"I'm only a Republican and a Taxpayer, but I can't trace my lineage to the Mayflower so I don't count."

tom wilson has to go... it's that simple

Okay, he may have been a little rude in his letter, but let's be honest, that was pretty friggin' funny. I could only think of one other man that may write such a letter, and that is Mayor Steve Lonegan, AKA THE man.

In all seriousness, while the letter could have been written a bit more tastefully, he did hit some valid points (if you're a real conservative, that is.) It does get rather frustrating when so many Republicans in this state barely adhere to that of conservative. I don't think he is a Republican that wants to create rifts in the party; he is simply venting, something CONSERVATIVES may have to do from time to time if they live in New Jersey. Rick, I feel your pain.

oh come on. REAL CONSERVATIVES couldnt win in this state outside of the nothwest if they tried. Go ahead stick a REAL conservative in District 12 against Karcher and watch how much they get killed more than Beck might. Stick one in a district like the 14th that has more registered Democrats than Republicans. That'll solve the problem.

TAKE OUT ALL THE RINO's and fork over complete control of the freakin state to Democrats(as if they already dont have enough) and only run John Ginty in every single election, see how well that goes.

I'll be the one saying I told you so.

It's not Tom Wilson's fault. He's just a turd.

I blame the State Committee people who voted for Wilson, thus the useless 21 county chairs that hand picked the State Committee people.

Remember 1 male and female per county. Because that is nicer to say than 2 idiot moderates per county.

The substance of Mr. Shaftan's letter is correct even if it isn't polite. We always hear from the Whitman wing of the party that they are for fiscal conservatism even if they disagree on the social issues. But the truth of the matter is that they really aren't very fiscally conservative either. They refuse to take a strong stand on the major spending issues of the day that require major reform for NJ to ever get its fiscal health back. And the reason is that they do not want to upset the special interests.

Reform public employee health and pension benefits more than at the margins? Heaven forbid. Reform the state's school-aid formula? Not much mention of that either. And some moderate Republicans even jump on the "consolidation" bandwagon which is largely a smokescreen which often offers little (if any) savings and is an excuse to reduce home rule.

Remind me again how Ginty won. And while your at it what happened when you ran for office. You might want to draw a distinction between the Message and the Messenger but in your and Ginty's case, the voters seem to have rejected both.

Not Brennan. Try again.

Lots of people say consolidation won't work - but it has not been tried yet. Opponents should at least admit that it should be attempted somewhere first, before saying it will fail. But in general, the GOP simply has no message. Tom Wilson and company merely look at what Democrats are doing and say that the GOP would do it slightly differently. People vote for the "Status Quo Party" because its the only one available.

Rick Shaftan says his "problem isn't the property tax." I'm not sure even those of his ilk would agree with that sentiment. He also says his problem is with the income tax, and further mentions how that (along with the sales tax) are hurting those making over $150K a year.

Actually in NJ, a household making in the range of 150-200K is hardly rolling in it. Also, aside from Jon Shure, I can't think of too many New Jerseyans who believe that any of NJ's taxes or fees are too low or even about right.

However, with regards to income tax, the major difference between the income tax is that with the income tax a 150K wage-earner doesn't have a politically connected rent seeking tax assessor claim that his or her networth is really 500K and then have that person taxed accordingly. NJ's property tax system is archaic and belongs in the 19th century.

I'm wondering how many of you folks who sit and trash others every get off your asses and actually get in the game? Ever occur to you that our friends on the other side of the aisle sit back laughing while we spend our time focusing on our differences instead of the the issues that connect us as Republicans? Folks, there are more of them than us and there are more independents than both of us put together. Social conservatives need fiscal conservatives and vice versa. How about putting aside the silly sniping and joining the coalition of those committed to winning some elections by rallying around the common ideas and themes that unite Republicans? Do you really think that any party chairman - national, state, county, or local - is omnipotent and can make things happen because he or she has a title? I dont' know Wilson, but it seems to me that all of you who seem to get off kicking him around are either engaged in trying to settle some personal score or are the sort who'd rather complain than do. Who here is out helpling elect a candidate they believe in? How many doors have you knocked on this summer Dino? How many new voters did you register Pulaski? Conscience, have you made any phone calls to help ID or pursuade any voters this year? Surely, there must be SOME candidate you guys can support who is in a race that is competitive???? Y'all ought to remember Reagan's 11th commandment.

GOPanimal, Succinctly put, RIGHT ON. Anyone wishing to put their literary talents to good use, we could use some well written "letters to the editor" on those subjects about which you are so darned passionate. Save the Republican backstabbing for next years primary. The pen is mightier than..

Never mind just get up and do something. Republicans need your support 

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