FACTIONS

"I seek a convention process that empowers our Republican County Committee, and allows them to make fair, even-handed decisions. I seek a process that not only produces great candidates like Freeholder Burry, Freeholder Little, Rosemary(sic.) Peters, and Andrew Lucas – but one that also heals divisions and ends factionalism."

"It is also harmful to use surrogates who seek to tear apart our party unity in the hopes of reliving their past glory days."

"The Republican County Committee voted to move beyond the divisiveness and infighting of the past two conventions. It was that atmosphere that created Little and helped to lose the first Republican freeholder seat in 20 years.
Little brought that belligerence to the freeholder board, and the Republican County Committee could see fratricide for what it was. Even the freeholders' lone Democrat has been able to serve residents without partisan bickering. This is the consequence of a rebellious few within the Republican Party who used their champion candidate to destroy rather than to build. But that was yesterday, and today is a better day."
...Chairman Adam Puharic


Let's talk about factions. It is one of Chairman Adam Puharic's favorite subjects, and a topic on which he spends a lot of time and effort discussing.
Is the Monmouth County G. O. P. factionalized? You decide. Puharic speaks of "...the divisiveness and infighting of the past two conventions. It was that atmosphere that created Little and helped to lose the first Republican freeholder seat in 20 years."
Let's take a look at what he's talking about. He speaks of the conventions of February and April 2006. Anna C. Little was elected to a vacancy on the Board of Chosen Freeholders at that convention, which was held under Title 19 of New Jersey State Law, which would preclude the use of any form of hand - picked steering committee, howsoever it is called. Thus, the vacancy is filled by a vote of the Republican County Committee, which can overrule the wishes of a county chairman, a curmudgeonly county counsel, elected officials or even county vendors. It was that atmosphere that created not only Little but Assemblymen Sean Kean and Sam Thompson, County Clerk Claire French, and Freeholder Director Bill Barham.
The candidates, and their supporters, work the County Committee and campaign for support. The object being, of course, that those Republicans who supported the losing candidates come together and support the one who was chosen. Since Little won last year, it looks like the system worked as it was supposed to. So far, no cancer here.




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

Who is that, Adam? Who?Let's get down to Puharic's real problem: The fact that Little's initial base of support was the Two Rivers Republican Group, led by then - Red Bank G. O. P. Chairman James Giannell. Puharic never stopped looking at Giannell as a threat, and had vowed to destroy the Two Rivers group. So, Little's support was all from Two Rivers? Of course not; that group doesn't have enough votes to do it alone. Giannell, a known grass roots operative, and others reached out to people throughout the county. Little herself campaigned for the position, working successfully to convince Republicans that she was the best person for the job. Among her opponents was Howell Township Mayor Joseph DiBella, who's supporters included the County Chairman at the time, Fred Niemann. Fred and his supporters led an all - out effort to elect DiBella, which many G. O. P. observers believed exceeded the importance of the office. (More on that in a future post.) Little was elected.
So let's look at the April '06 convention. Once again, DiBella was in the race; his supporters seemed to want him for the nomination even more than Joe did himself. The Two Rivers Group had two horses in the race, Little Silver Councilman Americo J. "Rick" DeNoia for Surrogate and Manalapan Township Committeeman Andrew Lucas for Freeholder. So the same supporters lined up behind these candidates, right? Wrong. A number of the Two Rivers people who supported Little in the February Title 19 Convention supported DiBella this time around. Others who had supported Little supported Holmdel Township Committeeman Terence Wall for freeholder. So Lucas' supporters had to come from somewhere else, people who hadn't supported Little. See what's happening here when you analyze it? Individual Republicans supporting who they think is best! (Wall would go on to withdraw at the convention and ask his supporters to vote for Lucas.) And DeNoia would come up short against Rosemarie Peters for Surrogate.
Then, in June, came the Reorganization, where the vote took place for County Chairman. Again, if there were factions, one would think that the vote would reflect that of the Title 19 Convention. It didn't. In a three - way race, Puharic, running on a party unity platform, won decisively.
Now let's look at yet another issue that Adam has: Regional groups. As mentioned above, Puharic has voiced his disapproval of such groups. But that disapproval is not all - encompassing. While he has vowed to destroy the Two Rivers group, Puharic was a founding member and officer of the Bayshore Republican Conference. While running for chairman, he proudly announced that he had the support of the Southeastern Republican Caucus: "I am proud and humbled to announce that I have just received the endorsement of the 17 municipalities of the Southeastern Republican Caucus! The Southeastern Republican Caucus is comprised of the Municipal Chairs of 17 towns along the South Shore who meet and act in the best interests of the residents of Monmouth County." And another such group has appeared, The Western Monmouth Republican Conference, which recently endorsed the Puharic candidate screening process, "The Western Monmouth Republican Conference - made up of GOP representatives from the western part of the county - said last week it is endorsing the concept of the Republican candidate screening committee. "
So obviously, if a "faction" or "caucus" suits Adam's needs, they "act in the best interests of the residents of Monmouth County." Otherwise, they "seek to tear apart our party unity in the hopes of reliving their past glory days." Indeed, much of the most divisive language in our great party comes from Puharic himself.
But right now, we should rise above the poison coming from the chair; we "must not waste one word on Republicans. It is time to focus on beating democrats." We will concentrate on electing our G. O. P. team.
Adam, we will be watching. This is not going away.

THE COALITION AGAINST CORRUPT POLITICIANS

Anyone who tuned in the "Jersey Guys" radio program on WKXW 101.5 on Wednesday (4/11) would have heard about the Coalition Against Corrupt Politicians, for the purpose of facilitating communication with the U. S. Attorney's Office and bringing crooked politicians to justice. If you listened that night about 6:30 or 7:00 you would have heard County GOP Chairman Adam Puharic getting on board. This is good. Other Monmouth County officials and candidates have also gotten on board.
Adam reiterated his Ethical Road Map, and stated that he would be posting a link to the CACP website on the Monmouth County Republican Committee website. True to his word, the link is up.
What we were wondering, though, was why the County GOP no longer does web postings of its ELEC reports. The June 30 and September 30 2006 reporting cycles were posted, but the December 31 reporting is not. So far, the March 31 report is not posted, but that doesn't even have to be in ELEC until Monday.
Posting of ELEC reports was a good idea on Adam's part last year. We hope that he reconsiders and posts the reports again.

CURMUDGEONLY COUNTY COUNSEL CARTON: A CONUNDRUM

UPDATE!
Carton will keep his job.


The question has been raised as to whether Malcolm Carton, the curmudgeonly County Counsel will become an issue in this year's campaign.
He already is an issue, and has been for quite some time. One commenter on this blog characterized him last year as, "someone of questionable legal ability, who is a political liability and has the personality of a cranky nasty old man."
Will the Democrats use him as an issue, though? It's more complicated than that. You see, Freeholder Robert Clifton, the only Republican incumbent board member running this year, voted against Carton's appointment last August. Republican Freeholder Anna Little, who would have been Clifton's running mate this year but for the machinations of County GOP Chairman Adam Puharic, also voted no. Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas, an unsuccessful GOP freeholder candidate last year, had stated that he too would have voted no, had he been on the Board at the time. County Clerk Claire French has had problems dealing with Carton. Marlboro Township Committeeman Jeff Cantor, Clifton's running mate for freeholder, remains an unknown quantity on this issue, as does Monmouth Beach Commissioner Kim Guadagno, our candidate for sheriff (Who will face a primary opponent.). As the County Counsel is a freeholders' appointment, the County Clerk and Sheriff have no vote in the matter.
Presumably, the Democrats would stand poised to make Carton an issue nonetheless, but herein lies the conundrum: John D'Amico, who will lead the Dems' freeholder ticket this year, not only voted for Carton's appointment back in 1988 when D'Amico was a freeholder, he actually sponsored the resolution! Freeholder John "Well Done" Villapiano, now the Democratic candidate for State Senate in the 11th District, provided the second.
Now, it would be one thing if the appointment was a slam-dunk, with all three Republicans voting for Carton, but the only Republican voting for him was Director Harry Larrison; Freeholder Tom Powers voted no and Freeholder Ted Narozanick abstained. Many Republicans were outraged at the time, and it cast quite a pall over the reception after the reorganization meeting.
So will Malcolm be an issue this year? A lot will depend upon what happens at Thursday's (April 12th) Freeholder's meeting, where Freeholder Little's complaint will be taken up for further action.

A VERY HAPPY AND MEANINGFUL

EASTER and PASSOVER

TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE

MONMOUTH COUNTY REPUBLICAN BLOG!

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.

THERE'S A NEW GOP BLOG IN TOWN

That's right, folks, another Monmouth County Republican has joined the Blogosphere. You'll find Concerned Monmouth Republican on my links menu.
This blog offers some interesting takes on what's going on here in the Monmouth GOP. Welcome, CMR!

ANOTHER MUST READ

William H Seward has an excellent post this morning which should be read by all Republicans who care about the future of our great party.

LITTLE WON'T PARTICIPATE IN BACKGROUND CHECKS

"...you cannot turn a girl into a trial attorney and then try to turn her into a wilting rose."
...Freeholder Anna Little

Freeholder Anna Little has announced that she will not participate in County Chairman Adam Puharic's background check program, in which a candidate is recommended to voluntarily pay a $1,000 fee to have their background checked by an investigator with a political background.

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

Exactly. If the chairman has any doubts about the freeholder's electability, he should sit down and calmly discuss it with her.
Instead, it appears that games are being played. From the January 10 Candidate Selection Process correspondence:

(2) Any candidate seeking the Organization’s nomination who is not an incumbent having served a full term in the office sought, must:
(a) submit a detailed resume;
(b) provide any and all additional information as determined by the Chairman which may be required in writing;
(b)[sic.] participate in a full and complete interview and interview process with the screening committee;
(c) if successfully screened, agree to participate in a Republican county convention; and
(d) agree that should they lose the Republican county convention, they will support the winner of the Convention and agree not to run against the Monmouth County Republican line as established by the Chairman.

The language very transparently targets Freeholder Little. Why? When this resulted in criticism, he backtracked the very next day:

On January 11, 2007 the Monmouth County Republican screening committee convened and voted unanimously to open all seats involved in the 2007 general election to the screening committee process.

Adam took office with much promise. He presented himself as his own man, and took efforts to distance himself from his predecessors, Fred Niemann and Bill Dowd. Recently, however, he appears to be on a search and destroy mission. For what or whose purpose?
Freeholder Little has performed well in office and has defended her seat in a very tough election. With control of the Board of Freeholders on the line, now is not the time to play games with the county slate.
Adam owes that to the candidates, the County Committee and the people of Monmouth County.

PRESS GETS IT RIGHT THIS TIME

And it's a shame.
The Monmouth County Republican Blog has been critical of the Asbury Park Press' reporting and editorializing on Monmouth County government and the freeholders' campaign.
We can't be critical of this one.
In this editorial, the Press scores County Chairman Adam Puharic for his proposal to require candidates to put up $1,000 "to pay an investigator to sniff their dirty laundry."
I posted the following on William Seward's blog yesterday (Italics are from the editorial; my comments are in Boldface.):

• Those who aren't chosen by the 24-member Republican screening committee as party-line candidates should have serious concerns about how the information will be used if they pursue a primary fight or an independent challenge to the Politburo-approved candidates.
• And those who are chosen should have serious concerns, if elected, should they attempt to deviate from the "party line" while in office.
• The fee alone could deter some candidates from running.
• That may be part of the idea.
• Puharic estimated the cost at $1,000, but other party members were told it would be $2,000 or $2,500. Puharic defended the plan, saying "background checks are something every big company does."
• Possibly. But I guarantee that they do not spend $1,000, $2,000 or $2,500 a pop for the checks. That would be cost prohibitive and a bad business decision. No, they pay a small subscription fee for a service. The dollar amount leads me to question just who will be doing these background checks, and why such a high fee. Is Adam looking to throw business at an inflated price to a politically connected firm?

The Monmouth County Republican Blog has been critical of the Press, and I'm sure, will be again. We cannot, however, criticize them when our party leaders by their actions have brought the bad press upon themselves.

THE RACE FOR FREEHOLDER

Four people have filed letters of intent with Chairman Adam Puharic for this year's freeholder race. They are:

• Robert D. Clifton - Incumbent freeholder, former Mayor of Matawan. Clifton is completing his first three - year term on the board.
• Anna C. Little - Incumbent Freeholder, former Highlands Borough Councilwoman. She is completing the one - year unexpired term of Amy H. Handlin, who resigned from the Board after taking a seat in the State Assembly.
• J. David Hiers - Ocean Township Committeeman, former fire chief. Hiers had thrown his hat in the ring last year, but later withdrew and endorsed the candidacy of Howell Mayor Joseph DiBella.
• Brian J. Reilly - Spring Lake Borough Councilman. Reilly also ran last year; after being defeated on the first ballot at the April 8th Convention he endorsed Andrew Lucas, who got the nomination.
• A possible fifth candidate may file with Puharic today. UPDATE! Will Seward says it might be Freehold Township Committeeman Anthony Ammiano, who served as Mayor for 2006. UPDATED UPDATE!!! It's Marlboro Township Committeeman Jeff Cantor.

The Steering Committee will meet on Saturday, February 17th and select two candidates for each open position; those names will then be voted on at the County Convention on Saturday March 24th.
Candidates are expected to undergo background checks, for which they are asked to pay up to $1,000. There was talk that it would be up to $2,000, but the amount has been clarified in today's (2/2/07) Asbury Park Press by Chairman Puharic.

12th DISTRICT HEATING UP

This week has had a lot of activity with candidates announcing for State Senate and Assembly races here in Monmouth County. In the 12th District, Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck has made it official that she will oppose Democratic Sen. Ellen Kärcher for the senate seat. Beck, as the only GOP member of the 12th District legislative delegation, and there had been speculation for quite some time about her intentions.
Beck will be challenged in the June primary by Manalapan Township Committeeman Joseph Locricchio, who has opted not to participate in the Steering Committee process established by County Chairman Adam Puharic.
On the Assembly side, three people so far have filed letters of intent with Puharic. They are Little Silver Councilman Declan O'Scanlon, Jr., who narrowly lost by 65 votes to Democratic Assemblyman Michael Panter in 2005; Fair Haven Councilman Thomas Gilmour, and Caroline Casagrande of Colts Neck, who serves as Manalapan Township Attorney.

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 CAMPAIGN 2007

New Year's Day is behind us. It's 2007. It'll be a busy year on the Monmouth political scene. All the legislators will be up for election. On the county level, we have the County Clerk, the Sheriff and two Freeholders.
From all indications all the county officials are running for reelection: County Clerk Claire French, Sheriff Joe Oxley, and Freeholders Rob Clifton and Anna Little.
There is, however, talk around Freehold that there may be a challenge against both incumbent freeholders. This is compounded by the fact that both freeholders have been inexplicably excluded from the new steering committee. While there may be other, logical reasons for that, it looks suspicious.
Some question the electability of Rob and Anna without giving any specifics. It may be more like retaliation for their votes against curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm V. Carton. Whatever the reason, we Republicans should be very wary of the motives of anyone attempting to unseat two officeholders.
There are some people who are said to have thrown their names in the ring. At this time, we will not list any names of potential contenders until these individuals make an announcement.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Having Incumbents Screen is Bad for Party Unity and a Recipe for Defeat
...William H. Seward

William H. Seward at More Monmouth Musings has an excellent post on Chairman Adam Puharic's new Steering Committee.
This is a matter of concern to all Republicans, and Seward's post should be required reading.
Link.

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?

JEN BECK MAY CHALLENGE KÄRCHER

Today's (1/10/'07) APP reports that 12th District Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck may challenge Democratic Senator Ellen Kärcher this year.
While Beck has not decided on this, a senate run has been rumored since her election to the Assembly in 2005. Beck is the only Republican legislator in the 12th, and has been on many GOP activists' short list for a senate candidacy.

Beck, a native of Erie, Pa, is a Red Bank resident and served on the Red Bank Borough Council before serving in the Assembly.

APP ATTACKS FREEHOLDERS

An editorial in today's (January 8, '07) Asbury Park Depress attacks the Board of Chosen Freeholders for selecting William C. Barham for a second year as Director. While the Monmouth County Republican Blog has favored rotating the leadership (We were leaning to Lillian Burry.) and has in fact been critical of Barham at times, we must challenge the APP on this issue.
Their motivation has not been and is not good government. Their motivation has been to elect Democratic freeholders. Period, end of story.
In order to bring about this goal, the APP and its editors, while hiding behind the screen of populism and good government, criticizes every action and policy of the county.
Now, let's have a go at their editorial [Bold & bracketed comments are mine.]:

Limit tenure of director

Before William C. Barham was elected Monmouth County freeholder director for a second straight year last week, board members were stalemated on whether the job should be rotated.
We agree with Freeholder Lillian Burry's position that no freeholder should serve as director for more than two consecutive years, though she was likely jockeying for the job in 2008. [Jockeying for the job. And this is a problem because? Wouldn't Burry as director meet your goal of rotation?] Burry campaigned on tenure limits when she ran with Barham in 2005. Barham has made it clear he doesn't want to surrender the title anytime soon.
"The director's job is more about what has to be done tomorrow than today," he said. "You have to see what needs to be done 20 years down the road." Actually, that's the job of the whole board.
Barham cited his qualifications in presenting the case that he should retain the position. Which ones? His employment with a construction firm now hundreds of thousands of dollars over budget and three years behind schedule on its renovation work at the County Hall of Records? [This project is nothing new. And you only report on it now?] Or being the handpicked successor of the late Harry Larrison Jr., who served as director for 21 of his 39 years on the board and was charged shortly before his death with soliciting bribes from two developers? [Simply because Larrison was charged with taking bribes doesn't mean that Barham takes bribes too. Guilty by association? Or does the APP know something we don't? If so, please report what you know to U. S. Attorney Chris Christie. Otherwise, knock off the National Enquirer garbage.]
Barham said the job's "not a political position, it's a working position with a lot of responsibility." No, it's not. It's about ego. [Ohhhh. So that's why the State Legislature provided for the selection of a Freeholder Director. Ego. Riiiiight.] He gets to run meetings and sign county documents. [Running meetings. That's the people's business. Signing county documents. Like multi-million dollar contracts? But none of that is a lot of responsibility. Noooooo.] Those are the only additional official duties of the director. [Welllll, if the directorship is not that important, why even bother with this editorial?]
Last year, though not all board members had publicly declared who they supported and Freeholder Ted Narozanick expressed interest in the job, Barham was able to produce a nameplate identifying himself as director immediately after the vote. [Maybe he had privately polled the membership beforehand and realized he had the votes. You need to count to three to get anything passed by the Board of Freeholders. In fact, last year, Barham actually got only three votes.]Craving the job that badly is unhealthy. [Unhealthy? Oh, like repeatedly slanted and inaccurate reporting? Hellooo Bald Avenger.]
Burry, who was voted deputy director last week, said she would support Barham this year, but that "I strongly believe two years is enough and someone new should be picked next year." Namely, herself. [And this is a problem because??? You have a problem with a second year for Barham, and you have a problem with Burry being interested in the directorship. Who, pray tell, does the Asbury Park Depress actually want for Freeholder Director??? And, no, you can't dig up Raymond Kramer.]
Barham said he won't go along with any restrictions on how many consecutive years a director can serve in the future. No surprise there. And Freeholder Robert Clifton, who has presented himself as a reformer but has moved in lockstep with Barham [Lockstep? Like on the vote to reappoint County Counsel Malcolm Carton? Come on, what does the APP take its readers for? Stupid? Note that most routine business votes on the Board are unanimous; the County Counsel is a pretty important vote; Clifton and Freeholder Anna C. Little were the dissenters.], would only say he prefers an unofficial agreement that directors not serve more than two years.
The other freeholders — Democrat Barbara McMorrow and Anna Little — should join with Burry and insist on a two-year limit for the director's job. [I would even go for a one-year limit. But anything the Board does can be undone by a later Board, making it an unenforceable gentlemen's agreement. The State Legislature can impose a limit on a director's terms, and even on a freeholders' terms.] And they should work to ensure that it goes to someone next year who doesn't regard the post as a birthright. [And who does the APP think that should be? If they really believed this issue to be important, and not simply an opportunity to sling mud, they could have made a recommendation prior to the reorganization, i. e., "We like ____ because...". ]

Rotating the directorship is a good idea, but it's not a be all - end all. For the Depress to act as though it is is disingenuous at best. They have set a policy wherein every action taken by the Board of Freeholders is wrong.
The Depress' goal is twofold: To elect a Democratic Board, and to be a "player" in the New Jersey political scene. Their parent company, Gannett, can be viewed as either a third political party, or a special interest group like the New Jersey Educational Association.
It is important in a free society to have a free press vigilant to governmental abuse. But when that press goes beyond vigilance and slants its reporting to suit an agenda, just how free are we?

BISHOP ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS

"Where’s the “Tax Revolt” like the one our founding fathers declared in the 1776 American Revolution?
"Rather than fight, taxpayers are heading south where government is much cheaper than New Jersey’s State, County and Municipal governments."
...Gordon Bishop.

Award-winning columnist Gordon Bishop has an interesting take on the 611 overlapping school districts here in New Jersey. There are only 566 municipalities in the state, meaning that there are 45 more school districts than there are towns!
Bishop explains the history behind how we got there.

LINCOLN DAY '07!!!

The following went out today from Republican Headquarters:

Dear Fellow Republican:
The 44th Annual Lincoln Day Reception will be held on Monday, February 19, 2007 at Addison Park (formerly The Garden Manor), Route 35, Aberdeen. We hope you will attend and be part of the excitement!

Our cocktail hour starts at 6 pm with three hours of butler hors d’oeuvres and serving stations. The program will start at 7 pm featuring our exciting guest speakers and candidates. Tickets are $45 per person and may be obtained using the order form below. 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 in past years, a Souvenir Program Journal will be published. We need your help and greatly appreciate your continued support of this very important effort. Please follow up on your previous years’ ads and solicit new ones as well. Remind supporters that over 600 people attend this event and will see their advertisement. A 2007 Souvenir Program Journal form is enclosed.

Why not consider a Municipal Page, highlighting your 2006 local winners, your county committee or club? The success of this event depends on your support. Be part of the new energy we are experiencing in the Monmouth County Republican Party.

With best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

ADVERTISING RATES

FULL PAGE AND RESERVED TABLE OF TEN TICKETS . . . . $600
GOLD PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300
FULL PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
HALF PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110
QUARTER PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60
PATRON (One line name and address) . . . . .. . . . . . . . $25

DEADLINE FOR ADS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2007
Please make your check payable to:
“MCRC”
P.O. Box 808 • Freehold, NJ 07728
Telephone (732) 431-6664 • Fax (732) 431-6619
Sponsorships Available: Bar $1000 (6); Music $1000; Entertainment $1000
(Call For Additional Information)

DIRECTOR BARHAM AGAIN

Freeholder Director William C. Barham was selected this afternoon for another year guiding the county ship.
The Deputy Director for 2007 is Lillian G. Burry, replacing Robert D. Clifton. The other freeholders are Anna C. Little, Republican, and Barbara McMorrow, Democrat.
Outgoing Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick was honored with a portrait, to be displayed in the Hall of Records. Ted was honored as "Freeholder Emeritus" a few weeks ago.
The vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog wishes Director Barham, Deputy Director Burry and the entire Board the best of luck in 2007!

HAZLET DEM ANNOUNCES FOR SHERIFF

The Independent reports last week that Det. Glen Mason of the Hazlet Township Police Dept. has announced his candidacy to run against award-winning Sheriff Joe Oxley.
Mason is expected to retire from his municipal job this year.
No newcomer to politics, Mason is a Democratic County Committeeman in Hazlet, the former hometown of County Democratic Boss Victor Scudiery. He has also served on the Hazlet Board of Education.
Oxley earned the 2006 Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year Award at the National Sheriffs’ Association Annual Conference and Exposition.

RESOLVE TO BE UNITED IN '07

A good New Years' resolution for Monmouth County Republicans is to be united this year. That doesn't mean being mind-numbed, lockstep Kool-Aid® drinkers, it simply means to start acting like a team!
In 2006 we lost the first freeholder race since 1986 - 20 years ago. The reality is, Andrew Lucas didn't have to lose. The reality also is that the Democrats are now looking at Monmouth County and salivating. Salivating that yet another domino is going to fall.
Let's take a look at what's at stake this year:

The Legislature

All legislative seats are up this year. Wouldn't it be nice to take back both houses? Of course it would! So, let's work together here in our own corner of the state for that goal. We need to hold Districts 11 and 13, and retake the senate seat and one assembly seat in 12. 13 looks OK right now, but the withdrawal of Assemblyman Steve Corodemus opens two vacancies in 11. It is expected that Assemblyman Sean Kean will go for retiring Senator Joe Palaia's seat, but there may be some jockeying by newcomers for the two Assembly positions. OK, but once the choice of candidates is made, people need to put their egos in a drawer and get behind the team. In District 12, a number of names have been bandied about as challengers to the two Democratic legislators, Senator Ellen Kärcher and Assemblyman Michael Panter. Again, let's stay united here.
We don't want to see a Democratic sweep of our legislative districts.

The County

We not only have two freeholders up this year, Rob Clifton and Anna Little, we also have both County Clerk Claire French and Sheriff Joe Oxley having to run for reelection! So ya think the Democrats will be pouring money into the county race? Ya think the Asbury Park Depress will endorse the Democrats, no matter what? Ya think?
Count on it!
Control of the county government is at stake for the first time since the 80's, and the Democrats smell blood. This, sadly, won't be like the 80's, where the Democrats might get control for a year or two and then we're back. No, they are playing for keeps this time. If they get in, it will be very hard to dislodge them. An obvious example is Bergen County, until recently a Republican powerhouse. The GOP became disunited and the Democrats slithered right in. The Bergen Republicans remain split, and the Dems remain solidly in control. Passaic County is another example. Also once under GOP control (The RNC's Mike DuHaime's father was Freeholder Director there.); the Dems got a foothold and are now firmly in possession.
Democrat bucks will be wheeled into Monmouth County from all over the state this year. Let's unite behind our team and make it all a waste of money for the Dems.

Locals

Big towns - that means you, Howell and Middletown - get it together.
Howell has no local race this year, so here's an opportunity to put aside local differences and help the county team.
Middletown, like the county, has control at stake. Time to resolve the local issues that have been eroding pluralities, then go forward, or local Democrat Boss Joe Caliendo will be king again like back in the 70's.
Other towns are big enough to make a difference. Places like Wall, Neptune, Ocean, Manalapan, Aberdeen, Freehold Twp. and Hazlet should all do their best not only to keep or regain local control, but to try and build pluralities for the county and legislative teams.

TIME TO CUT THE CRAP

William H. Seward has an important statement from Freeholder Anna C. Little addressing acts of character assassination leveled against her on a blog which was formerly linked here but since this has been started has been de-linked.
The posts and comments on that blog are reminiscent of those made here about a year ago which caused me to end anonymous commenting and activate comment moderation, as well as those made on Ronald Reagan's and Wally Edge's blogs which caused me to de-link both of them.
Sadly, it appears that this rumor activity is coming from within our own Republican Party; from a faction or sub-faction which lost at three County Conventions. A faction or sub-faction that would like to bring back the "bad old days" of the boy's club.
The best way to fight this type of activity is by confronting it head-on with the truth. Freeholder Little has done that.
Hopefully now these morons trying to destroy her will cut the crap.