INZERILLO IS IN THE RACE

Gadzooks! Inzerillo? Running for freeholder? Yes, sports fans, Middletown's Leonard Inzerillo has thrown his hat in the ring. Well, the Democratic ring. OK, he hasn't officially thrown it in the ring, but he and Middletown Democratic boss Joseph "King" Caliendo, in an article in this week's Courier, are said to be actively looking into an Inzerillo freeholder candidacy. In the article they cite Inzerillo's narrow 2003 loss to veteran Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, and talk about how electable he would be this year.
Mr. Inzerillo has some housekeeping to do, however.
It seems in his losing 2003 assembly run with Old Bridge's William Flynn (for Senate) and Aberdeen's Tom Perry, his treasurer was none other than Union County's oompa-loompaesque publisher James Devine, of Handlin-Thompson.org fame. Handlin-Thompson.org was a controversial weBSite set up by Devine to mock the candidacy of now-Assemblywoman Amy Handlin. Devine's site was written up in this very blog back in December.
Anyhoozies, it seems that Mr. Devine filed the 29-day and 11-day pre-election reports with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), but no 20-day post-election report. Why? Well, the 11-day pre-election report shows that Devine closed out the Election Fund of Flynn, Inzerillo and Perry on October 13 (nearly a month before the election) by writing out a check in the amount of $2,473.47 to the Election Fund of Inzerillo and Perry. OK, fine, you say, but Trenton has no record of any such account as the Election Fund of Inzerillo and Perry. So nearly $2,500.00 goes bye-bye. Was it spent on campaign purposes? Probably, but there's no report on file. Were more funds raised for the new account? Again, probably, but it must be none of our business. Was Devine the treasurer or someone else? Maybe a high-school student? Did it go into Devine's personal bank account like donations raised from the Handlin-Thompson.org site?
Looks like Mr. Inzerillo might have some 'splainin' to do.

MONDAY RANDOMNESS

Those of you who logged on this morning may have noticed something new on my sideboard. We have added a category for links to candidates' websites.
Now the Monmouth County Republican Blog has become your one-stop location for campaign information!
You will find links to the websites of Republican Campaigns. There is a link to Tom Kean's Senatorial Campaign. All the Monmouth County House races are represented: Chris Smith in the 4th District, Leigh-Ann Bellew in the 6th District and Joe Sinagra in the 12th District. (Chris' website is currently being updated.) Freeholder Anna Little's campaign website is also here. Right now we don't have any websites for Rosemarie Peters and Andrew Lucas. If anyone has that info let us know and we'll update. There is a website for Peters, Lucas and Little, but I understand the candidates are unhappy with it; if that's resolved we'll add that too.

*********

DEMS' ADVERTISING BILL PAID. FINALLY.

Readers of this blog will remember a report of $2,100.00 listed as an in-kind donation from Courier to the losing 13th Assembly campaign of William Flynn and Michael DaSaro. The following day, Jim Purcell, Courier's publisher, posted a comment that his paper makes no in-kind contributions to any campaign, and that he will make sure that the campaign paid its bills.

Well, Flynn & DaSaro finally got their ELEC reports in on May 2, and it would appear that Purcell's been paid. There are two reports filed the same day. One was an amendment to the previous report; the $2,100.00 was changed from an in-kind to an outstanding debt. The second report picked up where the first left off, and listed the payment of $1,131.40 on January 6 to Bayshore Press t/a Courier; another payment of $1,000.00 was made on March 31. So I guess that clears that up.

Flynn & DaSaro also did have to refund an excessive contribution in the amount of $654.95. This was from the Central Jersey Democratic Leadership Council (CJDLC), which is led by Union County's oompaloompaesque, goose-stepping, black helicopter theorizing, ad overcharging publisher James J. Devine, infamous for his now-defunct Handlin-Thompson.org weBSite, where he asserted, "It is hard to imagine that the best explanation for this is that Handlin got special treatment from Asbury Park Press editor Skip Hidlay because she is Jewish, but that is the most solid theory I have heard."

NO INZERILLO ELEC REPORT

Speaking of Jim Devine, back in February we reported that Lenny Inzerillo was seeking the Democratic nomination for freeholder, and that he had some "housekeeping" left over from his losing 2003 13th District Assembly campaign, noting an anomaly in his campaign reporting.

Inzerillo's treasurer was James Devine.

As treasurer of the Election Fund of Flynn, Inzerillo and Perry, Devine filed the 29-day and 11-day pre-election reports, but no 20-day post-election report. Why? Well, the 11-day pre-election report shows that Devine closed out the Election Fund of Flynn, Inzerillo and Perry on October 13 (nearly a month before the election) by writing out a check in the amount of $2,473.47 to the Election Fund of Inzerillo and Perry. We reported that ELEC has no record of the Election Fund of Inzerillo and Perry.

Mr Devine posted a response:

"I don't have anything to say about Lenny Inzerillo, but the joint campaign account for which I was treasurer closed out without raising much money.The lack of any report could be due to the fact that none was required, because you don't need to file anything except a notice if you spend less than a certain amount on your campaign."

Well, Jim, there was no "notice" filed or anything else. Nuthinn... In fairness, maybe Devine wasn't the treasurer of the second account and doesn't know.
Somebody knows. Guaranteed.
Fast forward to today, and like Spanish dictator Francisco Franco is still dead, Lenny Inzerillo's ELEC Reports are still unfiled.
So if Lenny is really interested in running for freeholder, he should get on the horn and find out what happened to that account. No reports means there's no way of knowing what was raised, from where, and where it was spent. I really doubt it was just shut down, nearly a month before election.
As the candidate, Lenny, you're responsible; you and your erstwhile running-mate, Aberdeen Township Committeeman Tom Perry. So call him if you need to, whatever. Call ELEC for information if you have to. (609) 292-8700.
I suggest you do yourself a favor and straighten this out because this isn't going away.

LENNY SINGS THE BLUES

"The internal dispute in the county Democratic Party likely will do little to improve its chances of breaking the more-than-20-year grip Republicans have held on the freeholder board." ...The Asbury Park Press.

UPDATE!

Today's (August 4th) Asbury Park Press reports that Inzerillo has filed his reports with ELEC. Now Lenny and Vic can stop fighting, sing Kumbaya, and go on to November and give a nice gracious concession speech.

In a severe blow to their hopes to gain a toehold on the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Monmouth County Democrats, led by County Chairman Victor Scudiery, have withdrawn their support for candidate Leonard Inzerillo.
Inzerillo, a losing 13th District Assembly candidate in 2003, was criticized in this blog (here and here) for a lack of reports filed with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).
Lack of ELEC reporting appears to be a habit with the Democrats; some have even called it policy.
An angry Chairman Scudiery has called for Inzerillo's withdrawal from the race; Inzerillo has refused, accusing Scudiery of bossism.
The Monmouth County Democratic Party. The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight. Whatever. One would think that with the blogging explosion here in Monmouth County these people would be monitoring this blog, Seward's and others like ours. It's called opposition research.
As I've said many times before (Everybody, together. With feeling.):

IT'S NOT GOING AWAY, LENNY!

TIME TO LOOK TO NOVEMBER

With Joe DiBella's concession to Andrew Lucas, it's time to look to November and work hard to ensure a Republican victory. The opponents now are the Democrats and we must unite to defeat them.
The choice is clear. We have the youthful, energetic team of Andrew Lucas and Anna Little, proven public servants ready to serve the people. The Democrats have the tired slate of Barbara McMorrow and Leonard Inzerillo, proven politicians ready to serve the bosses and special interests. Anna has already turned down PAC money and Andrew has also sworn off such fundraising. McMorrow and Inzerillo both have fundraising connections to Union County interests, and the vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog are all very concerned about Monmouth County being run like Union County. For information on how Union County is run, please click here.
Furthermore, Inzerillo's treasurer in his losing 2003 campaign against former Assemblyman Joe Azzolina was the controversial, oompaloompaesque Union County publisher James Devine, of Handlin-Thompson.org infamy.
It is important to get the word out. Our candidates will win on the issues everytime!

But Abe, But Abe, What About June?

What about it?
Let's keep the reorganization separate from the Freeholder campaign. They are two separate issues. As Republicans, we should all look to elect our Freeholder candidates. They have been chosen, fair and square. The team will remain the same regardless of the chairman's election.
It appears that Chairman Fred Niemann will have some competition this June. Those who have declared so far are former Freeholder Ed Stominski and Neptune Township Republican Club President Mel Hood. Others may or may not enter the race as June approaches.
The reorganization should be decided on issues, not personalities, and whatever the outcome, whoever wins and whoever you backed, it's important to stay united with victory in November as our goal.

DEMS' CONVENTION RESULTS

At today's Monmouth County Democratic Convention the following candidates were nominated:
11th District: Former Freeholder and Assemblyman John "Well Done" Villapiano for Senate; Asbury Park teachers' union boss John Napolitani and Teamsters Local 177 Business Agent John Pirnat for Assembly. Villapiano is an old supporter from way back of curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton.
12th District: Senator Ellen Kärcher; Amy Mallet and Assemblyman Michael Panter for Assembly.
13th District: Leonard "ELEC" Inzerillo for Senate; Patricia Walsh and Robert C. Brown for Assembly. Inzerillo is well known for his campaign finance reporting foibles, which resulted in his withdrawal from last year's freeholder race.
Sheriff: Belmar Police Chief Jack W. Hill, Jr.
County Clerk: Amod Choudhary, a Colts Neck School Board Member.
Freeholders: Bradley Beach Mayor Stephen G. Scheuler and former Freeholder and State Senator John D'Amico. D'Amico has served as a Superior Court Judge and is retiring as Chairman of the State Parole Board. Like Villapiano, he is also an old Malcolm Carton supporter from way back. I guess, like Democratic Freeholder Barbara McMorrow, D'Amico and Villapiano are "able to serve residents without partisan bickering".

Hat tippo to Will Seward; read his post here.

LUCAS & LITTLE WIN!

No, sports fans, you're not reading a draft from last year's election. Mayor Andrew Lucas of Manalapan was reelected to the Township Committee along with his running mate Susan Cohen, overcoming both an independent candidate and a local party split to defeat two Democratic opponents. And in Highlands, Freeholder Anna Little handily won election as that borough's next mayor, defeating a Democrat, an independent and a write-in candidate backed by Middletown Republican Judith Stanley-Coleman. Earth to Judy: While Highlands may be somewhat surrounded by Middletown (Sandy Hook is part of Middletown.), it is not a part of Middletown, having seceded many decades ago. Butt out.
Election night was, all in all, not too shabby for Monmouth County Republicans.

Stick a fork in him. He's "Well Done."

That's right. Assemblyman Sean Kean coasted to victory over former assemblyman, former freeholder and all-around supporter of curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton, John "Well Done" Villapiano; Dave Rible and Mary Pat Angelini defeated the other two Democratic johns in the 11th District.

Back to the Christmas tree farm, Ellen!

Jen BECK! romped to victory over incumbent Democratic Senator Ellen Kärcher. Kärcher was rocked by ethical questions about her Camden County connections and her property's farmland assessment. Desperate, she went viciously negative against BECK! and that was all she wrote. Democratic assemblyman Mike Panter will pant no more in Trenton; he and his running mate Amy Mallet having been bested by Declan O'Scanlon and the underestimated Caroline Casagrande. The 12th District thus returns after a brief hiatus to the G. O. P. column.

13th an easy GOP win.

In the 13th District, Sen. Joe Kyrillos soundly defeated Democrat Lenny "ELEC" Inzerillo for another term representing that district. Inzerillo's campaign was known for the pink placards pasted to his posters promoting pandering points. (Like that? I wish I thought of it before the election!) Assembly members Amy Handlin and Sam Thompson crushed Democrats Pat Walsh and Robert Brown, keeping the 13th solidly Republican.

Had Enough?

The voters in the 30th District clearly spoke that they had had enough of the Trenton Democrats and their games and defeated the Democratic ticket of Steven Morlino for senate and Jeffrey Williamson and Sharon Atkinson for assembly. Sen. Bob Singer and Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Joe Malone soundly defeated the Democrats. The 30th, like all districts representing Monmouth County in Trenton, will be solidly Republican.

County to remain under GOP control; Silent Steve silenced

In the county races, we won at least three out of four, with Jeff Cantor's race up in the air. Kim Guadagno was elected Sheriff over Democrat Jack Hill. She will become the first woman to hold the Sheriff's office in Monmouth County. In 2008, all Monmouth County Constitutional officers will be women.
County Clerk Claire French roared to victory over Amod Choudhary of Colts Neck for another five year term. Claire has run the Clerk's office in a modern and professional manner, and will continue to do so.
On the freeholder level, things were closer. Freeholder Rob Clifton was high vote getter. For the second seat, John "Flippy" D'Amico (A supporter of curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton from way back.) right now holds a razor-thin edge over Jeff Cantor. This should be decided once provisional ballots are counted; Jeff's a good guy and hopefully he can pull it off. "Silent Steve" Schueler was low man and will definitely not be a freeholder. Shows what silence can do.
As we get more information, it will be posted. We'll probably also talk about the towns, too.

DEMS GONE WILD

In the last week or so the highly funded Democratic legislative candidates have really amped it up. The volume, that is.

It's shrill.

In the 11th District, they are airing a radio commercial blasting Dave Rible and Mary Pat Angelini. In it they say that Rible is accepting contributions from developers and Angelini awards no-bid contracts. Barry Goldwater, the Voice of Reason, refers to a shrill e-mail from ex-NFL player Phil Villapiano supporting his brother, Malcolm Carton supporter and former assemblyman and freeholder John "Well Done" Villapiano.

In 12, incumbent Senator Ellen Kärcher (D - Monmouth/Camden), has brought the rhetoric to new levels of cattiness with her Rastaesque attacks on her opponent, Assemblywoman Jen Beck, where she digs into the long-ago driving record of a then-twentysomething Beck. Kärcher also attempts to defend her farmland assessment.
On the assembly level, the Democrats appear to have distanced themselves from Kärcher, and are attempting to run as pseudo-Republicans. Assemblyman Michael Panter is airing commercials with himself as a corruption fighter. Earth to Mike: Your bosses in Trenton, Camden and Newark will never allow any worthwhile legislation to see the light of day. Amy Mallet is trying to portray herself as a born-again conservative. Her latest commercial piece calls for cuts in state government. Amy, get real. Your bosses will make sure that you vote to send our tax dollars to the cities. For more in-depth reading on the 12th, see The Voice of Reason. Barry's writings are informative and very well researched.

The 13th District has been pretty quiet, with the Democratic legislative candidates looking more like they are running for Middletown Township Committee. Lately, however, Senate candidate Leonard "ELEC" Inzerillo has had some stickers affixed to his signs. A recent late-night sojourn through the Bayshore has revealed at least two: "Control Traffic" and "Lower Tuition". The tuition stickers were all located around the Brookdale Community College area.
Huh? What's up with that, Lenny? Got a plan? Weird.
This has been an update on the zany madcap Democratic legislative campaigns.

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE!

We have gotten well into the time of year that campaigns are in full gear. That means signs, campers.

Our Monmouth County G. O. P. has always had a very efficient sign team, and this year is no exception. All over the county one may see the multicolored "Guadagno, French, Clifton, Cantor" signs on lawns and roadsides. (If you haven't gotten yours, call Republican Headquarters at 732-431-6664 and get one!)

Signs for our legislative teams are also appearing in their respective districts; the locals are getting theirs up in the towns. (If you think Howell is quiet, it's because they have no seats up this year. See Manalapan.)

The Democrats have been a tad slow on the uptake this year when it comes to signs. One month out from the general election, we have not seen any Democratic county signs. Their locals are up, as are the legislative candidates, but no county. [UPDATE! 10/10/07: Earlier today one lonely "Hill, Choudhary, D'Amico, Scheuler" sign was spotted on Crine Road in Colts Neck. All by its lonesome.] This does not mean that they have no campaign, however. We have it on reliable authority that their sheriff candidate, Jack Hill, sent out a mailer recently. This piece aroused the ire of postal workers due to its large size and slick texture; a darker side to it was the fact that several postmen received paper cuts from the Hill piece.

Democratic 13th District Senate candidate Leonard "ELEC" Inzerillo got his signs out in the Bayshore this weekend; this appears to have been done separately from his Assembly candidate running mates as they do not appear on his signs. It does not appear that Union County's goose-stepping, Oompa-loompaesque publisher James J. Devine is involved in the 13th District campaign this year.

Last year there were the "Republicans ♥ Barbara McMorrow" signs, this year we have the "Republicans for Hornik" (Democratic Mayoral candidate Jon Hornik) signs in Marlboro. These appear to be the result of a party split (Brought to our attention by Barry Goldwater at The Voice of Reason.) in the Marlboro G. O. P. relating to Mayor Robert Kleinberg. So far we have no names, but it appears to be actual Republicans who had a falling out with the mayor. It is our understanding that this group includes some long time party members. Hornik's father, the late Mayor Saul G. Hornik, was a longtime Republican who then switched parties in his first term. The signs do not list a treasurer's name, just paid for by Republicans for Hornik.
Note to Republicans for Hornik: The time to oppose a Republican candidate/official is in the Primary. The Primary, people. Don't promote the Democrats.
Im Marlboro, who is paying for something is always important to know, and it'll be interesting to see just who is funding this operation. If anyone has any info on this, let us know.

Finally, we are told that Mayor Andrew Lucas of Manalapan (Who should have been elected Freeholder last year!) tied the knot this past Saturday. We wish the Lucases much happiness in their marriage!

LOOKING FOR TIPS? THE DEMS SHOULD LOOK FOR A CLUE!

A report in the Sunday Asbury Park Press is very telling with regards to the county Democrats. After bad publicity on their County Organization's failure to file ELEC reports, and then the Lenny Inzerillo matter and his withdrawal, you'd think they'd get a clue!
Nope.
Democratic freeholder candidate J. Gregory Gibadlo, who is looking for tips, filed a report with ELEC stating that he plans to raise and spend no more than $3,500.00 for his race. In a countywide race.
Right.
More is raised in a town election; sometimes single contributions exceed $3,500.00!
Speaking of town elections, Highlands GOP council candidate Art Gallagher has blogged that the Highlands Democrats filed no ELEC reports for the October 10th reporting.
Let's look now at Democratic surrogate candidate Beverly Bova-Scarano, who has accepted contributions from convicted former Senate President John Lynch, Jr. Our candidate, Rosemarie Peters, points out the discovery of a mysterious 2002 campaign account, for which no ELEC reports were filed whatsoever!
Really.
These people sure are in disarray. Or are they? Some Republicans have alleged that the Democrats are keeping two sets of books. One for public viewing and a secret account? Imagine that.
Stay tuned. This is not going away.

THE SEASON OFFICIALLY BEGINS!

Labor Day has been and gone, the kids are back to school or soon to go, and that means another Election season is upon us! The parties have their tickets nominated.
Our Republican Team of Rosemarie Peters for Surrogate, Andrew Lucas and Freeholder Anna Little will be working hard this fall and are ready for whatever the Dems finally figure out to bring on. The Republicans have been campaigning hard and had a good response at the Monmouth County Fair and other summer venues.
The Democrats have been more or less playing defense and catch-up because one of their Freeholder candidates, Lenny Inzerillo, went away. They have replaced him with J. Gregory Gibadlo, who is looking for tips. Their other candidate, former Freehold Borough Councilwoman Barbara McMorrow, has been keeping a low profile, but will probably start showing her face soon, once she and JGG find out what the issues are.
Time to make the calls, walk with the Candidates, do the lit drops, put up signs and work hard to elect our team.
Happy campaigning!

GIBADLO IS IN THE RACE

Monmouth County Democrats tonight chose J. Greg Gibadlo of Middletown Township as the replacement on their freeholder ticket for the dearly withdrawn Leonard Inzerillo, who went away. Gibadlo is considered close to Middletown Democratic Party boss Joe "King" Caliendo, a very influential man in Monmouth County Democratic politics. The Dems apparently feel that Gibadlo is their best shot against popular Republican Freeholder Anna C. Little.
The vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog have it on good authority that the Dems' selection has been approved by George Norcross, Joe Cryan, Ray Lesniak and the Bozo-coiffed Gov. Jon Corzine.

DEM PAC BAGMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY

The Asbury Park Press reports today that Charles G. Betancourt, former treasurer of the Central Jersey Democratic Leadership Council (CJDLC), has pleaded not guilty in Middlesex County Superior Court to embezzling $53,238.00 from the Democratic PAC.

The CJDLC is a Rahway-based PAC led by the oompaloompaesque Union County publisher and Bill Flynn associate James J. Devine.


Formerly, the CJDLC weBSite claimed the CJDLC is not subject to ELEC reporting as it is organized as a 527 fund. It now states, "Membership fees or gifts to the Central Jersey Democratic Leadership Council are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. They are also not subject to federal or state election law limits."

The CJDLC was a major contributor to the losing 2005 Bill Flynn - Mike DaSaro assembly campaign, and Devine was treasurer of Lenny Inzerillo's unsuccessful 2003 assembly campaign. Both campaigns were in the 13th District.

Ironically, Devine stated on the Handlin-Thompson.org website, "Donations will be deposited into the personal bank account of this website's owner/operator and will be used to defray expenses for research and reporting about the corrupt politicians to whom this site is dedicated." Guess Betancourt decided to take that one to new levels.

Betancourt is still listed as treasurer on the PAC's weBSite.

DEMS: "WE DON'T NEED NO STEENKIN' REPORTS!"

"We didn't? I'm sure we did."
"Due to accounting complexities because of last year's state races, rather than file an incomplete report, the report was delayed. It will be filed by the end of next week."
...Democrat Party Executive Director Kate Burlett, when told her party hadn't filed its ELEC reports, due in January.


The APP reports that the Monmouth County Democrats didn't even file their fourth quarter ELEC reports which were due over two months ago:

The party also appears to have failed to report $94,442 it spent on one campaign alone, the 2005 county freeholder bids of Barbara J. McMorrow and Rebecca Aaronson. The two losing Democrats reported receiving $194,242 in in-kind support from the county Democratic Party. But the Monmouth County Democrats reported spending only $99,800 on their behalf, according to reports filed with ELEC. By law, such expenditures between Oct. 1 and Election Day should be reported within 48 hours.

Told her party hadn't filed its fourth-quarter report, Kate Burlett, executive director of the Monmouth County Democrats Inc., responded Thursday, "We didn't? I'm sure we did."

Burlett went on, "Due to accounting complexities because of last year's state races, rather than file an incomplete report, the report was delayed. It will be filed by the end of next week."
Filed by the end of next week. Spin, spin, spin. That obviously means that they never even put together a report, and they have to scramble and get their information together to make the report.
This is consistent with the mysterious missing report of Lenny Inzerillo and Tom Perry's failed 2003 assembly campaign, which The Monmouth County Republican Blog reported in February.
The Monmouth County Republican Organization has filed a formal complaint with ELEC.

KLEINBERG IS IN THE RACE

Marlboro Mayor Robert Kleinberg has announced his intention to run for Ted Narozanick's seat on the Board of Chosen Freeholders. It is not certain at this point whether Narozanick will seek another term.
Kleinberg, a Brooklyn-based chiropractor, was elected mayor in 2003 on a reform platform. He succeeded felon Matthew Scannapieco, a known associate of gangsta developer Anthony "Mr. Marlboro" Spalliero, as mayor. Since then, a slate of reform-minded Republicans has joined Kleinberg on the Township Council; this team, along with Kleinberg has transformed Marlboro's reputation from that of a "culture of corruption" to a that of reform. They have taken down the for-sale sign at Town Hall.
Kleinberg, like Narozanick, is from Western Monmouth County, and this has been noted as a plus in that many Republicans would like to maintain some geographic diversity on the Board.

In a somewhat related matter, the Monmouth County Democrats, sticking with their tried and true formula for success of running the same people more than once, have endorsed Leonard Inzerillo and Barbara McMorrow for freeholders at their convention yesterday. Beverly Bova Scarano, an unsuccessful former candidate for Middletown Township Committee, is their candidate for Surrogate.