SOME PEOPLE WOULD RATHER SWITCH

On Sunday Art Gallagher at More Monmouth Musings linked to a post on corruption by Red Jersey's Eric Sedler. It's an interesting post, but we found an interesting sub topic that is very relevant here in Monmouth County, and that is the subject of Republicans becoming Democrats. He mentions a longtime Burlington County legislator, Assemblyman Francis Bodine, who has switched from Republican to Democrat, as well as some local leaders in Gloucester County. I wonder if George Norcross was involved in any of that.
While we haven't had any legislators switch here in Monmouth County (Ocean County did, some years ago when Assemblyman Jorge Rod crossed over to the Dem side.), we have seen it happen locally, enough that it may be a concern.
Different people have different reasons for changing parties. Some may do so because of a local party split, some may find that their philosophy no longer matches their party, yet others switch for purely opportunistic reasons.
Back in the 80's, then-Marlboro Mayor Saul Hornik became a Democrat in his first term. Rep. Frank Pallone is a former Republican; he never held office as a Republican, but he had a conservative reputation in the State Senate, only becoming the ultra-lib we know today after his election to the U. S. House. Another one to turn during the 80's was former Ocean Township Mayor Richard English. Son of Republican Councilman Ed English of Asbury Park, Richard English was an ally locally of (now) Sen. Joe Palaia. Richard English became a Democrat to run for freeholder; he lost.
Others who have switched include Beverly Bova-Scarano of Middletown, Marc LeVine of Freehold Borough, Michael Cannon of Matawan, Courier publisher Jim Purcell, former Red Bank Mayor Ed McKenna and others.
This spring, there was anticipation that Freeholder Anna Little would become a Democrat and run on their line; this proved to be as much wishful thinking on the Democrats' part as it was rumor mongering among some Republicans. She remains a Republican.
The Democrats, too, have had some of their own become Republicans, and we don't hold it against them. The late Joe Pepe served as Democratic mayor of Neptune Township before becoming a Republican, and Wall G. O. P. Chairman Bob McKenna was originally elected to the Township Committee back in the 80's as a Democrat.
As to the Republicans who become Democrats, is this a problem? Why is this taking place, is there a pattern? Are we hemorrhaging party members to the Democrats, or is this just a normal crossing over that takes place at times? Should we be trying to keep these people on the ranch, or say good riddance and don't let the screen door hit them on the way out? Probably both, as each case is different.

12th DISTRICT DEMS' TANGLED WEB

Team Kärcher Not Such Great Reformers After All

Barry Goldwater at the Voice of Reason has an excellent post today on the George Norcross influence in the 12th Legislative District.

I recommend reading it.

THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FIASCO III

Two so-called "day spas" were busted by Ocean Township Police for providing "happy endings" to their massages; eleven people were arrested, according to the Asbury Park Press. Three Prostitutes and three johns were arrested at the Ocean Day Spa, and three prostitutes and two johns were arrested at the Sea Day Spa.

All six hookers were from Flushing, NY and all had mainland Chinese names. The names of the five johns were not released. The nationality of the prostitutes would normally not be relevant but for the fact that they may not only be illegal, they may be the victims of human trafficking. I wrote on this very subject last July 24th. Hopefully, Ocean Township has implemented the 287g Program and will investigate the immigration status of the arrested women, and contact the appropriate federal authorities if there is evidence of organized crime, international or otherwise.

An interesting aside to this Press article is the Asbury Park Press itself. A look at the Business and Service Directory in the classified section will reveal that nothing has changed since my post nearly a year ago. There are still ads touting "Asian", "East European", "Brazilian" and other tupes of "massage". Nude and "shemale" can still be found. Indeed, today's (July 18th) issue still advertises both the Ocean day Spa and the Sea Day Spa, on the very same day that the Press reports the busts of the very same brothels!

Human trafficking is a horrible crime against humanity, where individuals are forced into prostitution or slavery. The Asbury Park Press prides itself on investigative reporting; maybe it could look into the plethora of "happy ending" spas that litter its own classified section.

CORRUPTION CONVERSATION

The latest corrupt politician to fall before U. S. Attorney Chris Christie's federal forces is State Sen. Sharpe James (D - Essex), the thuggish former Newark mayor who believed that the long - suffering Newark taxpayer owed him a lavish living. James apparently believed it was OK to charge such things as movies and trips on a city credit card.
Christie has rooted out corrupt politicians of all political stripes including such Republicans as former Essex County Executive Jim Treffinger and former Paterson Mayor Martin Barnes. Operation Bid - Rig caught both Republicans and Democrats here in Monmouth County.
Still, some Democrats have accused Christie of partisanship, notably when Sen. Wayne Bryant (D-Camden) went down.

This leads to the question: Who will take over the U. S. Attorney post when Christie leaves? That's right, Christie won't be there forever. The U. S. Attorneys are political appointments; the Administration in Washington gets to choose who gets the job. Christie was a Bush / Ashcroft appointment. Would a Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani or Mitt Romney administration reappoint Christie? Or if he's not interested would they appoint someone like him?

How about the Democrats? What sort of individual would they choose? Judging by some of the appointments made by former Gov. Jim McGreevey and the Bozo-coiffed Gov. Jon Corzine, we have reason to be apprehensive. McGreevey appointed Peter Harvey as Attorney General and Roberto Rivera - Soto to the State Supreme Court. And Corzine selected serial scofflaw Zulima Farber as AG, even after being warned that she was a foul ball. Farber had to quit after trying to fix a parking ticket for her boyfriend, fellow serial scofflaw Hamlet Goore, whose name sounds like a nursery rhyme character. If elected president, would Hillary Rodham Clinton appoint Harvey or Rivera - Soto as U. S. Attorney? Would Barak Hussein Obama choose Farber or even Goore?
These are some points to ponder as we approach the 2008 presidential election.

NEW ONLINE POLL

The Concerned Monmouth Republican has a poll asking who you think obscure blogger Monmouth RastaMan is. Most people in the know have long since figured out that RastaMan is not some "Democrat who tells it as it is", but sadly rather an insider in our own Republican Party with ties to the County Chairman and a contact inside the Hall of Records.
Any ideas who Monmouth RastaMan might be? Participate in CMR's poll here.

CATCH 22?

NOTE: I was fully prepared to go through the campaign without criticizing the County Chairman. The priority right now should be to elect our great G. O. P. Team. However, things have gotten pretty weird lately and it needs to be addressed.

Chairman Adam Puharic's recent e-mail initiative on pay-to-play reform has been criticized by many Republicans. Adam brings up some very valid points, but he has been criticized for the amateurish timing of his proposal, which has made our Freeholders look foolish and has handed unnecessary ammunition to the Asbury Park Press as well as to the Democrats.
An interesting by-product of this has been the attack on Freeholder Rob Clifton by an obscure blog known for its slavish devotion to the Puharic company line. Monmouth RastaMan writes,

"Out (sic) take is this: Cifton might as well just resign and hand over the freeholder job to D'Amico. From the looks of it, one must wonder if he is going to make it til' (sic) the end of the summer. ...Maybe it's (sic) simple. He is just looking for an excuse not to win."

Monmouth RastaMan has been a Puharic ally from the beginning; he/she/they first appeared on Current Times, Brett Palat's blog, over a year ago supporting Puharic's election as County Chairman, and since then has continued to support Adam and his policies. By attacking Clifton, RastaMan ironically now joins Courier publisher Jim Purcell, who has consistently opposed Clifton on other issues; Purcell has also been on the receiving end of some of RastaMan's more vicious diatribes.
It's almost as if RastaMan would attack Clifton no matter what stand he took on this issue, which would be consistent with theories during the candidate selection process that Clifton was targeted just as Freeholder Anna Little was.
Why, in a year with control of the Freeholder Board on the line, would two incumbent freeholders be targeted by their own party leadership?
That's a good question. A number of theories came out during the process as to why Adam was after Anna; one of those had to do with her "NO" vote on the reappointment of curmudgeonly County Counsel Malcolm V. Carton. Rob also voted against the sarcastic solicitor, and would thus be vulnerable to being similarly targeted.
But why would he be targeted during a general election? A Democrat could get in.
Exactly. With Clifton's running mate Jeff Cantor an unknown quantity and Rob himself a NO vote, factions loyal to the bombastic barrister may actually feel more comfortable with Democrat John D'Amico, a known Carton supporter, who when on the Board, moved Carton's nomination as counsel. D'Amico actually sponsored the resolution.
Other theories exist that, for various alleged reasons, deals were made to throw the election to the Democrats. Or the whole gooey mess could be just very amateurish politics.
Make no mistake, if the Democrats get in this year, it's control of the County, and it'll be very hard for the G. O. P. to get back in the driver's seat, if at all. Can you say Bergen County with beaches?
Regardless of what our party leadership may or may not do, whether you like Adam or not, it is imperative to get behind our candidates like never before. This is expected to be a tough election, and the candidates will need our help. With a county chairman bumbling from crisis, or worse, actively working for defeat, our candidates may not be able to depend upon the leadership for help. It then is important for the rank and file to step up to the plate, to "cowboy up" as it were, and work to ensure that the Democrats don't get in this fall.

THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FIASCO II

Earlier today, the proposed Amnesty For Illegals bill, backed by both President Bush and far left wingers like Ted "The Swimmer" Kennedy, went down to pounding defeat in the U. S. Senate. This is viewed as a victory for GOP conservatives. The issue is not expected to be taken up again before the 2008 election.
Hopefully, the administration will finally focus on securing the border!

THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FIASCO

This post was originally intended for May 30. With all the debate over the illegal immigration bill, the issue has taken on a life of its own, and appears to change with each and every passing day.

Continuing the topic of the Fort Dix 6, we find that three brothers, Dritan Duka, Shain Duka and Eljvir Duka were all illegal aliens, having crossed the Mexican border as children back in 1984. For over two decades, they evaded detection.
The Dukas and other non-Mexican illegals are referred to as "Other Than Mexicans (OTMs)" by immigration officials. While many OTMs are from Latin American countries, many, like the Dukas, hail from Muslim countries. Indeed, border agents have found a number of Korans, prayer rugs and head scarves among the litter at illegal border crossings.

Illegal aliens are not in the shadows, they're in our face.

Illegal immigration is an issue that hits home here in Monmouth County. Many Monmouth County towns, not just Freehold but Belmar, Red Bank, Asbury Park and Keyport, among others, are destinations for illegals. In some areas they now form a clear majority of the population. While many are Mexican nationals doing the so-called "jobs that Americans won't do", remember that Fort Dix is less than a half hour drive from the Monmouth County line. Shooting up a military installation is also a job that many Americans won't do.
The issue has been on the radar here for a while; last November it was the subject of an op-ed column in the Independent by Middletown committeeman (now mayor) Jerry Scharfenberger. His commentary was criticized by blogger Jackie Corley of Bayshore Journalista. And last week, Sheriff Candidate Kim Guadagno received positive attention when she proposed checking the immigration status of prisoners in the County Jail before release.

Human Trafficking

Another aspect of illegal immigration is that of human trafficking, which this blog addressed nearly a year ago. Many women are held in near enslavement and forced to work as domestics or prostitutes. The Asbury Park Press continues to this day to run advertisements for "massage" services, often advertising the race or nationality of the "therapists".

Mexivania

Many illegals register their vehicles in states with lenient motor vehicle policies. The biggest culprits in this area are Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The New Jersey Driver's Manual states that new residents moving into New Jersey from another state have 60 days in which to become licensed and registered here in the Garden State. While out-of-state registration was once the domain of "snow-birds" and those attempting to escape New Jersey's draconian auto insurance policies, it is now the illegals who dominate this scam.

Police will often overlook running immigration status checks on suspected illegal alien drivers because they wish to avoid the paperwork that results. Too, many municipalities fancy themselves as "sanctuary cities"; there, the direction comes from the municipal administration to avoid questioning immigration status.

Many also will salvage old plates from junkyards and are therefore driving around in vehicles that are neither registered nor insured. Normally they will flee an accident.

The Jobs Americans Won't Do

This is a fallacy. It is simply the propaganda of the open borders crowd on both the left and the right and it is disgusting. America was built by people, both immigrants and native born, with a can-do spirit and a willingness to do whatever it takes. Americans "won't do" the jobs that illegals do mainly for two reasons: Wages are depressed and they are priced out of the market by illegals, and: Out and out discrimination. Some employers will hire only illegals.

What Can Be Done?

Enforce the laws now on the books. Instead of passing so-called "immigration reform", the Federal Government can and should enforce the laws we already have. If they're not willing to do that, what makes them think that we will believe that they will enforce a new law? Our borders need to be brought under control; this can be done now, they don't need a new law to do that. Workplace enforcement has, save for a few high-profile and largely symbolic raids, been nearly nil. Employers need to be sent a message that to hire illegals will be very costly. This should include the widespread use of falsified documents like Social Security fraud.

Locally, a lot can be done, too. Kim Guadagno is very much on the right track. Some of the readers of this blog are local officials, and have a direct say in the policies of their municipality. Those policies can include enforcement of overcrowding laws in housing, and going after absentee landlords who are often major offenders in renting to illegals. Police departments can also do the same as Kim is proposing for the jail, and check the immigration status of offenders. This would also include "vice" type arrests such as a massage parlor bust. Maybe your town is a sanctuary city. That would be a great issue for a local GOP campaign to run on this fall.

Are there any sanctuary cities here in Monmouth County? If so, they deserve to be exposed.

SO SHOULD LARRISON HALL BE RENAMED?

Last week columnist Arthur Z. Kamin opined on Brookdale Community College's Larrison Hall and whether it should be renamed. He pointed out that, due to possible unresolved ethical questions about the late Freeholder Director Harry Larrison, Jr., that some believe it should be renamed in honor of one of Larrison's predecessors, Joseph C. Irwin.
Another Art, More Monmouth Musings' Art Gallagher, gives his opinion at his blog. One of his commenters suggested that Larrison Hall be named for yet another (Democratic) former freeholder director, the late Raymond Kramer of Asbury Park.
What do you think?
Joe Irwin was a giant of a man on the Board of Freeholders and remains a beloved GOP icon. He was Director of the Board at the time of Brookdale's founding, and saw through the first few years of its development.
Harry Larrison, too, was on the Board at the time; indeed he served through all of Brookdale's history from the beginning up to the time of his resignation in 2004. Mere months after his resignation, he would go to his grave without having the opportunity to defend himself against corruption charges.
Kramer, a former Asbury Park mayor, was part of a Democratic majority in the 70's that among other things brought dual office holding to Monmouth County. It is said by many that his administration in Asbury Park fiddled while the once vibrant Jersey Shore resort declined.
Let's now look at Art Kamin, who never met a liberal Democrat he didn't like. The former editor of the now-defunct Red Bank Register, Kamin was a big fan of Kramer and the Democrats in the county. One of his reporters was even observed on an election night back in the 70's to throw her arms around then Democratic Boss John Fiorino, Sr., and gush, "We did it, John!", when it became apparent that Democrats would gain the majority on the Board of Freeholders. Despite complaints from GOP leaders, Kamin stood by his reporter.
Kamin would later become director of The Bayshore Development Office, a state job. He would also become a big fan of former Democratic Keansburg Mayor Michael Minervini, who strove to do for Keansburg what Kramer did for Asbury Park.
So Kamin's credibility here is dubious to say the least.
What's your opinion? Should Larrison Hall remain named for Harry Larrison, or someone else. If so, who do you think it should be named for? Or should it be named for nobody?

NEW REPUBLICAN BLOG!

Yet another Republican blog has joined the ever growing ranks of the Monmouth County Blogosphere.
Teddy Roosevelt, who has supported the Monmouth County Republican Blog and has posted here for a long time, has decided to start his own blog, Monmouth Bull Moose. TR, who speaks softly, but carries a big stick, posts comments which have been a welcome contribution to this blog, and his own blog promises to be a welcome contribution to the world of Monmouth County politics.
Best of luck!

PRIMARY RESULTS

Although there was no official primary contest on the county level this year, blogger Art Gallagher ran a write in campaign for Anna Little for freeholder. Although the movement was not successful, according to Gallagher Little received 10 % of the vote.
On the local level, there were three Republican primary contests:
In Holmdel, according to unofficial tallies, Mayor Serena DiMaso cruised to a primary victory over veteran Committeeman Terence Wall and newcomer Gerald Allocco, with Wall coming up a narrow third after Allocco in the three - way race for two seats. UPDATE: Pending determination of outstanding provisional ballots that could change the Wall/Allocco numbers, the Holmdel Township Clerk is declaring Wall/Allocco too close to call. UPDATED UPDATE: With everything counted, it's Allocco over Wall. The November ticket in Holmdel will be DiMaso and Allocco.In Sea Bright, Mayor Jo-Ann Kalaka-Adams beat C. Read Murphy for mayor.
And in Upper Freehold, Lori Horsnall Mount and Stanley Moslowski Jr bested John A. Mele for the nomination.
We wish our primary winners the best as they go on to win in November!

View Primary Results HERE.

R. I. P., WILLIAM H. SEWARD

Anonymous Blogger Outs Self in Shocking Revelation

William H. Seward, who blogs at More Monmouth Musings, shed his secret identity yesterday and revealed himself as Highlands Republican Art Gallagher.

Gallagher, an unsuccessful candidate last year for Highlands Borough Council, has been coordinating a write in campaign for Freeholder Anna Little in today's primary.

There are different reasons for bloggers to remain anonymous or use their real name. It is a matter of personal choice. One reason for anonymity is to allow a certain amount of independence from identification with a particular region. Others disagree strongly with the concept of anonymity. But it is a matter of personal choice.

Art has decided to shed the anonymity and blog under his own name. The vast editorial staff here at the Monmouth County Republican Blog all wish him the best and hope that he continues to muse.

MEMORIAL DAY 2007

All gave some. Some gave all.

And they continue to do so.
One year ago, our Memorial Day Weekend post was as follows:

Memorial Day Weekend: What many consider the beginning of summer. The sweet aroma of barbecuin' fills the balmy Monmouth County air, as people make their way to the beach, barbecue or sale. The highways and byways of Olde Monmouth become packed with bennies bound for the shore.

As you read this, think. Think about how it became possible to go to the sales, the barbecues or the beaches. How it is possible for you to even read this and many other blogs.

In short: Love your freedom? Thank a servicemember.

But Abe, but Abe, you say, I'm so busy this weekend I can't get to any of the ceremonies.

No problem. There are other ways every bit as appropriate. When you have a moment, stop at a local cemetery. It doesn't have to be Arlington, right here in Monmouth County rest veterans of every war. Find a veteran's grave; they'll have flags on them. Then just take a moment to think about this individual's sacrifice and contribution and just say "thanks." He may have been with Washington's troops at the Battle of Monmouth, in the Long War on Terror, or any conflict in between, but pay your respects. These service men and women deserve it!

Maybe a loved one was lost to the ravages of war. Take out that family album, and maybe, as you enjoy a family barbecue, remember and celebrate the life of that person.

Our war dead gave their life for us; they did not die in vain. They live on in our freedom as Americans. Be proud of them, and let's make them proud of us!

Last year's post is every bit as appropriate this year, but I must add some thoughts. Thoughts which are very disturbing, but must be said.

The enemy is among us.

That enemy can be overt, like the evil Fort Dix 6. Their sinister attack plot was to take place just outside of Monmouth County, less than an hour from Freehold. Just imagine if the clerk at the Mt. Laurel Circuit City had not alerted the authorities, or if the terrorists had opted to burn their own DVD. Now imagine if they had chosen a target other than Fort Dix; say Freehold Raceway Mall or Downtown Red Bank.

Chilling.

Our enemy can be more covert, too.

A number of politicians, mainly liberal Democrats like John al Kerry and Harry bin Reid, have called for the withdrawal of U. S. troops from Iraq; some have included Afghanistan in their call as well. Without a plan for victory or securing the countries after our troops leave, this amounts to surrender.

Talk of surrender in any synonym, in turn, serves not only to destroy the morale of our fighting men and women uniform, it also serves to embolden thugs like the Fort Dix 6.

Result? More terrorism on our shores.

This was just a few thoughts to consider this weekend. Remember our servicemen and women, living and dead, past and present.

EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE

"...nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
...Fifth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.

"Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. Individuals or private corporations shall not be authorized to take private property for public use without just compensation first made to the owners."
Article 1, Section 20 of the New Jersey State Constitution .

There's eminent domain, and there's eminent domain abuse. What's the difference?
A lot.
Eminent domain was addressed by the Founding Fathers for the specific reason that they wished to limit the power of government. They had just become independent of the dictatorial King George III's United Kingdom, and wanted to prevent any repeat of that nightmare.
The Founders worded this very carefully. Public use specifically meant roads, bridges, parks, schools and other public buildings. It did not mean taking a farmer's land and modest home so a wealthy planter could build a plantation, no matter how well-connected the planter. The Founders specifically wanted to protect the private property owner from siezure by government for the benefit of some lord or baron, as was a problem under the British regime.
Here in Monmouth County, the City of Long Branch under the administration of Democratic Mayor Adam Schneider is the No. 1 poster child for eminent domain abuse, but the issue has reared its ugly head in other towns as well. That list can grow much longer when you include such below-the-radar abuses as using the threat of eminent domain to force an owner to negotiate. With such a sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, many owners feel they have no choice but to sell.
Some municipalities have brought the debate to the local level, as in Neptune Township Committeeman Tom Catley's proposal to limit the use of eminent domain in his township's redevelopment program.
That eminent domain is for public improvements is true, but the rampant abuse on behalf of developers has given the process a bad name, even when used in its legitimate application.
The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders plan to replace Hubbard's Bridge, which carries West Front Street across the Navesink River between Middletown and Red Bank. The design calls for the aquisition of private property for the bridge approach.
One of the owners in question is Pat Walsh, who has filed as a Democrat for assembly in the 13th District, specifically targeting Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R - 13th). One of her issues is eminent domain abuse, even though the county's application of eminent domain here would clearly fall under legitimate use. Ironically, Walsh finds herself in the same party as Mayor Schneider and other eminent domain true - believers. That must make for some very interesting Democratic dinners. That aside, she would hardly be an effective legislative voice against eminent domain abuse. Nearly two years after the U. S. Supreme Court's Kelo v New London decision, some states have enacted reforms; New Jersey's moribund reforms continue to languish in the Democratic - controlled Legislature. In other words, if the Democrats wanted to reform eminent domain and protect homeowners from the big developers, they would have long since enacted the reforms.
They haven't and that's telling.

Dino's Forum has an interesting post on this issue.

DEMS "BATTING .1000"

With the recent controversy about Democratic Monmouth County Tax Board Commissioner Annie W. Grant's sense of entitlement about her publicly-funded junkets, we must take a look at the County Democrats and their attitudes towards public service.
There are several incidents that are, I believe, telling.
Let's first go back to Operation Bid-Rig. A number of elected and appointed officials of both parties were busted for various corrupt activities. Then - GOP County Chairman Frederick P. Niemann immediately called for the resignations of the corrupt officials. This blog has been critical of Niemann, but he got that one right. If a Republican falls into corruption, the initial reaction of the rank and file may be shock and disbelief; that is swiftly followed by outrage and revulsion that such an individual was among us.
What did County Democratic Boss Victor Scudiery do? Rather than express outrage at the blatant betrayal of the public trust, Ol' Vic accused the office of U. S. Attorney Christopher Christie of entrapment! Typically, the Dems will circle the wagons.
This happened recently with the indictment of Sen. Wayne R. Bryant (D - Camden). Long a poster child for the corrupt culture of bottom - feeders in Trenton, Bryant's indictment touched off a firestorm of accusations of partisanship against Christie by several liberal Jersey bloggers. Circling the wagons.
Back to the Tax Board.
John E. Westlake, another Democratic appointee on the Board, pleaded guilty last September to failure to declare $350,000.00 on his federal taxes. He's gone away. And Grant has her junketeering problem. She should go away.
The Tax Board is a gubernatorial appointment. For you Democrats, that means the governor makes the appointment. The Board is to be divided between Democrats and Republicans. As is customary, appointees are recommended by their respective county chairman. That means that Scudiery would have had to recommend both Westlake and Grant. Grant was also an unsuccessful candidate for Monmouth County Clerk.
The Democrats do not have many appointments available to them here in Monmouth County. One would think that they would make every effort not to screw up. With two (So far!) such appointees on one important board, this should give pause to every taxpayer and voter in Monmouth County. Is this the type of individual that the Democrats would appoint should they take control of the Board of Chosen Freeholders? Well? Is it?

THE LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS

Up for election this year are all 120 members of the New Jersey Legislature.
Since the 2001 election, both houses have been in Democratic hands. Before that, the GOP held majorities in both houses for over a decade.
Can we win it back this year?
That depends. Some say the Republicans are weaker because of the retirement of a number of veteran lawmakers, including Sen. Joe Palaia and Assemblyman Steve Corodemus. But are we? Here in Monmouth County, we have strong Legislative candidates in each district. It may matter more what we as Republicans stand for.

Having a strong set of statewide issues on which to run is a powerful start. The Democratic Legislature has received some very bad publicity of late, topped off with the Feds investigating the supposedly non-partisan Office of Legislative Services.
If we strongly state what we are for, rather than meekly what we're against, we can do this. Here is a list, not in any particular order, of some important issues:

• Property Taxes - Time to wrap up this issue. New Jersey has had the highest in the nation for far too many years, under both Republicans and Democrats. This issue calls for a hard look at school funding, as well as an elimination of duplication of municipal services. Creating another "rebate" for those who "qualify" after jumping through a fiery hoop, and which can be rescinded at any time doesn't cut it.
• School Funding - Goes hand in hand with property taxes. We can't keep funding education the way we do. This includes a reform or abolition of the so-called Abbott Districts. More is spent per student in these districts than in many upper-crust private schools, yet Johnny still can't read, let alone graduate. Nothing will change here either as long as the school monies are sent right into the hands of the urban Democratic machine bosses.
• Ethics - You can talk about ethics all you want, but, like gun control, if you're not going to enforce the laws already on the books, nothing's going to change. U. S. Attorney Chris Christie is doing a good job sending corrupt pols to jail, but he's the only one. The much-celebrated State Attorney General Stuart Rabner, appointed by the Bozo-coiffed Gov. Jon Corzine, has done little or nothing in that regard. The Legislature too must seriously police the ethics of its members, and drop the club atmosphere.
• Legal Reform - This issue covers a number of subcategories, including personal injury. Frivolous lawsuits, many by serial litigators, must be stopped, but this must not be tightened up to the point that we hurt legitimate people. This issue also includes judicial appointments. Although appointed by the governor, these positions are confirmed by the State Senate. There is no reason that the Senate should confirm any stiff the governor nominates. Having good, solid judges and justices, and not lightweights like Deborah "Because I Said So" Poritz, will go a long way towards cleaning up the legal system. It will also have a positive ripple effect in many other issues, too.
• Regulatory Reform - Overregulation is what keeps jobs out of New Jersey. Make no mistake, we are in competition with other states for businesses (= jobs). If we don't compete, we fall behind. Simple as that. It's already happening.
• Oppose Overdevelopment - And mean it. This goes back to property taxes. Towns go on a "ratable chase", supposedly to keep taxes stable. But it just becomes like climbing a mountain looking for the top when there is no top. Overdevelopment leads to...
• Eminent Domain - A hot button issue if there ever was one. Right here in Monmouth County is Long Branch, which is becoming a national poster child for eminent domain abuse. The arrogance of Democratic Mayor Adam Schneider on this issue just attracts more attention. Eminent domain was intended for public works like roads, bridges and parks. The abuse of the process to make rich developers richer only hurts the process when it is used for its intended purpose. Time for some reform here with teeth. Sharp teeth.

This list could go on and on. As I said above, we have a strong legislative team here in our Monmouth County districts, both incumbents and newcomers. Our team will only become stronger with strong stands on issues that are important to Monmouth County voters.

DEMS AT A CROSSROADS

Many of us read about the pablum coming from the mouths of the national Democratic leadership. Unindicted Abscam co - conspirator Rep. John Murtha and Sen. Dick "Turban" Durbin disparaging our brave service men and women. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi having unauthorized meetings with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. And most recently, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid announcing that the Iraq War is "lost"; this pronouncement hit Al Jazeerah and other Arab media in a flash and has energized al Qaeda and other terror groups.
Going back a few years, we had Rep. "Baghdad Jim" McDermott carrying water for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. In our own area, Rep. Frank Pallone made common cause with none other than Cindy Sheehan, who has broken bread with enemies of America like Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.
But Abe, but Abe, these are national leaders; they wouldn't do anything to hurt America, would they? Hey, Benedict Arnold was a general before he turned against his own troops. He's a household name now.
Sounds like a pretty skanky bunch. Truth be told, this may not be only show.
Back in 1980, a large number of Democrats proved that they had no problem taking money from Arab sheiks. This was the Abscam case, and the sheiks were actually FBI agents, but the crooked pols didn't know that at the time. In the 90's, the Democratic National Committee had an infusion of funds traced to the People's Republic of China; the Chinese mysteriously ended up with our missile technology! So there is a longstanding tradition of Democratic friendship with enemies of America. This longstanding tradition includes accepting money from the same enemies, whether as bribes or campaign contributions.
Many Democrats must think all of this is a disgrace. It would seem that there are three clear choices for the Democrats:

1. Stand pat. You agree with all of this and support it wholeheartedly.

2. Voice your outrage. Within your party, speak up and work for change, both for the good of the party and the country.

3. Leave the party. Become a Republican, Green or independent. If the cancer has metastasized in the Democratic Party and can no longer be cured, Democrats of good will may consider this option. Here in Monmouth County, many Democrats are much more conservative than the national party, and the GOP might prove a logical choice for them. More liberal party members may choose the Greens.

Let's see if we hear any protest from local Dems on the antics of their national party. Pallone and his fellow Rep. Rush Holt should be held accountable for their stands, too.

KÄRCHER'S ISSUES

We direct your attention today to two Monmouth GOP blogs.
Barry Goldwater, at The Voice of Reason, has been doing quite a well-researched series of posts on Sen. Ellen Kärcher, and a lot of issues that show that she's not quite the paragon of political virtue that she likes to portray.
At More Monmouth Musings, William H. Seward addresses the 12th District Clean Elections issue. In two posts, one yesterday and one today, Secretary Seward does an in - depth analysis of the issues a-brewin' between the Kärcher camp and the Jen Beck, Declan O'Scanlon, Caroline Casagrande campaign as pertains to Clean Elections.

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.