Does George Gilmore want to change his name to Jack Kelly?

At a candidates forum hosted recently by Ocean County Citizens for Freedom, one of two Tea Party organizations in the county, the four freeloader candidates in the GOP primary spelled out their goals and answered questions from conservative-minded voters. One Tea Party member asked Freeloader Jack Kelly if he was controlled by county Republican Chairman George R. Gilmore.


Kelly denied that he was beholden to Gilmore. "I have my father's name, I'm not going to give that up to anybody — George Gilmore or anybody else. George is a friend, but that's it," Kelly said.

Why would George Gilmore want to take the name of Jack Kelly's father?

Chris Christie wants students to have "a full impartial understanding" of why he's always right.

Christie Administration officials expressed concerns about recent student protests and urged school officials to maintain discipline. “Students belong in the classroom, and we hope all efforts were made to curtail student walkouts,” said Michael Drewniak, the governor’s press secretary. “Students would be better served if they were given a full, impartial understanding of the problems that got us here in the first place and why dramatic action was needed.”


He must mean a full impartial understanding of why cutting income taxes for the wealthy is more important than funding education.

Calling Barney Frank "fa**ot" is just a way of expressing concern about the country

At a recent "tea party" gathering in North Brunswick one of the participants complained to a reporter that TNuts get no respect and said even people he knows are believing what he considers smears against the movement. “If you listen to MSNBC talk about the tea parties, they say they are a bunch of angry people, they are a mob trying to destroy the country and they're angry at people,” he said. “Look around. Do you see anybody angry here? Everybody here is concerned about their country.”


Concerned enough to spit and yell obscenities at Congressmen for supporting health care reform.

Christie upset about what some students will do for a better grade

In his first public comments since a massive student walk-out, Chris Christie today criticized administrators for not stopping protests during the school day and said he believed the teachers unions were behind the demonstrations. Referring to teachers refusal to accept a pay freeze Christie said, "The fact of the matter is that those teachers and their union have not stepped up to join the shared sacrifice. ... Their unwillingness to do that makes me wonder why the students are protesting only against what the governor is doing, and not against what their teachers are doing. I have a suspicion that since I don't give them grades and the teachers do, that might have something to do with it."

Christie should be smart enough to know that teachers don't give grades to "drug mules".

Little gets a "little" boost

The leadership of the Conservative Party of New Jersey announced today that it would be endorsing Anna Little for Congress in the 6th Congressional District for the June Republican Primary against opponent Diane Gooch.


Conservative Party of New Jersey’s Executive Director & Vice Chairman Michael Illions said that it was a proud moment for the entire organization; “This is not an endorsement for the Conservative Party of New Jersey, but rather FROM the Conservative Party of New Jersey to all Conservative Republicans in the 6th Congressional District as they head into the voting booth in June. The only true Conservative running in this race is Anna Little and she deserves their support.”

I'll bet Diane Gooch is shaking in her "Goochies".

Does "less government" apply to government sports teams?

Chris Christie told a press conference trumpeting the defeat of school budgets across the state that the voters endorsed his policies and local school district and municipalities should follow his lead. "They were speaking loudly and clearly in historic numbers," he said. "Lower taxes. Less spending. Less government. Voters said it clearly in November, and now even more clearly - percentage-wise - yesterday."


Less government? I suppose he means less government classrooms, less government sports teams, less government school lunches, and most of all, less government teachers.

Don't slam any doors on Jon Runyan

3rd district GOP congressional candidate Jon Runyan was asked by a reporter recently if he has any concerns about the tea party movement. He replied, "You know, special interests are getting in the way, and I think that's really what a lot of people are upset about. And if you sit back and you keep the doors open and don't slam them shut with special interests, just allow people to have conversations, I think that's what a lot of people are looking to go."


It's a good thing he won't be slamming any doors because he might bring down the whole building.

Christie never complains, except when it hurts

Chris Christie was paying respect to history as the guest speaker at a dinner as part of Morris County’s Revolutionary Times Weekend. He said that the county’s history and tradition helps make it the premier place it is to live. The governor did not specifically mention any ongoing issues, but he did say that people often ask him how he’s “holding up” amid a pitched battle over the state budget and ongoing acrimony with the NJEA. “You’ll never hear me complain,” Christie said.

Except when the head of a local teacher's union circulates a tasteless joke on the internet.

Jon Runyan parties with TNuts at Independence Hall

A dozen candidates stood in a chilly wind on Independence Mall on Saturday, attempting to woo members of the Independence Hall Tea Party, who are moving beyond protesting to making political endorsements. From New Jersey, there were Dale Glading, Mark Falzon, and Jon Runyan, the former Eagles offensive lineman who is running for the Third Congressional District seat, now held by Democrat John Adler.

Runyan said he was used to having a playbook after his years in sports. Now, he said, he has a new playbook, waving a pocket-size Constitution. "When you deviate from the playbook, you get your butt kicked by everybody around you," he said. "We need to return to this to turn this country around and give the power back to the people."

So now he wants to be a federal judge too?

TNuts fear being "run over"

In Trenton, State Police estimated 300 to 400 protesters attended a four-hour TNut rally in front of the Statehouse. Protesters focused on the recently passed health care bill . Many wanted New Jersey to join a lawsuit against the new law. Anita Davis of Mount Laurel told a reporter that she was gearing up for November, when TNut activists hope to elect sympathetic candidates to Congress.
“November is the most important month for this state, because if people do not go out and vote for the change, we’re going to be run over,” she said .

And if she has her way we'll all have to pay for the people that get run over and don't have health insurance to pay their medical bills.

Can Christie deduct twinkies as a medical expense?

Chris Christie declined to release information today about his personal finances, breaking with a longstanding Tax Day tradition practiced by governors of both parties.
Christie’s office said the governor filed for an extension, which gives him until later this year to file his 2009 tax returns. But his office did not provide the extension form, which includes an estimate of gross income and taxes owed on the federal and state level.
"He’s filed his form for an extension," spokesman Michael Drewniak said. "We just don’t have it handy today."

He probably needs more time to convince his CPA that the cost of twinkies should be deductible as a medically necessary energy boost.

Chris Christie sounds like Rodney Dangerfield

Chris Christie is crying to the media about how the NJEA has spent (so he claims) $1.8 million to oppose his budget. He also says he doesn’t care to talk to the NJEA until they call for the resignation of the Bergen County teachers union official who sent the memo with the prayer asking for Christie’s demise. “The Office of the Governor deserves more respect than that,” he said.

I hope he never reads this blog.

Where oh where oh where is Runyan?

Congressman John Adler's Campaign attacked GOP opponent Jon Runyan for being inconspicuous. Runyan Campaign consultant Chris Russell immediately hit back at the Adler campaign.

"Instead of whining about the positive media coverage Jon Runyan is receiving and the grassroots enthusiasm he is generating, Congressman Adler should do something useful that would actually benefit the South Jersey residents he is supposed to be representing - like create jobs, cut taxes or reduce out-of-control government spending. Sadly, when you're a career politician with no positive record to run on all you have left is baseless attacks."

At least Adler has a record. No Superbowl wins, but then neither does Runyan.

Christie leaves money, but not food, on the table

Chris Christie, who outlined his $29.3 billion budget last month, says the state can’t be a slave to the federal honey pot, even if that means leaving money on the table.

“You don’t manage government by being led around by federal funds,” he said after the budget address. “We should set our priorities, not allow the federal government to do it. Any of the cuts that you see us make in the budget are all about me setting priorities that I think are important for New Jersey.”

For Christie it's always about "me", especially when it comes to protecting the food budget at Drumthwacket.

Does this guy ever think about thinking?

Joe Rullo announced that he is dropping out of the Republican primary race for the party's 3rd Congressional District nomination. Rullo said he spontaneously chose to run, having sought public office only once before as an unsuccessful Democratic freeholder candidate.

"This wasn't well thought out," he said. "In fact, there was no thought to it at all."

One big difference between this clown and Sarah Palin; at least he admits it.

Joe Rullo as "Mr. Smith" won't go to Washington

Republican Congressional candidate Joe Rullo said that he has decided to end his longshot bid to represent New Jersey's 3rd District in the House of Representatives.

"I love God, I love Jesus Christ, I'm a Boy Scout...But this Boy Scout and this Mr. Smith ain't going to Washington. I can't play this game...I'm just too damn honest,'' Rullo quipped.

He may be "too damn honest" but he's no "Honest Abe".

Ocean County Freeloader apologizes to the unemployed

Ocean County Freeloader Joseph H. Vicari said he is a sympathetic and compassionate man who could have better articulated himself last week when he said that people receiving unemployment checks could do more to help themselves.

"Let me talk a little bit about my record, and unfortunately . . . it did not come out right, the way I said it, as many people in the room said," Vicari said. "I'll be honest with you. For the last three years, I have never or seldom been quoted at a workshop meeting," Vicari also said, expressing his frustration with the local print media. "So if you want an apology, maybe I should've weighed my words a little more. Maybe I should've went into a little bit more detail, and you're probably right on that one."

Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut. Better yet, maybe he should just resign.

Tax deadbeat challenges Len Lance

Rightwing activist and businessman David Larsen, who is challenging GOP Congressman Leonard Lance and committed to putting $300,000 of his own money into the campaign, confessed to being behind in property tax payments.

"I've been paying toward the principal; I owe $22,000 now, and the payment should be done in full," the candidate told PolitickerNJ.com. "I have been paying taxes but I own properties in New Jersey, and I got behind. ...Leonard Lance has been in the state legislature and state senate, and part of the problem is the politicians who are there and have been there for years."

Yeah, but at least Lance pays his taxes.

"Crybaby" Chris

Christie's whining about a "death joke" email sent by a local teachers union boss. When a reporter asked Christie if he had ever received death threats during his tenure as U.S. Attorney, he replied in the affirmative.

"Yes, I got death threats twice when I was U.S. Attorney - from street gangs," he said. "One from the Latin Kings and one from the Bloods. Listen, let's be serious, I don't think this was a threat. It's a wish. I think there's a difference, but candidly, I think a wish may be more perverse than a threat."

I wonder if Christie ever prosecuted someone for making a wish.

TNutter won't give up in 12th district

Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre's departure from the 12th District GOP Primary didn't change the terrain much for Dave Corsi who's running to the right of Princeton venture capitalist Scott Sipprelle. Regardless of what he gains from Halfacre's loss, Corsi intends to run through the GOP Primary. "I just think I'm the best qualified candidate, willing to teach a financially illiterate congress."

Later on, when asked about his campaign finances Corsi said, "I don't pay attention to what we have in terms of dollars - you'd have to talk to my treasurer."

And this is the same clown who says he wants to "teach a financially illiterate congress"?

To drill or not to drill

Running to the right of Jon Runyan in the GOP Primary for Congressman in the third district, former Tabernacle Committeeman Justin Murphy examined Runyan's comments on offshore oil drilling and quickly identified what he believes is a common - and disappointing - theme.

"This is some of Jon's inexperience showing through," said the long-shot Republican and second time Congressional candidate. "Jon wants to call himself a conservative and then be pro-choice. Here he wants drillng, but then he says it's a states choice issue. Either you're going to drill or you're not."

"My opponent takes a calculated position - again - to try to have it both ways," Murphy added. "This is a candidate who was handpicked by three very powerful political bosses, who says he's an independent conservative. Jon, put your cards on the table and speak with candor."

At least Runyan has cards and a table to put them on. All Murphy has are used up tea bags.

Jon Runyan tries having it both ways

Parting company with Chris Christie and others worried about the environmental impact, GOP 3rd Congressional District candidate Jon Runyan praised President Obama for deciding to lift the federal moratorium on offshore oil drilling.

“President Obama’s plan to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling is a step in the right direction for reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, creating jobs and bringing down the cost of energy on overburdened consumers,” said Runyan. However, he then went on to say he supports offshore drilling only if it is more than 50 miles from the coast.

“In my opinion, the decision to drill off the coast of New Jersey, or any other state for that matter, is strictly a state’s rights issue," Runyan said. "The federal government should get out of the way and leave it up to the people in each state to make that decision through the governor and state legislature they elect.”

He's only been in politics two months and already he's learned to talk from both sides of his mouth

Does Jon Runyan sweat about Justin Murphy?

Republican Justin Murphy is determined not to be overlooked in his party's Third Congressional District primary even though official support has lined up behind former Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan.

While Runyan's name recognition, party support, and wealth make him the favorite, Murphy believes he can outpace him on the issues. He is presenting himself as a longtime conservative even though he is running against two of the state's most efficient Republican organizations, which have endorsed Runyan.

Runyan's political consultant Chris Russell said: "The way we're going to run the campaign is not to take anything for granted. We're going to run our campaign highlighting our differences with John Adler."

Which sounds like they are going to take Justin Murphy for granted.

GOP Freeholder suggests ways to reduce unemployment

Unemployment in Ocean County has reached almost 12 percent and a number of people could do more to find work, Republican Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said Wednesday.

"What's hurting us, unemployment pays up to two years, $600 per week and what we're concerned with is that, you know, if you're making less than $400, that's one thing. But if you're making around $600 a week, there is no motivation now to go out in the job market," Vicari told his colleagues at an agenda session of the county Board of Freeholders.

This coming from a guy with a $97,000 a year state pension.

Mayor accuses Christie of trying to sink Trenton

Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer wants to ratchet up opposition to major cuts in state aid being pushed by Chris Christie. He wants his city's share of $43 million back but knows that his fight lacks power without public allegiance and state legislature support.

“Right now it looks pretty bad. We’ve been put in a position where we are just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic and Gov. Christie is an iceberg coming right at us,” Palmer said.

A better analogy would be Moby Dick and the Pequod.

Rob Andrews deals with a "sick joke"

Dale Glading, Republican candidate for the 1st Congressional District, led a protest slamming the healthcare overhaul bill outside of U.S. Rep. Robert Andrews' office in Haddon Heights. Andrews helped to craft the nearly $1 trillion bill.

Playing off the fact that today is April Fools' Day, Glading told the small crowd that had formed that, "no one is laughing at the sick joke you call 'healthcare reform."

Maybe not, but there's plenty to laugh at a sick joke like Glading having any chance of beating Andrews.

Christie doesn't like teachers "politicking"

Chris Christie stood firm in the face of blowback from the teachers' union, fretful parents, picketing students worried about budget cuts, firefighters, and the mayor of the state's capital city as he answered reporters' questions at an autism education center. The governor said he has no objections to the criticisms, which people have taken to the streets in some instances.

"People are expressing their point of view, it's a free country," said the governor. "You can guarantee it doesn't affect me." He did say that what does irk him is union organizing in a chemistry class in Bridgewater-Raritan. "I don't like teachers politicking in the classroom," he said.

If Christie gets his way with politicking there won't be any teachers left to politick in the classroom or anyplace else.