Monmouth Democrats Take 2017 Victories

Last year's federal election results left many of us feeling out in the cold. Over the past twelve months, volunteers all across Monmouth County came together at the grassroots to make their voices heard and put their country back on track. This past Tuesday, state and local governments showed that they heard you with a blue wave at every level of politics.

Governor-Elect Phil Murphy won his election by 14 points, proving that New Jersey is done with Chris Christie's divisive politics for good.

Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey both won re-election by nearly 6,000 votes - becoming the first Democratic Assemblymembers to win re-election in the 11th District's history.

Monmouth County now has our first Democratic Senator in the 11th District - the first time in nearly 30 years, with former County Chairman Vin Gopal defeating longtime Senator Jennifer Beck by over 4,000 votes.

Monmouth Democrats also scored major wins at the local level.

Democrats kept Aberdeen ALL Democratic. Congratulations to Mayor Fred Tagliarini on his 2-1 re-election.

Democrats continue to hold a majority in Allentown - a town which we flipped 2 years ago after decades of Republican control.

Democrats have taken a majority in Atlantic Highlands - defeating two more Republican incumbents.

Democrats are up in Belmar with provisionals still left to be counted. Democrats will continue to be in the majority there.

Democrats knocked off two more Republican incumbents in Eatontown, with the victories of Jennifer Sherrod and Bridget Harris - the first time in years Eatontown Democrats have taken a majority on the Council.

Democrats won a big win in Fair Haven with Councilman Chris Rodriguez as top vote-getter. They are continuing to build a strong party there with Jessica Patel falling short by a few votes.

Freehold Borough kept its Council all Democratic with the re-elections of Councilmembers George Schnurr and Michael DiBenedetto

Democrats kept Keyport ALL Democratic - 6-0.

Democrats swept Lake Como continuing to keep it 7-0.

Democrats won a big election in Little Silver with the election of Councilman-Elect Christopher Healy.

Manasquan Democrats kept their Democratic majority with the re-elections of Councilmembers Michael Mangan, Jeff Lee and Joseph Bossone.

Democrats won big in Marlboro with the re-elections of Councilmembers Jeff Cantor, Scott Metzger and Carol Mazzola. Monmouth County's 3rd largest town continues to be all Democratic.

Democrats have taken a majority in Matawan - it is now 7-0 Democrat in Matawan - just 2 years ago it was 7-0 Republicans and in 3 straight cycles, Democrats have defeated all of the Republican incumbents.

Democrats made inroads into Neptune City, electing their second Councilmember, Glen Kocsis. Congratulations to Councilwoman Pamela Renee in her re-election.

Congratulations to Committeeman Kevin McMillan on a big victory keeping Neptune Township 5-0 Democrats.

Democrats defeated another Republican incumbent in Red Bank giving us 5-2 control of the governing body.

Democrats swept Roosevelt continuing the all Democratic governing body - Congratulations to new Mayor Peggy Malkin.

Congratulations to Councilman Charles Rooney in Sea Bright winning as the top vote-getter!

In Spring Lake, Councilwoman Syd Whalley was re-elected comfortably.

Democrats beat an incumbent Republican in Shrewsbury Township, gaining 3-0 majority.

Democrats ran strong races in Colts Neck, Englishtown, Freehold Township, Hazlet, Holmdel, Interlaken, Manalapan, Middletown, Millstone, Oceanport, Shrewsbury Boro, Spring Lake Heights, Union Beach, Upper Freehold, Wall, and West Long Branch, and worked hard to continue to build the Democratic Party in their respective towns. We are proud of all of them.

Donald Trump may have carried Monmouth County in 2016, but when we pushed back in 2017, it paid off. We are very proud of our outstanding county candidates who worked hard and made the races competitive - Margie Donlon and Brian Wilton did a fantastic job. We also want to thank Sean Byrnes, Mariel Didato, Tom Giaimo, David Lande, Amy Cores, Gene Davis, Nirav Patel, Eliot Colon, and Kevin Scott for running strong races in their legislative districts.

This year, along with Virginia to the south and Washington to the west, New Jersey showed that the Democratic Party is far from over. After months of soul-searching and perseverance, we worked hard to organize and move our party forward. Because of all of us, New Jersey has a Democratic governor once more, and flipped a Senate seat that many once thought untouchable.

Now is not the time to rest on our laurels, however. We will continue to keep working toward the Congressional midterms in 2018, and to aggressively challenge Republicans at the local, legislative, and county levels in the cycles to come. Thank you as always to all of our volunteers, donors and supporters who helped us achieve these victories.

David G. Brown
Chairman, Monmouth County Democrats

Monmouth Democratic Chairman Makes List Of Top Power Brokers In NJ

PolitickerNJ came out today with their annual list of the Top 100 Political Power Brokers in the state.

Among those making this years list of the most influential poltical players in NJ are a numbr of people who's name  are familiar to me but that I have never met such as, South Jersey Democratic Party Leader, George Norcross (#1), Governor Christies brother, Todd Christie (#11), the self important mega mainiac, TV personality and  billionaire, Donald Trump (#18) and Monouth Universtity pollster, Patrick Murrary.

Those that I have met, spoken to or exchanged an idea or two with in the past include Impact NJ's Mike Murphy (#62), Maggie Moran, former deputy chief of staff for Governor Corzine (#68) and Janice Fuller, District Director for Congressman Pallone (#84).

Vin Gopal

But the person on the list that I am most impressed by, happy about and proud to call a true friend, is none other than Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Vin Gopal, listed at #96.

I've known Chairman Gopal for several years now and I have never met anyone more energenic and committeed to the Democratic cause in my life than he. Gopal has spent the past few years building aliances and friendships thought out Monmouth County and the state, in the effort to get Democrats elected to office and build the Party.

PolitickerNJ  says:

 "... Gopal stands out as a rising statewide star within the party and, as an Indian American representative of the state's fastest growing could someday make a formidable congressional candidate."

If that is something that my friend Vin Gopal wishes for his future than I would be all in, helping him in anyway I could. He has a bright future, the sky is the limit for him.

For a the full list of those that made the power brokers list you can find it .... Here 

Monmouth Democratic Chairman Gopal Impresses Many At First Municipal Chair Meeting; Senator Menendez Stops By To Lend His Support

I had the pleasure of being asked to attend the first Monmouth County Democratic Municipal Chair Meeting to be presided over by new County Chairman Vin Gopal last night and I have to say, I was very impressed and so were the 50 or so Municipal Chairs and other county leaders that were in attendance.

The first thing that was apparent to many was that it won't be business as usual in Monmouth County. I have heard from many people in the past that the county organization was disorganized, fractured and adrift. Well that is changing, Chairman Gopal and his leadership team have big plans on how they intend to move the county organization forward, and in time, recapture control of Monmouth County.

I'm not at liberty to mention all that was discussed at this meeting but I will say that Chairman Gopal and his leadership team have hit the ground running since taking over the Monmouth County Democrats last month.  A few of the initiatives that are being implemented by Chairman Gopal include:

• Candidate Training Workshops
• Social Media Training
• Database Training
• Help save organization money by facilitating the join purchase of signs and literature.
• Help with Websites Design and Online Fundraising  

All of the initiatives that are being developed and implemented over time, have the very specific goal of making the Democratic Party in Monmouth County stronger, dominant and more formidable in order to seize control of the county away from the Republicans for many years to come.

And as if hearing all this wasn't refreshing and exciting enough, who walks in during the middle of the meeting? None other than U.S. Senator Robert Menendez.

Senator Menendez stopped by show his support for Chairman Gopal and the Monmouth County Democrats. The Senator walked in, shook a few hands, said how he has visited all 21 counties thus far campaigning and was looking forward to helping out the Monmouth Dems anyway he could. He then proceeded to give a rousing and slightly altered version of the stump speech that he gave to the Bayshore Democratic Club back in March, which I have posted below. The main difference being that this time he mentioned his opponent Joe Kyrillos by name and said that he has a lot of explaining to do when it comes to his voting record down in Trenton.

 Menendez stated that he (Joe Kyrillos), said  that he supports women's health issues but voted against funding women health centers, he said he supports children's health care but voted against expanding access to health care for low income families, that he supports education but voted to reduce school funding. Menendez also stated that Kyrillos has long history of ethics issues, sighting Kyrillos's ties to corrupt developer Solomen Dwek.



With Chairman Gopal in control of the Monmouth County Democratic organization, I think the Democrats throughout the county can feel good about the future of the Party in Monmouth.

Thank You Joe Caliendo

Since he first became Democratic Municipal Chairman in 1969, Joe Caliendo has stood strong for the rights of the middle class through his deep dedication for his hometown of Middletown and his love for the Democratic Party. From Belford to Lincroft, back up to Port Monmouth, through Leonardo and across the Navesink, I join countless other Democrats in thanking Joe for his decades of service to the Democratic Party in Middletown.

Please join me in wishing Joe all the best as he retires as Democratic Municipal Chairman on July 18th.

Sincerely,

Vin Gopal
Chairman, Monmouth County Democrats

Thank You Message From Vin Gopal

My fellow Democrat:

Last night, our slate won with more than 70% of the total vote. Over 600 county committee members voted - a turnout higher than the Republican convention. I want to thank Marlboro Councilman Frank LaRocca and Mayor Jon Hornik and their entire team for running a spirited campaign. As a result of a contested race, our party is stronger and united for November.

Vin Gopal

I won this election because of the hard work of countless supporters across this county who worked tirelessly for our team. I want to give special thanks to our team of mayors and former freeholders who stood with us at every twist and every turn, all of whom endorsed me the day I announced. Every time we needed their help, to sign an endorsement letter or speak on our behalf, they stood up for us. Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Asbury Park Mayor Ed Johnson, Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, Bradley Beach Mayor Julie Shreck, Lake Como Mayor Mike Ryan, Neptune Mayor Randy Bishop, Spring Lake Mayor Jennifer Naughton and former Freeholders John D'Amico and Amy Mallet - thank you for your unwavering support. I want to also thank former freeholder candidates Mike Beson, Janice Venables and Sean Byrnes for standing with our campaign from the get-go. Of equal importance, I want to thank the Democratic municipal chairs, countless elected officials and party leaders across this county who stood with us every step of the way. There are too many to name but you know who you are. I also want to thank our brothers and sisters in organized labor who helped get the vote out. My neighboring chairman, Ocean County's Democratic Leader Wyatt Earp, also deserves very special recognition for his early and strong endorsement giving our campaign a big boost. Our campaign manager, Asbury Park Democratic Party Municipal Chairman Giuseppe 'Joe' Grillo and our political consultant Mitch Seim ran a flawless campaign and they will do a great job leading the Monmouth County Democrats in the upcoming years.

Most importantly - I want to thank you - the Democratic County Committee - for standing with our team in this race. I will be calling many of you in the upcoming weeks to personally thank you and I hope to see many of you at our thank you party. This will be a joint effort and the work begins today to challenge the Republicans vote by vote, block by block, precinct by precinct, town by town across this county.

Since 1986, Allen Falk has served as Parliamentarian for the Monmouth County Democrats under the leadership of Chairman Scudiery. I have asked him to remain in that role on our executive committee and he has accepted. I want to thank Allen for accepting and continuing his decades of dedication to the Democratic Party.

Earlier today - our state's Democratic leaders - Chairman Wisniewski, Speaker Oliver, Senate President Sweeney as well as the offices of Senators Menendez and Lautenberg pledged their full support for our new team. I told them that the Monmouth County Democrats are united and ready to get to work.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with our team. As always, you can always reach me on my cell phone at 732-299-5625. In the next few weeks, we will be announcing a comprehensive, aggressive agenda to elect Democrats at every level of government in Monmouth County.

I hope to see you at our 'Thank You' party.

Democratically yours,

Vin Gopal
Monmouth County Democratic Chairman

Democrats Choose Gopal As Monmouth County Chairman

Democrats meet last night at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands to pick a successor to longtime Monmouth County Chairman Victor Scudiery.


I walked through the doors just after 6pm and was surprised by how many people were in the building, to say that it was a packed house would be an understatement, there were easily 700 people or more in the room by the time the polls were opened at 7:30pm.

Crowd shuffling in at Shore Casino

registration line

waiting for speeches and to vote

The atmosphere in the room was electrified by those in attendance and the enthusiasm was contagious, County Committee members were pumped up and ready to choose Chairman Scudiery’s  successor.  When the voting came to an end at 9pm the tension in the room could be cut with a knife, Gopal supporters and LaRocca supporters were anxiously mulling around waiting for the votes to be tabulated.

votes being tabulated

The two men themselves were nervous but remained courteous and was seen speaking to each other moments before being taken to a back hallway to be informed of the outcome of the voting

Gopal and LaRocca before results were announced

In the end it was Vin Gopal who came out of the voting victorious, garnering over 430 votes which represented 73% of the vote against his opponent Frank LaRocca.

Vin Gopal and Frank LaRocca as results were announced to the crowd

In his concession speech Frank LaRocca was gracious and thanked all those that supported him and he vowed to work with and support Gopal in order to get Democrats elected all throughout the County.

LaRocca's concession speech

Vin Gopal thanked everyone who came out to vote and stated that he looked forward to working with Frank LaRocca and all those in the room and stated that he would work tirelessly as the Party’s Chairman.

Chairman Vin Gopal

And just in case there was any doubt about who I supported  here’s a picture of my vote (sorry Frank).

Democratic Mayors Endorse Vin Gopal For Monmouth County Chairman

I received this letter over the weekend and was unable to scan it for posting until today

Video From DFA Rally Supporting Gopal For County Chairman

If you remember my post back on May 2nd about the DFA Rally in support of Vin Gopal for Monmouth County Chairman, you'll remember I posted  that the rally was attended by over 130 county committee people and several Democratic mayors from around Monmouth County, who expressed their support and backing for Gopal.

Below is a campaign video of sorts that was just released and posted to You Tube. The video consists of  remarks made by some of those that spoke in support of Vin and his efforts to support and nurture  many Democrats from around Monmouth County so that they may become successful.

If you are a County Committee person that will be voting on June 12th for the person who will succeed Victor Scudiery as the next Democratic Chairman of the County, you should watch this video. It will tell you a lot about who Vin is and why he is admired so much by many Democrats from around Monmouth County and the state.

What Are They Thinking? Monmouth Candidate Slate Endorses LaRocca

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.”

Foster's Name Surfaces for Monmouth Democrat's Vice-Chair

With all the attention being paid to who will be succeeding Victor Scudiery as the next Monmouth County Democratic Chairman, no one has mentioned or spoke about who will be running for the Vice-Chairmanship position when Democrats get together on June 12th to chose Scudiery's successor.

Historically, the vice-chairman position has been held by a woman and with so many strong Democratic women around the county to chose from, who will step forward to seek the postion is anyones guess; former Freeholder Amy Mallet, former Manalapan Mayor Michelle Roth and Keyport's Joy Tomczak are just a few of the names being past around.

One name that I know no one has heard of or thought of, is Middletown's Mary Foster.

Mary Foster has been a hard working County Committeewoman for years and has acted as Middletown's Corresponding Secretary for as long as I have been involved with the Middletown Democrats. And from what I understand, Mary has recently been chosen to be an Obama delegate at this years Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this September.

From what I understand, Mary Foster also happens to works in the offices of Scudiery Enterprises, which may give her a leg up on the competition. I also understand that she is a favorite of Vin Gopal, who is seeking to succeed Chairman Scudiery.

Look for her name to surface soon.