AVALON – The local convention of the Regular Republican County organization was one of unity, organization and purpose. It took place March 19 at the Avalon Community Center. The party elite led by Chairman Michael Donohue took the committeemen representing the various towns and municipalities located in Cape May County through a political liturgy that culminated in the endorsement of a slate of candidates for a menu of offices.
The assembly heard from Republican office holders such as County Clerk Rita Fulginiti, Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton, Sheriff Gary Schaffer, and Freeholders E. Marie Hayes, Kristine Gabor and Will Morey.
Gabor and Morey are up for re-election as is Schaffer.
Donohue told the crowd that they had Morey to thank for “installing a convention system in Cape May County.” He also reminded them that “We have huge local elections this year,” as well as statewide and federal ones.
The organization decided to make it an open primary for candidates vying to replace Cory Booker in the U.S. Senate. Donohue reminded of the dismal record Booker had racked up when he was the mayor of Newark. There was a high murder rate and allegations that he did not actually live there. “If you saw what he did to Newark that should disqualify him,” said Donohue. He also compared the junior senator’s voting record to President Barack Obama, nationalizing the election.
Three of the four Republican candidates for the senate sent surrogates.
Peter Boyce spoke on behalf of Professor Murray Sabrin, no stranger in Libertarian circles.
Boyce described Sabrin, whose parents were holocaust survivors, as a strict Constitutionalist whose economic policies would cut the national debt, reduce taxes by at least half, protect individual privacy by fighting to stop NSA spying on American citizens, and defend the Second Amendment and pre born human life.
Boyce also called Sabrin the “peace” candidate because, while he would “protect America’s borders he would keep us out of needless wars in countries that had not attacked us.” He also informed the crowd that Sabrin had received the endorsement of Libertarian Sen. Rand Paul and his father Ron Paul.
Richard Pezzullo sent his friend and fellow developer who told the audience that Pezzullo would work to end excessive regulation and taxes. “Less government and lower taxes.” He also would strive to end federal mandates being forced on New Jersey teachers. Pezzullo, who lives in Freehold and served 20 years in the Army Reserve, wants to get the federal government off the backs of business.
Sally Turkavage represented her husband, candidate Robert. She told how she met him when they were both FBI agents. She touted his expertise in thwarting terror attacks and keeping the country safe. She said he would work to repeal Obamacare with its “stealth taxes” and also the Alternative Minimum Tax which penalizes income earners over $100,000. If elected he would also work towards passage of a balanced budget amendment. Her presentation received the most applause.
The stand-in for the fourth candidate, Brian Goldberg, was stuck in traffic in Essex County and sent her apologies. “Everyone knows that Cape May is a long way away from everywhere,” quipped Donohue.
The seating was sectioned off by towns and townships such as Middle, Cape May, Dennis etc. much as the national conventions are. The seats reserved for the Wildwood contingent appeared largely vacant without explanation.
Gabor who lost an Assembly election in November made the most emotional remarks. “We’ve been through a lot,” she said adding that “losing stinks.”
She is up for re-election to the Board of Chosen Freeholders and vowed “never to lose another election,” not just for her own sake but for all those people who believe in her and “worked so hard for her campaign.”
She also said that she was “proud to be part of the transformation of the Republican Party in this county” That reference to the takeover of the county GOP leadership by Donohue in 2010 from longtime chairman David Von Savage was repeated by Donohue when he remarked that he and Thornton often pinch themselves when they recall the successful Thornton-Sheppard freeholder campaign of that year.
Donohue also announced that in lieu of a goodie bag for all committeemen a donation to disabled servicemen would be made in their name.
Donohue acknowledged Assemblyman Samuel Fiocchi (R-1st) who won the seat formerly held by Nelson Albano and promised to “send him company soon.” The evening ended with a buffet and a high-spirited crowd.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
