OCEAN COUNTY – Just after Jack Ciattarelli decisively won the Republican nomination for governor, Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore acknowledged the outcome – even though the county organization had thrown its weight behind former media host Bill Spadea.
“He hasn’t asked me to campaign for him yet,” Gilmore said when asked if he would support Ciattarelli moving forward. “I expect to be talking with Jack at some point in time. Right now, he’s probably celebrating his victory – but I did send him my congratulations.”
Ocean County’s Republican organization formally endorsed Spadea back in February, delivering 61 percent of the vote in a convention that Gilmore personally helped steer. Yet when it came time for GOP voters to cast ballots, Ciattarelli took Ocean County with 66.49 percent – or 45,891 votes – compared to Spadea’s 27.94 percent (19,282 votes).
“Ocean County is Trump country,” Gilmore said. “Trump’s endorsement of Ciattarelli is a major factor in how the county voted.”
Gilmore pointed to additional reasons he believes contributed to Ciattarelli’s win: the removal of the county line, Ciattarelli’s campaign spending, and his persistent presence in the area.
“Jack outspent maybe three to one or more when you factor in the Independent Expenditure PAC,” said Gilmore. “And I have to give Jack credit for spending a lot of time campaigning in Ocean County.”
Local Races
Despite the high-profile gubernatorial primary loss, Gilmore highlighted several down-ballot victories from candidates endorsed by the Ocean County GOP.
Most notably, longtime Ocean County Commissioner Jack Kelly secured a commanding 69.27 percent (38,388 votes) in his primary bid for county clerk, defeating Rory Wells, who received just over 30 percent (16,757 votes).
“Ciattarelli voters in Ocean County were supporting Rory Wells,” said Gilmore. “I’m not saying Jack endorsed him or did anything. But Jack Kelly won by 70 percent. I’ll take that any day.”
In the race for state committee seats, Gilmore’s picks also came out on top. County Commissioner Rob Arace defeated Michael Thulen, Jr., 237-101 (70-30 percent) for state committeeman. County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione secured an even more resounding victory for state committeewoman, defeating former Toms River Municipal Court Judge Anne Hammill-Pasqua 251-85 (76 percent).
“That’s where the county organization really has influence to dramatically affect outcomes,” said Gilmore. “And we won all three.”
On the municipal level, Gilmore noted mixed results in Plumsted, Point Pleasant Beach, and Pine Beach. The only Toms River race where a candidate was backed was in Ward 4, a three-way contest where Anthony Ricotta came in second to incumbent David Ciccozzi.
“You never know what’s going to happen in a three-way race,” Gilmore remarked. “Dave Ciccozzi ran a good race.”
Jack Ciattarelli makes the rounds at the county republican convention in February. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Ciattarelli Campaign Response
Ciattarelli campaign manager Eric Arpert celebrated the Ocean County results as validation of the campaign’s message and momentum.
“Jack was honored to earn the overwhelming support of voters across Ocean County last Tuesday, winning every town in the county and 67 percent of the vote countywide,” shared Arpert. “Thanks to his strong message and tremendous support from President Donald Trump.”
Arpert continued, saying “Jack’s going to spend every day from now through November doing what he’s always done, out-working his opponent and communicating his plan for a safer and more affordable New Jersey to every voter.”
The General Election in November pits Ciattarelli against the winner of the Democratic primary winner, Mikie Sherrill.
Will Gilmore Be Challenged?
Speculation is already swirling about whether Gilmore will face opposition when his term as chairman is up for a vote next June.
A May 14 article in Shore News Network listed the names of prominent Republicans as potential contenders for the powerful county GOP post. But Gilmore dismissed the piece – and SNN publisher Phil Stilton – for its claims. The by-line on the piece gives no name, and says it was written as a “Breaking Local News Report.”
“Maybe Phil Stilton should run against me himself,” Gilmore quipped, before calling Shore News Network the best “fake news network” out there.
As for the Republicans named in the article, Gilmore said each had personally assured him they had no intention of running against him. Those identified as rising names in the Ocean County GOP were Senator Carmen Amato, Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy and Jackson Councilman Mordechai Burnstein, described as a “wildcard.” Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi is also named in the article.
In an interview with Jersey Shore Online, Stilton said he hadn’t interviewed those named in the article, nor were they aware of its publication in advance. Calling the story an opinion piece, Stilton was sharp in his criticism: “George Gilmore is a desperate man clinging for political wins. He didn’t get one, and he’s lashing out at the media.”
For his part, Gilmore is focused on this November.
I can’t worry about next year right now,” he said. “I have to make sure our Republican candidates win. Mikie Sherrill will make an effort in Ocean County, but this is strong Trump Republican territory. She’ll never win Ocean. She’ll try to knock Jack’s numbers down here, just like he’ll try to knock hers down in Democratic counties.”
Still, Gilmore acknowledged that the GOP chairman’s race looms in the background. “Next June is a year away,” he said. “And in politics, a month is an eternity.”
When asked directly whether he intends to seek another term, Gilmore didn’t hesitate: “I feel very confident that I’ll have the support I need to win the election for chairman.”
Archived Photo: Gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea speaks after accepting his endorsement by Ocean County Republicans. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Removal Of Party Line
Gilmore reiterated his opposition to the court-ordered removal of the party line on New Jersey primary ballots, a decision he believes hurt Spadea’s chances in Ocean County.
The issue came about during Andy Kim’s challenge to Tammy Murphy for Senate. Kim argued that people vote down the party line on a ballot without knowing much about the candidate. Removing the party line took power from the county party bosses. County leaders like Gilmore argued that the political clubs vet their candidates strongly and it’s important to know who the party favors.
“I think the decision was incorrect and should have gone to the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said, arguing that the ruling infringed on freedom of association.
He believes the solution should have been uniform rules for how candidates are nominated and appear on ballots, not the elimination of the line altogether.
“Our conventions are transparent,” Gilmore added. “We use voting machines. You can vote for whoever you want – I’ll never know who you voted for.”
Looking ahead, Gilmore said he wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a challenge to the current statute, with a new case possibly hinging on Constitutional rights.
“I think Spadea probably would have won Ocean County if we had the county line,” he said. “Or at least done far better.”
Voter Turnout And Party Stats
According to unofficial results, 109,902 ballots were cast across Ocean County in the June 10 primary election – reflecting a 23.60 percent turnout among the county’s 465,649 registered voters.
Of those, 191,775 are registered Republicans, while 95,668 are registered Democrats. Unaffiliated voters can declare a party to vote in primaries.
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