Lonegan at CPAC

Who's More Conservative?

Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan took opposite sides in the medical marijuana debate yesterday.

At the South Jersey Development Forum, Christie took a law and order stand, saying that there are not enough safeguards to make sure the drug is not abused or distributed to those for whom it was not prescribed. Lonegan said the issue was a matter of "freedom and liberty," and that the law should not get in between patients and doctors.

Which is the more conservative position?

Newt at CPAC

View Newt Gingrich's CPAC address here.

Tom DeSeno was there. Read his commentary at Justified Right.

The Conservative Case for Chris Christie

By Mayor Mike Halfacre

Let me start by saying I have all the respect in the world for Steve Lonegan. In the past, I have even been accused of being a “Lonegan Shill” in the comments section of the Save Jersey blog. When it comes to New Jersey policies and the effect of those policies on our economy, Steve Lonegan has been a voice in the wilderness for a long time.

However, I have am convinced that Chris Christie is the best candidate for Governor.

While Lonegan is great on policy, candidacies based purely on policy rarely win. For right or wrong, winning candidates need to be more than policy wonks. Call it the “vision thing” or the “intangibles” or something else; there is more to winning elections than policy.

More importantly, New Jersey, and New Jersey Republicans, can not afford to lose this election.

New Jersey’ conservative wing must overcome the divisive cries of “RINO” and the alleged insult of being called the “establishment candidate”. The conservative wing must recognize Chris Christie’s positions, and yes, take credit for moving those positions to the right, while at the same time supporting the candidate and contributing to a victory in November.

One has to look no farther than to the father of modern conservatism, Barry Goldwater, to see that one’s policies are allowed to evolve over time and yet still be considered a conservative. Similarly, Chris Christie’s positions from 1994 should not be used as reasons not to support him in 2009.

A brief summary of Christie’s positions indicate he should receive full support from conservatives around the state:

He recognizes the importance of business, wanting to bring businesses back to New Jersey by cutting taxes and fostering a more business-friendly environment;

He promises to reduce or eliminate excessive regulation;

He promises to gut COAH;

He sees the revival of cities through market-based and business-based recoveries, not by throwing money at urban problems;

He will take on the Unions over overtime and holidays;

He will reduce taxes;

He promises to provide school choice, encouraging charter schools and increasing accountability as ways to solve the Abbot District problem;

His record on crime and corruption is unmatched.

All of these planks in the Christie platform have conservative roots.

Finally, for those that insist that one can not be conservative without being “pro-life”, Christie has been candid in noting the evolution of his beliefs, and that he is, indeed, pro-life. Congressman Chris Smith, a strong opponent of abortion, endorses Chris Christie.

And yet he is being given a hard time by conservatives? Give me a break.

Christie is doing what no recent Republican candidate has done: He is offering New Jersey a clear alternative to the failed policies of the Democrats.

It is true that many of these same positions are espoused by Lonegan, and that Lonegan goes farther right and has articulated them for longer, so why Christie?

As I said before, New Jersey and New Jersey Republicans can not afford to lose this election. For whatever reason, Lonegan has been marginalized by the mainstream media and in the popular culture as “too conservative” and too “right wing”. Not unlike Barry Goldwater in 1964, the very things that endear him to some turn many off.

Many moderate democrats and independents will vote for Christie over Corzine. Few of them will vote for Lonegan over Corzine. Admitting this simple fact is not “selling out”, as many on the right will wail, but it is the reality of winning elections.

In today’s accelerated political climate, perhaps the 16 years between 1964 and 1980 will pass during this primary election cycle, and to use an SAT analogy, Lonegan is to Christie as Goldwater is to Reagan.

When we win this election, it will be with Chris Christie.

Holy Change of Tune Batman!

Corzine Goes from “Welcoming” a Supreme Court Appeal in E-Mail Case to Opposing Even a Hearing!

May 31, 2008:
"We're on the first rung of a three-rung ladder reviewing a constitutional question," Corzine said of the appeals process. "This is one of those things why you truly have an appeals process. We're prepared to turn the e-mails loose if that's what the judgment is."
(Judge: Corzine must make public the Katz e-mails, The Star-Ledger, 5/31/2008)

Janaury 15, 2009:
Corzine welcomes appeal seeking his Katz e-mails
by The Associated Press
Friday January 16, 2009, 5:23 AM
Gov. Jon Corzine said Thursday has not changed his plans to retain e-mails he exchanged with his union leader ex-girlfriend, saying he fought on principle to keep them confidential.
Corzine told The Associated Press he welcomes an appeal to the state Supreme Court by Republican State Committee Chairman Tom Wilson, who has sued the governor seeking to make the e-mails public. "I want to make sure, as I have from the beginning, that the principle that private conversations of the governor -- not just me, but future governors -- are firmly established to be protected under executive privilege," Corzine said.
(SOURCE: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/corzine_welcomes_appeal_seekin.html )

February 26, 2009:
“…review by this court is not warranted, and the petition for certification should be denied.”
(Brief on behalf of defendant-respondent William C. Brown in opposition to petition for certification, page 2. Filed 2/26/09)

Press release from the NJGOP. Tom Wilson must be a Batman fan.

Live blogging from CPAC

Tommy DeSeno is live blogging from CPAC. He's got some pretty good stuff. Check it out.

Fight to the Death

Politicians often invoke our fore fathers, but Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States is rarely the historical figure emulated. Burr is most famous for shooting Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, to death during a duel in Weehawken on July 11, 1804.

Yesterday, Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Lou Greenwald vowed to fight to the death to preserve property tax rebates in the upcoming New Jersey budget. Governor Corzine has indicated that property taxes rebates are likely to be eliminated for all except senior citizens and the most disadvantaged.

The President of the Weehawken Chamber of Commerce is trying to reach Greenwald and Corzine. Dick Codey was not available for comment.

UPDATE:

Save Jersey is reporting that Governor Corzine told Greenwald to "shut up" and that Greenwald hasn't been seen or heard from since.

Two Year Strategy Worth Considering

One and done. If you are a Republican candidate in Monmouth County who loses an election, you are not likely to be considered a viable candidate for future races.

Perhaps that is why there is only one candidate, Eileen Kean, who has announced an intention to run for Freeholder this year against popular incumbent Barbara McMorrow.

Republicans don't have much experience running against incumbents in Monmouth. We haven't had to do so in twenty years.

Democrats have been much more forgiving of their losing candidates. They've treated the money spent on failed races as an investment in building name recognition for future races. McMorrow won her seat in Freehold on her second try. Freeholder Amy Mallet was elected after two failed Assembly races.

As the Monmouth GOP selects a candidate this year to challenge McMorrow, we should consider a quality candidate who can start running against John D'Amico on November 4, in the unfortunate event that we do not unseat McMorrow on November 3.

Middletown GOP Tabs Massell To Challenge Short

The Middletown Republican Party has selected Steve Massell as their candidate for Township Committee. Massell is expected to challenge incumbent Democratic Committee Member Patrick Short in the November election.

Massell, 40, and his wife Emily have four children. They live in the River Plaza section of the Township. He is a realtor and a member of the Middletown Planning Board.

State of Insanity

David Freddoso of National Review Online has written an interesting analysis of the NJ Governor's race.

Assfacia

Assfacia is a prevalent yet rarely talked about condition. The condition manifests when the nerve that connects the face to the rectum is inflamed, giving he patient "some nerve" and a crappy outlook on life.

The condition is best treated benignly and holistically through the consumption of humble pie. When the patient denies the condition and/or refuses to consume the pie, the condition exacerbates to extreme levels and more aggressive measures are warranted. At this point the patient's hind quarters should be inflamed with hard swift kicks until the tear ducts release sufficient quantities of moisture to clear the patient's outlook and induce a normal level of humility.

An example of such a case can be found in Monmouth County, New Jersey. A previously esteemed school superintendent was found to have participated in fraudulent academic activity, false bravado and excessive remuneration based on the fraud.

Patient has refused to consume the pie or return the remuneration. He continues to justify by protesting that he has done all that the law requires, while continuing to enjoy his ill gotten gains.

Aggressive treatment is indicated.

Wasser watch.

Lonegan Meet and Greet Monday in Atlantic Highlands

Please join us at a reception in honor of Mayor Steve Lonegan, Monday March
2 at 6 pm at the Shore Casino, Atlantic Highlands.

A fighter for taxpayers, Steve is the best candidate we can run against Jon
Corzine. An experienced conservative Republican, Steve has a proven record
of winning Democrat and Independent votes, winning three times by
double-digit margins in a 2-1 Democrat town that voted 64% for Barack Obama
while keeping GOP Council control for ELEVEN STRAIGHT ELECTIONS.

We know that after meeting Steve and hearing his message of putting
taxpayers first, you will agree that Steve is the man to lead our state in
the years ahead.

Admission is complimentary and refreshments will be served. Our friend,
former Holmdel Deputy Mayor Alan Bateman will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

We look forward to seeing you on March 2nd.

Mayor Fred Rast, Atlantic Highlands


P.S.: Please email hank@lonegan.com or call Wayne Pomanowski at
732-741-0700 if you can attend or would like further information.

McMorrow assured Democratic Line for Freeholder

A senior level source in the Monmouth Democratic Party told MoreMonmouthMusings that Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow will be awarded the party's line for Freeholder in the June primary if she wants it, and that she is expected to be the Democratic nominee for Freeholder on the November ballot.

Today's Asbury Park Press has a story that confirms that McMorrow is running for re-election, but indicated that she might not be in favor with the Democratic Party and would have to compete for the nomination.

It seems that the APP might be trying to stir things up. Who do they think they are? A blog?

The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to seek the Republican endorsement for Freeholder is Saturday March 7.

Forget Selling Our Roads, Lets Hire South Carolina to Maintain Them

Reading In The Lobby this morning I learned that New Jersey spends $2.2 million per mile to maintain our roads. That's a lot more than the State pays foster families to take care of children. Where do I sign up for one of those Adopt a Highway programs?

I also learned from In The Lobby that South Carolina spends on $31,685 per mile to maintain their roads. In fairness, South Carolina probably has less snow than we do, so the figures might need some adjusting. If Al Gore is right, that situation will correct it self soon anyway.

Last year at this time Governor Corzine was busy traveling to State promoting his idea to solve all our fiscal problems. He wanted to sell our toll roads for $30 billion dollars to Wall Street, who would raise tolls by 800%. New Jersey voters didn't go for that idea, and Wall Street ran out of money anyway.

Maybe our roads are the key to solving our problems after all. Let's pay South Carolina $60,000 per mile to maintain our roads and keep the $2,140,000 difference to pay off our debt, pay pensions, give foster families a raise, etc. It might be a chance to catch up with old friends and unite families, as South Carolina has lots of former Jersey residents they could send here to do the work.

Of course this would only work if South Carolina was exempt from New Jersey quirks, like prevailing wage.

I'd like to hear Governor Corzine and the GOP candidates for Governor talk about prevailing wage. What is it? Why do we enforce it? Why is it a good thing for New Jersey?

I wonder if any of them has the guts to talk about it.

Somers Point Republicans Embrace Lonegan

Save Jersey has the story.

Beck:FOX RE-APPOINTMENT SHOWS THAT CORZINE JUST DOESN’T GET IT

BPU Corrupt, Ineffective & Politicized Under Jeanne Fox’s Leadership

Senator Jennifer Beck issued the following statement regarding the re-appointment of Jeanne Fox to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

“Governor Jon Corzine’s decision to re-appoint Jeanne Fox to the BPU is an appalling slap in the face of New Jersey’s taxpayers.

“President Fox opened a secret $83 million bank account that was accessible only to her and one other employee. The account collected millions of dollars from New Jersey energy consumers and then distributed the monies to former BPU employees for clean energy programs.

A state audit conducted by the Department of the Treasury found that Jeanne Fox exercised ‘no oversight of how the BPU ratepayer money was spent and that BPU kept poor records of the secret account.’ Another state audit conducted by the non-partisan State Auditor found that the BPU kept no records of: ‘how the BPU evaluated $2.7 million worth of grants given out in 2003 when documentation must be retained for seven years, inadequate controls for giving grants to former BPU employees, insufficient records to justify Payments to vendors including for hours worked and travel expenses and no tax forms issued to 17 vendors in 2004 and 2005 who were paid more than $600, according to Internal Revenue Service requirements.’

“When initially asked about the secret $83 million bank account Jeanne Fox stated that an Assistant Attorney General had signed off on the creation of the account. Later she had to issue a retraction stating that she had ‘misspoke.’ ”

“The secret account was opened in Wachovia bank. A bank in which, coincidentally, one BPU commissioner owned hundreds of thousands of dollars of stock.”

This is exactly the type of abuse that the Governor promised to end during his inaugural address. Yesterday, the Governor of New Jersey stood before the people of New Jersey and stated that ‘I call on each of you, Republicans and Democrats alike; to recognize that today a turning point is at hand. We must turn away from the era of spending and borrowing beyond our means … once and for all.’ Yet here he is re-appointing the poster child for government waste, fraud and abuse. I am convinced based on her record of a secret account, politically motivated policies, patronage hires and poor administration that Jeanne Fox is exactly the wrong person for to be determining New Jersey energy policy and setting rates for New Jersey taxpayers.”

Real Racism vs Fake Racism

But of course the charges of "racism" and endless calls for "dialogue" about race are more about power grabs, money and intimidation than sin. The race industry thrives on empty rhetoric and phantom threats to maintain a position of legitimacy. And the intimidation works, like nothing that has gone before. The pejorative label "racist" is to be feared above all else.

On the mark commentary by Andrew Sumereau at American Thinker.

Cartoon credit: Rob Tornoe, Editor and Publisher

L.O.L. Comedy Show

Laugh Out Loud to End Domestic and Sexual Violence in Monmouth County




In today's tough economy, we can all use a good laugh.

Join the supporters, volunteers, and staff of 180 Turning Lives Around at the Two River Theater Company for a comedy show. All proceeds benefit the vital programs and services provided by 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Reception at 7PM (Cash Wine and Beer Bar, Hors d'oeuvres donated by Branches)
Show time: 8PM
Tickets: $30 (18 and older, please)

Two River Theater Comany
21 Bridge Ave, Red Bank

Only 150 146 tickets left as of this morning!

Purchase now using Pay Pal or by calling Barbara Lovell-Napoli at 732-264-4360 x 4233

Handlin: MVC fee increases are backward thinking

The Motor Vehicle Commission’s proposed fee increases are another example of backwards thinking in state government.

According to MVC, the increases are necessary because overhead costs have gone up. Among these overhead costs are legal fees, which are clearly controllable by the Governor and Legislature. For instance, I have championed legislation that would clamp down on all hourly contracts -- including legal contracts -- awarded by the state. I have also fought for tighter oversight and heightened transparency. How many other so-called “costs of doing business” could actually be reduced by ending Trenton “business as usual”?

Last spring, I voted against authorizing the MVC to increase 78 services fees through its rules process and not by seeking legislative approval. So did 20 of my colleagues. But the authorization was granted over our objections. Requiring legislative approval would have guaranteed vigorous public debate about the need for these fee increases.

New Jersey’s top administrators -- in every department -- must seek creative ways to forestall new burdens on the public, not continue to blithely pass them along. The MVC’s fee increases are sure to speed New Jersey residents -- out of their homes and out of the state.

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin
13th Legislative District

More Monkey Business

Benjamin Todd Jealous, President of the NAACP, characterised the New York Post cartoon of cops shooting a chimp "an invitation to assassinate the President." Jealous called for The Post to fire its Editor-In-Chief and the cartoonist who created to piece, and for the public to boycott The Post.

Same old shit, different day. The NAACP would rather intimidate and control speech than to improve relations between the races.

As I said in my post about this earlier today, the cartoon is stupid, not racist. If The Post editor or cartoonist are to be disciplined it should be for stupidity, not racism.

Jealous's characterization of the cartoon as an invitation to assassinate the President is equally stupid, unless of course Jealous really thinks that police officers would be interested in such an invitation, or that a potential assassin would become a cop in order to shoot the President.

Jealous should leave the President's security to the Secret Service.

Christie Wins Union County Convention By 74%

Lonegan Steps Up Attacks

Former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie won his second county GOP endorsement in less than a week when he trounced his competition at the Union County GOP convention by winning 74% of the vote. Steve Lonegan placed a distant second with 21%. Third place went to Assemblyman Rick Merkt with 9 votes (2.2%) over Franklin Mayor Brian Levine's 8 votes.

Ever the fighter, Steve Lonegan produced two attack mailers this week. His first piece mailed to Union County Republicans resulted in an angry response from Christie supporters and probably cost Lonegan votes today in Union.

Lonegan's second mailer likens Christie to Jim Florio (I'd rather be likened to a monkey). It cites Christie's positions from 10-15 years ago. Recent citations are arguably distorted.

Last weekend after both candidates spoke at the Monmouth County Lincoln Day Dinner, I was struck by the thought that we need both of these men, Christie and Lonegan, to fix New Jersey. I know I wasn't the only one that felt that way. A senior Christie supporter told me of his respect for Lonegan after his speech on Sunday.

If Lonegan continues his campaign in this smash mouth fashion he will marginalize himself. He will alienate many who would be otherwise inclined to support him, if not in this race, then in a future race. In the unlikely event that he wins the primary by demonizing Christie, he will have less establishment support in the general election than Brett Schundler did in 2001. Four more years of Corzine.

Likewise, if Christie wins the nomination, but he and his establishment support is resented by Lonegan's core voters, he will be weakened in the general election.

Christie won't be easy to demonize. He is extremely likable. In politics it is risky business to attack someone that people genuinely like, even when you are right on the issues.

It saddens me to say this because I have a great deal of respect for Lonegan, who, like Christie is receiving tax dollars to fund his campaign; Steve, stop wasting the taxpayer's money. Stop the attacks and stick to the issues. When you draw a contrast between yourself and Christie, do so respectfully without bombast or distortion. Primary voters don't like the bombast and can see right through the distortions. Use your great sense of humor, but take the edge off. By conducting your campaign in such a manner you will be doing New Jersey, the Republican Party and yourself a great service, even if you lose the gubernatorial nomination.

Everyone that matters knows that Christie is still defining his positions and learning the issues. Lonegan has already moved Christie to the right on some issues. With a plain spoken and common sense campaign based on the issues, with contrasts but not attacks, Lonegan's taxpayer funding will be well spent.

Both Christie and Lonegan have said that any of the Republican candidates for Governor would be better than Jon Corzine. That is the truest bit of rhetoric from either of them. Judging by the poll numbers and Corzine's low approval ratings many Democratic and Independent voters agree. Both Christie and Lonegan need to keep their eye on the prize. The nomination is not the prize.

Monkey Business

The New York Post gave Al Sharpton a chance to get on his divisive soap box this week when they published this editorial cartoon. Sharpton should stick to being a thoughtful and articulate pundit on TV news and commentary shows if he really wants to foster better race relations. If he wants to perpetuate the racial divide he should get up on that soap box and express outrage whenever President Obama is satirized in a way that could be construed as racially offensive.

In an OpEd piece today praising Sharpton and criticising The Post and other papers that have published cartoons of Obama as a primate, Gannett's Dewayne Wickham said "Labeling blacks as monkeys or baboons is akin to calling them the n-word."

Hogwash.

The Post cartoon is stupid. If there is a connection between a pet chimp in Connecticut ripping someones face off and the economic "stimulus" ripoff, the cartoonist didn't make the connection. If the cartoonist was attempting to make a statement about President Obama, he missed the mark by a long shot. The Post deserves to be criticised for publishing a dumb cartoon. Not for racism.

Presidents are satirized. Our previous president was often satirized as a monkey.


If Sharpton and Wickham really believe The Post was characterising Obama as a monkey, they should be celebrating a breakthrough in equality, not trying to incite racial divisions with their feigned outrage.

Attorney General Eric Holder had a good point when he called the United States a nation of cowards when it comes to race relations. Sharpton and Wickham contribute to racial fears when they equate characterising a president as a monkey with calling him a nigger. Condemnations like this might lead to more politically correct satire, but it won't lead to better race relations. Caucasians will respond by being more careful with their language, but they won't relate better to blacks as a result. On the contrary, they are likely to withdraw further from dealing with blacks rather than risk being labeled a racists if their language is misconstrued.

Racism exists in America. There are white racists and there are black racists. In my experience they are the minority of both races. Holder made the point that as a nation we have made great progress toward integration in the work place, but that America is as segregated as ever on Sunday when we worship.

If Martin Luther King were alive today I imagine he would be celebrating the progress we have made towards his dream, and that he would be passionately and lovingly challenging us that we still have a ways to go. He might challenge us to integrate on Sunday, calling on white churches and black churches to worship together on Sunday, followed by lunch.

Sharpton should get off his soap box and give that a try.

You're not entitled to anything. You don't deserve anything. Earn it.

James Hogan has a special clarity.

O’SCANLON : CUTTING OR ELIMINATING PROPERTY TAX REBATES IS NOT THE WAY TO GO

With increasing speculation about the future of the state’s property tax rebate program, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth and Mercer, said that abolishing the program would have a huge impact on people who already pay the highest taxes in the country. News reports indicate that if rebates are not eliminated entirely, they may be scaled back to only include senior citizens and those who have been impacted by the recession.

“Given the hardships that many property taxpayers are facing, I disagree with the strategy that throws another punch at homeowners,” stated O’Scanlon. “According to the administration, increasing the sales tax in 2006 was supposed to ensure that property tax relief would continue.

“Now consumers pay a higher sales tax and property owners will continue to bear the burden. It is a classic lose-lose situation. This is just another example of a broken promise by the governor. Slashing tax rebates isn’t a spending cut – it’s a tax increase.”

Last year the rebate program was reduced by over $380 million.

“Getting New Jersey’s fiscal house in order is a priority, but we should not attack a program that gives some help to taxpayers,” continued O’Scanlon, who is member of the Assembly Budget Committee. “Republicans have suggested that a different approach to helping homeowners would be to provide a direct credit on their property tax bill or as a credit against their income tax liability. This would eliminate a lot of the bureaucratic red tape and save the state money on the short-term interest it pays when the checks are mailed.”

O’Scanlon was referring to the Republican Common Sense Plan for an Affordable New Jersey which was unveiled last May and contains numerous proposals for reducing spending, reforming the budgetary process, and encouraging economic growth.

“We face a great challenge in balancing the current and upcoming budget,” commented O’Scanlon. “However, the last thing we need to do is ask for more sacrifices by the taxpayers. First and foremost, Governor Corzine must recognize that what really needs to be curtailed is the runaway spending in Trenton.”

The Republican Common Sense Plan for an Affordable New Jersey can be found at njassemblyrepublicans.com.

GOP MOMS GATHER IN RED BANK FOR THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MONMOUTH COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REPUBLICAN MOMS

Red Bank, New Jersey – Republican women from across the County gathered recently at Manhattan Bagel in Red Bank for the first meeting of the Association of Republican Moms. The excitement at the meeting was overwhelming. Some of the honored guests included Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, Middletown Mayor Pam Brightbill and Monmouth Surrogate Rosemarie Peters. Guest speaker, Monmouth County Sheriff, Kimberly Guadagno, gave an interesting overview of the Monmouth County Sheriff's office. Sheriff Guadagno highlighted some of the cost saving initiatives she instituted and spoke at length about her community outreach programs.

The Monmouth County Association of Republican Moms is the first of its kind in New Jersey and was founded in an effort to provide a convenient forum for mothers who feel strongly about local, state and national political issues. The group's slogan "Reaching for a Brighter Future" embodies the spirit of the group's mission - ensuring a better New
Jersey for future generations.

"Our leaders need to focus on future generations, our children and grandchildren. The world our children inherit should be better and brighter because of the decisions we make today," said Christine Hanlon, founder of the group. "As mothers and leaders we need to ensure that Monmouth County remains a beautiful place to raise our families."

The next meeting of the Association will take place on March 31, 2009 at the Monmouth County Library in Shrewsbury. There will be a presentation by Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-12) about economic issues affecting families in Monmouth County and New Jersey. Kathy Lodato, President of the Monmouth Federation of Republican Women, will also be a guest speaker. Children are welcome. Please contact Christine Hanlon at 732-742-2080 or CHanlon@HanlonLegal.com for more information.

The Rant of the Year

Hat tip to NetRightNation.

AG Holder: U.S. is a nation of cowards regarding race

For some reason this story prompted a loyal reader to think of me.

Eye On The Prize

There is no question that Joe Oxley has his “eye on the prize.” The prize being winning back control of the Monmouth County Freeholder Board, re-electing our Monmouth County Assembly delegation and winning the Governor’s office.

It will come as no surprise to Oxley when he checks in here that I disagreed with his decision to fore go a county convention. He has heard that from me personally.

As an outspoken critic of the previous two chairmen for their undemocratic practices, I find myself ironically supporting a chairman who on the surface would appear to be even less democratic. As an outspoken voice of the reform movement of the party, I find that I am in the strange position of still being that voice, but with a seat at the table. By virtue of the fact that the Highlands GOP committee members asked me to be their chairman last week, I am one of the leaders that Oxley invited to his screening committee meeting.

Bill Barham and I were the first two people to arrive at the meeting yesterday. We were approaching the door of the Molly Pitcher from opposite directions at the same time. We were both about a ½ hour early and spent the time together having a very cordial conversation. During the course of the meeting, Adam Puharic publicly advised Oxley to have a convention in much the same manner I had advised Joe privately. Long term readers will appreciate what a weird morning I had yesterday. When I told my wife about these encounters she said, "Are you sure that wasn't a dream? I can see your mind coming up with something that crazy."

Maybe this is what the beginnings of party unity looks like.

Oxley said on several occasions said that the last three conventions did not have a quorum and that we lost control of Freehold as a result. It took me a while to get it, but as I try to look back on those conventions through fresh eyes, I can see his point. Going back to 2006, those conventions were not driven by selecting the best candidates; rather they were driven by competing power brokers for control of the party. The candidates were secondary to the dominance of the competing power brokers and the infighting continued throughout the election seasons, resulting in defeat. Now we are on the verge of having the State Democratic chairman running Monmouth County. The Democrats have seen our weakness and are salivating to reap our spoils.

After almost two decades of paternalistic control of the Monmouth GOP under Bill Dowd and Harry Larrison, many county committee seats were vacant, and remain so today. With over 800 county committee seats, it was rare that a convention under Fred Niemann or Adam Puharic's leadership had more than 400 people show up. Less than 300 was not unheard of. More than 500 was unheard of. Of those who did show up, many had no clue about the candidates they were voting for and were simply following the instructions given to them by their municipal chairperson. The convention system is unfortunately vulnerable to shenanigans. It should not be this way, but it is. The results have not been good. Oxley is to be commended for taking a different course, albeit a potentially controversial and unpopular choice.

I don’t believe that Oxley is taking us back to the days of a paternalistic system. The leaders he has selected to advise him come from all factions of the party. They have vastly different points of view and competing self interests. None of them are shy. They all share a common commitment to good government and Monmouth County’s extraordinary quality of life.

While Joe is leaning on those who have established themselves as leaders to steer the party in the short term, he is simultaneously working to build the party from the grassroots up in the long term. He is developing a training program curriculum for elected officials and political activists that should bear fruit in the form of new and competent leaders both in the short and long term. The seminars for municipal officials and chairs start next month.

As an undecided voter for Governor with a great deal of respect and admiration for both Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan, I was looking forward to watching them compete for Monmouth County’s line. But regardless of how that turned out, there would still be the primary where the race will ultimately be won. The outcome of a contest for the gubernatorial line in Monmouth County would not have been the deciding factor in our local races come November.

Let us keep our eye on the prize.

We need to re-elect our Assembly members and elect a Freeholder this year. I’m unaware of any challenges to our Assembly candidates and so far we only have one declared Freeholder candidate.

Previous conventions have left us divided. Collectively we have lacked the maturity to unite after those hard battles. Joe says he has a better way. Let’s give it a try rather than fighting over what didn’t work anyway.

This year, there is little to fight over. There is a great deal to fight for, together.

Breaking News: Christie is awarded the Monmouth GOP line in June Primary

Deadline for Freeholder candidates to declare extended to March 7.

Monmouth County GOP Chairman Joe Oxley is awarding the party line to former U.S Attorney Christopher Christie in the New Jersey Republican primary for Governor.

Christie, Former Mayor Steve Lonegan and a representative of Assemblyman Rick Merkt's campaign addressed a gathering of GOP leaders this morning. The group included past and present elected officials, party leaders and municipal chairs.

After the presentation by candidates, Oxley asked the group for feedback, a sense of the group, for the purpose of awarding the line. Those who spoke overwhelmingly felt that Christie was the stronger candidate, while believing that Lonegan is very strong on the issues. One municipal chairman even said, "I'm voting for Lonegan when I go into the voting booth, but I hope Christie wins the primary because he has a better chance in the general election against Corzine.

There was a brief controversy in the room as several of the group were surprised that an endorsement would be awarded today and that there will be no county convention.

Oxley said, "The last three county conventions did not even have a quorum and resulted in our loss of control of our county government. I have gathered the senior leaders of our party and will rely on this group for advise. This is the system I am comfortable with."

Oxley announced that he is awarding the party line to all incumbent Assembly members in the county, declaring that he is very comfortable with the jobs they are doing and with their electability.

At the request of a municipal chairman, Oxley extended the deadline for Freeholder candidates to come forward until March 7. Candidates should have the support of either their municipal chairman or a member of their legislative delegation.

UPDATE 7:45 PM

Chairman Oxley's announcement is up on the new party website.

Salad for Brains

I think I've figured out what that strange song parody posted by the Supermarket Mystery Shopper means.

Jon Corzine either has salad for brains or he thinks we do.

Corzine announced that the current budget deficit has grown by another $1.5 billion. He's responding with $472 million in spending cuts. He is also raiding the trust funds and surplus for $335 million and spending $550 million the three stooges are giving him.

Mike Howell weighs in on Lincoln Day, Governor's Race and Joe DiBella for Freeholder

Art,

It was indeed a pleasure to finally meet you.

The republican party of Monmouth County and especially the chairman, should be very proud of the success of the annual Lincoln Day dinner.

As for the gubernatorial candidates speeches, I felt like Mr. Christie was saying what people wanted to hear while Mr. Lonegan told them what they should hear, that our state is in trouble and that he is the only candidate to thus far have taken on Mr. Corzine and not only has he taken him on, but beat him and beat him soundly. At this point, I am inclined to put my support behind Steve Lonegan the former mayor of the town where I grew up.

You are correct in your assertion that I am absolutely in support of Joseph DiBella as the republican candidate for freeholder. This party has put their support behind three candidates in as many years who could not get it done. They being Andrew Lucas, Jeff Cantor and most recently, Mr. Curley. The time is now to take back control of the government of Monmouth County! It has been a scant seven weeks since the democrats have been in control and already their is more disharmony within the county than anyone can remember, are we really ready to let the democrats bring in outsiders with the biggest check books and to allow them to run amok in Monmouth County? I surely hope not.

Joseph DiBella can be, in my opinion, the one person who can campaign hard enough, deliver the message that people not only want to hear, but need to hear and can work to achieve the platform which he runs on.

I have had the privilege of working with Joseph for two years on the council and while we didn't always agree, he was professional enough to take the time to lay his argument out as well as to listen to mine and there were no hard feelings, just different opinions, but we respected each others opinion.

That in my estimation is the kind of person we need at the county level of government, one who listens with an open mind.

Mike Howell
Councilman
Howell Township

No Wonder McMorrow Is Getting So Much Heat

D'Amico, Cryan and Corzine are making Barbara McMorrow's life miserable because she is thinking for herself rather than doing what she is told. Honest Abe shows us why with a review of the Monmouth Dems 4Q 2008 ELEC report.

Sometimes I get the strangest comments

The Supermarket Mystery Shopper said...
Sung to "Oye Cómo Va" ---(with apologizes to Carlos Santana)
+++++++++++++++
(((En el ajo!)))

Oye ¿cómo va?
El Gobernador,
es buena para reírse,
Él idiota.

Oye ¿cómo va?
El Gobernador,
tiene ensalada
para los cerebros.

Él tiene ensalada,
para los cerebros!
Él tiene ensalada,
para los cerebros!

Para los cerebros! La lechuga ...
Cabeza de la lechuga, verde!
Para los cerebros! La lechuga ...
Cabeza de la lechuga, verde!

Verde!Verde!Verde!Verde!Verde!Verde!Verde!
la lechuga!

Él no cree que antes de que hable.
(((el ajo me repite!)))
Él no cree que antes de que hable.
(((el ajo me repite!)))
Él no cree que antes de que hable.
(((el ajo me repite!)))

((++musica instrumental++))

(((repetir)))
+++++++++++++
"Google Translate"

In other news, Save Jersey's Zebulon Pike reports that the legislature will vote on a medical marijuana bill next week.

Lincoln Day

The annual Monmouth County Lincoln Day Dinner was a huge success. Congratulations to Chairman Joe Oxley and his Lincoln Day committee, Christine Hanlon and John and Mary Fran Lane.

Honest Abe has an excellent report on the event. In addition to the movers and shakers that Abe mentioned, it should be noted that the entire 13th District delegation, Senator Joe Kyrillos, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Sam Thompson were present. Senator Sean Kean and Assemblyman Dave Rible were there representing the 1th, Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon was there from the 12th and Assemblyman Ron Dancer was there from the 30th.

Tom DeSeno graced us with his presence, even though he had such a long drive. Now that he knows the way to the Sandy Hook Bay, he can take the ferry to his FoxNews gigs.

In recent years the Lincoln Day Dinner has been a showcase for Freeholder candidate hopefuls. This year it was more of a testing the waters and getting a lay of the land. There was quite a bit of buzz about whether or not Democratic Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow will even run. Deputy D'Amico and the Trenton Democratic machine, including the Governor's office, are making McMorrow's life miserable for not allowing a partisan house cleaning of the Hall of Records personnel and for not jumping on the D'Amico/Cryan Inspector General bandwagon.




Of the potential Freeholders candidates present, only Eileen Kean has declared her candidacy. Gus Toomey of Aberdeen was present doing his perennial water testing. Former Mayor Joe DiBella, who twice lost the nomination by the thinest of margins, sounded as if he wants to be talked into running. Mayor Robert Walsh and Councilman Mike Howell, Independents of Howell, were there and making their support of DiBella well known.

Chairman Oxley reiterated his call for candidates to declare by February 27th.

The highlight of the evening was the speeches by gubernatorial candidates Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan. I'll post my thoughts on their speeches and the match up some time tomorrow or Wednesday.

Photos by Rhoda Chodosh

CASAGRANDE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF HEALTH INSURANCE APPEALS PROGRAM

12TH District Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande has introduced legislation that would increase awareness by patients and doctors of an existing state program, the state Independent Health Care Appeals Program (IHCAP), designed to review health insurance coverage decisions. The program gives patients who have been denied coverage by their insurer for medically necessary treatment an opportunity to appeal that decision to a neutral arbitrator. IHCAP, which has existed in state government for over 10 years, receives only about 50 calls each month.

“When doctors recommend treatment and an insurance company denies coverage for it, patients and their families must wade through a sea of red tape to get that treatment covered, in many cases to the detriment of the health of the patient”, said Casagrande. “This independent state review board exists to help, but no one I’ve met, from doctors and nurses to patients and social workers, knows about it. My legislation would bring this resource out of the remote corners of state government, and put it to work improving the lives of New Jerseyans.”

Casagrande’s bill would create a 24 hour hotline for the program where patients, families and doctors can call to begin the process of applying to the program for arbitration. The bill would also require doctor’s offices and hospitals to post signs advertising the hotline’s toll-free number. Currently the number to reach the IHCAP is 888-393-1062. Finally, the bill would require training for appropriate hospital staff about the details of this program.

“In these economically strenuous times,” Casagrande said, it is important to alleviate stress wherever possible. By offering our citizens another avenue by which to save their hard-earned salaries, as well as time that could be better spent providing the nurturing care for loved ones, spreading awareness of this helpful program may have added benefits we haven’t even anticipated.”

This program offers patients, their families, and their doctors an excellent opportunity to have their case for coverage of medically necessary treatment made by an independent review board, not an insurance company medical director with half the patient’s file and a bias towards denial.

“There is nothing more terrifying than being told by your doctor that a treatment is medically necessary,” said Casagrande, “while simultaneously being told by your insurance company that it won’t pay for a treatment that may very well save the life of a loved one.”

In addition to introducing this legislation, Assemblywoman Casagrande has written to over 300 hospital presidents and administrators throughout the state, alerting them of this proposal, and asking for their support to promote the IHCAP among the doctors and staff at their hospital. Also, the Assemblywoman’s office has already created and distributed signs in both English and Spanish that contain the phone number to hospitals, asking that they be displayed.

“Currently, the program reviewed 250 appeals during the first six months of 2008. It’s clear from my conversations with doctors and patients that the program is being underutilized,” Casagrande’s letter states. “A goal of the legislation I have drafted and enclosed, A3543, is to raise awareness of this program among doctors and staff at our state’s medical facilities. In my own personal experience, I did not find that this program was well known or widely publicized, despite being in existence for 10 years.”

Welcome New Readers

Over this weekend first time visitors to MoreMonmouthMusings exceeded returning visitors by a significant margin for the first time since immediately after the November election.

I hope you come back often, read, comment and of course, vote in the polls.

February 27 Deadline for Freeholder Candidates to Declare

Monmouth GOP Chairman Joe Oxley has an announcement on the new web site that those interested in running for Freeholder this year should submit a letter of intent to him at headquarters, P.O. Box 808, Freehold NJ 07728.

The letter should arrive no later than February 27, and should indicate that you have the support of your Municipal Chair or a member of your district's legislative delegation.

Get busy candidates!

Check out the New Monmouth GOP Website

Chairman Joe Oxley is pleased to announce that the Monmouth GOP's new website in now up and running. Check it out here.

I promised Joe lots of traffic, so feel free to click multiple times!

Don't forget the Lincoln Day Dinner on Sunday evening, 6PM at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands. You can buy tickets at the door.

So far there are 470 tickets sold and over 100 ads in the Ad Joural.

MONMOUTH LEGISLATORS ASK ARMY TO UPDATE COST SAVINGS ESTIMATES FOR FORT MONMOUTH

In a letter dated February 10, 2009, all 9 members of the Monmouth county legislative delegation requested that the Army provide to the General Accounting Office updated cost savings estimates upon which the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) based its decision to close Fort Monmouth and move a substantial part of its operations to Aberdeen Proving Ground.

The letter, addressed to Secretary of the Army Preston M. “Pete” Geren, stated in part “By now it is well documented that the original cost savings estimates are woefully inaccurate. In this time of historic economic difficulty, it is essential that every taxpayer dollar spent is necessary and any decision of this nature should be based on accurate, up to date cost estimates. We believe there is an overwhelming case that the escalating costs of moving the operations of the Fort to Aberdeen will override any perceived benefits from such an action.”

The legislators were referring to Asbury Park Press investigations which have shown the cost of closing the Fort have more than doubled , from $780 million to $1.6 billion, since the decision was made to close the Fort by the 2005 BRAC decision.

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon, speaking for the group, said “we know the cost of moving the Fort has ballooned and there’s an argument to be made that moving the Fort’s operations would compromise the safety of our troops. On that basis alone the Army should be required to go over and above to prove that the costs outweigh the benefits. But just as importantly, there’s this sense that the government has been less than truthful throughout this whole process and in the interest of restoring people’s confidence that they can actually trust what their government tells them, I think it’s incumbent upon the Army to do the right thing and update the numbers.”

The letter was signed by Senators Sean Kean (R-11), Jennifer Beck (R-12), and Joseph Kyrillos (R-13) and Assembly Members Mary Pat Angelini and David Rible (R-11), Caroline Casagrande and Declan O’Scanlon (R-12), and Amy Handlin and Sam Thompson (R-13).

Grace Cangemi weighs in on the Youth Detention Center

Grace Cangemi said...

The same day that two alleged drug dealers were killed by three other alleged drug dealers around the corner from my house, I attended the “hearing” on closing the YDC. Perhaps I was in a less tolerant frame of mind than usual. Perhaps the time I spent as a victim’s advocate makes the plight of juvenile offenders less of a priority than the plight of the folks who have to live around them. Any which way, watching D’Amico and Mallett pretend to care about public comment and then read pre-written statements about the importance of the YDC made me a little sick.

D’Amico and company talk about cutting funding to Brookdale when closing the YDC can save as much as two million dollars a year. Moving a handful of juvenile offenders to a new facility in Middlesex County will mean an extra 20 minutes of travel time. Sorry if a few offenders and their “support system” have to be inconvenienced. The victims of their crimes don’t get free lawyers and social workers and case managers – they get nothing but the meager support that can be offered by a handful of not-for-profits that are holding bake sales and relying on volunteers to keep their doors open.

Tough decisions need to be made, but this isn’t one of them. Only the worst juvenile offenders are placed in the YDC. Overall, 6% of juvenile offenders are responsible for 66% of all violent juvenile crime. Some of these kids are one person crime sprees. And over 85% of their victims are from within their own communities. So while the ministers from Asbury Park are decrying closing the YDC, perhaps they should at least mention the toll these offenders take on their own neighborhoods. Where were they when it was time to tell D’Amico not to cut educational opportunities for kids in their communities who are working to get ahead?

Mallett is beholden to the unions who support the juvenile detention officers. D’Amico is tied in with them as well. Their position has nothing to do with what’s best for Monmouth County. They can listen to the ministers and pretend to care about this handful of offenders, but they’ve already lined their campaign coffers with union dollars. This is a purely political move on D’Amico’s part, as it is for his hand-puppet, Amy Mallett. McMorrow should realize that this is political cronyism at its worst and vote to close the YDC.

Coming to your TV in October

I'm a Libertarian radical when is comes to marriage equality. I think government should get out of the marriage business. Marriage is a sacramental distinction and should be left to churches. All domestic partnerships should be civil unions and there should be no discrimination based on race, gender, religion or species.

But my opinion is not likely to carry the day.

Neither will Governor Corzine's.

Whoever shot this video of Corzine at the Human Rights Gala last weekend gave the NJ GOP a huge gift.

Call me Rovian. I don't care. But I can't wait to see this video on my TV this fall followed with the tag, "I'm Chris Christie and I approved this message" or "I'm Steve Lonegan and I approved this message" or "Paid for New Jerseyans committed to traditional marriage."

Priorities

Deputy D'Amico needs to flip again.

D'Amico has been calling for Brookdale Community College to cut its budget. Last night the Freeholders introduced a county budget that included $27.7 million for Brookdale. At a separate meeting also last night, the Brookdale Board of Trustees announced that they found $1 million in savings from their $93 million budget and that they would only be requesting $26.7 million from the Monmouth County property tax payers. Thank you very much to those who are accepting wage freezes. Some of that million is a deferral of debt service. Some was eliminating positions that weren't filled anyway. Those parts are not really savings, but those are the games of creative accounting that bureaucrats and politicians play.

Brookdale's recently announced tuition increase will stand. Good. By any standard Brookdale provides a quality education at extremely reasonable tuition. With record enrollment of 15,000 students, the market evidently agrees. There is no doubt that many of those students, or their parents, would rather be spending tuition dollars for freshman and sophomore years at a quality four year institution of higher learning that awards baccalaureates. Yet Brookdale offers a quality alternative at 25% of the cost.

My question for D'Amico is why is he making headlines by squeezing Brookdale for a few hundred thousand dollars (remember, a lot of that "million" was creative accounting, not real savings)when he is not willing to save $2.5 million in real money by closing the Youth Detention Center.

Brookdale has 15,000 students. The YTD has 20 delinquent detainees. The $26.7 million the county will contribute to Brookdale comes to $1780 per student. The county could save $125,000 per delinquent by closing the Youth Detention Center, yet D'Amico has pledged to cast his two votes (his and Amy Mallet's) to keep the YTD open. Why?

In addition to the cost of operating the YTD, the Monmouth County facility is in need of serious repairs, which will cost millions more. The Middlesex County YTD is modern and has fair superior facilities. The detained youth would be better off in Middlesex. If the extra half hour to drive for visitation is too much for the families, well maybe that attitude contributed to those kids being in trouble in the first place. Maybe the kids are better off without inconvenienced visitors.

Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow was evidently moved by the pastors and families who spoke about the need for the Monmouth YTD. She said she wanted to find cost savings at the falling down facility in order to keep it open. Here's an idea; How about we start charging the families or churces of detainees "tuition" for the Monmouth YTD. Watch how quickly they will drop their opposition to the closure.

What is all this b.s. about corporate jets?

By Rod Sterling

Every time I utter what sounds like a criticism of the O
administration, somebody says "Do you think (a) Bush (b) the
Republicans would be any better?" Let's get something straight. The
Dems now control both houses and the executive branch and were 21
months from the next congressional election. It is irrelevant what
Bush or the Repubs did or would do. That is not an answer.
Right now, there is not one single elected official at federal level
that I can say I agree with and trust, republican or Democrat. My
congressman here in VA is fairly impressive - Eric Cantor - but I need
more time to make a full endorsement.

Now what is all this crap about the corporate jets? Both houses and
Obama have badmouthed the use of these jets (without bothering to
mention, btw, that Madame Pelosi spends about $5 Million a year at
taxpayer expense going from Washington to sanctuary city every week)
without any concern for the aircraft industry and how it is and will
be affected.

Our problem is not corporate jets. It's a flea on an elephant's ass.

The real problem nobody, not even Rush Limbaugh or Fox News, is
discussing. For 25 years pressures have been brought against
governments agencies at all levels to give parity to public sector
workers against private sector workers. BTW, they have more than
achieved it. They never should have allowed public workers to
unionize. It does not make sense. Unions were designed to protect
the little guy from the corporate scion who could and 100 plus years
ago did control many lives of railroad, copper mine, etc. employees.
Public workers work for the people. What the people deem, provided no
rights are being denied, is right. If the people feel the salaries in
the schools should be raised to get better quality teachers, the
school board will vote the increase.

I will say unequivocally, that WE NEVER HAD TO PAY TEACHERS, COPS,
FIREMEN, POSTAL WORKERS AND SO ON $50 PER HOUR! When you have three,
four or five job applications on file for every slot, you don't have
to raise the salary. We are paying public employees nearly double what
was necessary to fill the slots.

When I was young all those jobs paid very little but they offered
"security." People who were security minded opted for less pay. Then
came the unions who told them they can have the money and still have
the security. Ever hear of tenure? It is an evil, immoral,
counter-productive concept. The NEA might as well say: Our people
are so shallow, and so fragile that they can only function at all if
permitted to be completely complacent about their jobs. So don't ever
talk about productivity or accountability to us. We have to know that
we can't be fired unless we commit a felony.

The government was eager for the auto industry to re-write their deals
with the unions but never turned their focus on themselves, and of
course, never will..... until the collapse comes. And, if you won't
recognize the problem, you won't address it and it won't go away.
Therefore collapse is inevitable. (By the way, at my high school
reunion in October, one of my classmates who disagreed with me asked
me what my qualifications were. I told him I was not deaf, dumb,
blind or stupid. Those were my qualifications. He was a college
professor.)

To take everybody's eye off the real problem they bitch about
corporate jets. And apparently, those wall street bankers all left
their dicks in their airplanes because they sat their apologizing to
that congressman (Bradley") from California, and Maxine Waters from,
you guessed it, California. What the hell is going on there anyway?
They are either on fire, having an earthquake, sliding into the ocean
or some women is giving birth to Octuplets at government expense. and
everybody they send to Wash DC is not just a flaming marxist, but
incredibly stupid. They are up to their asses in illegals and yet
they create two "santuary" cities to keep anybody from doing anything
about it.

And while I am at it, there are certain words and phrases I would like
to see the last of:

Parity Pro-active Entitlement Tenure
"...at the end of the day...." "...what the American people
want...." "let me share something with you." If you are not
giving me half of your Hershey bar but intend to give me your opinion,
let me share something with you.

I stay out of Italian Restaurants who don't have the word "spaghetti"
on the menu.

Oh yes, here's a heads up. That malignant dwarf Reich from the
Clinton administration has been nosing around for a job. He was on
the radio last week talking about the billions to go to
infrastructure: "I'm sure the American people don't want the
infrastructure money to go to white contractors. It's time to give
that money to the long-termed unemployed, blacks and other
minorities." Yeah, let's make absolutely certain that the bridges
aren't being built by people who ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO BUILD
BRIDGES!!!!

I keep hoping that it is all a nightmare and I wake up and I'm back in
the Eisenhower administration.

"Rod" Sterling is the Former Mayor of Stafford Township. He is now retired and lives in Virginia.

Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves." Abraham Lincoln

Criminal Simulation

Ryan Ward of Toms River was sentenced to time served, two years probation and banned from Belmar bars and restaurants for impersonating Yankee pitcher Joba Chamberlain.

What will Jon Corzine's penalty be for impersonating a financial wizard, an ethics reformer, a property tax cutter and a gay rights advocate?

Corzine appeared before the Greater New York Human Rights Gala last weekend and pledged to sign a marriage equality bill "when it reaches his desk."

Here's a video of his appearance:



Hat tip to Save Jersey

What are the chances of a marrriage equality bill reaching Corzine's desk this year?

"Hold me accountable" Corzine told the Human Rights Gala that is was time for politicians to stand up and "do what's right." He equated the issue to stopping genocide in Dafur.

Since he feels so strongly about marriage equality, Corzine should schedule Town Hall meetings throughout the state like he did to promote his 800% toll increase plan to promote a marriage equality act. Otherwise, he should be banned from Human Rights Galas, MSNBC and Rocca Riccio's book signings.

More Bad News For Corzine

A new Monmouth University poll indicates that New Jersey voters give Governor Corzine a C- in his job performance. Only 34% approve of the job he is doing. That sounds like grade inflation.

Which Party Controls Freehold?

Politickernj's "Wally Edge" has a piece that suggests that the GOP still has control of Monmouth County government, despite the Dems 3-2 majority. Wally says that Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow has aligned with Republicans Rob Clifton and Lillian Burry, to the consternation of Trenton Democrats including Chairman Joe Cryan.

Wally's infrequent Monmouth County pieces usually reflect more on the agenda of the source who pitched him the story than they reflect reality. In this case, Wally's facts are more accurate than usual, but his conclusion, that McMorrow has effectively joined the GOP without switching parties, goes too far. Maybe like a baseball umpire who makes one bad call to make up for a previous bad call, Politickernj is making up for calling Jeff Cantor a "GOP Stand Out" when they reported his party switcheroo. Jeff Cantor's GOP star flamed out in 2007.

It is true that there has been tension between McMorrow and D'Amcio. It is true that D'Amico has been heavy handed and acted as though he was in charge. It is also true, that working with Clifton and Burry, McMorrow prevented the "clean sweep" of Republican appointees that the Cryan, D'Amico and County Dem spokesman Mike Magen were giddy about in November when Amy Mallet finally squeaked by John Curley. It is also true that Mallet has aligned with Trenton insider D'Amico. After all, she owes the Trenton Dems for taking over the six figure campaign debt from her failed Assembly campaigns.

None of the above is news to regular MoreMonmouthMusings readers.

However, as McMorrow's comments at the public meeting about the Youth Detention Center indicate, McMorrow's "alliance" with Clifton and Burry is not cast in stone. As reported by the Asbury Park Press McMorrow indicated that she would favor keeping the Youth Detention Center open, if she could identify cost savings. D'Amico and Mallet were unequivocal in their support of keeping the YDC open, despite the fact that $2.5 million would be saved by closing the center and detaining the 20 some odd youthful offenders in Middlesex County's superior facility.

So, which party controls Freehold? Neither. Barabara McMorrow does. She is a classic swing voter and she is the Director.

Wally Edge's piece reports that Democratic insiders say McMorrow hasn't decided if she will seek re-election this year. I think she will. Apparently do many others. So far there is only one declared GOP candidate for Freeholder this year, Eileen Kean. In recent years there have been six or seven candidates vying for the GOP Freeholder nomination this time of year. This is expected to be a good year for the GOP in Monmouth with the Governor's race on the top of the ticket. Yet the prospect of running against Barbara McMorrow is apparently keeping many potential GOP candidates on the sidelines.

Ironically, a McMorrow-Kean match up may guarantee at least another year of neither party controlling Freehold. Like McMorrow, Kean swings both ways, politically speaking. Despite strong Republican credentials like being the sister of a Republican State Senator and being the President of the Neptune Republican Club, Kean is a regular contributor to Frank Pallone's ever growing campaign coffers. She has also given to Steve Rothman, Rob Andrews, and Bob Torricelli. For those who follow the link, it is the same Eileen Kean reporting from all three states listed.

Here's an interesting question: What if McMorrow doesn't run? What if Kean has already sewn up the GOP nomination before McMorrow declares she is not running? How many potential GOP candidates will be kicking themselves for not competing for the nomination?

Is the Monmouth Freeholder race about to get interesting? Probably not. But something tells me that that is exactly what Wally's source is hoping for.

He Gotta Go

Hat tip to The Cranbury Conservative.

Our Clever President

Commentary by Tony Blankley at Rasmussen Reports.

Lincoln Day Celebration Sunday Night

Lonegan and Halfacre on the Pension Deferral Scam

Hat tip to Save Jersey.

Cantor: Switch Was a Local Decision

Marlboro Councilman told MoreMoreMonmouthMusings that his decision to switch parties was a purely local decision based on his support of Mayor Jon Hornik, Councilman Frank LaRocca, and his dissatisfaction with the Marlboro GOP.

Cantor said that Hornik and LaRocca are putting the best interests of Marlboro first and are doing the right thing. He said the local GOP is deeply divided into factions, most of which are operating out of their own self-interest.

Cantor said he has not given any thought to running for higher office and that he may not run for re-election to his post as a Marlboro councilman. He said he may be deployed to Afghanistan later this year.

When asked why he would switch parties if he is unsure about even running for re-election, Cantor said he felt it was important to send a message of support for Hornik and a repudiation of the Marlboro GOP.

Jeff Cantor bolts GOP. Marlboro Councilman is now a Democrat

Poltickernj, citing a press release from the Marlboro Democrats, reports that Jeff Cantor, the Marlboro Councilman and GOP Freeholder candidate in 2007 has registered as a Democrat.

Cantor was a last minute entry into the race for the GOP nomination to replace Anna Little on the Freeholder Board in 2007 when then Chairman Adam Puharic was forcing Little off the ticket. Cantor won the nomination at a GOP county convention by emotionally invoking Ronald Reagan in his address to the county committee. Cantor lost in the general election to John D'Amico.

GOP insiders have been expecting Marlboro Mayor Jon Hornik to be a Democratic candidate for Assembly this year, challenging Declan O'Scanlon and Caroline Casagrande. The Poltickernj piece points to Hornik as a potential challenger to Senator Jennifer Beck in 2011. Don't be surprised if Cantor is a Democratic Assembly candidate this year.

Panter and Cantor. It's kind of catchy.

Corzine wants to force Catholic doctors to perform abortions!

This is sick.

Matt Rooney at Save Jersey has a piece today about Cape May Assembly candidate Mike Donohue speaking out against Corzine's law suit to compell Catholic hospitals and doctors to preform abortions.

I didn't know about this suit. It is outrageous. Regardless of one's belief and stand on the right to choose or the right to life, that the State could compell someone to perform an optional procedure that violates their core moral convictions is a human rights violation.

We are devolving to the level of the Taliban. God help us.

Politics Threatens Highlands' Events

Former Highlands Mayor Rick O'Neil, Councilmen John Urbanski and Bill Ciazza march in the 2006 Highlands St. Patrick's Parade.

The Highlands Business Partnership has long been a political football in the tiny shore town.

Two long serving Councilmen, John Urbanski and Bill Ciazza, have been on record for years as wanting to disband the Business Improvement District (BID). Urbanski wants it disbanded because he feels it only benefits the restaurants and not his towing and auto repair business. Ciazza wants the BID gone because he doesn't like its leader, Carla Cefalo-Braswell.

The BID is an independent non-profit corporation controlled by a Board of Directors elected by commercial property owners. It was formed 1999. It is funded in part by an assessment that commercial property owners pay. Residential taxpayers don't contribute to the BID's budget. The BID's first assessment in 2000 was $85,350. The 2008 assessment was $95,000. Each year, the Mayor and Council approve the BID's calender and budget.

With Rebecca Kane and Christopher Francy now on the Council, Urbanski and Ciazza finally have the votes to turn down the BID's budget. Indications are that they intend to do so at the borough's council meeting on February 18th.

If the council does turn down the BID's budget, it is very likely that Highlands' Events will be cancelled this year. At the very least, the March 21st St. Patrick's Parade will be cancelled.

Highlands residents should contact Kane and Francy and tell them how they feel about the BID events and if they should be cancelled. They should show up at the February 18th council meeting and let their voices be heard. The meeting might be the most exciting event of the year.

Youth Detention Center Public Meeting Tonight

The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders will hold a special meeting tonight for the purpose of getting the public's input on the proposed closure of the Youth Detention Center.

The meeting will be at 7PM in Judge Cavanagh's Court Room on the second floor of the Hall of Records.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can contact your Freeholders through the county web site here.

Sheriff Kim Guadagno's report on the Youth Detention Center can be read here.

Monmouth U Poll: Obama doing better than Corzine

A Monmouth University poll released this morning indicates that New Jersey voters have more confidence in President Obama's ability to handle the economic crisis than they have in Governor Corzine's ability. The poll was taken before Obama interrupted 24.

78% of New Jerseyans feel that Corzine is not doing enough to control costs.

Read the Monmouth U poll here.

Priorities

The Honeymoon is over.

President Obama spoke too long at his news conference tonight and messed up my recording of 24.

Is Henry Taylor dead? Is the fat chick in the wheel chair dead?

12 American Solutions for Jobs and Prosperity

Read and endorse Newt's plan here.