June 16, 2008 - 4:19pm
BCRO runoff dispute resolved
By Matt FriedmanThe confusion over who gets to vote at tomorrow night’s election for Bergen County Republican Chairman appears to have ended.
State Sen. Gerald Cardinale will not sue the Bergen County Republican Organization to force it to restrict voting at tomorrow night’s chairmanship runoff to only those who voted last Tuesday.
Cardinale said that Ortiz never had the authority to declare that voting would be open to all county committee members – a responsibility that belongs to the BCRO’s election committee. The committee had previously ruled for restricting tomorrow night’s ballot. Election Commissioner Patricia DiCostanzo even sent a letter informing county committee men and women that only those who voted last Tuesday could vote tomorrow.
But the election committee reversed itself today, unanimously choosing to open voting to all county committee members tomorrow night. DiCostanzo followed her initial letter with a blast email recanting it.
Although his allies have fought to restrict tomorrow’s votes, Yudin has insisted all along that voting be open to everyone – although he did accept the committee’s original decision.
“Yudin asked me, frankly, not to file a lawsuit because he felt that the committee was wrong in not allowing everyone to vote,” said Cardinale.
Contributors
Wally Edge
Marcellus Jackson, who resigned his seat as a Passaic City Councilman after admitting that he took $26,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent, ... >
Bob Torricelli
The financial debacle on Wall Street may change many things. Our international power, standard of living and individual security might all ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Joe Biden promises to impose Catholic dogma upon the country, and calls it "patriotic". >
Debbie Holtz
The NJ 101.5 radio debate scheduled later this month was one Frank Lautenberg quickly agreed to - in fact his campaign was the first to confirm its ... >
Steve Lonegan
The sub prime mortgage melt down and its ensuing financial “crisis” has tested the mettle of all of us who believe in and support the free ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
For the past few weeks, I've watched with fascination as politician after politician have appeared on a beach or a boardwalk and declared their ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
Senator John McCain insisted that he and Senator Barak Obama should go on the road for a host of town hall meetings to discuss the issues in a ... >
Joey Novick
According to a Fairleigh Dickinson poll, Senator Frank Lautenberg leads Lobbyist Dick Zimmer by 16 points, 50-34 percent. Fourteen percent say ... >
Juan Melli
While New Jersey suffered from a crippling structural deficit, politicians created a slush fund to dole out tax dollars for their own personal gain.
... >
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
The Pindell Report Keep up with the races in your state |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win Predict the road to the White House |
Most Active Stories
- The Codey Cop-Out
- Is Palin wrong for America? You betcha.
- McCain's NJ campaign: 'We're here and plan to stay'
- Poll: Dead heat in 3rd district House race
- Republicans link Adler, Stender to budget slush fund
- Adler got money from account GOP calls a 'slush fund'
- Catholic Bishop bars Whitman from speaking to students
- Worth watching
- Don't mess with Lautenberg: 84-year-old Senator is ready for fist fight with labor leader
- McCain's New Jersey Democrats
- Dr. Bones goes to Washington
- PoliticsNJ.com Power List 2007
- DOHERTY: NEW SCIENTIFIC DATA JUSTIFIES REPEALING GLOBAL WARMING RESPONSE ACT
- Eleven arrested in bribery scandal
- Lyndhurst GOP, nearly all of them, switching parties
- Lobbyist arrested
- Governor Paralysis
- Who is the best State Party Chairman in New Jersey
- KYRILLOS, BECK, KEAN & HANDLIN VOW WORK TO KEEP SEASTREAK FERRY UP AND RUNNING
- Torricelli on COAH
Quote of the Day
October 10, 2008
"(Governor Jon) Corzine understands that his initial plan went too far, and he is now doing everything he can to hold down the increase the Turnpike Authority proposed to the lowest level possible in order to guarantee safe roads and enhance bridge safety." -- Corzine's "best positioning" on toll hikes, according to his pollster, Doug Schoen.
-Star-Ledger, 10/10/08
Recent Press Releases
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
TOO MANY WANT TO FLY THE COOP AT STAR-LEDGER― MUST READ
The Drivers of the Star-Ledger Crisis― NEW YORK OBSERVER
Colts Neck couple to host president today― Juan and Marta Gutierrez
Public purchase benefited Democratic Party donors ― JOSEPH FERRIERO
PolitickerNJ.com Jobs
Syndicate
This helps Yudin
Bob will win by a bigger margin because County Committee likes him!
Ortiz is all over the place
Rob, Instead of worrying about what county chairman endorsed you, and if you spent more time raising money and helping the BCRO you would't need to lie, cheat, and steal. I was for Ortiz until this last week, forget it now.
Yudin
http://www.theconservativeconsortium.com/commentary__opinion
who are you guys kidding
A) this does not help yudin. Everyone who was inclined to vote for him showed up last week. I'm expecting that dozens who didn't vote last week will come down out of sheer terror re the possibility of a Yudin chairmanship
B) Prince - you were not for Ortiz last week but nice try. There was no lying or cheating. There was simply no agreement among the committee as to what,if anything, had been decided on to voter eligibilty. Yudin had said that he wanted everybody to vote and, due to all the ambiguity, he got what he asked for and the vote was opened to all. It is mind boggling that people are accusing Ortiz of trying to take advantage when he did exactly what his opponent has demanded.
Afterwards, Sen. Cardinale, Yudin's biggest supporter, threatened a lawsuit to prevent people from voting. Likely because they thought they had the Focarino votes and didn't want to open it up to anyone else. I suppose they ultimately realized that they were not going to win hearts and minds by trying to keep people from voting so Cardinale and Yudin caved. That's all that happened. Ortiz always wanted everyone to have a say.
Allrite Couldnt Have Said It Better
Ortiz has done no outreach to motivate and inspire county committee and thats why hes floundering. With Bob, this party will not be a joke. You Ortiz backers are now the ones not wanting to try something different to win.
Look closer Millie
Why would Yudin's biggest supporter (Cardinale) go to The Record and threaten a lawsuit against allowing everyone to vote when Yudin wanted everyone to vote?
I'll give you a hint: It's not because Yudin really didn't want people to vote and it's not a "Gerry being Gerry" moment either.
It's become really clear to me what this was. Let's see if anyone else can see it.
It's actually a really good strategy.
Eric, Its about Bergen
Eric, with all due disrespect Gerry Cardinale the only Senator left in Bergen has more following and support than any Ortiz or Johnny cum lately can muster in a life time. You are welcome to see Bergen ( not Essex) county committee come and shake his hand tomorrow night. You too might learn a lesson and get some college credits in political skills 101
broy
I didn't say anything to disrespect the Senator, whom I had no problem voting for last year.
I said there is a clear strategy employed here and it's pretty obvious to see once it was in The Record and than one day later Cardinale says "Yudin asked him not to file a lawsuit."
That and I actually think it may have worked, good for them. I'm just not buying it, I've taken my college lessons in how to reel people in 101.
if i'm not wrong e
I'd say your suggesting that the Senator was setting up a strawman so Yudin could "ride to the rescue" in defense of suffrage.
...or maybe you're saying it's to create the illusion that Yudin will have some influence over the Senator rather than simply be his flunky as everybody expects
Maybe...but I'm not buying it either. Word on the street was that the Senator really looked for a lawyer to file the suit but no one would sign on because the case was so weak
ding ding
Your correct on one of those things and you can certainly make a good case for the other.
I don't hear word on the street though...
I'll see you tomorrow night. I'll be there before 8 as one of the few on here who isn't anonymous..ha. (Although traffic and class let out time will dictate exactly what time I'll get there)
You only missed one point,
You only missed one point, Ortiz should be disbarred for his conflict of interest in last years County Elections.
When he ran for County Chairman he was employed by the Law Firm of Beatie and Padavano. This firm providing the livelihood of Robert Ortiz and just so happens to have it's major client the County of Bergen. This no-bid plum worth millions to his boss was authorized by the All-Democrat Freeholder Board and the most pressing issue for Ortiz as County Chariman was to elect Republican's to that board that could jeopardize his employer. None of these facts are in dispute.
To make matters worse I tole him he had a conflict of interest and he disagreed. He failed as Chairman but scored big for his boss. He has since moved on to assist Democrats with his Chairmanship.
Who did he work for?
Yudin should win and make the first order business as Chairman to pursue Ortiz in civil and perhaps criminal court. Fraud is still a crime, even within the law profession. Make an example of Ortiz and let's clean up our own house.
"We will have peace when they love their children more than they hate us" ~ Golda Meir
"We will have peace when they love th
republican conscience
If there is any such thing. It doesn't matter who chairs the BCRO. They are finished for the next decade. If you don't believe me just wait unitl the november results. The BCRO hasn't been able to raise money since Jimmy sheehan, God rest him, was chairman.
Since Sheehan
We also don't have people in County jobs who were a driving force behind BCRO - if they don't work a gig they don't come around as much anymore not to mention some of the past republicans have all flipped to working for some dem firms or taken dem appointments.
vet 1948
The Ferriero, Oury, Ganz , Mc Pherson corruption racket is slowly coming to an end. Even the blind can see that ( except the County toties and lackys of the BCDO). As for Ortiz he should phone Willie Randolph now for some advice.
Time for a change is now at BCRO.
Let's put an end to all this bickering among hysterical Ortiz supporters and elect Bob Yudin, who will lead the change that we so desperately need.
we got the change we needed last year Woj
you're now looking to change back. not a good idea.
need a history lesson?
BCRO fundraising '05 - $116k
BCRO funraising '06 - $79k
BCRO fundraising '07 - w/o Ortiz $106k (total $192)
(Actually in '07 $90k came from Rudy fundraiser run by Caruso w/Ortiz's help. $90k came from Ortiz' last 3 months. Only $12k was raised over the course of the year.)
BCRO fundraising in 10 months under Ortiz '07/'08 - $210+
Those bleak '05/'06 /'07 numbers are what you have to look forward to if you turn back the clock to Yudin. You're right, the lack of county jobs and other circumstances make it that much toughr to raise money. That is whay it is that much more important to select someone that has proven he can successfully raise funds under those circumstances rather than someone who has proven that he cannot.
Unknown
Whose to say waht Ortiz is raising is a lot of money? Talarico was so bad at it, this might look good. We also don't know if strings are attached to donations? It's nothing like Ferrerio's raising of like 1 million at his Gala's. Until Yudin is chair and is given 10 months who knows what his fundraising as Chair will be. As a candidate he certianly raised more than most candidates in past years.
you're lying again
as a candidate he raised bupkus -- an avg of about $20k per campaign in '06 & '07. His prior run in '04 wasn't much better. These numbers are awful. I'm not counting the money he "loaned" himself some money but would be interested to know if he expecting to get that paid back.
You and he are flat out misrepresenting what he can raise. Based on prior performance, it's not good. Y
ou and he and paul d are also misrepresenting what BCRO spent on county candidates in the general last year as opposed to prior years. ELEC shows $16k in actual contributions last year plus there was over $15k in GOTV. from '04 to '06, BCRO contributed $4500 or less.
So despite what Yudin has been saying for 7 months, under Ortiz, BCRO was more supportive of county candidates that in the prior several years. You can't win on facts and merit, so you distort and misrepresent. It's a shame, really.
$$ spin vs Genuine philosophy
Yudin will include a wider range of people. He will hold people accountable also. We do hope that after tonight you are all on board too.
Spin at its highest.
"under Ortiz, BCRO was more supportive of county candidates that in the prior several years. You can't win on facts and merit, so you distort and misrepresent. It's a shame, really." Said Millie. Really! I was not aware of that. Really! Where have you been? Really! I have been waiting for this bonanza. Really!
Posting from Inside Bergen
GOOD NIGHT GRACIE!!!
FOCARINO ENDORSEMENT SEALS ORTIZ'S FATE
Dear County Committee Member,
I would like to thank those who supported my bid in the June 10 election for Chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization. At this time I congratulate Rob Ortiz and Bob Yudin on a race well-run.
Next week is a very important time for members of the County Committee. On June 17th, you will have the opportunity to choose who will manage the affairs of our Organization for the next term. The runoff election will be held at the BCRO headquarters.
During my campaign, I have gained insight as to what the other candidates were promoting as their accomplishments and goals. Rob, exemplifying, his past performance as chairman, and Bob, his vision of what he would expect to accomplish should he become the chairman.
I have a deep respect for Rob Ortiz, who took the helm of our Organization during what many say were troubling times. He worked hard to start the rebuilding process and do what he thought was the right way to fulfill the expectations of the County Committee.
He is a very good family man and has an excellent career. He is to be recognized for what he has been able to accomplish for his family and his loyalty to his career. However, as the Chairman of the BCRO, many members of the County Committee felt that the direction he was taking the organization in did not represent their opinions.
Bob Yudin has shown that he has the fortitude and stamina to be a formidable leader. He has the business background that it takes to run an efficient and effective operation. This is what an association, such as the Bergen County Republican Organization needs at this time.
We need someone that can raise enough money to finance campaigns on an ongoing basis and financially support the Bergen County Republican Organization. Bob has committed to work diligently and to appoint a strong Finance Committee.
More importantly, Bob Yudin has committed to follow the wishes of the majority. He has said during his campaign that he will not undermine the voice of theCounty Committee.
He has agreed to listen and not be dictated to from anyone outside Bergen County with their own agenda. Bob has also stated he will be compassionate to all, no matter who they had supported during this past election cycle, Bob has committed to work with, and for, all of us.
I thought long and hard the past few days about what would be best for the Bergen County Republican Organization and the County Committee, which ultimately reflects on the Party as a whole.
At this time, I am asking everyone, including those who supported me, to give their support to Bob Yudin for chairman this Tuesday, June 17 between 4:00 and8:00 pm.
Sincerely,
Benedict A. Focarino
i love it
vin's response to being exposed as a misrepresenting shill is to post a 4 day old letter
...brilliant
woj - no one ever said that we don't need more money, it's jsut dishonest to be saying that there was less support last year than before when the numbers say something completely different
in fact if it's money that's driving your decision, Ortiz is the easy choice.
"in fact if it's money
"in fact if it's money that's driving your decision, Ortiz is the easy choice."
Millie is dead on- money should be driving decisions in the chairman's race because you need money to beat Ferriero!!!
How will you win in Bergen with Bob Yudin driving the BCRO into bankruptcy? Everyone outside of his inner circle sees him as a joke