A GOP revolt
The rank and file of the Monmouth County Republican Party has spoken in naming Anna Little of Highlands to fill Amy Handlin's vacancy on the Board of Freeholders. She's a 38-year-old attorney, a mother of three, who is the fresh face with fresh ideas and no baggage that the majority of Republican County Committee members seem to want. The corruption scandal that rocked the party obviously affected the voting Saturday.
Little's election speaks volumes about the power of the party leaders. Chairman Fred Niemann, Sen. Joseph Kyrillos and Freeholder William Barham all backed others. Of course, they circled the wagons around Little when the votes were tallied.
The lesson is clear: This Republican Party will not kowtow to its leadership. They may be Republicans, but they want their party to be democratic. The days of the good ol' boy network are over. They want diverse, ethical and independent thinking officials. That matches what the public wants. The leadership had better take heed.
Little's election speaks volumes about the power of the party leaders. Chairman Fred Niemann, Sen. Joseph Kyrillos and Freeholder William Barham all backed others. Of course, they circled the wagons around Little when the votes were tallied.
The lesson is clear: This Republican Party will not kowtow to its leadership. They may be Republicans, but they want their party to be democratic. The days of the good ol' boy network are over. They want diverse, ethical and independent thinking officials. That matches what the public wants. The leadership had better take heed.
posted by Larry Benjamin at 10:40 AM
4 Comments:
It didn't have to do with corruption as it did with people voting against Niemann. You can't lump Niemman, Barham and Kyrillos together as the "party leadership." Seldom are they on the same page. Each has very different constituencies and reasons for who they supported. Kyrillos being the notable exception because his support for DiBella was merely due to a long time friendship rather then any interest regarding what takes place in the county government. Niemann and Barham, of course, had much more at stake.
say what you will about Republicans, but they are the better of the two major parties. Now is a good time for Dems to show momentum, yet they are failing in a big way. I predict that Corzine will be one of the most painfull gov's we have had.
On the county level, there is a reason we will keep the present party. Even with the dirt that has come out on them, they have done a good job. And again, the Dem's have not offered anything better.
Excellent analysis. I hope the GOP leadership is listening and supports the democratic process.
Congratulations to Freeholder Little. She is first class and represents the best of public service.
Both political parties in New Jersey are a joke.If you think anything is really going to change you are delusional.When the Republican party had a chance to support Brett Shundler in his first run for governor they turned their backs on him because he was a conservative.The Republicans in NJ are RINO's and the Dems are Liberals.
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