Monmouth Democrats Have Spoken And The Candidates Are...

Monmouth County Democratic Convention

There weren't many surprises tonight at the Monmouth County Democratic Convention, where the only decision that delegates needed to make was who would get to take on Republican Chris Smith in the new 4th Congressional District.

For delegates that live in the 4th district they had to choose between Red Bank Attorney Patricia Bennett or semi-retired businessman Brian Froelich, both presented themselves well and gave inspired introductions of themselves. When the votes were counted it was Brian Froelich who earned the Party nod over Bennett and will take on Chris Smith in November.

Brian Froelich

Congressman Frank Pallone was also at tonight's Convention accepting the Monmouth Democrats endorsement for himself and Senator Robert Menendez. Pallone spoke about the importance of democratic values and the differences between the proposed federal budget President Obama presented to Congress a number of weeks ago and the one that Rep Paul Ryan and the Republicans presented yesterday, he said that was a clear difference between the two. The President's budget wants to invest in things like infrastructure and education, while the Republican budget wants to cut taxes for the wealthy, decrease education spending and eliminate Medicare and Medicaid for seniors and the working poor.

Congressman Frank Pallone

 For the Monmouth County Freeholder race former Hazlet Mayor Kevin Lavan and last year's Freeholder Candidate Bill Shea, were unopposed for the Party's nod. It was announced that Kevin Lavan would be seeking to fill the unexpired term up for grabs against newly appointed Freeholder Serena Dimaso, while Bill Shea will be looking to fill the full term against current Freeholder Director John Curley.  

Kevin Lavan and Bill Shea

And rounding out the ticket it will be Rumson's Michael Steinhorn who will be running for Monmouth County Clerk for the Democrats.

Michael Steinhorn

Those that participated in tonight's Convention were enthusiastic and felted that they were putting forward an extremely strong ticket, they left feeling united behind the candidates and vowed to work hard on the behalf of each one knowing that the political landscape is shaping up on both the national and local levels, to be a big fight about values and the roll of government in our lives.

Monmouth Candidates Picked During Today's Convention

Earlier today the Monmouth County Democrats held their annual "mini-convention" at Carpenter's Hall in Red Bank, unfortunately I couldn't be in attendance because of my work schedule but based on the outcome, I didn't miss any surprises.

I spent the past few days reaching out and making phone calls to those at the County and a few candidates that I had known were running. They gave me a pretty good picture of those that had intended to seek office. I agreed not to post anything here on the blog prematurely due to the fact that many of the candidates hadn't really had enough time to consider their chances with the newly drawn legislative districts and there was a chance that others would step forward this morning. But after talking to a few people after the convention, I was informed that did not happen. All candidates ran unopposed which was seen as a sign of party unity.

Those seeking office this year for the Monmouth County Dems are:

Bill Shea, Howell - Monmouth County Freeholder

Michael Steinhorn, Rumson - Monmouth County Surrogate

Ray Santiago , Freehold - 11th District State Senate

Marilyn Schlossbach, Asbury Park - 11th District State Assembly

Vin Gopal, Long Branch - 11th District State Assembly

Robert Brown, Old Bridge - 12th District State Senate

Catherine Tinney-Rome, Old Bride - 12th District State Assembly

Christopher Cullen, Hazlet - 13th District State Senate

Kevin Lavan, Hazlet - 13th District State Assembly

Patrick Short, Middletown - 13th District State Assemly

Steve Morlino, Howell - 30th Distrcit State Senate

In the 12th District, I was told by Senate candidate Robert Brown Tuesday night, that the Monmouth Democrats would defer endorsements of candidates to the other counties in the district and that is exactly what happened.

I was told that the same would hold true in the 30th District after Morlino was chosen to be the Democratic Challenger in that race.

Speaking with Freeholder Amy Mallet last night, she was extremely happy with her choice of running mate Bill Shea, she couldn't say enough good things about him. Freeholder Mallet told me that she interviewed many potential running mates, but Bill Shea stood out.

Freeholder Mallet told me that Shea was a new comer to politics but he was very intelligent, extremely likable and energetic. Bill Shea will be retiring in June from the NJ State Troopers, where he is a highly respected officer who has been injured numerous times in the line of duty, he is seen as a no-nonsense type of guy.

Talking to Vin Gopal Thursday night, he mentioned Marilyn Schlossbach was to be his running mate for the 11th District Assembly. He told me that she was a chef/restaurateur from Asbury Park, who has been involved in many philanthropic causes and is well liked and known by many throughout the shore area.