Thornton, Sheppard: Opponents No Show at Tea Party

DENNISVILLE — The Tea Party Patriots of South Jersey hosted a Cape May County Republican Freeholder Candidates Forum May 12 in Dennis Township.
According to a release, the Integrity – Independence – Republican Ticket of Gerald M. Thornton and Susan Sheppard were well received. Their opponents, John McCann and Ralph Bakley did not show up.
“One of the key goals of the teaparty movement is to thoroughly question and vet candidates on all taxpayer issues and to hold them accountable for their answers and actions,” said TPPSJ leader Larry Trulli as he opened the forum. “It is disappointing that the establishment candidates have such a cavalier attitude about answering questions from Cape May County Citizens. We really hoped they would have shown up tonight.”
Jerry Thornton and Sue Sheppard sat at a table beside two empty chairs and fielded questions for over an hour from the nearly 100 people who gathered at the Abbie Holmes Estate for the Candidate Forum. Issues ranged from the Beesley’s Point Bridge, to bonding and debt, to union negotiations and ways to cut government spending.
“We are honored to appear at your Candidates Forum and take any question you want to ask,” said Jerry Thornton. “Your goals are the same as ours: give people a voice in the political process; reduce the size of government; uphold the United States Constitution.”
Sue Sheppard stated, “We are all part of the same movement to challenge the status quo; to bring about a new era of politics and government where the peoples’ voice matters more than the backroom deals. We are happy to be here with good people who have the courage to stand up for what is right.”
Thornton and Sheppard’s responses were frequently interrupted by applause. While Thornton and Sheppard have publicly stated their support for Congressman LoBiondo and many of the TPPSJ members are supporting other candidates, several of the TPPSJ attendees signed up afterwards to volunteer for the Thornton-Sheppard campaign.
“I believe the Tea Party Patriots understand that this Freeholder election is critically important for the future of open and limited government in Cape May County,” said Thornton. “This is an inclusive group and they did not attack us for supporting Congressman LoBiondo.”
Sue Sheppard said, “What a refreshing approach to our political process: An inclusive and tolerant gathering with room for differing views. That is what we are all fighting for.”