REALLY?

Anna Little is one of the toughest people in politics today. A tireless grass roots organizer and campaigner, she challenged the Party Establishment, winning both the 2010 and 2012 Primaries off-line, and would have won off line for freeholder in 2007 if she chose to run that year.
She has gone up against some pretty tough customers, including Bill Barham, Fred Niemann, Adam Puharic and his Rasta sock-puppet and others. She was elected Mayor of Highlands beating a Democrat, an Independent and a write in (presumably sent in as a spoiler) orchestrated by country club RINOs on Navesink River Road in Middletown!
Sounds like she's just the kind of fighter we need in Congress.
So where does Art Gallagher get off thinking that he is going to prevail against Anna Little? Really?

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Joe Oxley has been the County Chairman for nearly a month and has been getting good reviews pretty much across the board. Some readers may wonder how we, the Monmouth County Republican Party, got to where we are today.

Here's how.

Our great party has a long history in power in the county. We dominated on both the county and local levels, where even Asbury Park and Long Branch were once G. O. P. strongholds. Democrats were not able to make inroads until the 1960's, when they elected James Howard to Congress, Paul Kiernan as Sheriff and Eugene Bedell as Freeholder. Kiernan's son, Paul Kiernan, Jr., would nearly oust longtime G. O. P. leader J. Russell Woolley as County Clerk. While Bedell was ousted after one term, Howard and Kiernan would hold office for many years; Howard until his death in 1988. Otherwise, the Republican grip would remain solid until the 1970's.

Woolley's successor as county chairman, County Clerk Benjamin H. Danskin, would be faced with an unprecedented existential challenge to the Republican Party on all levels: The Watergate scandal. While no Monmouth Republicans were involved in Watergate, multitudes were swept from office during the 1973, 1974 and 1975 elections, including Danskin himself as County Clerk. Three freeholders (Axel B. "Junie" Carlson, Jr., Albert "Buddy" Allen and veteran Director Joseph C. Irwin.) would lose their seats, throwing control of the Board to the Democrats for the first time since the 1930's.

Danskin and his successor, former Upper Freehold Township Mayor Frederick C. Kniesler, had their work cut out for them through much of the 70's and 80's. While control of the Board of Freeholders would swing back and forth during this period, the Democrats were never able to keep the majority for more than two years and the G. O. P remained a dominant force, growing stronger into the 80's.

During the Danskin and Kniesler chairmanships, the organization was united and factionalism was nearly nonexistant due to their leadership styles. Their persuasive qualities led to respect; this is the sign of a true leader.

Kniesler did not seek reelection in 1986 and was succeeded by former Assemblyman William F. Dowd, who was chairman for a very long time. Dowd's first freeholder election was lost to Democrats John "Flippy" D'Amico and John "Well Done" Villapiano, but subsequently he presided over 17 years of county level wins.

In the beginning, Dowd's leadership style followed the Danskin/Kniesler model, but he soon proved to be different. Dowd's leadership style was more flambuoyant for one, and he was not afraid to choose up sides in local disputes. Once you do that, resentment festers and factions develop. Still, factions remained confined to the local level; the county level remained largely unified.

This would begin to unravel.

In 1995 Dowd announced that he would not support Sheriff William M. Lanzaro for a sixth term due to potential problems with the sheriff's personal finances. This would result in the first major contested primary for county office in many years. Lanzaro was defeated by Joseph W. Oxley, who would go on to serve four terms as sheriff himself and is our current county chairman.


In 2003, reacting to negative reporting about Sen. John O. Bennett in the Asbury Park Press, Dowd announced that the Monmouth County G. O. P. would not support Bennett for another term. Still, Dowd did not replace Bennett on the county organization line or back his primary opponent. This resulted in Bennett's loss to Ellen Kärcher, and the loss of Assemblymembers Clare Farragher and Michael Arnone to Democrats Robert Morgan and Michael Panter.

Also in 2003 Dowd took sides in the raging dispute between the Middletown Township Committee and the developers of the proposed Town Center, drawing the ire of yet another state legislator, Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, who's family was looking to develop the property. This move would also raise a local Middletown issue to a county issue. Dowd would later go on to threaten to withdraw organization support for Azzolina if he chose to run for reelection in 2005.

And the band played on...

All this time Dowd was neglecting the operations of the Monmouth County Republican Committee. Fundraising was lackluster, there was little or no party building, and political decisions relating to the County were delegated to Freeholder Director Harry Larrison, Jr., and we all know how that worked out.

In 2004, Dowd decided that Freeholder Edward Stominski had to go, and in a small gathering in a gracious drawing room overlooking the wide and lazy Navesink, Stominski was denied organization backing in favor of Robert Clifton, resulting in yet another countywide primary, in which Clifton would defeat Stominski and go on to be elected freeholder.

Many loyal Republicans saw this as the final straw. A movement was begun to unseat Dowd. This was unprecedented in a county with a tradition of uncontested chairman's elections. Several current and former officeholders were approached, including Dr. Mike Arnone of Red Bank. All the A-List people demurred. Finally, the little - known Fred Niemann of Wall agreed to run and went on to soundly defeat Dowd. Fred would eventually turn on many of those who supported him and ally himself with the same factions (And by then there were factions!) Dowd was allied with, even following through on Dowd's proposal to deny party backing to Joe Azzolina.
Niemann also oversaw the creation of the controversial PACs, which generated bad publicity to our party while failing to address the anemic fundraising of the past several years. The PACs were among the issues believed to convince Niemann that he should not run for chairman again.
Niemann's successor as chairman was Adam Puharic, like Niemann another unknown. Adam came in on a positive note, promising unity. He presented himself as a master fundraiser and public relations person. Many had hope for the party under Puharic's leadership.
Things were about to get really weird.
The mercurial chairman instituted a screening process designed to unseat Freeholder Anna Little. He publicly criticized the Board of Chosen Freeholders, once on the county pay - to- play policy and again on the transfer of an employee. His bouncing from job to job became the butt of jokes, as did his proposal that Rudy Giuliani move to New Jersey to run for U. S. Senate. Fundraising did not improve, to the point that the rent for Republican Headquarters was several months past due. The self - proclaimed PR whiz became a walking PR nightmare. In the end it was found that Adam Puharic was an unsuccessful Township Committee candidate who went on to serve as a Municipal Chairman who's only local race ended in defeat for his candidates. He opted not to run this year, resulting in the unanimous election of Joe Oxley as chairman.
Oxley is a known quantity; the former sheriff has previously served as Middletown mayor and committeeman as well as a municipal prosecutor. Once again an A - List person occupies the chair.

"OXLEY - CLEAN"

Well, after two years, I finally get to use that slogan. Former Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley was unanimously elected Monmouth County Republican Chairman last night. No shenanigans were evident.

This is the first unanimous chairman's election since 2002, when William F. Dowd was elected to his final term. Dowd would go on to be unseated in 2004 by Frederick P. Niemann. In 2006, Niemann opted not to run again; Adam N. Puharic would succeed him, defeating James Giannell for the post.

Make no mistake. Joe has his work cut out for him.

Factions should hopefully not be an issue, as Joe is a known quantity in the party and appears to be sincerely above the petty sniping that has bedeviled our great party for the last few years. A strong leader can work with people regardless of differences. It is a good sign that he has received rave reviews from across our diverse party.

Organization and fundraising will be major issues on Chairman Oxley's plate. The Democrats are one seat away from controlling the Board of Chosen Freeholders. And a look at local candidate filings this year shows the Democrats contesting Colts Neck (again!), Freehold Township, Rumson and even Brielle. The blue tide must be beaten back on both the local and county levels or it's Bergen County with beaches. The Dems are playing for keeps here and we ignore that at our peril.

Fundraising must be closely looked at. We must outraise the Democrats or we're done. (See Bergen County with beaches, above.) While we mustn't sink to the Democrats' level here, we must also be sure not to cripple our own fundraising ability. Important here is retiring the Party's $30,000.00 debt. The $6,000.00 that Puharic claims to have spent on his credit card needs to be looked into as well, and resolved appropriately. If it was for authorized party expenses, then he may deserve to be reimbursed, otherwise he may have to eat it.

Finally, communication is key to politics. Previous chairmen have blasted G. O. P. bloggers. Joe may want to reverse that and establish a Chairman's Blog. This can be used to post online messages and increase the visibility of our great party and its candidates. I would link him here if he did.

Best of luck to our new Chairman!!!

HE'S BAAAAAAAAAACK!!!

This just in.
We have it on reliable source that former County Chairman Fred Niemann has been spotted recently in the Metropolitan Café with Freeholder Director Bill Barham and Freeholder Rob Clifton.
What were they up to?
Were they discussing strategy for the upcoming campaign? Were Bill and Fred giving Rob an "exit interview"?
Anyone know what's up?
Both Barham and Clifton in the past were recipients of $5,000.00 contributions from the Committee for Responsibility and Trust in Government, an East Brunswick based PAC chaired by former State Senator Jack Sinagra (R - Middlesex). Clifton had returned the contribution; Barham has not.
The Committee for Responsibility and Trust in Government dispersed all its funds in October to several local campaigns in Middlesex County and folded up its operation. A CPC-F form was filed with ELEC and it is no more.

COUNTY ELECTION BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Back in 2005, then-County Chairman Fredrick Niemann nominated Howell Republican Chair Norine E. Kelly to a 2-year term on the Monmouth County Board of Elections replacing Robin Lemesevski of Freehold Township. Mrs. Kelly was also Vice Chairwoman of the Monmouth County Republican Committee at the time.

Norine Kelly's term on the County Board expires on March 1. Fred Niemann is no longer the County Chairman, and it is not known what Chairman Adam Puharic's intentions are here.

According to New Jersey Election Law (Title 19) N. J. S. A. 19:6-18, those responsible for nominations to the Board are Chairman Puharic, Vice Chairwoman Mollie Giamanco, State Committeeman John Bennett and Mollie Giamanco in her capacity as State Committeewoman.

Will Mrs. Kelly be reappointed? Is anyone else interested in the job?

FRANCO IS STILL DEAD; THE CHAIRMAN IS STILL FRED

Less than two weeks out from the June 13 County Committee reorganization, and we cannot stress this enough: Fred Niemann may be down, but he's still not out. He is still the chairman until that meeting.
The behind the scenes machinations going on would be familiar to anyone who has participated in the last two county conventions, where an assortment of dark-horse candidates, stalking-horse candidates and outright red-herring candidates were in the races.
Several candidates were suspected of being nothing more than a part of an elaborate divide and conquer scheme aimed at securing the freeholder nomination for Howell Mayor Joe DiBella.
These schemes were ultimately unsuccessful, and owing to the closeness of both the February and April Convention votes, some have pondered that, without the divisive schemes and outlandish shenanigans of some of DiBella's supporters, he may have been a freeholder today.
Today finds us with several names in and out of the race for County Chairman. Sheriff Joe Oxley, the perceived frontrunner, opted not to run, leaving Red Bank's James Giannell in the apparent lead. Former Freeholder Ed Stominski and Neptune Township's Mel Hood have apparently formed a slate. Other names mentioned have included Little Silver Councilman Declan O'Scanlon, lobbyist and former DiBella campaign manager Brian Nelson, Howard Dean contributor Madeline Ferraro, and newcomers Adam Puharic of Aberdeen and Elias Abilheira of Millstone.
Several leaders said to be allied with the Niemann-Gallic group are reported to be casting about for a candidate, but so far have not found the candidate they seek.
If you are on the County Committee, or will be elected in the Primary on June 6, please pay attention to this race. It is very important. Read and listen to what the candidates say, and look at their records to get an idea of what they will do. Beware of stalking-horses. And be on the lookout for shenanigans.
The future of our party depends upon it.

FRED'S OUT. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Well, where do we go?
First, let's get through the June 13th reorganization meeting. At this point I don't know the location, but by state law this must be called by the incumbent County Chairman. Committee members will be notified after Primary, so leave that date open.
Who will it be? The current front-runner would appear to be Sheriff Joe Oxley, with former Freeholder Ed Stominski and Neptune GOP Club President Mel Hood as contenders. Rumson Mayor John Ekdahl is also mulling a run, but will not oppose the Sheriff. I'm not sure if Ed or Mel have plans to withdraw or if they're committed to a floor vote.
A possible wild card would be a Niemann-backed candidate a la Joe DiBella, but Fred really hasn't had much luck with that sort of stunt.
By-laws? A bad set of by-laws can cripple an organization, so this should be done right. At this point the party's finances are of the utmost priority if we are to win in November. The Monmouth County Republican Committee treasury has been depleted and the rent for the temporarily closed Republican Headquarters hasn't been paid. Most of the funds have been deposited in the various PACs under Glenn Hopler's treasurership.
It is important that the party get control of these funds. I would advise those interested in the job to get legal advice on that NOW. We don't really want the new Chairman, trying to do a good job, meanwhile Fred, Dan, Glenn and the rest of the "bunker boys" are still in control of the money and use it to start mischief.
Bottom line: All the PACs should be shut down by May 31, however many there turn out to be, and the money deposited in the Monmouth County Republican Committee account. Then the new leadership can go through the books and determine which contributions might be tainted and act accordingly. For starters, any contributions from the likes of Jack Morris, Solomon Dreck or Jack Westlake or others of that ilk should be returned to send a message that their games will no longer be tolerated here.
It is important that the new chairman operate a clean organization, and it is incumbent upon the rank-and-file to demand no less. We must be vigilant. Secretary Seward and myself will be watching. So will Jackie and Jim. Won't you join us?

BOARD OF ELECTIONS

This one has been somewhat below the radar, but it should be discussed.
Chairman Fred Niemann has quietly been making changes on the Monmouth County Board of Elections. This four-member board consists by statute of two Republicans and two Democrats nominated by their respective county chairman and appointed by the governor. The senior commissioners from each party become the Chairman and Secretary. The Board of Elections is responsible for the conduct of elections within the county, and oversees the hundreds of District Boards.
Until recently, the Republicans on the Board were Robin Lemesevski of Freehold Township, and Barbara Muzetska of Eatontown.
Last year, Niemann nominated Norine E. Kelly of Howell to replace Robin. Mrs. Kelly is also Vice Chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Committee, and GOP Municipal Chairman in Howell. This changed the seniority on the board, and Democrat Leah Falk became secretary.
Barbara Muzetska was still chairman, until earlier this year when Niemann nominated Karen Haines of Middletown as a replacement. Karen is the Republican Headquarters manager.
This has thrown the seniority on the board squarely to the Democrats, with Leah Falk as Chairman.

THANKS, JOE

It seems that we have Republican congressional candidates in Districts 6 and 12 primarily through the efforts of Middlesex County Republican Chairman Joseph P. Leo.
Things had been very quiet on the Monmouth front in those two districts, and many speculated that Monmouth County Republican Chairman Fred Niemann had forfeited them to their Democratic incumbents. The Mercer County GOP Convention had deferred to Monmouth on the 12th because we have a larger portion of the district. Our sources say that it was Middlesex's Leo who realized that quick action needed to be taken, and recruited Union Beach's Leigh-Ann Bellew for the 6th and Helmetta's Joe Sinagra for the 12th.
Why even bother to run candidates in districts that are supposedly unwinnable?
Look at the 1st District. Democrat Rob Andrews is running unopposed. Again. Once a Republican district represented by the late Bill Cahill, the 1st began trending Democratic and in 1974 elected Jim Florio. It is now the Norcross Heartland. With no opposition to Andrews, this not only gives the voters no choice at the polls, it also takes the fundraising pressure off the congressional race and frees up Democrat funds for other races in the area.
The same could have happened in the 6th and 12th. With no opposition across a wide region of Central Jersey, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River, Democrats could then spend more money on races like Monmouth County freeholder. So by opposing Frank Pallone and Rush Holt, we not only give the voters a choice, it helps the entire ticket.
As far as "unwinnable", don't sell these candidates short. You never know what issues may come up; Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) was initially said to be in an "unwinnable race", but with the right issues he won and is now dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation. Sending Pallone and Holt their pink slips would be a good thing.
So, thanks to Joe Leo for his work in these districts.

NIEMANN MAY BACK DOWN

Wally Edge reports that Chairman Fred Niemann may not seek a second, two-year term as County Chairman. There has been some hubbub about this, and Niemann fanned the flames somewhat at the County Convention with his "if I seek another term" comment. Many people hung on the "if".
Wally reports that Sheriff Joe Oxley may step up to the plate.

NIEMANN'S GOT WOES

Read all about it at Wally Edge.

THE CHAIRMAN'S RESPONSE

Monmouth County Republican Organization
16 West Main Street
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
732-431-6664
Fax No. 732-431-6619
http://www.monmouthrepublican.org/

Fredrick P. Niemann, Chairman

March 30, 2006

Friends, Local, County and State Elected Officials, Municipal Chairmen
and Chairwomen and Members of the Monmouth County Republican
Committee:
WE EITHER RAISE MONEY LEGALLY OR SURRENDER
MONMOUTH COUNTY TO THE DEMOCRATS. I WILL NEVER
UNILATERALLY DISARM AND SURRENDER OUR PARTY TO THE
DEMOCRATS.
I AM CALLING ON SENATOR KARCHER AND ASSEMBLYMAN
PANTER TO JOIN THE MONMOUTH COUNTY REPUBLICAN
PARTY IN POSTING AND PASSING COMPREHENSIVE ELECTION
REFORM LEGISLATION ... INCLUDING PUBLIC FINANCING AND
SPENDING LIMITS ON STATE AND COUNTY CAMPAIGNS.
In 2004, Monmouth County Democrats spent nearly $750,000.00
in an attempt to elect a sheriff and two freeholders. They failed. In 2005,
New Jersey Democrats spent nearly 4.5 million dollars in Monmouth
County, to elect two(2) freeholders and ten (10)assembly candidates. They
failed again. In fact, in the two weeks preceding the November 8, 2005
election, Monmouth County Democrats wheeled in $256,000.00 from
PAC’S, PPC’S and other political entities.
Just a few examples:
1. $25,000. Local Union 164
2. $25,000. IBEW
3. $37,000. N.J. Carpenters. Political Education Drive Committee
4. $37,000. Friends of Joe Roberts
5. $25,000. IBEW Local #35, State PAC
6. $30,000. CWA (PAC)
7. $25,000. NYC District Council of Carpenters
The list of examples goes on and on as relates to campaign spending
in the 11th , 12th, and, 13th district assembly races. For example: In the 11th
District Assembly races against Assemblymen Corodemus and Kean.
1. NJAL PAC $42,000.00
2. New Millenium Pac $ 2,600.00
3. Drive Commitee FPAC $ 3,500.00
4. Painters Union PAC $ 2,500.00
Total Contributions...... $80,500.00
From Pac’s etc. in
last two weeks
In the 12th Assembly race against Assemblywoman Beck and Declan
O’Scanlan:
1. Plumbers and Pipe Fitters $ 2,500.00
2. NJ Dental Pac $ 1,500.00
3. NJ Plumbers & Pipe Fitters$ 7,000.00
4. MBNA Pac $ 1,000.00
5. ALTA Legal $ 5,000.00
6. Democrats 2000 Pac $ 1,500.00
7. Bar Local Pac $ 3,000.00
8. Democrat Governors
Association Pac $ 5,200.00
9. NJ Funeral Directors Pac $ 7,500.00
10. New Dem Leadership Pac $ 371,899.00
11. NJEA $ 12,000.00
Total Contributions..... $ 486,399.00

From Pac’s etc. in last
two weeks
Make no mistake about it. New Jersey Democrats are a cash /fundraising
machine. They are poised in 2006 again to spend obscene sums of
money in Monmouth County. We have two choices. Raise money legally or
unilaterally disarm and surrender 50 years of Republican values and
leadership in Monmouth County to our opponents. We cannot do this. I will
not surrender our Party. Instead, it’s time to reform the system.
In 2005, I called for comprehensive election law reform. I called for the
elimination of “loopholes” designed, written and adopted by the Democrats
in Trenton to allow PAC’S, PPC’S and other entities to raise virtually
unlimited funds while crippling Republicans. Last year, I supported public
financing of campaigns, including County Freeholder elections as a means of
bringing sanity and fairness to the election process. My pleas fell on deaf
ears. But, I am not deterred.
Today I have written to Senator Ellen Karcher, Monmouth County’s
ranking Democrat Senator and Assemblyman Michael Panter, Monmouth
County’s ranking Democrat Assemblyman to immediately demand that the
Democrat leadership in Trenton post the bills of Assembly and Senate
Republicans that will bring real and immediate campaign finance reform. It
is time for action, not inaction and excuses.
Today, I have also written to Monmouth County Democrat Chairman
Vic Scudery calling for an immediate person to person meeting to negotiate
and agree upon a campaign spending limit for this years Surrogate and
Freeholder races. This limit will include funding from all sources including
COUNTY COMMITTEES, MPC’S, PPC’S, PAC’S, 527's and all of the
manufactured vehicles used to fund political campaigns. All of our
prospective candidates for office will agree to this proposal if the Democrat
Freeholder candidates and Surrogate candidate agree to join us to limit
campaign spending.
The alternative to meaningful campaign finance reform is the
continuation of obscene spending by New Jersey Democrats and a race by
N.J. Republicans to try and keep up.

WHAT’S AT STAKE!

If Monmouth County Republicans do not raise money to communicate
to the voters about Republican values and the quality of life created by our
Republican elected officials, Monmouth County will fall to the Democrats,
just like Bergen County, Union County, Camden County, Cumberland
County, and reportedly this years target (besides Monmouth County),
Atlantic County. In some cases, N.J. Democrats wheeled in millions of
dollars to buy victories in those counties, generally in the last three (3) weeks
of the campaign Those counties were solidly Republican until they were
crushed by Democrat money and their massive campaign war chests.
Republicans were crippled and became easy targets. All New Jersey
residents are the victims of the tax and spend philosophy of the Democrats in
Trenton.
Finally, our Finance Chairman Josh Elkes has done an outstanding job
raising funds to elect Republicans in our County. Mr. Elkes is a highly
ethical and good man. He has explained to me our fund-raising system,
including the use of legally permissible (PAC’S) and other entities created
under the law. We operate legally under the law. A law that is as complex
as the tax code. We will not knowingly violate the law to raise money. I have
instructed Mr. Elkes to again review our entire fund-raising system, with the
advice of legal counsel. As County Chairman, I intend to become fully
conversant about our financing. In retrospect, it was my responsibility to be
fully informed instead of delegating this obligation to my friend, Josh Elkes.
So you know, our Finance Chair has continuously requested and received
legal advice on how to fund-raise legally. If changes to our fund-raising
methods are necessary or mistakes have been made, they will be immediately
corrected.
I am sorry about the length of this letter but I believe you would
appreciate some perspective in light of the recent stories in the press.
Should you have any questions about the contents of this letter, you
may call me at my office (732) 409-7360 ext. 105 or e-mail me on our County
website, www.MonmouthCountyRepublican.org .
Sincerely yours,
FREDRICK P. NIEMANN
Monmouth County Republican Chairman
FPN/lgu

GOOD GOING FRED

"You can fool some of the people some of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."
...Abraham Lincoln


The saga continues.
One issue we Republicans always had over the Democrats was that we were much cleaner on fundraising. Chairman Fred Niemann's activities with the seven (ten?) PACs made sure that that went bye-bye. He handed the issue right to the Democrats on a golden platter.
The Democrats have moved in like a school of piranhas.
Yesterday's Asbury Park Press reported that Democrat Senator Ellen Karcher and Assemblyman Michael Panter have both gotten into the act and written to the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) requesting an investigation.
Fred, what did you think was going to happen?
The result of this whole fiasco is that no Republican in Monmouth County can use Democrat finances as an issue now with any credibility. And there still hasn't been an explanation as to the Committee for Sensible Growth, New Millenium Leadership and the Committee for Small Business Development, for which no ELEC reports have been found yet. Some Niemann supporters have attempted to throw blame around, speculating as to who may have leaked the PACs to the media, but the fact is that ELEC reports are public record, available online for anyone interested. The Press was apparently interested; they have been since 2003. Idiot. The Democrats could ride this straight to two freeholder seats and the surrogate this November.
Good going Fred.

JUST LIKE WALLY SAID...

Wally Edge's incredible radar has picked up the goings-on here in Monmouth County and has reported them bright and early this morning. You can read about it here.
Wally points out that Glenn Hopler, treasurer of multiple accounts, is an accountant at a firm with offices in the same Toms River, Ocean County building as Ocean County Republican Chairman George Gilmore.

NIEMANN HANGS LOCAL LEADERS OUT TO DRY!

"I don't know what PACs we have or how much is in them."
...Chairman Fredrick P. Niemann.


Republicans and others in Monmouth County woke up this morning to a report in the Asbury Park Press on seven "PAC" funds set up around Monmouth County so the County GOP leadership can get around the new "Pay to Play" law. The report was on the front page. Above the fold.
According to the Press, County GOP leaders were quick to take the code of omerta, or silence, and quickly denied any knowledge of the funds:

Fredrick P. Niemann, chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization, said Wednesday that he was unaware of the existence of the seven new GOP committees.
"I don't know what PACs we have or how much is in them," he said.

Josh Elkes, finance chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization, said he was aware of the seven GOP committees but would not comment further about why they were established or how the funds would be used.

The County GOP's shadowy Executive Director, Dan Gallic, has yet to chime in on his knowledge of this situation.
Freeholder Anna C. Little refused a contribution of $2,600 from the Holmdel Committee for Good Government, stating, "I was unsure of the origin of the funds in the account" and "I don't care to be involved in a scandal."
The PACs were also blasted by Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R-13) and Holmdel Township Committeeman Terence M. Wall, a freeholder candidate.
The PACs are all titled the (name of town) Committee for Good Government and include funds set up in Aberdeen, Holmdel, Howell, Interlaken, Long Branch, Neptune and Union Beach. Each lists the local GOP municipal chairman as PAC chairman and Glenn Hopler of Middletown Township as treasurer. Hopler is a CPA with the Toms River firm of Holman & Frenia, PC. Toms River is in Ocean County. All the PACs have the address of P. O. Box 7300, Shrewsbury. Three other PACs listed on the Interlaken ELEC report disbursements but without reports of their own are the Committee for Sensible Growth, New Millenium Leadership and the Committee for Small Business Development.
By playing dumb on this, Niemann has hung seven local leaders out to dry.
Of the seven PACs, so far only one may be said to have its days numbered, the Aberdeen Committee for Good Government. On March 9th, on this blog, Aberdeen GOP Chairman Michael Borg said:

"...about two months ago, I asked that it be dismantled, that has yet to be done. I will handle that when I get back from the Federal Law Enforcement Academy, where I have been for the last three weeks, and where I'll continue to be for the next two and half."

We hope that Mr. Borg follows through on this if he hasn't already, and the leaders in the other towns follow suit. It's a shame that Mr. Hopler didn't dismantle it when Mr. Borg asked in the first place.

UPDATE

In the March 25 Asbury Park Press, a follow-up article quotes Fred Niemann as saying the PACs are "perfectly legal"; he then in fine Clintonesque fashion deflects the question with assertations that the New Jersey campaign finance laws are weak.
A number of Republican stalwarts have called for his resignation.
At the Affilliated Republican Club's candidate's night last night, where the tension could cut glass, Niemann lashed out at his critics, calling them names like "part of al-Qaida in our organization" and "enemies of reform." He has previously used terms like "communists and bomb-throwers." He then came out for public financing of political campaigns.
Mayor Robert D. Wolf III of Interlaken demanded Niemann, "take accountability for turning the Interlaken GOP coffers into a Maytag washing machine."

NAZZOLINA?

Today's Asbury Park Press contains an article on this year's Republican County Convention, scheduled for Saturday April 8.
The article states:

Anna Little, who was chosen in February to fill an unexpired term on the board, will likely be given the party endorsement by acclamation, Niemann said. But Narozanick will have to face a screening committee if he seeks re-election.
"Competition is good," Niemann said. "Competition assures that incumbents never take their position for granted and are responsive to the people as can be."

And:

(Surrogate Marie)Muhler also will be subject to the nomination process if she seeks another term, Niemann said.

The article then goes on to describe who would vote at the convention:

Members of the Republican County committee, county elected officials, constitutional officers (which include the surrogate, sheriff and county clerk) and municipal chairmen will all be allowed to vote to pick the party's candidates, Niemann said. Elected municipal officials and Republicans elected to serve in nonpartisan towns will be allowed to vote this year for the first time, Niemann said. About 1,000 Republicans will vote to pick the candidates.

While it is on record now that Chairman Niemann will in fact invoke the "Barham Corollary" as pertains to Freeholder Anna Little, but will allow competition should Freeholder Ted Narozanick or Surrogate Marie Muhler seek reelection.

Shouldn't he use the "Barham Corollary" on all three? Shouldn't it apply to any incumbent seeking reelection? Or not?

And what about the municipal officials? Should that only be limited to Republicans elected on a partisan ballot? This would exclude officials from towns like Ocean, Long Branch and Keansburg. Or should those Republicans elected in a non-partisan form of government be included? And will this include registered Republicans elected as independents in an otherwise partisan town, like Howell's Councilman Bob Walsh?

Will a committeeperson who is also an elected official have two votes?

I believe we need some clarification here. Maybe the recently very quiet "Ronald Reagan" can weigh in here and bring us all up to date.

What's your opinion?

WHAT WILL HIS NEXT MOVE BE?

So, what's County Chairman Fredrick Niemann's next move going to be? Many pundits view Freeholder Anna Little's convention victory as an upset to the GOP organization establishment led by Niemann. So what does he do next?
Will he accept the will of the County Committee, the party rank and file, and support Little in the spring County Convention and November election? A post, since removed, on another blog would have one believe otherwise.
Some have said that Little's victory has doomed Niemann's chance at reelection as chairman in June. If this is the case, will he feel he has nothing to lose and start playing games? An animal is most dangerous when it is injured.
So what do you think Fred will do next? Attempt to dislodge Little in the spring convention? Run someone against her in the primary? Attempt to sabotage the November election? Or support the will of the people and work for Little?
Please let us know your opinion.

THE NEXT CONVENTION

Here we go again. There will be another convention for Monmouth County Republicans. To be held in March or April, this will be the regular annual Convention to select a slate of candidates for the organization's backing.
The slate will include:
U. S. Senate. State Sen. Tom Kean (R-Union) is expected to have no opposition going into the primary, and should receive a unanimous vote.
U. S. House. Veteran Rep. Christopher Smith (R-4th), Monmouth County's only Republican Congressman, is also expected to be unopposed for the nomination in the 4th District. In the 6th District, Sheriff Joe Oxley is being mentioned as a possible opponent for Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone. Some would like Tom DeSeno of Howell to move to Asbury Park and run. And Middlesex's Sylvester Fernandes, who ran in 2004, has also been mentioned. As of today, we haven't heard whether Bill Spadea or anyone else plans another go at Democratic Rep. Rush Holt in the 12th District.
Surrogate. The incumbent, Marie Muhler of Wall, formerly Marlboro, has been said to be considering retirement. Possible replacements are Middletown's Rosemarie Peters and Little Silver's Rick DeNoia.
Freeholder. Weren't we just here? Freeholder Anna Little will have to screen before the spring convention to get the endorsement to run in the fall. It is hoped that the "Bill Barham clause" is invoked, and she is given an acclamation endorsement. Some Republicans were concerned when blogger "Ronald Reagan", rumored to be Chairman Fred Niemann or Dan Gallic, who is not the executive director, intimated at a convention challenge or primary contest against Little by an as yet unnamed person. That paragraph was removed after criticism. And don't forget Freeholder Ted Narozanick. He has said that he would not seek another term, but would he change his mind? If he retires, who would be the candidate(s)? Would we see the same group (Joe DiBella, Bob McKenna, Tom DeSeno and Bridget Antonucci) that ran in the Title 19 Convention screen for Ted's seat? Would the withdrawn candidates (Serena DiMaso, Gus Toomey and Robert Kleinberg) come out? Would it be Rosemarie Peters? Or somebody entirely new? Time will tell. It should soon show up in your mailbox. You may be robo-called. Or someone might get hold of the Republican Headquarters e-mail list.
So, be alert, Republicans. And don't forget to log on here.

NEW E-MAIL INITIATIVE

"Please know your list will be held in total confidence and given to no one."

So said Chairman Fred Niemann in his January announcement of a new initiative, billed as "the first of its kind in New Jersey".

It is now February and several County Committee members have complained of being spammed by unsolicited e-mails from info@joedibella.com. What the committee members are wondering is, "How did the DiBella campaign get my e-mail address?"

How did they?

Well?

Some of the recipients of this spam are also on the County GOP e-mail list and are looking for answers. Are these e-mail addresses listed in some magic phone book that only DiBella campaign manager Brian Nelson has? Did some wizard give them the addresses? Some have alleged that (gasp!) Chairman Niemann and Executive Director Dan Gallic provided the addresses to the DiBella campaign.

But they wouldn't.

He said...

Niemann's January "initiative" was to ask those on the GOP e-mail list "to share your buddy list with us." In spite of his assurances of confidentiality, one has to question the sincerity of those assurances when they receive spam from DiBella.

Was Niemann sharing information with the DiBella campaign?

If so, is this same information available to DeSeno, Little, Kleinberg, McKenna or Antonucci?

Well?

LINCOLN DAY ROBO-CALLS

Yesterday Republicans were treated to an unprecedented robo-call encouraging them to attend Lincoln Day.
This is a traditional event for county GOP organizations nationwide.
Are ticket sales down? Or not?
Are you going? If not, why? What is your opinion of the robo-calls?
Let us know your opinion.