I received the below press release from the Frank LaRocca camp announcing that Monmouth Democratic Candidates for Freeholder Bill Shea and Kevin Lavan along with County Clerk Candidate Michael Steinhorn, have gone public and announced their support of Marlboro's Frank LaRocca to succeed Victor Scudiery as the next Monmouth County Democratic Chairman. LaRocca is vying to be the next County Chairman against Long Branche's Vin Gopal, who narrowly lost last years District 11 race for State Assembly.
This is a head scratcher to me, I can't image what these guys are thinking and I wonder why they would want to publicly choose side between the two men looking to succeed Vic Scudiery as Chairman.
Don't get me wrong, they have every right to support who they wish to succeed Scudiery, but by publicly choosing sides they are spliting the party, which could lead to bad blood and cause County Committee members not to support their candidacies for office later. To me they have nothing to gain at this time, but everything to lose.
All three of Monmouth County’s Democratic county-wide candidates today endorsed Frank LaRocca for County Chairman saying he has a demonstrated record of winning elections.
“Frank knows how to win,” said Freeholder candidate Kevin M. Lavan, a former Hazlet Mayor. “It’s not enough to just want to win; a party chairman has to know how to win. Frank does.”
As the Marlboro Democratic Party Chairman, LaRocca has won 8 out of 9 elections, making Marlboro a model for how to build a Democratic Party organization from the ground floor. When he took over, there was an all Republican Council and a Republican Mayor. Now Mayor Jon Hornik and a Democratic Council are providing innovative, effective leadership in Marlboro.
“Frank is the proven winner among the candidates for chairman,” said Freeholder candidate Bill Shea. “He is proving this right now as a candidate by supporting local municipalities and the County campaigns.” LaRocca rolled out his municipal plan last week providing all Democratic candidates with a free photo shoot. In addition, LaRocca has stepped in to support the County candidates, providing them with walk cards and hosting a fundraiser for the ticket on May 16.
“As Democratic County Chairman, it is important to help the municipal candidates get out the message,” said LaRocca, who is announcing Phase II of his municipal effort this week. “Providing the local candidates with a photo shoot is just the beginning. This week, we will roll out providing websites and campaign signs for our municipal candidates and in the coming weeks, we will offer candidate training on engaging communities in grass roots campaigns, and energizing the youth vote.” In his municipality, LaRocca has attracted over 1,200 teens to become part of the local government in the Teen Advisory Committee, started prior to his election in 2007.
County Clerk candidate Michael Steinhorn said LaRocca is the only candidate with the experience and maturity to lead the party.
“We believe our best chance of protecting Democratic Party values and our best chance of winning is with Frank LaRocca at the helm,” said County Clerk candidate Michael Steinhorn. “We’re supporting Frank for County Chairman because he has the knowledge, experience, and maturity to lead us to victory.”
The Monmouth County Democrats will elect a new chairman for the first time in 23 years in June. Chairman Victory Scudiery has announced he will not seek a new term.
“I want to thank, Michael, Bill and Kevin for their confidence,” LaRocca said. “I’ve been out campaigning with our team already. Re-electing President Obama, Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Frank Pallone and giving our Party a voice in County government is my top priority.”
“Rank and file Democrats from across the county have shown their support for my candidacy for Chairman and know how critical the fall elections are to our future.”
13 comments:
Perception depends on where your sitting Mike. Too bad your poster boy didn't get the nod from the elders, but the chairmen elections are soon, don't sweat too much.
There's no elders in this group. They are all new to County politics. It is better to work to achieve results instead of buying your way in.
Elders?? Everyone knows these candidates are a joke. Each year the Dems have to haul out a few newbies that have no name recognition to run. They get intoxicated with their 15 minutes of fame and really think they hold sway over the rest of the party. No one with any political sense will run this year. That is why they got Larry, Mo and Curley.
Maintaining and PROMOTING Party unity and avoiding campaigns that may damage intra-party collaboration must be a prominent factor in both the language and actions of each campaign.
Anon 12:39,
I agree and I think it is. I haven't heard anyone from either side personally attack the other.
There will always be a difference of opinion and that's fine, but as candidates, Shea, Lavan and Steinhorn should not have publicly taken sides.
On the surface it appears as though LaRocca purchased Lavin, Shea, Steinhorn endorsements by providing some early campaign financing.
Yes, i thought that also. It just goes to show you what a few dollars worth of photos and a cheap website design will get you these days.
Wonder if that will show up on the ELEC report???
Much will be funneled through the ONE MONMOUTH PAC set up in February out of the LaRocca stronghold of Marlboro. You either spend time or money and Frank knows how to spread the money around for sure.
Totally looks like a sell out. Sad for LaRocca, sad for the candidates.
Regardless of what LaRocca says he can raise for the county candidates and the party, it will never be enough in this year's election. This will be one of the highest turnouts in the last 10 years and the Monmouth GOP will all come out to oust Obama (for obvious reasons). Anyone who thinks it's a good year to run as a Democrat in Monmouth County needs his head examined and deserves the outcome he gets.
And, if the three nobodies believe they have a following and have any influence over any group, they are really delusional. Too bad they sold out so early in the campaign. Their fate is sealed, regardless of the who the next chairman is.
you are all forgetting the last time Obama ran Amy Mallet also won in Monmouth County. Anything is possible when you have informed voters.
Mike, We Democrats need to think long term. It says something that there is no unity behind our departing county chairman's maneuverings. We don't need more of the same, we need new leadership. This election cycle is just a start.
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