Who’ll Vote, How, Nov. 8?

COURT HOUSE — It’s anyone’s guess how many of the 68,256 eligible voters in Cape May County will care enough, if they have not already voted by mail, to visit the polls Tue., Nov. 8 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
With numbers supplied by the Cape May County Board of Elections, it appears voters, percentage wise, are about the same as in previous elections. Unaffiliated voters still carry the heaviest club with 27,390, or about 40 percent of the total.
Republicans come in at a close second with 27,229, just under 40 percent.
Democrats have 13,637 on the rolls, and that translates to just a fraction under 20 per-cent.
The remainder includes 24 Libertarians, 13 Greens, two each Conservative and U.S. Con-stitution, and one Reform.
In the race for First District Senate and Assembly, Republicans are working feverishly to elect their trio, knowing they are facing strong Democrat voting numbers in Cumberland County.
Democrats have responded to the challenge by blanketing voters with mailed campaign fliers as well as media ads.
Recorded telephone messages are left by both camps in an attempt to sway voters toward their candidates.
Again, party numbers are meaningless if voters don’t cast a ballot. If ever there was a push to get out the vote, it will likely be on Nov. 8.
The race for First District state Senate, where incumbent Democrat Jeff Van Drew is being challenged by Republican David DeWeese, is the most spirited one of the year.
Following that race for state Assembly are Van Drew’s running mates, incumbent Democ-rats Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam who are being challenged by Republicans Suzanne Walters, Stone Harbor mayor, and Samuel Fiocchi, Cumberland County freeholder.
The debate between the six was held in the Historic Courthouse here Wed., Oct. 26 be-fore a packed house. It was likely the most contentious one of its kind there in recent memory. (See related story elsewhere in today’s edition.)
There is no contest on the county level, since Democrats did not field two freeholder can-didates or a competitor against Sheriff Gary Schaffer.
At that debate, the three presumptive GOP victors addressed the gathering. The soon-to-be office holders included freeholder candidates Will Morey and Kristine Gabor and Schaf-fer for the Constitutional officer post.
Lest it be forgotten amidst the fog of the legislative race, there is also one state question to be voted upon, that being a constitutional amendment that would authorize the Legislature to permit wagering on sports events at Atlantic City casinos and horse racetracks.
There are local government races in Middle Township, Woodbine, Stone Harbor, Ocean City, and Dennis Township.
In Dennis Township where two seats are up for election, incumbent Township Commit-tee Democrats Dennis Crippen and Brian O’Connor are being challenged by Republicans Brian Teefy and Frank Germanio Jr.
In Middle Township, one seat is open on the three-member governing body, presently controlled 2-1 by Democrats. That balance of power could change after the election since there remains one each Republican and Democrat.
Republican Timothy Donohue, Democrat William Sturm III and Independent Steven Rus-sell are vying for the vacant chair.
In North Wildwood, Republicans are not being challenged for any of the three seats on City Council.
Seeking Council at Large is Edwin Koehler, Ward 1 is David DelConte, and Ward 2 Kelly-ann Tolomeo.
In Ocean City, an unexpired seat for Ward 3 Council is being sought by Anthony Wilson, non-partisan “Family Minded with a Business Approach,” and Steven Fenichel, “Help Close B.L. England Coal Plant.”
In Stone Harbor, four candidates are vying for two seats on Borough Council.
Republicans include incumbent Thomas Cope Jr. and newcomer John Leisenring. Stone Harbor Independents hoping to unseat them are Joselyn Rich, a former council member, and Karen Lane, president of the Garden Club of Stone Harbor.
A lone candidate for Upper Township Committee is Republican Antonio Inserra.
In Woodbine, four candidates, including two Republicans and two Responsible Govern-ment, seek two seats on Borough Council.
The GOP candidates are Anthony Saduk Sr. and Anthony Bogushefsky. Opposing them are Clarence Ryan Jr. and Douglas Watkins.
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com