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.

LITTLE NOT RUNNING

Freeholder Anna C. Little has issued a statement announcing that she will not seek reelection this year.
Little was denied the Republican Party line by County Chairman Adam Puharic. Courted by County Democrats, Little ultimately rejected their offers. The vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog always believed that a change of party by Little was unlikeley. Little, a Conservative, would find herself in a party diametrically opposed to her social views.
She ultimately rejected both a Republican primary run or an Independent run in November,

"I have decided that a costly and divisive primary is not in the best interests of the people of Monmouth County. Likewise, a costly and divisive independent run is not in the best interests of those whom I serve".

Little's term runs until the end of this year. She has taken many courageous stands on the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and is expected to remain a strong voice for the remainder of her term.
Sometimes it takes more courage to not run than to run. Freeholder Little's action shows a level of grace and class sorely needed in Monmouth County politics.
I do not believe we have seen the last of Anna Little.

Secretary Seward has the full text of her statement.

MANALISTAN

or...

The New Howell

In Western Monmouth County, west of Freehold, but not as far as Millstone, is the Township of Manalapan. While since the 60's much of its green farmland has been replaced by suburbia, the southern and western portions of the township still have many a pastoral acre.

Politically, Manalapan has for many years been relatively quiet as it slowly cycled between Democratic and Republican control. During the 70's, it became a Democratic powerhouse with the construction of Hovnanian's Covered Bridge 55 & over development and its largely New York derived residents. The GOP regained control in the 80's. Walter Lieberman was the local GOP chair at the time. It was during this time that Jack McKenna and Jim Gray served on the Township Committee. Jim Gray is now Monmouth County's genial Clerk of the Board.

After a while, control went back to the Democrats. The Dems would have their intra-party battles, but have retained their majority.

The GOP has, however, elected Andrew Lucas and Joseph Locricchio.

Running mates in 2004, party divisions in the past year have led to a falling out between the two, with Lucas allied with Republican Municipal Chair Steve McEnery, and Locricchio "on the outs". This party split materialized for all to see at the January 7 reorganization meeting where Lucas was selected as Mayor in a 3 - 1 vote, with two Democrats voting yes and Locricchio voting no. Some say it first reared its ugly head with a 2006 Lincoln Day ad featuring the slogan, "No Gray Skies over Manalapan", which some considered a direct slight against former Mayor Gray.

Locricchio is now running for State Senate in the 12th District, contesting Jennifer Beck in the June primary.

Lately, much has been appearing on various sources, like the NJ.com Manalapan Forum, the blog Da Truth Squad and elsewhere demonstrating that politics in Manalapan is becoming a contact sport, making it "The New Howell."

CONVENTION RESULTS

At today's Monmouth County Republican Convention a vote to approve the rules was approved.
The following candidates were nominated:

10th District: Sen. Andrew R. Ciesla; Assemblymen James W. Holzapfel and David W. Wolfe. By acclamation.
11th District: Assemblyman Sean Kean for Senate; retired Wall police officer David Rible and Mary Pat Angelini for Assembly. Neptune Township Committeeman Tom Catley withdrew his name due to a family situation and the fact that his name has been placed in nomination for a Superior Court Judgeship. We wish him the best of luck in everything. Kean, Rible and Angelini were then nominated by acclamation.
12th District: Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck for Senate; Colts Neck attorney Caroline Casagrande and Little Silver Councilman Declan O'Scanlon, Jr. for Assembly. By acclamation. Jen Beck will likely face Manalapan Committeeman Joseph Locricchio, who opted to forgo the screening process, in the June Primary.
13th District: Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr.; Assembly Members Amy H. Handlin, PhD and Samuel D. Thompson, PhD. By acclamation.
30th District: Sen. Robert W. Singer; Assemblymen Ronald S. Dancer and Joseph R. Malone III. By acclamation.
Sheriff: Kim Guadagno over Shaun Golden.
County Clerk: M. Claire French. By acclamation.
Freeholders: Robert D. Clifton and Jeff Cantor. Clifton won by acclamation; Cantor bested Brian Reilly and J.David Hiers. It is not known at this time what incumbent Freeholder Anna Little's intentions are.

CARTON (CONTINUED)

Controversial and curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton received more criticism today, this time from 13th District Assemblywoman Amy H. Handlin, a former freeholder. Apparently Carton treated then - Freeholder Handlin in a similar manner to her successor, Freeholder Anna Little.

Former Assistant County Counsel Robert J. Hrebek has also weighed in with his experiences with Carton.

Since our last post on Carton, the tips have been pouring in; it seems Carton has courted controversy since at least the 80's.

Carton has had a habit of giving poorly researched legal advice. In the early 80's, then - Freeholder Frank Self resigned. Carton advised him to direct his resignation to Director Harry Larrison, Jr. As a result, Long Branch Mayor Philip Huhn was appointed to Self's seat. Freeholder Huhn's vote was needed to provide a 2/3 majority for a bond issue. It was then revealed that freeholder resignations are to be addressed to the Secretary of State, rendering both Huhn's appointment and the bond issue invalid, as Self's resignation was defective there was no vacancy.

Carton's advice may also be at the root of recent controversy about Director Bill Barham's relationship with Hall of Records contractor Benjamin R. Harvey III, and may be the reason Barham directed Carton to seek an opinion from the State Attorney General's office; in effect a second opinion. It is not known whether Carton became uppity with Barham.

Also in the early 80's, Carton was considered a front - runner to succeed Democrat County Prosecutor (Now Superior Court Judge) Alexander "Hollywood Al" Lehrer to the point that some people called Carton "Mr. Prosecutor". County Chairman Frederick Kniesler had a different idea, and nominated John A. Kaye, who would go on to serve over 20 years in the post. Harry Larrison, who supported Carton, publicly objected in the press, and promised a "bloodbath", presumably meaning that he would work to oust Kniesler. The "bloodbath" never happened.

The Board of Chosen Freeholders will meet tomorrow night (March 22). Freeholder Little's complaints about the belligerent barrister will be on the Executive Session agenda. The freeholders are busy people; they have no time to play. Carton can do the Board, the Republican Party and the taxpayers a big, solid favor by submitting his resignation.

BRIDGES

You can build them or you can burn them. In our great Republican Party, with our Big Tent and Politics of Inclusion, Freeholder Rob Clifton has shown his willingness to build bridges. County Chairman Adam Puharic, however, is still playing with matches.
Clifton was reported in the Asbury Park Press as saying that he would welcome having Little as a running mate "if that's what the party chooses."
He was quickly rebuked by Puharic.
Many Republicans are hoping Clifton's leadership can help bring about an end to the battle between Puharic and Little. It is hoped that the awarding of the County Organization line will go to Clifton and Little, and that Republicans can go into November's election united against the Democrats.
Little opted not to participate in Puharic's steering process due to a "hold harmless" clause in the candidates' questionnaire that would absolve the County Organization of any liability for leaks in the background checking process. Basically the candidates would be participating at their own risk.It also appears that Puharic intentionally structured the screening process from the beginning so as to deny Little the line. It is uncertain why, but it appears that Puharic objected to Little's organization of volunteers and supporters in the 2006 campaign. Another theory is that Little, a conservative, drew the ire of the party's "country club" faction, or that her vote against curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm V. Carton may have triggered a vendetta. Clifton also voted against Carton.
In a related matter, prospective freeholder candidate J. David Hiers has filed for reelection to the Ocean Township Committee, a move viewed as hedging his bets.
Hopefully, Clifton's move will prompt other Republicans to call for a Clifton - Little ticket, and that the prospective candidates Hiers, Brian Reilly and Jeff Cantor will withdraw their names from consideration in the interest of party unity.
Read Seward's take here, Goldwater's here.

SHERIFF CANDIDATES

The Steering Committee has steered Shaun E. Golden of Farmingdale and Monmouth Beach Commissioner Kim Guadagno to the March 24th convention. At that time, one will be chosen to run for sheriff to succeed outgoing Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley.

CURMUDGEONLY COUNTY COUNSEL CARTON SHOULD QUIT

UPDATE!!!!

Today, March 13th, the Asbury Park Press, in an editorial, calls for the Board of Chosen Freeholders to issue Carton a letter of reprimand. We believe that that is not enough. He is obsolete, has become a liability to the entire Board, and should be replaced.

UPDATE!!!

The irony of it all is that today, March 11th, begins Sunshine Week, dedicated to open public records.

********************************

County Counsel Malcolm V. Carton has "jumped the shark." The Asbury Park Press reports that he has responded to Freeholder Anna C. Little's request for information on his billing records in a very snide and sarcastic manner. Read Will Seward's account here.
It doesn't matter whether you support Freeholder Little or not, the operative word here is "freeholder." Carton was insubordinate and inappropriate. His response demeans the entire board, particlarly where he has the audacity to hint that he would bill for the act of providing his billing records!
It also doesn't matter whether his cost overruns are legitimate or not. Let's assume that they are. Since his billing and fees were raised as an issue, the County has imposed guidelines as to what his costs should be. If he does go over his guidelines, he owes it to the Board (His client) to have the information readily available.
Carton was reappointed by a controversial 3 - 2 vote last summer, with Freeholders Robert D. Clifton and Little dissenting. Knowing that the Asbury Park Press just flat dislikes the guy and would look for any opportunity to blast Carton as well as the Board of Freeholders, one would think that Carton would owe the Board the courtesy of being on his P's & Q's and not go out of his way to generate negative press. After all it's not his name on the ballot. The Press has been known to attack in a frivolous manner; it makes no sense to hand them (Or the Democrats!) legitimate ammunition.
It's time for Carton to be replaced. There are plenty of competent attorneys already doing legal work for the county that can step up to the job.

150,000 HITS!

Sometime today, my hit counter turned 150,000. When I began this blog, I never thought I would be seeing numbers like this.
Recently, the counter has been turning at a rapid pace; sadly, the reason is no doubt due to the disappointing circumstances our party finds itself in.
Hopefully, better times are to come.

Special thanks go to the many readers who help make this blog possible, including but not limited to William H Seward (and his Seward Authority), Lew Alcindor, Jim Purcell, Jackie Corley, Teddy Roosevelt, Elephants not Donkeys, Sue Veitengruber, Kaiser Sose, Ginger Hoffmeyer, Howard Stern, Cliffwood Soccer Dad, Sharon Migliaccio, Edwin Stanton, Barry Goldwater, Concerned Monmouth Republican and the multitudes of readers who choose not to post.
Thank you all!

BARRY GOLDWATER'S ADVICE

Do not underestimate the power of forgiveness. Often, all you need to do is ask.
...blogger Barry Goldwater.

Recently the vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog called for the resignation of Adam Puharic as County Republican Chairman. We were of the belief that there was just no way to extricate himself from the mess caused by his handling of the screening process.
Today, we are temporarily suspending the call for resignation.
Why?
New GOP blogger Barry Goldwater, of the Voice of Reason, has some interesting advice for Chairman Puharic; all should read it.
If the chairman follows Goldwater's "Roadmap to Relevance", there is a possibility of getting our party back on track, thereby avoiding what now appears to be a certain train wreck this November.
Adam, the ball's in your court.

NOW WHAT?

"There is a bit of a vacuum, and it is fair to say we only have a month. I think the party faces some tough times."

...Former County Republican Chairman William F. Dowd, referring to the race for County Chairman last May.

He was right.

The Monmouth County GOP is in a very vulnerable position going into the 2007 election, with the retirement of two out of three legislators in the 11th District, our one Republican in the 12th District facing a contested primary in June and an incumbent Democrat in November.

Then there's the county situation.

First, Chairman Adam Puharic did everything in his power to deny the "line" to incumbent Freeholder Anna Little because he didn't like her. Going into the March 24th Convention are three newcomers vying for her place on the ballot; Marlboro Township Committeeman Jeff Cantor, Ocean Township Committeeman Dave Hiers and Spring Lake Councilman Brian Reilly. The winner of the convention may face Little in the June primary, depending upon her decision.

To top it all off, award-winning Sheriff Joe Oxley has informed the Steering Committee that he will not run for reelection. This news was broken by blogger RonalD ReagAN over the weekend. The County GOP is now seen as casting about for a sheriff candidate; William H Seward at More Monmouth Musings reports that Monmouth Beach Commissioner Kim Guadagno may be interested.

So, what do you think will happen? Who will get the legislative and freeholder line? How will our party fare this November?

A CHIROPRACTOR'S WORST NIGHTMARE

Not a spine to be found. Anywhere.
That is how the Monmouth County GOP looks as County Chairman Adam Puharic bumbles his way to a Democratic victory this November.
It is time for Republicans to think about what's going on and do something about it. It's not about Freeholder Anna Little, it's about principle.
Puharic has manipulated the candidate selection process from day one to deny the line to Freeholder Little because he didn't like her. She was too independent. Why, if only she had followed Puharic's lead unquestioningly during last year's campaign, she would have... probably lost.
It's time for some of the elder statesmen of our party to stand up and be counted. Where she is now, so may you be. While I can understand to a point that some officials would fear the same treatment as Freeholder Little, others such as Assemblyman Steve Corodemus, are not running and are beyond the reach of Puharic's vendettas. Still others such as Sheriff Joe Oxley have the status, the gravitas, that it would be difficult for Adam to dump him. And if enough elected officials protest, there is a certain safety in numbers that Puharic would be hard pressed to react.
So grow a spine or grow a pair, but stop him before he screws up again!

PRESIDENT REAGAN'S 11th COMMANDMENT

Much has been said about the great President Ronald Wilson Reagan's 11th Commandment: "Thou shalt speak no ill of a fellow Republican."
This has been used frequently during debate between members of our great party. Sometimes it's used to stifle debate. Here in the Great County of Monmouth, our GOP County Chairman has invoked the 11th Commandment and then gone and spoken ill of his fellow Republicans!
So thye vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog decided to research the 11th Commandment and find out just exactly what The Gipper's intent was. What was its context?
It didn't take long to find a timely (Feb. 2, 2007) Opinion Journal article by Peggy Noonan, President Reagan's former speechwriter, who has a unique insight into our 40th President. We strongly recommend following the link to read her full article (Click her name.), but in a nutshell Ms. Noonan explains:

"The 11th commandment meant the fight should never be mean, low or unnecessarily injurious to the person, or the party. But a fight could be waged--should be waged--over big, big things."

Well. That doesn't mean stifling debate at all. Far from it. I guess difference of opinion isn't out of order after all.
Our County Chairman should read Ms. Noonan's article. More than once. Memorize it. Learn from it. For all of his invocations of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, the way he is running our party, what with squashing debate and pursuing those who don't follow in lockstep with him, is more akin to Richard Milhous Nixon or William Jefferson Clinton than Ronald Wilson Reagan.

PUHARIC SHOULD RESIGN

Back in June, the Monmouth County Republican Blog did not support Adam Puharic for County Chairman; we believed James Giannell would be a better choice. That having been said, once Puharic was elected we congratulated him and gave him every benefit of the doubt. Although there were lurid tales leaking out of Aberdeen about his raging temper and despotic nature, we took him at his word when he wrote:

"I made many hard decisions, and numerous mistakes. One of those mistakes cost me an important friendship. 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."

We believed him when he said he had learned his lesson.
Apparently he had not.

"Remember Admiral Nelson. In the year 1800, the British Admiral Horatio Nelson won the important battle of Trafalgar, which led to British dominance for almost one hundred years. Before the battle he wrote, 'A commander can do no wrong if he turns his guns toward the enemy and fires away.' The next chairman must not waste one word on Republicans. It is time to focus on beating democrats."

Rich Kohler of Hazlet, who blogs at The Middle Road, commented here expressing concern about a Puharic chairmanship last June:

"Although all the talk of uniting the Party against the Democrats sounds inspirational, I can’t shake a nagging suspicion that it’s just rhetorical code for a “no dissension” approach to leadership, and that the real losers are the people who thought they were voting for change by electing Puharic."

"My wife, who is new to the County Committee, clarified her apprehension (which she characterized as minor and potential) as such: 'By vilifying dissension, the leadership creates a kill-the-messenger atmosphere and the balance of power ends up teetering unproductively between “disruptive” naysayers and self-interested “public” servants.'"

At the time, we downplayed Rich's concerns. How prophetic he sounds now!
Today we are faced with a bad situation that didn't have to happen at all. Two incumbent freeholders are up for reelection, Robert Clifton and Anna Little. By all accounts, both have performed well on the Board, and are interested in running again. Normally, they would be accorded the courtesy of an acclamation vote at the convention.
Puharic decided to pursue a vendetta against Freeholder Little because of differences of opinion during last year's campaign. (Clifton, too, may be in Puharic's crosshairs.) He devised a screening process which specifically targeted Freeholder Little by requiring her to be the only incumbent to screen. When called on this, he changed the process and required all incumbents to screen; this was merely cover for his original scheme.
The situation deteriorated and now has made the newspapers. This has embarassed the Party; the Party is not Puharic, it is the sum of its membership.
Puharic even went so far as to hold a meeting with Freeholder Little with two men present assuming intimidating poses. The freeholder reported that Puharic said that they were to protect her from his temper. Protect her from his temper? This is an outrage to every good Republican– over 550 of us who attended Lincoln Day Monday night -- was he implying that he might physically strike her? That he needed the two men there to restrain him? Is this the type of individual who we want leading our great Party?
In less than a year, this chairman has become an embarassment to our great organization. His utter and amateurish lack of political instinct is apparent, and not only in the way he has handled the Little candidacy. His strident opposition to the 12th District State Senate candidacy of Joseph Locricchio against Jennifer Beck has given Locricchio more free publicity and exposure than Joe could hope to get on his own. Jen Beck, please take note. And every time Adam bashes the blogs, my hit counter goes off the charts!
A few weeks ago I would have said that he still had a way out and save face by revising the process and working this out with Freeholder Little.
That window has closed.
While it is normally not healthy for a political party to frequently change chairmen, it would be absolutely malignant for Adam Puharic to remain at the helm of the Monmouth County Republican Committee. On Wednesday, I posted a comment on More Monmouth Musings calling for Puharic's resignation. Today, the Asbury Park Press has joined me. I'm not known as a fan of that paper, but they're right on this one.
Finally, a note to all the great Republican candidates. Take a good, hard look at what is going on here. Where Anna Little finds herself, so might you. Be prepared to take steps to prevent this type of fiasco from happening again.

UPDATE

February 24th

Two things. First, I was going to pose the question whether anybody knew what the get-together at Republican Headquarters on Wednesday and Thursday evenings was about. Never mind. I believe I have my answer. Today I received a comment from a veteran Republican who wished not to be published. This individual's complaint was that they had received a mailing from the County Republican Organization which was the same as Chairman Puharic's diatribe against Freeholder Little.
Your contributions at work.

Second. Back in late December, William H Seward ran a post on More Monmouth Musings entitled 2007 Predictions. In it, he predicted that Howell Mayor Joe DiBella would screen for freeholder. Mayor DiBella posted the following comment stating that he had no interest in running; he also voiced his opinion on the attacks against Freeholder Little.

Joe_DiBella said...
Interesting predictions. Bit you absolutely have at least one wrong. I will certainly not seek the nomination for Freeholder under any condition. I am very happy with my position as Mayor. I think Drew would be an exceptional candidate and there are many other good people available as well, Bob McKenna to name another. Plus, with the non sense that some are trying to pin on Ms. Little, which is disgusting, I frankly have no taste for such politics.Saturday, January 06, 2007 3:22:00 PM

Thank you for standing up and speaking your mind, Mr. Mayor.

CHAIRMAN PUHARIC'S IRESIDE PAP

Standing strong against the voices attempting to destroy our party
02/20/2007


Dear fellow Republicans:
Tonight, I received word from the Asbury Park Press that Anna Little has decided not to seek our great Republican Party endorsement, and instead is considering to run off the line in a primary or has even hinted at switching parties. Switching parties? This is an outrage to every good Republican – over 550 of us who attended Lincoln Day last night -- that she would betray our hard work, use the election victory we all worked towards together, and throw all of it away for her personal glory.[OK. Switching parties? Adam, you sound like your RastaMan friend here.]
As a result, I will honor her request and I remove her for consideration as a Freeholder candidate in 2007. Despite her attempts to undermine her running mates, Monmouth County Republicans like Claire French, Joe Kyrillos, Sean Kean, and Jennifer Beck will prevail in the fall.[Undermine? Oh Adam, do explain.]
In her comments, she will claim that the candidate agreement our party asked candidates to sign is the sole reason she is leaving our party – but nothing could be further from the truth. She did not have to sign it, and I told her this. [The only "agreement" that amounts to a hill of beans is the Oath of Office. You know, the one that says "under the authority of the PEOPLE." Not under the authority of the Party. Not under the authority of Puharic.] From the beginning, Anna Little and her supporters have attempted to divide our party by embarrassing fellow Republicans in the Asbury Park Press.[Oh, I guess you must mean that pesky vote against curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton. How dare she!] Only Anna Little and the renegade candidate attempting to undermine Jennifer Beck’s run at Ellen Karcher have made an issue of the candidate selection process. [Undermine? It's called a primary. The law allows it. So, is Rudy Giuliani "undermining" Mitt Romney's run at the White House?] For them, it was an excuse to embarrass our party, and to undermine our leadership. [Adam, you are an embarassment to our party.] They have failed, and in their failure they are now joined as a campaign ticket against all Monmouth County Republicans. [Say what?]
Truth be told, Anna Little was not living up to her promises when she ran for office. She has proven ineffective in reforming county government, [Careful here, Adam. Either county government is reforming or it's not. If it's not, then you've just attacked all the Republican freeholders.] and instead attacks her fellow Republican Freeholders. She has not lived up to her responsibility as a party leader. Instead of being an active part of the 2006 campaign, Anna’s supporters organized into a counter-organization known as “Anna’s Army.” They met independently of the true campaign, making decisions counter-productive to her great running mates Andrew Lucas and Rosemarie Peters. [And she won, Adam. Sounds like "Anna's Army" was pretty effective after all. Would that Andrew had an organization like that. He might have been a freeholder today.] They made independent campaign expenditures without consulting their running mates. [Each of the three candidates had their own campaign account and treasurer. Oh, and did I mention that Anna won.]
And last night, Anna’s supporters attempted a quiet boycott of Lincoln Day in a poor attempt at protest. [Lincoln Day was a nice event. Freeholder Little was there herself. But attendance has been going down for several years. Because a few people may have had other committments, it doesn't constitute a boycott. But, once again, Adam, we find you and the libelous blogger Rasta on the same page. One wonders. Are you him? Do you know who it is? Are they working at your behest? No, you don't have to answer now. It means so much more when you're sworn under oath.] Instead this backfired, with over 500 Republicans of good cheer replacing them without much effort. This party is moving on. We have moved past the angry scowls and negative spin of an agenda-driven cabal. [Cabal? Be careful with those conspiracy theories.]
On March 3, our screening committee will convene to select two Freeholder candidates [TWO?? I thought the screening committee was supposed to select two for each position, meaning that all four should all go right to the convention. Wow. I wonder which two he means here. Adam, are you targeting Rob Clifton now? Rob, watch this guy.] among a qualified pool of four great Republicans, including Freeholder Robert Clifton, Ocean Twp. Councilman David Hiers, Marlboro Council President Jeff Kantor, and Spring Lake Councilman Brian Reilly. Freeholder Clifton has publicly supported this process, along with all of the Assembly and Senate candidates. [How 'bout the Sheriff?] They deserve our support and our unity.
The voices of dissention have made their voices heard. It is time for the voices of party unity to speak. I am writing to ask for your support to work together, and stand strong in the face of shrill voices [The shrillest voice in this debate is your own, Adam. Unless you're hearing some voices that the rest of us can't.] that would destroy our party. I need your help.
---------------------------------------------------------------

LITTLE WILL NOT SCREEN

Freeholder Anna Little has issued a statement that she will not participate in Chairman Adam Puharic's screening process. You can read her statement in its entirety at More Monmouth Musings.
An interesting analysis of Chairman Puharic's strident response can be found at Concerned Monmouth Republican.

LINCOLN DAY REPORT

The 44th Annual Republican Lincoln Day Reception was held tonight at the Addison Park in Aberdeen. As predicted, Holmdel Mayor Serena DiMaso and Freehold Township Chairman Tom Apostle, co-chairs, ran an outstanding event. Over 300 people attended.
Tagg Romney was the invited speaker; he spoke on his father Mitt's presidential ambitions.
County Chairman Adam Puharic was there, as was Middlesex County Chairman Joe Leo. (Trivia: This is probably the first time that two GOP chairmen of two counties share a ZIP Code.)
All four Republican freeholders were in attendance; Director Bill Barham, Deputy Director Lillian Burry and Freeholders Rob Clifton and Anna Little.
Interestingly, and despite press stories that he would be barred, Manalapan Committeeman Joe Locricchio was there.
Others included Assemblymembers Sean Kean, Jen Beck, Amy Handlin and Sam Thompson; former County Chairman Fred Kniesler, Declan O'Scanlon, Sr. and Declan O'Scanlon, Jr., former Freeholder Director Tom Powers, former freeholders Clem Sommers and Frank Self, Howell Mayor Joe DiBella, Marlboro Mayor Robert Kleinberg, Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas, curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm Carton and his cousin, Middletown Chairman Peter Carton, Aberdeen Chairman Michael Borg, Manalapan Chairman Steve McEnery, Assistant County Counsels John Lane and Sal Alfieri, Matawan Councilman Paul Buccellato, Holmdel Deputy Mayor Alan Bateman and many others.

STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS TODAY

UPDATED UPDATE!!!

Sunday Afternoon

William H. Seward of More Monmouth Musings reports that the freeholder candidate screening has been postponed to March 3.

UPDATE!!!

Sunday Morning, February 18

Adam has released the names of the Legislative candidates endorsed by the Steering Committee to appear before the March Convention. So far, nothing on the County level candidates, although Sheriff Joe Oxley and County Clerk Claire French have no opposition. When more information comes out, we'll post it here.
The legislative candidates are:
10th District: Sen. Andrew R. Ciesla; Assemblymen James W. Holzapfel and David W. Wolfe.
11th District: Assemblyman Sean Kean for Senate; retired Wall police officer David Rible, Mary Pat Angelini, , Monmouth Beach Commissioner Kim Guadagno and Neptune Committeeman Tom Catley for Assembly. Ocean Township Mayor Bill Larkin was eliminated in this round.
12th District: Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck for Senate; Colts Neck attorney Caroline Casagrande, Little Silver Councilman Declan O'Scanlon, Jr. and Fair Haven Councilman Tom Gilmour for Assembly. Jen Beck will face Manalapan Committeeman Joseph Locricchio, who opted to forgo the screening process, in the June Primary.
13th District: Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr.; Assembly Members Amy H. Handlin, PhD and Samuel D. Thompson, PhD.
30th District: Sen. Robert W. Singer; Assemblymen Ronald S. Dancer and Joseph R. Malone III.
The contested 11th and 12th District assembly teams will be narrowed down to two each at the convention.

*******************

Today, February 17, is the date scheduled for the meeting of the Steering Committee for the purpose of selecting a list of candidates to present at the March convention.

The screening committee membership is:
Senator Joe Kyrillos
Assemblyman Sean Kean
Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck
Assemblywoman Amy Handlin
County Clerk Claire French
Surrogate Rosemarie Peters
Freeholder Director Bill Barham
Freeholder Lillian Burry
Aberdeen Chairman Michael Borg
Freehold Twp. Chairman Tom Apostle
Howell Chairman Norine Kelly
Little Silver Chairman Rick DeNoia
Manalapan Chairman Steve McEnery
Marlboro Chairman Sal Alfieri
Middletown Chairman Peter Carton
Wall Chairman Bob McKenna
County Chairman Adam Puharic (votes to break a tie)
County Vice Chair Molly Giamanco
Second Vice Chair Caroline Casagrande
Political Whip John Cantalupo
SERC Chair, Tom DeSeno
Leadership Council Chair Tom Gagliano
Finance Chair Andrew Lucas
Legal Council (Counsel) Michael Supko

It will be interesting who they choose. Will they prove multitudes of critics wrong and give both incumbent Freeholders Anna Little and Rob Clifton (with 2 others) a pass to the Convention? Such a move will also help slap down a particularly vicious and slanderous hate blog which has posted libelous material over the past few months.
When we have more material, we'll post it here.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1809 - 1865

Today is the 198th anniversary of the birth of the 16th President of the United States, and the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

"When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and true maxim that 'a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.' So with men. If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. Therein is a drop of honey that catches his heart, which, say what he will, is the great highroad to his reason, and which, once gained, you will find but little trouble in convincing him of the justice of your cause, if indeed that cause is really a good one."

LINCOLN DAY SPEAKER

The county GOP sent out this notice about the guest speaker at Lincoln Day:

Tagg Romney To Be Guest Speaker At The 44th Annual Monmouth County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner
02/09/2007

Please join us in welcoming Tagg Romney, son of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and senior advisor to the Mitt Romney for President Exploratory Committee, at the 44th Annual Monmouth County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner being held Monday, February 19th at Addison Park on Route 35 in Aberdeen.
Our cocktail hour starts at 6 pm with three hours of hors d’oeuvres and serving stations. The program will start at 7 pm featuring our exciting guest speaker and candidates. Tickets are just $45 per person.
This is the largest gathering of its kind in the State. Please join all of your elected officials and candidates for a night of good food, fellowship and fun!
As an agent of a federal candidate, Tagg Romney does not solicit and is not soliciting any funds in violation of federal election regulations. Specifically, he solicits only those funds drawn from a personal account within federal limits, and does not solicit funds from corporations, labor organizations, government contractors, or foreign nationals.

It appears that Mitt Romney has a lot of support among the leadership of the Monmouth County GOP.
While it is still early for the 2008 election, and whether you support Romney or someone else for president, this is a bit of positive news at a time when so much negative energy is around.
Positive? For a couple of reasons.
One is that, with talk of a possible early presidential primary, New Jersey becomes relevant once again on the presidential level. Hopefully, Mitt Romney will not be the last GOP presidential candidate we see in Monmouth County.
Another is that this is the first time in many years that there has actually been a guest speaker at Lincoln Day. It is said that big name guest speakers were once the norm at Lincoln Day, the biggest event on the County GOP calendar. Speakers would usually be some Cabinet or Congressional leadership figure. It is even said that George H. W. Bush spoke at a 1970's Lincoln Day.
So, with all that's going on, whether you support Romney or someone else or whether you support Chairman Puharic or not, come out and have a good time at Lincoln Day. Tom Apostle and Serena DiMaso ran a nice event last year, and this one promises to be nice, too.