credit Union, as a realtor in Holmdel, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Raritan Bay Federal Credit Union.
Peters requested to interview with the Monmouth GOP screening committee but was rebuffed because, "he hadn't done anything for the party."
Peters is a retired police detective, having served for 10 years in the South Amboy Police Department, before being injured in a car accident while on duty in 1998. He is also a certified FAA Air Marshal. He is employed as a consultant for the FAA Federal Credit Union, as a realtor in Holmdel, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Raritan Bay Federal Credit Union.
Peters requested to interview with the Monmouth GOP screening committee but was rebuffed because, "he hadn't done anything for the party."
Friday, April 06, 2007
12th of never, by Lightshines
The State Democratic Party has asked Johnny Mathis to explain their position on clean elections:
You ask how much we’re spending.
Must I explain.
We need to win the District
Like pigs need grain.
You ask about clean elections
The fourteenth will do
But in the twelfth, it’s never
We need to bury you.
We don’t want it close, we’ll never let it go
We don’t want it close, we want control from head to toe.
We’ll beat you til the GOP has left the room.
We’ll beat you with an odor that’s not perfume,
We’ll beat you til your party can’t raise a dime
We’ll clean the fourteenth district where no one else can climb
But in the twelfth, it’s never and that's a long long time.
But in the twelfth, it’s never and that’s a long long time
You ask how much we’re spending.
Must I explain.
We need to win the District
Like pigs need grain.
You ask about clean elections
The fourteenth will do
But in the twelfth, it’s never
We need to bury you.
We don’t want it close, we’ll never let it go
We don’t want it close, we want control from head to toe.
We’ll beat you til the GOP has left the room.
We’ll beat you with an odor that’s not perfume,
We’ll beat you til your party can’t raise a dime
We’ll clean the fourteenth district where no one else can climb
But in the twelfth, it’s never and that's a long long time.
But in the twelfth, it’s never and that’s a long long time
The fix is in for "Clean" election districts
The GOP's 12th district's slate of Jennifer Beck, Declan O'Scanlon and Caroline Cassagrande chances of competing on a financially level playing field took a hit yesterday when Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts and Senate President Richard Codey announced that they wanted the 14th district to be the split district to be included in the "Clean Elections" experiment.
The Clean Elections experiment will have 3 legislative districts campaigns being publicly financed. 1 Democratic district, 1 Republican and 1 split. The Democrat and Republican districts don't matter, because they will be "safe" districts for the incumbent party. The legislature might as well pass a law for those districts that forbids the candidates from spending any money, because the incumbent party is going to win anyway.
Theoretically, the split district should be competitive. But the 14th is not competitive. This district, which includes Trenton and is heavily populated by state workers is already locked up by labor friendly Republican Bill Baroni and his team. Baroni had all the state labor unions endorsements prior to his nomination. The Democrats don't even have a full ticket yet, 3 days before the filing deadline. The district will probably stay split with Baroni moving up from the Assembly to the Senate. Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, who reportedly votes the way Baroni tells her to, will be re-elected. Republican Tom Goodwin, a Hamilton Township Councilman will win Baroni's Assembly seat against his yet to be named competitor. That is how Democrats Codey and Roberts want it. It doesn't matter that 2 seats will be Republican, because those Republicans will have to be de facto members of the Democratic caucus to stay in office in this heavily state union member populated district.
The 12th district, which is mostly in Monmouth County, is competitive. The Democrats biggest advantage is money. When Republicans Jennifer Beck for Senate, Declan O'Scanlon and Caroline Cassagrande are knocking on doors throughout the district, TV ads for Democrats Karcher, Panter and Mallet will be playing in the background as the voters answer their doors.
The 12th was a long time Republican strong hold, with Senator John Bennett and Assembly members Michael Arnone and Claire Farraher representing the district for many years until they were swept out of office in 2003 due to Bennett's over billing problems as Marlboro's township attorney. Beck took back one of the Assembly seats for the GOP in 2005, and O'Scanlon came within 75 votes of taking back the other. Had the Monmouth GOP had its act together with its absentee voter effort, the GOP would probably have taken back both Assembly seats.
There is no way the Democrats are going to let the 12th be a "clean" district. They want to keep the district and their in roads to Monmouth County. Karcher is best known for her opposition to french fries. Panter has the goose vote locked up and Mallet sells pens and golf balls with corporate logos on them. They are going to need those TV and radio ads to win.
Update: Honest Abe has provided a correction in the comments, the 14th does not include Trenton, and some interesting insights of his own in the comments. Thank you Mr. President.
The Clean Elections experiment will have 3 legislative districts campaigns being publicly financed. 1 Democratic district, 1 Republican and 1 split. The Democrat and Republican districts don't matter, because they will be "safe" districts for the incumbent party. The legislature might as well pass a law for those districts that forbids the candidates from spending any money, because the incumbent party is going to win anyway.
Theoretically, the split district should be competitive. But the 14th is not competitive. This district, which includes Trenton and is heavily populated by state workers is already locked up by labor friendly Republican Bill Baroni and his team. Baroni had all the state labor unions endorsements prior to his nomination. The Democrats don't even have a full ticket yet, 3 days before the filing deadline. The district will probably stay split with Baroni moving up from the Assembly to the Senate. Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, who reportedly votes the way Baroni tells her to, will be re-elected. Republican Tom Goodwin, a Hamilton Township Councilman will win Baroni's Assembly seat against his yet to be named competitor. That is how Democrats Codey and Roberts want it. It doesn't matter that 2 seats will be Republican, because those Republicans will have to be de facto members of the Democratic caucus to stay in office in this heavily state union member populated district.
The 12th district, which is mostly in Monmouth County, is competitive. The Democrats biggest advantage is money. When Republicans Jennifer Beck for Senate, Declan O'Scanlon and Caroline Cassagrande are knocking on doors throughout the district, TV ads for Democrats Karcher, Panter and Mallet will be playing in the background as the voters answer their doors.
The 12th was a long time Republican strong hold, with Senator John Bennett and Assembly members Michael Arnone and Claire Farraher representing the district for many years until they were swept out of office in 2003 due to Bennett's over billing problems as Marlboro's township attorney. Beck took back one of the Assembly seats for the GOP in 2005, and O'Scanlon came within 75 votes of taking back the other. Had the Monmouth GOP had its act together with its absentee voter effort, the GOP would probably have taken back both Assembly seats.
There is no way the Democrats are going to let the 12th be a "clean" district. They want to keep the district and their in roads to Monmouth County. Karcher is best known for her opposition to french fries. Panter has the goose vote locked up and Mallet sells pens and golf balls with corporate logos on them. They are going to need those TV and radio ads to win.
Update: Honest Abe has provided a correction in the comments, the 14th does not include Trenton, and some interesting insights of his own in the comments. Thank you Mr. President.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Locricchio's out due to health concerns
Ronald Reagan is reporting that Manalapan Township Committeeman Joe Locricchio will be resigning his position and will not run against Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck for the 12th district nomination for State Senate.
Locricchio's health and an upcoming surgery that will require an 8 to 18 month recovery are his reasons for withdrawing, according to Reagan.
More Monmouth Musings wishes Joe and his family the best. Joe is in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Locricchio's health and an upcoming surgery that will require an 8 to 18 month recovery are his reasons for withdrawing, according to Reagan.
More Monmouth Musings wishes Joe and his family the best. Joe is in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Frank Pallone owes Fat Cats
With Rutgers' loss to Tennessee in the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship, Congressman Frank Pallone lost his friendly wager to Tennessee Congressman John Duncan. Pallone plegded several Fat Cats and a case of Jersey tomatoes grown at Rutgers.
A Fat Cat is a sandwich consisting of two cheeseburgers, fries, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo stuffed into an 8 inch sub roll. They are sold off Grease Trucks (aka Roach Coaches) at Rutgers campus.
Presumably, Pallone intends to pay off his debt before Senator Ellen Karcher bans trans fats.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Is Jeff Cantor's redeployment "probable"?
Someone, maybe Jeff Cantor, didn't think my April Fools joke was too funny. The following comment was posted to that thread yesterday afternoon:
Jeff Cantor said...
You are a jack ass for printing this farce. I realize this was an April Fools joke, but I've been getting calls to my house all day about my deployment, which is very probable. I think you used lousy judgment and I regard this as being in poor taste. I can take a joke as well as the next guy, but this was really stupid!
My first reaction was that this was not really Jeff, but someone posting with his name. Upon checking the blog's activity, I found that someone from the company Jeff works for had visited the blog within minutes of that comment being posted. The comment came from an aol ip that was logged into the blog at the same time. Maybe this was Jeff posting after all. I was thinking of calling and asking him, but he was already complaining of all the phone calls he was getting.
If it was Jeff, and if his redeployment is probable, that creates some questions and leads to some answers of existing questions.
The most obvious questions; Why did he seek the party's nomination for Freeholder if he expected to be redeployed to active duty in his role as an US Army Major? Was this discussed in the screening committee?
If he does expect to be redeployed, that might explain why he was a last minute entry to the Freeholder nomination race, filing with the party after the 5PM February 2 deadline. It could also explain why Chairman Puharic included rule 16 in the convention rules passed on March 24:
(16) Resignation or Death of Nominated Candidate.
In the event any candidate so selected at the Nominating Convention resigns, dies or fails to qualify after such selection and prior to establishing a Vacancy Committee, then the County Chairman shall use his discretion in filling the vacancy so created.
One other question this raises: Does Jeff Cantor's status as an Army Reservist, active or not, make him a federal employee subject to the Hatch Act?
Not that the Hatch Act really matters in the Monmouth GOP. It apparently doesn't apply to Adam Puharic or Michael Borg, why should it apply to Jeff Cantor?
Jeff Cantor said...
You are a jack ass for printing this farce. I realize this was an April Fools joke, but I've been getting calls to my house all day about my deployment, which is very probable. I think you used lousy judgment and I regard this as being in poor taste. I can take a joke as well as the next guy, but this was really stupid!
My first reaction was that this was not really Jeff, but someone posting with his name. Upon checking the blog's activity, I found that someone from the company Jeff works for had visited the blog within minutes of that comment being posted. The comment came from an aol ip that was logged into the blog at the same time. Maybe this was Jeff posting after all. I was thinking of calling and asking him, but he was already complaining of all the phone calls he was getting.
If it was Jeff, and if his redeployment is probable, that creates some questions and leads to some answers of existing questions.
The most obvious questions; Why did he seek the party's nomination for Freeholder if he expected to be redeployed to active duty in his role as an US Army Major? Was this discussed in the screening committee?
If he does expect to be redeployed, that might explain why he was a last minute entry to the Freeholder nomination race, filing with the party after the 5PM February 2 deadline. It could also explain why Chairman Puharic included rule 16 in the convention rules passed on March 24:
(16) Resignation or Death of Nominated Candidate.
In the event any candidate so selected at the Nominating Convention resigns, dies or fails to qualify after such selection and prior to establishing a Vacancy Committee, then the County Chairman shall use his discretion in filling the vacancy so created.
One other question this raises: Does Jeff Cantor's status as an Army Reservist, active or not, make him a federal employee subject to the Hatch Act?
Not that the Hatch Act really matters in the Monmouth GOP. It apparently doesn't apply to Adam Puharic or Michael Borg, why should it apply to Jeff Cantor?
Monday, April 02, 2007
07 Campaign Preview
TOPIC OF THE DAY Monmouth politics
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 04/2/07
County losing its best in Little
Monmouth County residents will be losing one of the strongest voices for reform in county government with the departure of Anna Little from the Board of Freeholders.
This is the latest example of the corrupt inner circle of the Monmouth County Republican Party manipulating the political process to the detriment of the citizens of this county. Unfortunately, the county GOP has a greater allegiance to Malcolm Carton and its big donors than to providing an honest and open government.
Clearly, we need a change of leadership on the county level, meaning the election of candidates more in line with the views of Freeholders Little and Barbara McMorrow. The voters must send a message to the Republican leadership that for so long has exploited its grip on the county budget and marginalized party voices for reform.
It's all just one more reason to vote for the Democratic candidates for freeholder in November.
Richard Fortunato Jr.
WALL
How will the GOP respond? Will Malcolm Carton be an issue in this year's election as he was last year?
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 04/2/07
County losing its best in Little
Monmouth County residents will be losing one of the strongest voices for reform in county government with the departure of Anna Little from the Board of Freeholders.
This is the latest example of the corrupt inner circle of the Monmouth County Republican Party manipulating the political process to the detriment of the citizens of this county. Unfortunately, the county GOP has a greater allegiance to Malcolm Carton and its big donors than to providing an honest and open government.
Clearly, we need a change of leadership on the county level, meaning the election of candidates more in line with the views of Freeholders Little and Barbara McMorrow. The voters must send a message to the Republican leadership that for so long has exploited its grip on the county budget and marginalized party voices for reform.
It's all just one more reason to vote for the Democratic candidates for freeholder in November.
Richard Fortunato Jr.
WALL
How will the GOP respond? Will Malcolm Carton be an issue in this year's election as he was last year?
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Cantor is out!
Marlboro Council President and GOP Freeholder candidate Jeff Cantor has been called back to active duty and is preparing to go back to the Middle East. He resigned his candidacy early this morning.
Adam Puharic has called an emergency meeting of the screening committee for this afternoon. Speculation is that the committee will be choosing between Andrew Lucas and J. David Hiers to take Cantor's spot on the ticket.
Adam Puharic has called an emergency meeting of the screening committee for this afternoon. Speculation is that the committee will be choosing between Andrew Lucas and J. David Hiers to take Cantor's spot on the ticket.
The Dems are pumped!
From the APP
"It's the best field we've had in as long as I can remember," said Belmar Mayor Kenneth Pringle, active in county Democratic politics for 20 years. "We're building on the gains of the last few years," Pringle said. "So it's easier to attract strong candidates."
"There could never be a better time to win as a Democrat," Pallone said. "We've just got to take advantage of the situation."
"The biggest thing when we leave today is we have complete unity," said Victor Scudiery, the county Democratic chairman.
"Get the windows and doors open," D'Amico said. "Get the brooms and mops ready. Because the Democrats are coming to town to clean the place up."
"It's the best field we've had in as long as I can remember," said Belmar Mayor Kenneth Pringle, active in county Democratic politics for 20 years. "We're building on the gains of the last few years," Pringle said. "So it's easier to attract strong candidates."
"There could never be a better time to win as a Democrat," Pallone said. "We've just got to take advantage of the situation."
"The biggest thing when we leave today is we have complete unity," said Victor Scudiery, the county Democratic chairman.
"Get the windows and doors open," D'Amico said. "Get the brooms and mops ready. Because the Democrats are coming to town to clean the place up."
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