Gilmore will likely field a House candidate
By Wally EdgeThere seems to be two certainties in the race for Jim Saxton’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives: that candidates from Burlington and Ocean counties will face off in a Republican primary, and that the GOP nominee will face a tough general election against State Senator John Adler, the likely Democratic nominee.
The GOP front runner is Diane Allen, a four-term GOP State Senator from Burlington and former TV news anchorwoman for the CBS affiliate in Philadelphia. But Allen must first establish some form of détente with Burlington GOP leader Glenn Paulsen, with whom she is engaged in a fairly vicious intra-party battle, before she can expect to win a big plurality in her home county.
If another Burlington candidate, like the Rev. Aubrey Fenton, a Black minister and Burlington County Freeholder, or former GOP State Chairman David Norcross – who would have a considerable fundraising advantage -- enters the race, Allen would be competing in Burlington with rivals who stand well to her right – not a bad place to be in a Republican primary.
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore has wanted to see his county elect a Congressman for more than two decades, and insiders say the powerful insider will have little difficulty uniting his party behind a single candidate for Congress. While there are no less than five candidates actively seeking support, sources close to Gilmore suggest that veteran Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf are the leading candidates – at least for now.
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messy GOP primaries are fun
can't you just imagine Gilmore smiling as the Burlington GOP splits their vote among Allen and Fenton, leaving a Gilmore lackey to get the nomination.
I love messy GOP primaries.
Ocean County
I don't see an Ocean County candidate pulling in enough numbers in Burlco to be able to hold off Adler if his campaign gets up and running with some momentum. Allen and Fenton would definitely be more viable than a Rumpf who has zero name recognition and would therefore only get the R votes that are just voting for him because he's in the R column. Allen and Fenton have more potential to pull in some I's and D's.
Messy Democrat Primaries would be beneficial
Mr. D.
Too bad Democrats pick their candidates behind closed doors. Perhaps there would be hint of ligitamacy if they had a primaries where people pick the candidates.
"Sometimes it looks as if the Democrats are out to win at all costs, while the Republicans are out to compromise at all costs." Thomas Sowell, September 8, 2007 - Random Thoughts.
Allen v. Boss Gilmore
Well, that's just dandy: a choice between an absent, inattentive, waffling state senator like Diane Allen and a handpicked, bossed Ocean County Gilmore-lapdog. The voters of the third district lose either way.
By the way, does anyone know where Sen. Allen has been as of late?:
http://www.bluejersey.net/showDiary.do;jsessionid=E847E0486D7008A52C5619A45952300C?diaryId=6204
She keeps missing important meetings for the senate ethics panel committee meetings -- perhaps she's looking for a $2 million appearance fee, like she wants for her congressional bid?
Agreed
Republican Conscience, I agree with your comments -- and this is no better.
This is a prime example of why I HATE the line . I think that it should be elminated state-wide so neither party can take advantage. This would create more transparency and allow for a REAL debate in an open primary.
To pick candidates in smoke-filled back rooms turns my stomach. I know the GOP has been accused of this in a few parts of the state and Democrats seem to adhere to it like standard operating proceedure in places like Bergen, Hudson, and Camden.
Regardless, I HATE the idea of party chairmen being the king-maker and politicians having to bow and scrap to their wishes. Not to mention political patronage which fuels the corruption we seem to enjoy and love in New Jersey. We have enough problems in the state as it is with unions and other special interests having as much influence with public officials.
If there are any REAL reformers out there, eliminating the line would be a good place to start. It will probably never happen -- but it certainly would be a refreshing change.