I could not have said it better myself

GOP contract: Breach it now

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/11/07

The only thing more disturbing than the contract Monmouth County Republicans are asking candidates seeking the party's endorsement to sign is the apparent willingness of most of the candidates to do so.

The 14-page questionnaire/contract not only asks candidates to pay $1,000 or more to have a private snoop do a background check on them, but requires them to sign an agreement not to wage a primary fight in the event they are deemed unworthy by the party. What an outrage. No one with any self-respect should sign the contract. And no voter in Monmouth County should cast a ballot for anyone weak-kneed enough to go along with it.

Further troubling is the way the ground rules of the contract seem to be changing. In a commentary in Thursday's Press, GOP Chairman Adam Puharic said the background check was "confidential, between the researcher and the candidate." Here's what the loyalty oath the county Grand Old Politburo candidates are sworn to take has to say on the subject, in a clause called "Disclosure and Use of Information:"

"We will disseminate the information provided by you only on an "as needed' basis to our officers, members, employees, third party vendors or contractors as determined by the Monmouth County Republican chairman necessary for a complete and thorough candidate selection process. We will take reasonable precautions to protect the information we obtain from you."

In capital letters, to underscore the point, it concludes, "You hereby irrecovably (sic) waive any and all claims and causes of action you may have against us arising from such disclosure or use of the information provided to us by you."

Did anyone who signed the contract actually read it first?

There's nothing wrong with political parties doing due diligence on candidates. It's common. What isn't common — and what isn't acceptable — is asking candidates to pay to have investigators sniff their dirty laundry, failing to spell out the parameters for the investigations and extracting a written promise from candidates not to compete in a primary if they are spurned by the party elite. Being out of favor by the party — particularly the Republican Party in Monmouth County — may well be a major selling point with voters.

The Republican organization should tear up the contracts, remove the $1,000 entry fee and make it clear to candidates they are free to compete in the primary if they don't receive the party's endorsement, and the leadership will not use any information obtained during background checks against them in a primary fight. If the party refuses to do that, candidates should refuse to seek its blessing.

It's a shame she has to do this

Anna Little Releases Her Judgement Search

Surprise!

It seems many on the GOP county committee are not on the chairman's email list, nor do they check into the the party's website regularly. They are learning that the chairman has usurped their authority by reading the papers.

Atlantic Highlands Councilman and County Committee Member Jack Archibald chimes in with his weekly column, "Body Politic" published at ahherald.com

Grassroots Republicans in the Bayshore, Two Rivers and even Howell are rallying around Anna Little.

Surprisingly "Ronald Reagan" the blogger previously known to be former Executive Director Dan Gallic has posted material critical of the chairman, though not necessarily pro Anna Little. Rumor has it that Fred Neimann is plotting a comeback. We shall see. This one smells fishy to me.

Republican pollster Adam Geller has been calling Monmouth County voters to get a gage on our candidates' popularity and approval. Do you think those results will be released when they show Anna Little as the most popular Republican Freeholder? I think not.

More and more Republicans are realizing Puharic is out of control, alienating the the rank and file and leading the party to defeat if the course is not changed quickly.

"Trust, but verify"

In an OpEd piece in today's Asbury Park Press, Spin Mister in Chief Adam Puharic presents a compelling argument for the need for background checks for Republican candidates for public office. Operation Bid Rig, Republicans in handcuffs, Marlboro development and Keyport plaques.

Adam is right. We shouldn't be nominating criminals or dead beats to public office and entrusting them with millions or billions tax payers dollars. A public records search of candidates for public office in not an unreasonable thing to require. If problems are revealed they should be handled privately and with dignity.

The problem is, the process that Puharic is requiring of Republican candidates is far more invasive than the type of background reviews provided for "bank tellers, day care workers and police officers." Some of the information demanded by Puharic is illegal for prospective employers to ask of applicants before and after the granting of employment.

Puharic said that when he became chairman he found himself "faced with the difficult task of helping to restore confidence in the political process and in elected officials." If Puharic really wants to do that he could start by not lying to the public himself.

Puharic lied when he said that the process is confidential, "between the researcher and the candidate." The truth is that candidates are required to sign a contract that allows the results of the background checks to be shared with party "officers, members, employees, contractors and third party vendors." And the candidates must waive any and all claims they may have arising from such disclosure by the GOP organization or any of those third parties they give it to.

Only a fool would sign such a contract, and more than one of the GOP candidates has refused to do so.

Don't believe me? Who could blame you for that? This whole mess is unbelievable. Send me an email to billsewardnj@aol.com and I'll reply with a copy of the contract candidates "must submit."

Vulnerability Assessment

Chairman Puharic has taken to calling the $1000 background checks that candidates must voluntarily submit to "vulnerability assessments."

Instead of publicly poking into candidates' dirty laundry, Puharic should look in the mirror. The divisive course he is leading the party down will surely lead to the Monmouth GOP's demise.

Here we have a man who as a candidate and Municipal Chair in Aberdeen never won a general election. By his own admission, he was punitive in the name of unity. Yet he left the Aberdeen GOP defeated and its county committee seats largely vacant. A defeated, smaller, yet united party.

He sailed to victory in the Chairman's race by vowing to create party unity to a county committee that was tired of fighting, and by backing off his "the conventions are a cancer" rhetoric.

With a ticket he inherited, he finally won in a general election. 2 out of 3 seats. Rather than celebrate victory, he set out once again to punish someone who had the audacity to disagree with him and win in the process. Anna Little.

Determined not to go through another campaign with an independent thinking and powerful woman, Puharic set out to destroy Little by creating a scandal where there wasn't one. That failed, as there was no truth to the rumors he and his minions were spreading.

He dusted off his "conventions are a cancer" rhetoric and created a screening committee stacked with the supporters of the losing candidates from the previous conventions. He announced a structure for the screening that would only apply to Anna Little, but then declared that all candidates must screen when he realised he couldn't sell singling out Little, especially after she just won a tough general election.

Then, in a gaffe that worked with precision he told the candidates they would have to pay between $2000 and $2500 for their background checks. He gave the press and the Democrats an issue that they will hammer him, and his ticket, with throughout the upcoming campaign.

And come November, the Monmouth GOP will have been molded in Puharic's image. Just like Aberdeen, it will be united, smaller and defeated.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Why is it that none of the Freeholder challengers are women? Women swept the county races last November. Women are now the majority of the Freeholder board.

Depending on how things break in the 11th District, 5 of 9 Monmouth GOP legislative candidates could be women.

Monmouth County voters seem to like and trust women. Why is it that none of the Freeholder challengers are women?

It seems to me that we have another vulnerability in the making.

Background Checks

For the moment I am holding off on publishing the results of any background checks on screening committee members. I just don't see the point in creating additional angst in a farce of a process that has been a fait a compli since before it was announced.

However, I don't think Anna Little would mind my sharing the highlights of the background search I purchased on her way back on November 18, 2006. That was 11 days after her victory in the general election. The rumor campaign against Mrs. Little had already started then.

Backruptcies: None found
Judgements: None found
Liens: None found
UCC filings: None found
Divorces: None found
Criminal Convictions: None found

There are members of the screening committee who have heard rumors, and repeated them, contrary to the facts. Our Chairman is at the heart of the character assassination campaign that has been waged against Anna Little since November.

Far from ethical reform, this has been a shameless and cowardly process perpetuated by small greedy men disguised as public servants.

Former Republican Jim Purcell suggests on his blog that those Republicans who want to reform county government become Democrats. That would be a hard pill to swallow for many.

A full slate of primary challengers might be easier to swallow.

Either way, Unity is a pipe dream as long as the small greedy men are in charge.

Isn't this Party Unity Wonderful?!

Despite Chairman Puharic's quote in today's Asbury Park Press to the contrary, Anna Little is not the only candidate with problems with the screening process. The concerns go beyond the participants having to agree not to run in a primary if they don't pass the screening committee.

Contrary to Puharic's claim that: The checks will be done by an investigator with a political background, and the findings "will go from the researcher to the candidate. It will be completely private. Under no circumstances will the 24 members of the screening committee see the research, nor can they request that." , the multi-page contract contains language requiring the candidates to hold the Monmouth GOP harmless in the event any of the information leaks, and there is no promise of privacy.

Who would want a Freeholder naive enough to sign a document like that? This is not the way "all big companies" do it.

Puharic's claim of only the investigator and the candidate seeing the report is just not credible. If true, what would be the point? If the committee will not have access to the reports, what are they screening?

As I have said here before, this whole process is a farce. Puharic's real objective all along has been to get rid of Anna Little.

Little said, "If he doesn't want me on the ticket, he should look me in the eye and say that."

That would have been too forthright for this Chairman.


See Abe's post for more

You don't know how luck you are boys

Shades of the U.S.S.R.

Our 2007 Screening Candidates
A “Wireside Chat” from Chairman Adam Puharic
02/01/2007

Dear fellow Republicans:

Tonight, I am honored to announce the candidates who have chosen to move forward in the candidate selection process for 2007. Clearly, our reform of the divisive, little-minded convention system of the last two years has worked with extreme precision. Only those candidates willing to stand up to professional scrutiny, and able to submit to a thorough background review before moving forward, have put their names forward. Long gone are the days of candidates selected to form wedges in our great party, pitting one geographical region against another. They have become very uncomfortable by the thought of being screened by the Chairman’s committee -- who are all committed to unity in the Republican party.

Instead, on March 24th, at Brookdale Community College, the county committee will vote to choose among a group of candidates committed to uniting the party, and winning in the general election. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2007 screening committee candidates:

State Senator
11th District – Assemblyman Sean Kean
12th District – Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck
13th District – Senator Joseph Kyrillos

State Assembly
11th District:
David Rible – Wall Twp.
Mayor Tom Catley – Neptune Twp.
Mary Pat Angelini – Ocean Twp.
Mayor Bill Larkin – Ocean Twp.
Kim Guadagno -- Monmouth Beach Commissioner
12th District:
Caroline Casagrande – Colts Neck
Tom Gilmour – Council President in Fair Haven
Declan O’Scanlon – Little Silver Councilman
13th District:
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin
Assemblyman Sam Thompson

Sheriff:
Joseph Oxley

County Clerk:
M. Claire French

Freeholder:
J. David Hiers -- Ocean Twp. Councilman
Brian Reilly – Spring Lake Councilman
Jeff Cantor – Council President in Marlboro
Freeholder Rob Clifton
Freeholder Anna Little

Congratulations and thank you to all of the candidates who are complying with this ethical reform.

In the next few days, the rumor mill will spread lies about the background process involved before the screening committee convenes on February 17th. Let me be clear, and put an end to the little people who put a lot of energy into spreading lies about our good party:

The background process is voluntary. To date, everyone has indicated a willingness to comply.
We are asking the candidates to invest in this process. If a candidate is unwilling to fund their own background, the party will do it. But our funds are not endless and we are all in this together.
The results will remain confidential.
The Democrats will find out if we don’t. Don’t kid yourselves. With control on the line, if you don’t think the Dems will discover and use the same information, you are kidding yourselves.
Best of luck to all of our candidates! I will update you following the screening committee’s decision.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party

Freeholder Candidates

Updated February 2, 2007

Rob Clifton, Freeholder
Anna Little, Freeholder
Brian Reilly, Spring Lake Councilman and owner of a Montclair based moving and storage company. He once moved Abraham Lincoln's desk, according to his company's web site.
David Hiers, Ocean Township Township Committee and a trustee for the Brookdale Community College Foundation.
Jeff Cantor, Marlboro Councilman, pharmaceutical sales rep and Army reservist who served in Iraq.
APP Story

The candidates entry fee to cover the cost of background checks has been reduced to $1000 (still expensive for a public records search)and is now voluntary. Wayne Pomanowski has stepped up and gone on record as opposing the fee. APP story.

It is notable that the only incumbents being challenged are the Freeholders. No incumbent legislators, nor the Sheriff(did he file?) or Clerk are being challenged. There was no fifth Freeholder candidate until late in the day on February 1st, the deadline to declare.

Is one of the incumbent Freeholders a target? It is no secret that the Democrats smell Rob Clifton's blood over the Aberdeen/Matawan train station controversy and that the Matawan has gone D since he moved to Freehold. Many Republicans have expressed concern about his electability. Also not a secret is that Little has had many Republican leaders seeing red due to her independence. Many mourned her victory in November more than they mourned Andrew Lucas' defeat. They want her gone.

Will there still be five candidates come February 17th when the screening committee meets? Reilly and Hiers both dropped out last year. Cantor waited until the last minute to get in. Will one of the incumbents bow out? Stay tuned.

Meanwhile,the Democrats reportedly have a "blockbuster heavy weight" candidate committed, and several others jockeying for position.

Next week... screening committee background checks. Maybe.

Here comes a huge money grab

Now that the legislature is getting ready to authorize bids for leasing the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway for an immediate cash infusion of $10 to $15 billion, I thought I'd bring up a few points that haven't been mentioned yet.

Trenton is famous for unintended consequences and opportunities, so here are a few flies for the ointment.

1)If the highways become private enterprises, can municipalities and county collect property taxes on them? If the NJ Supreme Court agrees with the appellate court that the PNC Arts Center owes Holmdel back taxes, you can bet that Mayors and Freeholders all over NJ will want their fair share from the highways.

2)Everyone agrees that tolls will go up if road are privatized. But what about sales taxes? What is 7% of the annual take on tolls. Think of all the good pork barrel projects the legislature could do with that money! Carla Katz could get a much nicer new house for twice the price of the last one. 2 x 0 .

3) One way tolls have become increasingly popular in recent years. Watch for more entrances into NJ to be toll free to lure the suckers in and double tolls for the stampede out.

Graceful. Optimistic. Amazing.

Despite the target on her back and the fabricated attacks against her, Anna Little stood before 100 of her supporters last night and called for party unity.

In a room filled with loyal Republicans and a few "Little Democrats" Anna recited her many accomplishments in her one year as a Freeholder, including the 86,000 votes she earned in November. She praised the work of Lillian Burry, Rob Clifton, Claire French,Joe Oxley, and our great quality of life under Republican leadership in Monmouth County.

In the hope that cooler heads will prevail and in response to emails from screening committee members and a few others, I will backing off a bit unless events dictate otherwise.

She must know something I don't. I hope she can pull it off.

Screen this

Turns out that it costs a lot less than $2000.00 to do a background check. With up to 25 potential legislative and county candidates, someone will make a nice piece of change on the screening process.

Well, since we saved $500 by skipping the birthday party, the crack staff at more monmouth musings is going to purchase background checks on all members of the screening committee and the party executive committee.

We've already started. You can find all kinds of interesting info...family trees, how much they paid for their home, judgements, convictions, past and present employment, past and present addresses, and lots more.

Stay tuned, the juicy stuff will be published between now and February 17th. Its only fair that since the rank and file can't choose their candidates, that we know all we can about those who are doing the selecting. As a Monmouth County publisher is fond of saying, we're here to help.

If anyone objects and wants to give me a piece of their mind or more, or if anyone thinks this is a great idea and wants to pat me on the back, I'll be at the Shore Casino tonight for Anna Little's fundraiser.

UPDATE


I've heard from four members of the screening committee who have asked me to hold off on perfoming background checks. Two said they have objected to the candidates background checks and the $2000 fee. All said they were not informed of this practice prior to agreeing to be on the screening committee. One suggested that I give all screening committee members 5 days or a week to let me know by email if they individually favor the practice, before I dig into their background.

That seems fair. My email address is available in my profile. Screening committee members are welcome to email me. Please specify if you want your comments on the record or off the record.

Screening committee members are also encouraged to announce their resignations on this blog.

Just asking....

Which party official recently secured new employment with the assistance of an elected official who is up for re-election this year? Will that incumbent have to screen? Will that elected official have to pay $2,000.00 for a background check?


Which elected official personally profits from the renovation of the Monmouth County Hall of Records? Is it true that the same official has been thwarting the fundraising efforts of a colleague?


Will any of the above officials be at Anna Little's fundraiser on Monday night?

Mysteriously deleted from the MonmouthGOP Website

You are cordially invited to attend a

Campaign Kick-off 2007 party honoring

Freeholder Anna Little
on

Monday, January 29, 2007 - 6 P.M. to 8 P.M

Shore Casino

Atlantic Highlands Harbor
Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Donation $50.00 Cash Bar

Checks made payable to Friends of Freeholder Anna C. Little

PO Box 1492

Wall, NJ 07719

Tough Choices

What to do tonight?

The Affiliated or Adam's Birthday Party or both.

The Affiliated is always fun. Renew friendships, find out what people are up to, have a few laughs and maybe a fight will break out. But campaigning and endorsing are not allowed. Will it be fun?

If I go to Adam's Birthday party, I could rub elbows with the big shots. Maybe I could get in good with them, get appointed to something. Maybe someone will call bloggers terrorists. Get to see Peter's beautiful home and get decorating ideas. But it will set me back $500 if I bring my spouse.

Both will be fodder for great blogging material. But if I go to the birthday party early, they will know where I'm going when I leave, and talk about me. If I get to the birthday party late, they will know where I've been.

Maybe I'll go to Washington with Tommy DeSeno, but then I'd miss Sean Kean's Salute the Winners fundraiser on Sunday.

I know where I'll be Monday night. Anna Little's fundraiser at Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands. There might be real news made there, and its only $50 ($100 if I bring my spouse). No grab bag at Anna's!


Happy Birthday Mr. Chairman! Here's your horoscope:

THE LAST WORD IN ASTROLOGY BY EUGENIA LAST

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kirk Franklin, 37; Ellen DeGeneres, 49; Eddie Van Halen, 52; Lucinda Williams, 54, Adam Puharic, 36

Happy Birthday: Don't let emotional matters cause you to waste the opportunities this year holds for you. The sooner you let go of past resentments, the better. This is a year of pushing ahead positively. Shun anything and anyone who is negative and you will prosper. Your numbers are 6, 13, 16, 27, 35, 46

"Search" and Destroy (in the name of unity, ethics and qualifications)

Found in today's email:

Date: January 24, 2007 4:01:26 PM EST
To: Marj - Direct Title
Subject: Dear Fellow Republican -1-24-07.doc
Reply-To: m.morris@direct-title.com

Dear Fellow Republican,

We have now had the opportunity to read the candidate selection process that our Monmouth County Republican Chairman, Adam Puharic, recently announced in his Wireside Chat. It clearly reflects a tremendous amount of thought, debate, and the careful balancing of our Party’s missions. It also reflects our Chairman’s focus on re-unifying the Party.

Our Party’s ultimate mission is to get Republican candidates elected. To accomplish this, especially on a consistent basis, we must demonstrate our strong ethical values; we must open and create opportunities to serve; we must “build a bench,” and in the end, we must provide a process that elicits truly qualified public leaders and future leaders, who will be willing and able to serve as exceptional public officials.

Adam, with the help and counsel of many intelligent and concerned Monmouth County Republicans, has implemented important and pragmatic refinements to our candidate selection process. These refinements are carefully geared to achieving our Party’s missions - including that ultimate mission of getting our candidates elected, consistently.

I am writing to you to ask you to give our Party Chairman your full support in this important effort. Adam is doing a Herculean job. He is making tough decisions now, so that our Party can be strong in the future.

I am asking you to become an active advocate on Adam’s behalf - any time you find yourself among Republicans.

Thank you for your continued support of our Party.

Josh

Mitt!

The Monmouth GOP is well represented in the Romney Presidential campaign. Check out the video at Jackie Corley's blog.

UPDATE

A NEW CANDIDATE ENTERS THE RACE

Powerful lesson

I chose to use my power as Chairman to punish dissent, instead of healing, bringing people together, and fostering debate without resentment. I learned a powerful lesson – one that I hope the future Chairman will use to success: Power is finite. Once you use it, you immediately begin to lose it. But influence is forever. If you harness your influence, you can see the right ideas come to light, whether they are yours or not.

.....Adam Puharic, May 27, 2006

Candidate Selection Update

01/21/2007

Dear fellow Republicans:

I wanted to update you all on the process leading up to our next party convention. Below are some important points I would like you to keep in mind:

1. No endorsements among screening committee members. Though it was implicit in the role, I want to make clear that all screening committee members should avoid publicly or privately endorsing any candidates before the convention. Stay above the fractionalism and small mindedness of the past two conventions. This is about choosing the best candidate for all Republicans, not one to win favor from a specific geographic region or special interest group.

2. No lobbying of screening committee members. Let me make clear that sending gifts or information packets to individual screening committee members is inappropriate. It is also dangerous if your information is not correct. It is also harmful to use surrogates who seek to tear apart our party unity in the hopes of reliving their past glory days. All candidates of good will shall refrain from this type of activity. In the next seven days, a detailed questionnaire will be forwarded to candidates with seats in contention.

3. Municipal chairs will be selected by February 14. All interested chairs, willing to take part in the legislature screenings, must make themselves available to attend the screening committee meeting on February 17th.

Thanks to all of the good Republicans who’ve offered to sit as additional chairs for the process. I will welcome all who have the best interests of this party at heart.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party

Having Incumbents Screen is Bad for Party Unity and a Recipe for Defeat

As the candidate selection season enters full swing, the Monmouth County GOP is at a critical juncture, and faces a choice that is unprecedented in recent times.

For the first time in years, ever in my limited memory, we have two incumbent Freeholders up for re-election whose previous nominations were contested. The wounds of both of those contests, like the wounds from Operation Bid Rig, are not quite healed.

Rob Clifton was given the party line over incumbent Ed Stominski in 2004, by Chairman Bill Dowd, Senator Joe Kryillos, and a few others in Judith Stanley-Coleman's living room. While Rob defeated Ed in a contentious primary, his selection lead to the ouster of Chairman Bill Dowd, after 18 years of successful service. We have been in chaos ever since. Yet, we have won 8 of 9 contested county seats in three general elections.

Last year, Anna Little won a hotly contested race for the appointment to fill the seat Amy Handlin's seat when Handlin resigned after her election to the General Assembly. Little has been an active and controversial Freeholder, the likes of which we have rarely seen from a new comer. To the delight of her supporters and the consternation of "the establishment," she has ruffled more than a few feathers by refusing and returning what she considered to be tainted campaign contributions and with her vote not to reappoint Malcolm Carton as County Counsel. In a year when an angry electorate crisscrossed columns with their ballots, Little was elected to complete her term.

Clifton and Little both "defied marching orders" when they voted against the reappointment of Malcolm Carton. Anna defied two different Chairmen when she returned PAC money. Clifton also returned PAC money, though not during his own campaign.

Not unexpectedly, there are powerful people in our party, some of whom are on the screening committee, who want to replace Clifton, Little or both on the ballot.

Little has been subject to a baseless character assassination. There has been a whisper campaign about Clifton's electability, given our losses in Aberdeen and Matawan over the train station controversy, with some in the party discretely seeking candidates to oppose him at the convention or in a primary.

Now, both of them are conspicuous by their absence from the screening committee. If either of them are denied the opportunity to be voted up or down by the county committee convention , it will look like retribution for their independent actions and the return to the ways of the backroom deal which lead to Dowd's demise as Chairman. Their respective supporters in the party will be angry and act accordingly.

The Asbury Park Press and the Democrats will have a field day. In their endorsement of Democrats Barbara McMorrow and Greg Gibadlo last November, The Asbury Park Press said:

"This time last year, the two Republican candidates for the five-member, all-GOP Monmouth County freeholder board portrayed themselves as reformers — on ethics, on spending and on the pay-to-pay politics that have long characterized county government. We questioned their sincerity — with good reason, as it has turned out. Both Freeholder Director William Barham and Freeholder Lillian Burry have established their credentials as business-as-usual Republicans, most dramatically demonstrated by their vote to rehire longtime county counsel Malcolm Carton — the personification of patronage, taxpayer waste and abuse, and the arrogance that often afflicts entrenched officials.

Now, two other Republicans, incumbent Anna Little and Manalapan Committeeman Andrew Lucas, are seeking seats on the board in Tuesday's election, saying they are part of a new breed of Republicans, separate and apart from the old guard. We're dubious.


If either Clifton or Little are denied the party nomination without an opportunity to present themselves to the rank and file at a convention, I can imagine an Asbury Park Press editorial that starts like this:

This time last year we said that, "The best hope for badly needed reform is political opposition — something the Republican board hasn't had for nearly two decades." This is true now more than ever, as the Republican Party, in a backroom deal not approved by the County Committee has effectively fired the only two Republican Freeholders who were are part of a new breed of Republicans, most dramatically demonstrated by their vote not to rehire longtime county counsel Malcolm Carton — the personification of patronage, taxpayer waste and abuse, and the arrogance that often afflicts entrenched officials.

Can Dick and Jane be anything more than puppets for the old guard? Would they dare vote differently than the Freeholder Director or Deputy Director, after what happened to their predecessors? ...

I can't imagine how my friend Abe would argue with that one.

I have no problem with incumbents being challenged. But let those challenges be part of a democratic, "representational" process, not an "executive" fait compli.

Personally, I think Clifton and Little would be a lock for victory in November if they each declined to screen and ran in a primary. They would win the primary easily, and be free of the constraints of the "old guard." The Asbury Park Press would love it, and the Democrats would have to run against Rob and Anna's records, which are pretty good, instead of running against the "old guard."

The only thing that could stop them is the "old guard" withholding all their support, or worse throwing their support to the Democrats, like what happened when Brett Schundler was nominated in a primary to run against Jim McGreevey for Governor. Sure, the old guard was counting on McGreevey being a disaster and the old guard coming back to power after a four year hiatus. How did that work out? How have your tax bills been since then? Anyone remember who the State Party Chairman and Executive Director were then?

No, the best way to select our candidates for Freeholder, is to let the elected County Committee members decide. Let them choose between the incumbents, and any challengers the screening committee deems qualified, if we must have a screening committee.

What do you think? Let Chairman Adam Puharic know. His email address is info@MonmouthRepublican.org. His phone number is 732.431.6664. Or you can just post a comment here.

Either way, don't be negative or cast dispersions. This is not personal. It's for the good of the party and for the good of the citizens of Monmouth County. Really.

Governor Geico

Geico lobbyist helped Corzine write State of the State address

A "Wireside Chat" from Chairman Adam Puharic Update
01/15/2007

Dear fellow Republicans:

Over the weekend, I’ve received a large number of calls and emails offering support and encouragement for our decision to reform the candidate selection process and re-introduce a screening committee that has been in place, in one form or another, for the winning part of the last 20 years. I am grateful for the positive energy and messages of praise. Please keep it up, as it is the only salary I draw from this position.

I’ve also received three emails by critics. So in the hopes of clarifying any part of the process that may be murky, I’d like to take a few moments of your time to expand upon the screening process for the 2007 general election:

1. This only applies to the 2007 election. There will be revisions to the process, based on your input, before we re-apply the process for 2008. My intention is to take the amended candidate selection resolution, along with the outline of the party organization we have put in place, and create bylaws to submit for committee input at the conclusion of my first term. But please know that bylaws are secondary to winning elections. Winning in 2007 must come first. There are many democrat-controlled counties with strong Republican bylaws.

2. The County Committee has all of the authority it always had. There will be a convention, and committee members will chose the candidates who represent them. The role of the screen is to do the homework so the committee has only qualified choices before it. The role of the committee is to choose the candidate.

3. The screening committee is not a representational body, it is an executive body. Our great nation has worked very well with a strong executive branch, and a deliberative body (the Congress) to act upon the leadership mandate. Our Republican committee should work the same way. The screening committee is made up of chairs, elected officials, and my executive board members. It is divided roughly equally among the three groups. No one owns this vote.

4. There is no secret behind the membership of the committee. I was not able to reveal it until all of the members were contacted, and consented to participate. Truth be told, I had a five-year old birthday party on Saturday that prevented me from sending this email over the weekend, but such is the life of this Chairman.
The screening committee membership is:

Chairman Sal Alfieri
Chairman Tom Apostle
Freeholder Director Bill Barham
Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck
Chairman Michael Borg
Freeholder Lillian Burry
Political Whip John Cantalupo
Chairman Peter Carton
Second Vice Chair Caroline Casagrande
Chairman Rick DeNoia
SERC Chair, Tom DeSeno
County Clerk Claire French
Leadership Council Chair Tom Gagliano
Vice Chair Molly Giamanco
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin
Assemblyman Sean Kean
Chairman Norine Kelly
Senator Joe Kyrillos
Finance Chair Andrew Lucas
Moderator, Council of Chairs Steve McEnery
Chairman Bob McKenna
Rosemarie Peters
Legal Council Michael Supko
The Chairman (votes to break a tie)

5. All incumbents will screen. I am especially proud of County Clerk Claire French, Assemblyman Sean Kean, and Senator Kyrillos – who all voiced vocal support for submitting before this committee.

6. I am grateful for Assemblyman Thompson’s council on this policy. He has been extremely helpful, with his prior experience as the Middlesex County Chair, in pointing out ways to improve this process going forward. His recommendations will help to create an improved plan for this and future elections.
I hope this answers some questions. Now, I have two questions for all of you:

1. Will you please forward the names of four municipal chairs from each legislative district who will join the screening committee for their respective potential assembly and senate candidates? I will wait to hear from you before deciding.

2. When you learned about this plan, was your first instinct to trust that if was done in the best interest of the party, or was it to cast dispersions and be negative? Where you sit on this point goes a long way to describing who you are.

Thanks for giving me a few moments to better explain the process.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Then-President Ronald Reagan signs the bill commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a national holiday on Nov. 2, 1983 in the White House rose garden.


Friday, January 12, 2007

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman Honors The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman issued the following statement today in observation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday on Monday, January 15, 2007:

“The Republican National Committee joins the nation in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and accomplishments. We also look to the future, and continue the commitment to keep Dr. King’s dream of justice, expanded opportunity and freedom alive.

“Every step forward is one worth celebrating. From the recent groundbreaking for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, to the Re-Authorization of the Voting Rights Act, to nearly 3 million minority home owners, record growth in loans to minority businesses, and the narrowing of the achievement gap between black and white students, we have much to be proud of.

“But there is still work to do. Dr. King fought for equality in the eyes of the law. Today our fight is for equality of opportunity. Today we fight for a nation in which everyone has ownership and control over their own lives, from where their kids go to school to owning their own home to controlling their health care and retirement. Today, our Party and our nation honor Dr. King’s Dream by fighting for everyone to have an equal chance at the American Dream.”

It's been a year of hard ball politics

One year ago today, on a lark, I assumed the allonym William H. Seward to post a comment on Honest Abe's blog. I read about the blog in Jim Purcell's column in The Courier. I chose Seward because he, Presidents Lincoln's and Andrew Johnson's Secretary of State, tried to avoid the civil war before becoming a strong supporter of it.

That simple comment:

William H Seward said...
The Courier article about Abe was the best thing
published in The Courier since Handlin challenged Uncle Joe. Last weeks
Keansburg piece wasn't bad either, a good piece of journalism for a change on
Jim's part.

Hopefully the sting of the boss losing last spring is
wearing off and Jim and Jackie will get back to publishing news instead of
vendettas

Saturday, January 14, 2006 3:35:00 PM



lead to several days of banter between me and Purcell, during which Jim made several failing attempts to "out me", introduced "air bathing" into our lexicon (to his almost immediate chagrin) and challenged me to a modern day duel, a boxing match.

Sadly, the boxing match never happened, as Jim would not accept my conditions:

JIM_PURCELL said...
Say Bill:

Seeing as you're so community-minded...here's a suggestion (since you're having so much fun with the "air bath" thing). How about you and I have a charity sporting event for Deborah or perhaps Middletown Helps Its Own or something like that. We can do something that would be striking... and maybe a little different. Maybe we could do something that neither of us have done before... like, say...boxing. That's pretty fun to watch for the crowd. And, since you're having so much fun with me and my physical condition, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem for yo uto decide about.

I have a friend, Buddy Amato, in West Keansburg, who has the insurance and a dojo (complete with a ring and equipment...if you like) and we can sell tickets and raise a few bucks for our favorite causes (for me, I'd probably donate whatever to Keansburg Pop Warner). Heck, I know that someone like yourself (probably strapping and very athletic) will probably have a lot of fun and walk away with a great big "W"...right? Not to mention the satisfaction of proving something very decisive.

If you want to wear a mask...feel free...I promise not to look. I mean, we're talking about a controlled, referee'd charity event. Surely, since you've been laughing so hard at the "air bath" thing that should be no big deal. Or, I guess, you might want to hide your "secret identity" a little more closely? Maybe you don't want to show up because someone might recognize you. I'd understand. So, still laughing "Billy"?

I'm game if you are "Bill." So, you name the time, I got the place and there's a lot of kids out there that can benefit from you walking away with some charity money. You know what...just to kick things off...I'll pledge $200 of my own money. I mean, it's not a lot, but for a guy like you that should be pocket change.

Think about it and give me a buzz. Can't wait to hear from you, Mr. Secretary. Remember, good causes deserve our best efforts...right?

Thursday, January 19, 2006 9:46:00 PM


William H Seward said...
Jim,

For someone who throws insults around as much as you do, its ironic that you are so sensitive to my jeering. I suggest you tone down the insults and now you want to throw punches!

Sorry if you were offended by my "worse visual" comment, but it wasn't meant to poke fun at your physical condition. Even if you were a hunk, you've got to admit that you and I in a circle jerk is a worse visual image than either you or Ben Franklin taking an air bath.

I accept your challenge, but a need some time to train, and for the weather to break because I suggest that we do this in the true Olympian tradition and in honour of air baths, naked.

Between us we could probably get the permits to do so out at Sandy Hook. The potential money we could raise would be much greater if we did it this way, especially if you promoted the event in your paper.

I'd be surprised if each member of the Middletown Township Committee didn't donate $1000 each. Peter Carton would probably donate $10,000.

This could be a really unifying event. Fred Nieman, Bill Dowd and Vic Scudary would all be united behind us. Both Judy Stanley-Coleman and Jim Wassell would contribute. Judge Coleman could be the referee. I won't even wear a mask and I don't care if you look.

Terry and Serena could take turns holding the cards between rounds, assuming we last beyond one round.

You could have Director Bill be in your corner. I'll try to get Jennifer or Amy. I think I'd fight harder for Jen, but Amy would be more motivated to inspire me.

Like you said, good causes deserve our best efforts, so if we are going to do this, lets make sure we raise as much as possible. If you accept my conditions I'll match your personal contribution 10-1 and you can choose which charities get the money.

Give me a call. I'm closer than you think. One of your staff met me face to face this month. If you call me today I'll give $200 to Keansburg Pop Warner.

Friday, January 20, 2006 8:59:00 AM


This was just too much fun. Even though I didn't know a blog from an RSS feed ( I still don't know what an RSS feed is) I was hooked and had a new hobby.

Since that time, Jim and I have developed a healthy respect and admiration for each other. While many Republicans have an unhealthy despise for Jim, there is no question he has insight and that often his predictions prove prophetic. In his editorial about Abe that lead me here Jim said:

"Abe seems generally optimistic about the club, as do the majority of the site's users, but the county chairman, Fred Niemann, and the little group around him can only keep up the façade of critical tolerance for so long, in my opinion. And, I must admit I am just waiting for the day when one of the "grand high muckety mucks" in the new party hierarchy snaps and says or does something extremely crazy or weird on full display for their core constituency. I think it's more a matter of "when" and not "if." "

That was two months before Chairman Fred Niemann made headlines by calling the GOP bloggers al-Qaeda at an Affiliated Dinner.

In June, while commenting on the Chairman's race, Jim said:

Adam has a point of view. He plays on a team. He's a good person. But his point of view isn't populist. Carton, Kyrillos, Alfieri and Co. will play a big role in making the decisions for the GOP and, consequently, the county. If that is what people want then i think it's harkening back to Dowd and the days when candidates were picked in Judy Stanley's living room by eight people or so.


Six months later, we have an unelected and unidentified(officially) screening committee.

I started blogging here at moremonmouthmusings, long before I had any understanding of how the software works, because I was concerned that my banter with Jim was beginning to dominate Abe's blog, and that Abe might cut us off and/or delete the banter.

Far from a folly and much to my amazement, my writing started to have influence in County and State affairs, on both sides of the aisle. I couldn't believe it when a Freeholder candidate was using my endorsement as campaign material at Lincoln Day. When Fred referred to Abe and me as terrorists and the APP printed it, though not naming the blogs, traffic exploded.

Today this blog has between 200 and 500 page loads everday. Over 50% of the visitors are repeat visitors. The blog is read in Washington, Trenton and Freehold daily. Newspaper reporters and editors stop in, as do bankers, lawyers and corporate executives. More importantly, in my view, rank and file Republican, Democrat and Independent voters of Monmouth County check in and contribute.

Thank you to my readers and commenters. To the extent that this blog is relevent is because of you. Despite the fact that I sometimes wish that there was a 12 step program for bloggers, this experience has enriched my life this year.

Apologies to those who have been accused of being me, and for the stress and threats to your livlihood those accusations have created.

Special thanks to Jackie Corley, "Teddy Roosevelt", Terence Wall, "Elephants not Donkeys", Michael Borg, Adam Puharic, Anna Little, Sue Veitengruber, Sharon Migliaccio, Tommy DeSeno and "Lisa."

Thanks to Fred and Dan for all the content, traffic, and for inspiring the Monmouth County Seward Authority; Kramer Hall, Fred Laden, Mr. Whipple, Bob Hope, Voo doo Airbather, Everyone Loves Anna, and a few others I have forgotten about.

To O Ima-bin Fishin thanks for the hardest laugh of the year and for everything else you provide.

To Honest Abe and Jim Purcell, thank you for inspiring the musings of an active and concerned resident of Monmouth County, for different reasons.

All Seats Are Open. Incumbents Must Screen

On January 11, 2007 the Monmouth County Republican screening committee convened and voted unanimously to open all seats involved in the 2007 general election to the screening committee process. All incumbents and interested candidates must submit a letter of intent to Monmouth County Republican Headquarters, PO Box 808 Freehold, NJ 07728. All letters of intent must be received by February 1, 2007.

I am honored and humbled at the courage of this screening committee, and their commitment to reforming the convention process.

Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Who are these courageous screening committee members?

UPDATE---A PARTIAL LIST OF SCREENING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Bill Barham
Lillian Burry
Rose Marie Peters
Bob McKenna

....more to follow

Michael Borg...

Tom DeSeno
Peter Carton
Noreen Kelly

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does all seats mean all seats? If so, that will be a busy committee, screening candidates for all municipal seats from 55 towns, Freeholder seats, constitutional seats,and legistative seats.

Interesting Reading

Adam Puharic

The Chairman's Race

Tough Choice

Chairman Adam Puharic

Be sure to read the comments. Some are prophetic, others entertaining. One doozy is from another blogger who currently says he's a life long Democrat and Laborer who tells it like it is. Last June he said he's a Republican County Committee Member and Adam supporter.

I won't be posting any comments in the old threads. If you have them, please post them here.

Candidate Selection Process

Candidate Selection Process
01/10/2007

After a series of meetings with Republican party leaders on all levels, including county committee members, municipal chairmen, elected officials, and state party leaders, the Monmouth County Republican Organization is proud to announce the candidate selection process for the 2007 general election cycle. The objective of the Monmouth County Republican Organization is to strengthen the Republican Party’s effectiveness in winning elections and governing at all levels of government

On June 13, 2006, I was elected to serve as the Monmouth County Republican Chairman based on a platform of reforming the convention system to include a screening committee so that all potential candidates may be thoroughly vetted, and only those most qualified and able to hold elective office shall be forwarded to a vote of the county committee. Today, we are making good on this promise.

Effective immediately, and unless otherwise provided under the New Jersey Election Code (Title 19), any candidate seeking the Organization’s nomination must agree to submit to a comprehensive interview and interview process before the screening committee, if required.

The membership of the Monmouth County Republican Organization’s screening committee shall consist of member(s) of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, constitutional officers, member(s) of the State Legislature, municipal chairs from geographically diverse parts of the county, executive board members, and at-large members.

A complete reading of the candidate selection process is below. Future announcements may follow.

RESOLUTION CREATING THE
MONMOUTH COUNTY REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION’S
CANDIDATE SCREENING PROCESS

WHEREAS, the objective of the Monmouth County Republican Organization is to strengthen the Republican Party’s effectiveness in winning elections and governing at all levels of government; and

WHEREAS, to achieve this objective the Monmouth County Republican Organization must recruit the most highly qualified and ethical candidates that embody Republican values and principles;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, unless otherwise provided under the New Jersey Election Code (Title 19):

(1) Any candidate seeking federal, state or county office, who wishes to seek the endorsement of the Monmouth County Republican Organization, must by February 1 of the year of the Republican primary election, file a letter of intent to seek the Organization’s nomination for the office sought.

(2) Any candidate seeking the Organization’s nomination who is not an incumbent having served a full term in the office sought, must:

(a) submit a detailed resume;

(b) provide any and all additional information as determined by the Chairman which may be required in writing;

(b) participate in a full and complete interview and interview process with the screening committee;

(c) if successfully screened, agree to participate in a Republican county convention; and

(d) agree that should they lose the Republican county convention, they will support the winner of the Convention and agree not to run against the Monmouth County Republican line as established by the Chairman.

(3) The Monmouth County Republican Chairman reserves the right to require any incumbent to participate in the selection process and submit themselves before the screening committee. If the Chairman exercises this option, his decision must be ratified by a majority vote of the screening committee. In the event the candidate shall not be required to submit themselves to the screening process, they will appear directly at the County Convention.

(4) Only those approved by a simple majority vote of the screening committee may participate in a Republican county convention to seek the Monmouth County Republican Organization’s endorsement and use of the Organization’s official slogan on the Republican primary election ballot.

(5) The screening committee shall recommend no more than two (2) persons per vacant office to be forwarded to the County Convention.

Make-up of the Screening Committee

(1) The membership of the Monmouth County Republican Organization’s screening committee shall be determined by the Chairman each election cycle. The membership shall consist of the Chairman’s selection of member(s) of the Board of Chosen Freeholders or constitutional officers, member(s) of the State Legislature, municipal chairs from geographically diverse parts of the county, executive board members, and at-large members.

(2) In addition, four municipal chairs representing each legislative district shall be added to the screening committee for potential legislative candidates. The additional chair members will only be allowed to screen candidates from their respective districts.

(3) No potential Republican nominee for the Organization’s endorsement serving on the screening committee may vote on their own screening, but may vote on others taking place during the same year.

(4) All members of the screening committee shall be selected by the Monmouth County Republican Chairman in January of each year and serve at the pleasure of the Chairman.

(5) The screening committee shall approve all convention rules by a majority vote at least one week prior to any county Republican convention called by the Chairman.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party

Deja Voo Doo all over again, if true

"FreeHowell has learned that the man who wants to be king(Bob Walsh) had a private meeting at the HQ offices of the County Republicans. He, one of his elves and another person met with the County Chairman (Adam Puharic), the local Chairperson(Noreen Kelly) and the Mayor (Joe DiBella). The information we have suggests that some sort of a "deal" was made to make peace. Word is the man who wants to be king offered to support the Mayor for another office IF he agreed not to run again as Mayor or even step down sooner. This clears the way for the man who wants to be king to become Mayor sooner than in two years."

Vic Hits Back

Monmouth Democratic Chair Vic Scudiery responds to GOP Chair Adam Puharic's Miracle at Airport Plaza in a OpEd piece in today's Asbury Park Press.

Since losing two of three county positions last November, and declaring victory, Vic has been positioning the Monmouth Dems as the fiscally conservative party in Monmouth.

In the background, Democratic activists have been seeking to exploit dissension in the GOP by recruiting frustrated GOP talent, office holders and activists, to switch sides. Look for this effort to escalate as the nominating process heats up.

From the Chairman

2007 Organizational Update: A "Wireside Chat" from Chairman Adam Puharic 01/08/2007

On June 13, 2006, the Monmouth County Republican Committee honored me with the great responsibilities to serve as County Chairman. I campaigned on a platform to unify the party based on three guiding principles: (1) professionalize the organization; (2) raise campaign funds ethically; and (3) concentrate our energies on defeating Democrats—not each other.

With the new year upon us and the dawn of another election cycle, we take the next step in this process through the development of new policies for candidate selection and conventions. As the Asbury Park Press quoted me upon becoming your chairman on June 14, 2006: “Puharic pledged not to abolish the practice of holding county conventions to pick the Republican candidates. He proposed creating... a screening committee for candidates before they are put to a vote of the committeemen and women.”

A Chairman will be measured by his record of wins and losses. I take the loss of Andrew Lucas’ seat personally, and the buck stops here. With this tough experience behind us, I am even more convinced about the need to reform the candidate selection process.

We must make sure no future Republican candidate ever faces a divided base of powerbrokers and convention fanatics – angry that their candidate did not win. Many of the loud convention voices fell silent during the campaign trail, not raising money, not putting up signs, not interested in anything other than their own self-aggrandizement.

This weekend, therefore, I have briefed Republican elected officials throughout the county of my intention to implement a screening committee prior to any county convention. Based on their input, I will modify my original plan design to accommodate their concerns. I have briefed my executive committee, and explained my intentions to the council of chairs during our December meeting.

In the coming days, I will explain the process, including:

The structure of the screening committee and the procedures for dealing with vacancies and incumbents;

The deadlines for interested parties submitting letters of intent;

The process for thoroughly vetting all candidates and forwarding the most qualified;

The schedule for screening potential candidates; and

The schedule for the next convention.

You will also undoubtedly hear from voices of disunion, intent on smearing any plans for reform. Critics will charge that we intend to limit the democratic process. This is not true. I intend to restore a representational Republican form of leadership to this county party that will help ensure victory in future elections.

My fellow Republicans, you know my values. I told you the current convention system was a cancer. My opponents thought they would defeat us by attacking this position. We defeated them, overwhelmingly. This was a clear mandate. Now is the time to stick together and reform this process. I am counting on your support for victory in 2007.

Adam Puharic, ChairmanMonmouth County Republican Party www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664

How will we select our candidates?

Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

If you know anyone who was at the meeting on Saturday, check their pulse. No one is talking, yet.

Why the secrecy?

Question about Hazlet MVC

Assemblyman Mike "Save the Geese" Panter says there appears to be no conflict but it should be investigated anyway.

Chairman Adam Puharic rightly calls it the "Miracle at Airport Plaza."

While it is a stretch of the imagination to believe the Treasury Department reps didn't know that they were negotiating with the Monmouth Democratic Chair, I doubt there is anything improper, other than appearances, about the transaction itself.

I do have one question though. When was the lease signed, and when did the State start paying rent on the space. Was it before or after the Monmouth Dems had their nominating convention in that space?

Write a caption

Corodemus is out!

CORODEMUS SAYS HE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

Deputy Assembly Republican Leader Steve Corodemus announced today that his eighth term representing the people of Monmouth County's 11th legislative district in the state Assembly will be his last. With eight consecutive victorious elections, he is the longest serving legislative incumbent in Monmouth County history. Corodemus has been in elected office for 19 years having served as a Borough councilman for his hometown of Atlantic Highlands.


"Sixteen years is a good run," said Corodemus. "I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish for the people of Monmouth County and New Jersey. I've had more than 100 bills signed into law, including initiatives to protect the environment and preserve New Jersey's beaches. I sponsored two successful amendments to the state constitution. There is more I would like to get done before I leave, most notably a significant and sustainable reduction in property taxes and real ethics reform. But it's time to take stock and look forward to the future.

"I intend to maintain an active interest in public policy. However, my top priority is to devote more time to my wife, son and daughter. My daughter Katelynn is 16 and will be going to college soon enough. I want to be there for her as she makes the transition."

Since his father, who was a partner in his Metuchen law firm, retired, Corodemus said he also needs to spend more time on his practice.

Corodemus said he is troubled by the direction politics and government policy has taken since his arrival in the Assembly in 1991.

"When I arrived Jim Florio was governor, taxes were out of control and New Jersey's economy was nearly at the depression stage," Corodemus recalled. "Political scandals were undermining the confidence of people in their government. Republicans managed to turn the tide, but now the state is sliding backwards at a breakneck pace.

"Property taxes are driving people out of New Jersey. Yet all the Legislature has done in response is to raise billions of dollars more in state taxes, run up the state debt and spend billions of dollars more each year. It's a prescription for disaster."

Corodemus said one political scandal after another has caused people to lose their faith in government again.

"Yet the Legislature continues to turn a deaf ear to cries for change," the assemblyman said. "Nearly 100 corrupt public and political officials have been charged in just the past few years. The cost of running for public office has reached obscene levels, and campaigns have become a muddy mess. Still those in charge refuse to take any significant action to end corruption and restore the public's trust.

"At this point, I would rather spend more time with my family than spend endless days and hours raising money for a campaign."

Corodemus said it is time for the Republican Party in Monmouth County to find "new blood."

"I am not that egotistical to think that I am irreplaceable," Corodemus said. "There are many highly qualified, honest and energetic people out there who would make excellent candidates."

Corodemus is currently a member of the Joint Committee on Ethical Standards and the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee. He chairs the Assembly Republican Policy Committee that developed a comprehensive plan lower property taxes permanently by up to 30 percent and constrain spending at all levels of government.

Over the course of his legislative career, Corodemus was the prime sponsor of the state's beach replenishment funding program and constitutional amendments creating a $300 million dedicated fund for environmental cleanups. He also sponsored the Health Care Accountability Act of 1998, the Global Export Act to develop satellite export centers around the world to promote trade with small and medium size businesses in New Jersey, and a measure providing $98 million for open space preservation.

Race in the 11th is heating up

Tom Catley, left. Dave Rible, right.



The APP reports that Neptune Committeeman Tom Catley has joined Wall Board of Adjustment member Dave Rible in the race for the Republican nod for a vacant Assembly seat in the 11th district.

Assemblymen Steve Corodemus and Sean Kean are vying for the nomination to replace retiring Senator Joe Palaia.

The Press quotes Kean as saying "it's unclear who the party will support'' for the Senate nomination. Hopefully this in a indication that the Assemblymen have agreed to avoid a primary, which would create two Assembly vacancies, or an Independent race by one of the candidates, which could throw the district to the Democrats.

On the Democratic side, Belmar Councilman Matt Doherty, who was an Assembly candidate in 2005, made headlines by proposing an anti-eminent domain ordinance at the Belmar reorganization where he was sworn in. The Press also reported that Doherty left his job at The Bank of New York to set up his own mortgage brokerage in Belmar, in the same building as Belmar Mayor Ken Pringle's software company. Doherty declared that he is foregoing his stipend for his work as a councilman, but has yet to file the paper work to do so.

"Undeterred, I do remain a believer in miracles." ~ Chairman Adam Puharic

In his "Miracle at Airport Plaza" OpEd piece in the APP today, Chairman Adam Puharic has demonstrated that while many other Republicans are busy jockeying for tantalizing positions, he has his eye on the ball.

With wit and humour, Adam launched this year's campaign and skewered the Corzine administration, Democratic Chairman Victor Scudiery, Democratic Vice Chair and likely Freeholder candidate Rebecca Aaronson, and Freeholder-elect Barbara McMorrow.

My hat is off to the Chairman for his leadership in publicly pointing out the short comings of our true opponents.

Sadly, the events of the last several weeks have made it clear that we are still in need of a miracle in the Monmouth GOP. It is a miracle that Adam promised to produce when he ran for Chairman. It is a miracle that, today, he made me more of a believer in his ability to produce. Unity.

In order for this miracle to be produced, each of us Republicans will have to be willing for sacrifice some of our personal agendas and suppress our egos for the greater good of the citizens of Monmouth County. If that is not what we are playing for, the greater good of the citizens of Monmouth County, we are on the wrong team.

With that said, I humbly promote an agenda; By Laws. It is my opinion that By Laws will go a long way to producing the miracle of party unity.

After two decades of iron fisted leadership, it is not unexpected that we have experienced the Wild West atmosphere that we have over the last 2 1/2 years. Rules to the game would very likely bring some civility and transparency to the process.

For example, every now and then there are people who think an incumbent office holder should be challenged. In the not too distant past, those decisions were made in back room (or river front parlor, as the case may be) deals. More recently it has been attempted with needless character assassination.

If there were a process established for such a challenge, say 20% of county committee members signatures on a petition, for argument sake, to get on a convention ballot against an incumbent, we may all be better off.

Competition can be good. It can make us better public servants and stronger candidates. While rules to the game may never eliminate back room deals or character assassination, they could reduce the "need" for such tactics, and produce a stronger and more unified party.

Senator Robert Honecker, R-12 ?

Benjamin Franklin, a longtime writer himself, called his anonymous brethren “a bunch of misguided souls who don’t understand that the whole point of writing is self-promotion.”

If Franklin is correct, might Former Assistant Prosecutor Robert Honecker, who penned a feel good OpEd piece in today's APP be a candidate for elective office?

Why not? Honecker leaves the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office after 25 years of service with an outstanding reputation and high name recognition. He is extremely well liked and respected.

He would be a formidable opponent to Senator Ellen Karcher and it is unlikely that he would seek to criminalize french fries.

I doubt the Republican Party could do better at the top of the ticket in the 12th.

I expect that he would be an outstanding State Senator.

Little Addresses the Rumors

As many of my readers know, Freeholder Anna Little as been the subject of a nasty and baseless character assassination attempt from within the Republican Party. This campaign, which began almost immediately after her victory on November 7, 2006, was initially spread through the rumor and gossip mill and escalated to another Monmouth County political blog in mid December.

Today, the rumors were reported by a blog associated with Politicsnj.com and by Jim Purcell's Inside Clamdigger blog.

I sent Freeholder Little an email inviting her to make a statement. Her verbatim statement is as follows:

"First of all, let me thank you for asking me to comment. While you have me at a disadvantage because I do not know your identity and therefore cannot hold you accountable for what you report, I have nonetheless chosen to respond. I hope you will prove that I am not making a mistake.

1. I realized that not being a "Yes Man" would have its price but I didn't expect such vile insinuations about my love for and commitment to my family.

2. I never knew that having a different opinion about who to employ as a county professional, or which campaign contributions to accept, would arise to a character assassination. Certainly county committee conventions and leadership elections leave a bad taste in some peoples' mouths, but starting a character assassination over who is county counsel, and returned campaign contributions was unpredictable.

3. Friends and supporters have gotten to know my kids, and have become very fond of them. A number of people got together unbeknownst to me, and created a Christmas pool to give something to my kids. Upon discovering this, I thanked the group for their generosity and paid for the gifts before taking delivery of them.

I think it is despicable that generosity, inspired by the Christmas season, has been perverted and exploited by these rumor mongers.

4. While I cannot control the overwhelming generosity of those who love and support me, I will do everything in my power to maintain the integrity of the elected office in which I serve.

5. I have not sought, nor have I received any free heating oil for my home. I have paid for all heating oil delivered to my home.

6. There is no truth to rumors about my personal financial situation.

7. We live by role reversal in my family. I am a professional working mother, and my supportive husband works as a legal assistant in my office. Some cannot accept this modern arrangement. If I were a male attorney in private practice, and my wife were my secretary, I am certain that no one would question my ability to support my family.

8. I don't believe the voting public will buy into this nonsense. I am a hardworking person, like most of them.

It is distressing that a minority faction of the Republican Party finds my success so threatening that they would seek to destroy me. My purpose in seeking and serving in elective office is to provide ethical and efficient government.

My pledge to all residents of Monmouth County is to always be their advocate, to consistently strive to provide improved services and tax savings, and to conduct my life consistent with the trust they have placed in me."

~ Freeholder Anna C. Little, Esq.

It is my belief that those who are behind this campaign of character assassination are operating out of their own financial interests, at the expense of the County taxpayers and to the detriment of our Party. They have no regard for the truth and little regard for anything other than their own money and power. These are the same people who lost at three nominating conventions. If they continue on this reckless path, they will be doing great damage to an already vulnerable Monmouth County GOP.

WHS

2007 Predictions

Bill Barham will be Freeholder Director

Lillian Burry will be Deputy Director

Lincoln Day and The Chairman's Dinner will be rousing successes

There will be no By Laws

There will be more indictments

Republicans sweep in the 13th District legislative races against poorly funded opposition which includes Lenny Inzerillo. Pat Walsh does not run for Assembly, but is elected to the Middletown Township Committee. Sam Thompson retires and Rob Clifton wins his seat.

John Bennett seeks the nomination for Senate in the 12th.

Steve Corodemus and Sean Kean flip a coin for the Senate nomination in the 11th.

Andrew Lucas defeats Joe DiBella and Ed Stominski for the nomination for Rob Clifton's Freeholder seat.

The State budget is passed on time with no new taxes.

There will be no meaningful property tax relief.

The APP endorses Joe Oxley for Sheriff and Claire French for Clerk. Greg Gibadlo is the Dem candidate for Clerk.

The APP asks Rebecca Aaronson to pledge to give up her MVC job if elected Freeholder. She refuses and they endorse her anyway.

Meet Governor Kris Kolluri

UPDATE

The power went to his head. He knows better than the residents of Monmouth County.


Governor for a day.

Rest in Peace

Naughty or Nice?

Merry Christmas to all.

PAPAROZZI CLARIFIES FLEET MESS. IMPLORES APP TO REPORT ACCURATELY

County Administrator Lou Paparozzi did an admirable job responding to the APP's "Monmouth Vehicle Fleet Grows" propaganda which was published last Sunday.

Anyone who bothered to read the front page story realized the headline didn't match the "facts" reported in the story. Cullinane and Hidlay were once again twisting the facts and only reporting part of the story, just as they did with the Legal Department reforms articles back in August.

Lou ends his piece, "Once again, we implore the Press to report all of the facts, and in the proper context."

That's a reasonable request, and it would better serve the APP's readers.

That's alot of garbage

Barham turns hot air into cold cash

Great work Bill. Let's reduce taxes with that money, rather than spending it.