NJ.com: Monmouth Democrats primed for up-hill battle in Freeholder race

NJ.com posted a nice profile piece on Monmouth County Democratic Freeholder candidates Brian Froelich and Larry Luttrell last night and plan on posting follow-up story on Monday to discuss the issues that they plan on running on which are near and dear to their heart. Check it out, it's a pretty good intro piece that should start the discussion on the candiates.

From NJ.com:

They are ready to rumble, but they know they are playing Rocky to Republicans’ Apollo Creed.

The two Democratic candidates for Monmouth County Freeholder, Brian Froelich, 67, of Spring Lake, and Lawrence Luttrell, 41, of Holmdel, plan to take the fight to the GOP incumbents.  

“I’m excited about the opportunity, I appreciate the Democratic Party with entrusting me with this mantle,” Froelich said. “I hope to get around and talk to as many people as I can and let them know what we would like to do.” 

The pair are running against Freeholder Director Thomas Arnone, of Neptune City, and Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, of Holmdel. 

Both Democrats realize that they face an entrenched Republican political apparatus.
“There’s no way that we’re going to out-fundraise a 30-year incumbent institution,” Froelich said. “They may not have Birdsall anymore, but they have a lot more people willing to support incumbents and entrenched leaders.”

There is also an enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans – the incumbents are riding high after easily winning a contested primary against Tea Party challengers. The Democrats, on the other hand, were uncontested.

The primary contest galvanized the already strong Republican organization, but Luttrell says the pair will catch up by taking their message directly to voters.

“Obviously, we’re planning to get the message out there, hitting the ground and getting to the people as much as possible,” Luttrell said. “One of the things we’ve been doing is establishing a good ground game and getting out the vote and talking to people.”

All the things in my life that allowed me to have what I have were created by Democrats, it is my turn to give back. 

Luttrell said it is the Democrats’ compassionate message and track record of helping people of all walks of life that make them the best choice for Monmouth County during these difficult times. He pointed to his family’s purchase of a home in Monmouth County using a Federal Housing Association loan, his public education and federal grants that allowed him to attend law school.

“All the things in my life that allowed me to have what I have were created by Democrats, it is my turn to give back,” Luttrell said. “I have to preserve those things and create other opportunities for the future.”...   

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