August 5, 2008 - 3:24pm
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Conservatives wait to see where Christie stands
By Matt Friedman, PolitickerNJ.com ReporterYesterday, when veteran Republican political operative Dan Gallic announced that he was forming an organization to draft conservative activist Steve Lonegan into the Governor's race next year, he lamented the candidates Republicans typically choose for statewide races as "weak-kneed wimpy moderates who believe in nothing and are afraid to throw a punch."
Today, Gallic said that language doesn't apply to the two other most high profile potential candidates next year: U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie and biotech millionaire John Crowley.
"I was referring to the past slew of candidates who have lost by 9 or 10 points," said Gallic, who managed conservative State Sen. Joe Pennacchio's run for U.S. Senate earlier this year. "So far what I've seen is a far better group of candidates than the Republicans have put up in quite some time, all of which have no ties to the establishment at this point."
But Gallic's early support of Lonegan, who if he runs will likely stake out a position as the most conservative candidate, raises an interesting question about Christie: where does he stand ideologically?
"I think he'll have to answer that himself," said Gallic.
But that's the problem. After almost seven years as U.S. Attorney, Christie has been in no position to elaborate on his political beliefs, and it's hard to glean too much information from his past as an elected official: one term as a Morris County Freeholder, where questions about hot button state and national political issues tend to take a back seat to local problems.
Take, for instance, the ultimate conservative litmus test issue: abortion.
Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll (R-Morris Township), one of the most conservative members of the legislature, won his first Assembly race against Christie in 1995. He recalled a young Christie stepping into the scene to challenge State Sen. John Dorsey in 1993 from the left (Christie never made it onto the ballot because of a petition mix-up).
"I like Chris a lot, but when he originally ran against Dorsey, one of the things he was basing his campaign on was he was anti-gun and pro-choice," said Carroll.
But at some point between 1993 and 1997, Christie had a change of heart. Carroll remembers it as coming about from his having children. Others who knew Christie at the time said he was swayed by watching a video tape of an abortion procedure presented by a pro-life group. Whatever brought it about, Christie had the support Morris County Right to Life for his unsuccessful freeholder reelection campaign in 1997.
"He always claimed to be a conservative thereafter. I think he uses that word quite often, and I have no reason to doubt it," said Carroll.
Rick Shaftan, a conservative consultant and advisor to Lonegan, said that Carroll is going easy on Christie. He recalled pro-choice flyer issued by Christie during the Assembly race, along with a flyer criticizing Carroll and incumbent Anthony Bucco for wanting to repeal the assault weapons ban, which read "it's dangerous. It's radical. It's crazy. They must be stopped."
Michael Illions, an activist and blogger who flirted with a congressional run late last year, said he's never met Christie and is unsure of his positions. But he's heard a lot of speculation about his political beliefs.
"From what I've heard from people who know him is that he's an establishment candidate: pro-choice, moderate, tough on crime and ethics," he said. "I wouldn't put him in the (former Jersey City Mayor) Bret Schundler/Steve Lonegan category. I'd put him more in the Dick Zimmer/Leonard Lance category."
New Jersey Right to Life Executive Director Marie Tasy said that she's heard Christie is pro-life but has "no personal knowledge of his position."
State Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Middletown), a personal friend of Christie's, didn't want to elaborate too much on Christie's ideology because it would create the presumption that he's already decided to run for governor.
"It's premature to talk about this, because Chris has not made up his mind," he said. "But, having said that, he would make an outstanding candidate, and he would appeal to all kinds of New Jerseyans, including the conservative base of the Republican Party."
Kyrillos said he wouldn't venture to explain Christie's feelings on the Second Amendment, but did give some indication of Christie's socially conservative leanings. On the fiscal front, he noted that Christie's frequent, high profile public corruption prosecutions have already indirectly helped promote fiscal conservatism in Trenton.
"Chris is pro-life. Chris is a fiscal conservative. Democrats in New Jersey gave special projects a bad name, and it's frankly in large measure because of the work of the US Attorney that there were no Christmas tree items in the budget this year," he said.
Christie did face some criticism from conservatives over immigration remarks he made to a Latino group in Dover, where he said that living in the United States without proper paperwork was an "administrative matter." He quickly issued a press release clarifying his remarks.
The public's lack of familiarity with Christie's ideology, however, could benefit him in a general election, according to Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray. Murray says that Republican candidates with clearly defined, very conservative credentials don't tend to perform well in the general election, pointing to Schundler's lost to Jim McGreevey by 14 points). After a long sabbatical from taking public stances on political questions, Christie could be able to define himself anew.
"The fact that he has a bit of a blank slate to start with is good. I say that not meaning that he's going to change what he believes if he's going to run for elected office, but that he comes out of the box being able to define who he is fairly easily right away."
Morris County Republican Chairman John Sette said he couldn't speak for Christie's beliefs. But while Sette said that he shares Lonegan's conservative principles, he warned purists that they ought to support the most electable man.
"The bottom line is that I think Christie is our only hope, and I really hope that he runs," he said. "Because if he doesn’t run, we get Jon Corzine again or Dick Codey."
Related topics: Joseph Kyrillos, Christopher Christie, Bret Schundler, Rick Shaftan, Steve Lonegan, Joseph Pennacchio, Marie Tasy, Michael Carroll, Dan Gallic, John Crowley
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How the hell would Tasy and Kyrillos know Christie's pro-life?
There's obviously behind-the-scenes campaigning going on, complete with talking points.
It's enough already. Resign and declare.
It's not like anyone's going to miss him in the USA's office, what with Sharpe's 25-month sentence and Ashcroft's 52-million gift.
Run Chris Run!
BTW, Mr. Illions, why not put Christie in the Ashcroft/Bush/Cheney category? After all, those are the guys who gave him a job after he raised money for them, and before he repaid them with a pay-to-play contract that would make Al Steele blush.
If the big issue
is going to depend on a Pro-Life stand, we are going to lose again.
His position
on abortion has nothing to with the fact that nearly 80,000 people are leaving NJ a year or our yearly budget debacle. Let's focus on the real issues affecting the people of New Jersey.
He should finish his job first
Of course the Dems want Christie to resign, they don't know if one of their own will be the next to go down. With him out of the way, they can go back to their backroom ways of bribery and influence peddling. The LAST thing they have to worry about is someone from the Corzine administration looking into their dealings. By '09 if he runs his opponents will try to link him to Bush/Ashcroft, but I'm willing to bet his 100 plus convictions of public officials will strike a deeper cord with residents who acknowledge that this state has more than its fair share of corrupt public officials. All of this will be moot, however, if the Republican party decides to pick it's nominee based on social issues alone. In this state it will never be about abortion or gay marriage. In '09 it will be about the Corzine/McGreevey/Codey economy.
There coming to take you away.................?
KNOCK! KNOCK! Whose there?? ICE!
Obama, McCain, Governors, Mayors, Councilors, City managers take notice! 80 percent of the American people are watching! Not just Postville, Iowa meatpacking facility were in violation of the law. How many more nefarious companies out their, violating safety and immigration laws. When ICE knocks on the door eventually--and they will, under the Federal SAVE ACT (H.R.4088). Deportation is an absolute certainty. Whereas, voluntary departure 'ATTRITION' means you can re-apply like all the millions of patient legal immigrants. NUMBERSUSA for uncensored facts
I wish many of my
conservative friends would realize that it isn't about abortion, guns and gays. We can have the best policies toward taxation and revenue but the media hammers us on the big three, perceived, social issues. And, we lose because we look like rightwing religious nuts.
Christie.`
Law enforcement types rarely make effective candidates for public office. Most people in NJ think the whole system is corrupt anyway (including me), what does Christie bring to the table with the set of experience?
Republicans need to run a real conservative who can govern wihout prejudice. They need a guy like Lonegan who will govern with a set a values and objectives.
Florio, McGreevey and Corzine had no objectives other than to expand the scope of government without the ability to pay! Now that Lonegan is questioning this deficit financing madness which undercuts the notion of a balanced budget, the people have had it.
Kean and Whitman offered a difference version of tax & spend called borrow and spend. Corzine now wants to follow the same economic recipe for disaster. Republicans needs a clear, concise alternative. Lonegan offers political clarity which is what Corzine fears most.
The Republican field is virtually ignored by the Corzine crowd except for Lonegan. They know he's the one who can do the most damage.
Vote Column A- All the way!
Law and Order Types
When was the last time that we had a "law and order" type run for state-wide office? I can't remember anyone running on those credentials in New Jersey. Now if we went to New York, that would be easy. Giuliani ran as a Republican on a law and order platform in a city that was downtrodden on crime and did pretty well for himself. That is the model Christie should try to follow. As far as Lonegan striking fear in any Democrats heart, I think he has to show he can run a competent campaign outside of a mayoral race in Bagota before he can strike any fear in them. Not to mention get the trust of many Republicans in this state that he can get to an office where he can effect change.
They must be kidding
New Jersey is last or next to last in so many economic categories that for Lonegan and other conservatives to make abortion, guns & illegals "key issues" is a joke. Don't these people get that most NJ citizens care about taxes, corruption, our failing public schools(in spite of all the money wasted on the abbott districts) and our deteriating infrastructure. Running an ultra conservative would be a great way to insure that the State house will stay under Democratic control.
Conservatives aren't waiting
Conservatives don't have to wait and see where Christie stands on the issues. First off, this is not about abortion or social issues. Conservatives stand behind Lonegan because he has been the leading advocate for cutting the size of government, reducing debt, cutting spending, cutting taxes, and bringing some fiscal sanity back to NJ. While Republicans in Trenton do nothing more than put out press releases and stand in front of cameras Lonegan is actually out there taking action on behalf of the people and has a record of accomplishment on these issues. .... the primary issue that will decide the election.
And, we also know where Christie stands on some issues ... he is pandering to illegals, and is another big government Republican who is surrounding himself with the same Republicans who have gotten the party into its current mess with support of borrowing to fund pet projects and expanding the role of government in our lives with feel good legislation that only requires more spending. Christie has no record on the primary issue of taxes and spending, and his record on fighting corruption will not garner enough support to win a general election .... that is not the winning issue.
The fact that Lonegan is a social conservative doesn't hurt him and will only help gather support from all parts of the party and bring everyone together, but it is not the only reason conservatives support him. But, if the moderate Republicans abandon Lonegan, or don't support him and sit on their hands - like they did with Schundler in 2001, lead by Don DiFransesco and friends - then they will only help the Democrats.
Law enforcement and politics dont mix
Chris should continue his job from Treffinger to Conigilio and beyond. Once he steps outside of the law enforcement arena he is toast. He has no track record on Economic and social issues and his latest gaffe on illegal immigration is nothing better than an Estabrook moment, and we all remember that.
Support from the Middle Doesn't Matter
Support from the Republican middle won't matter if the Republican nominee runs from the hard right. If you make this election about abortion, guns, gays, and illegals it doesn't matter how many Republicans vote for you, the Dems will come out strong against the Republican and the Independants will skew just enough to let Corzine (or by then perhaps Codey) remain in office. Republicans already have atleast a 10 point disadvantage in registered voters. Even if ALL of the moderate Republicans come out in support of a hard-core conservative Republican in this state, that politicians stance on social issues will turn off just enough voters to keep the Dems in control. Nothing Donnie D or anyone else in '01 could have said would have taken the image of Schundler as a hard right candidate out of voters' minds. Demography is destiny, some of the social issues of twenty years ago (abortion, gays) are fading away. Lonegan nor anyone else will bring them back.
Deja vu all over again
The Lonegan haters and doubters are merely repeating the same things people said about Ronald Reagan in 1979.
Not even close
So, Lonegan at this point, having lost multiple elections and primaries but did hold the title of Mayor of Bogota, is comparable to a Ronald Reagan in '79 had already been elected governor of California. Not to mention comparing Ronald Reagan with anybody comes with a comparison of Reagan's ability to form and communicate his message to a wide range of people. Lonegan may indeed have a role in elected office again in this State. Maybe, if he decides to run, he can come up with a message and a style that will bring throngs of independants and even some Democrats to the Republican side. Perhaps he can even manage not to alienate the electorate with social views (abortion, gays, etc.) that, while may be held by a majority of Americans, are not held by a majority of people in this state. If that is the case, then let him run. I just hope he shows us something soon, because I would not be surprised if the race in '09 starts on 11/5/08.
Question for Middle Class Squeeze ?
Where the hell is Zimmer.? In a race against Lautenberg ( a blithering Geriatric) with zero values. Zimmer should be 10 points ahead. Regular Republicans are tired and wiery of the bland and "mushy middle"
Zimmer...
You mean the guy with no money that had to be drafted into the race at the 11th hour because Joe P and Sabrin were trying to destroy each other and the party? AND THEN, somehow, despite being a last minute replacement that has hardly been seen in political circles for over five years, was able to beat the two juggernauts of popular support in Joe P and Sabrin? AND THEN has to go up against an incumbent Senator with money to burn in a State where the incumbent Senator's party already holds a lead of 700,000 in registered voters.
Fact is as of a July 24 poll Zimmer is down by 8 points, which is where most Republicans end up in November, but still not as bad as Schundler's 14 point loss. The money issue and the fact that he was a last minute replacement also has a negative impact in that 71% of those polled don't know enough about Zimmer to form an opinion (71% don't know Zimmer from a hole in the ground but Lautenberg still is up only by 8%). Oh, AND 64% of Republicans are ready to support him in November. Clearly a majority of registered Republicans are ready to back Zimmer, I wonder who makes up the minority of Republicans who won't.
See, they always make excuses
Their claim is that liberal candidates are better because they lose by less than Bret Schundler.
As in 1979 when the same ilk of so-called "Republicans" said that Reagan couldn't win because of Barry Goldwater's defeat.
Reagan wasn't Goldwater and Lonegan isn't Schundler.
Sorry, forgot to cite
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/lautenberg_leads_zimmer_in_sen_...
I had a very positive experience with Christopher Christie
See Letter Below
Bergen County Board of Elections , Office of Chairman Peter Incardone, Eileen DiBari, Election Official 3rd floor County Administration Building One Bergen County Plaza Hackensack, NJ, 07601 August 4, 2008
Dear Eileen DiBari,
It is August 4, 2008, and I have not yet received information or forms that I formally requested in early and mid July. I sent two emphatic return receipt letters to you and Chairman Peter Incardone. I am particularly disappointed, as I spoke to you so many times on election-day and you took each and every emergency phone call that I made to you from the poll. Yes I did get your voice mail message reply to my letter: Asking and imploring me to call you up to talk about it over the phone. I am done talking and only writing to the BC BOE/BCDO, now.
I cannot talk to you over the phone anymore about this extremely serious and distressing matter. What transpired is a total affront to my life long experience as a very proud American and a natural born campaigner. Not to mention voter, and a Bergen County candidate who simply wanted to give back, and aspired to connect with consituents and respond to their questions about the impact of county committee decisions, procedures and Joe Ferriero's leadership style. I aimed to arouse their attention and get voters involved in the process!
In my previous letter, I expressly asked you to respond in writing to please mail me basic public information request forms. I am asking you again to please send me the following:
1. BCBOE request to release public information form
2. Now, I am seeking the BC BOE complaint forms. As I am filing formal complaints against: BC BOE Poll Workers and unofficial po/poll operatives and Michael Gaegle a BC BOE staffer who terrorized me at the poll: ordered me to leave poll, "Because you are not one of our DEM candidates. You are not a candidate on our ballot much less a challenger! You are illegal. And it is way out of line for you to insist that it is okay for you to be in here. Kathy Callahan, I am telling you for your own good get out of the poll now! And we are only following orders and enforcing the bosses election rules that we will be following here today and not the official rules that you are carring in your right hand and flashing in our face. I don't answer to Eileen DiBari. I answer to the boss and he is the authority!"; Joe Bianco who called me numerous times and was a regular at the poll and all day; and Loretta Costano, Closter Boro Clerk, in regard to her candidate and election work and overall conduct.
I know the BC BOE over sees the election duties and professional performance of Loretta Costano and the poll workers.
On July 29, 2008, I said to myself, the time has come, and you must call the United States Attorney Christopher Christie, and report the entire election and public corruption matter, now. And I did just that. I spoke to the Assistant U.S. Attorney who I was referred to and he was extremely diligent, courteous, surprised and painstakingly thorough in his written and verbal response. I also sent a detailed timeline, chronology of events and a description of each and every incident and encounter that occured to U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie’s attention.
Within a few hours, I got a very good response in writing: And my very specific issues, extreme fears and concerns were acknowledged and addressed. The Assistant U.S. Attorney made a recommendation, and told me precisely what he did on my behalf. And I appreciate that enormously. I am so glad he didn't scoff me off and tell me to call or write so and so...He got the job done.
Most sincerely, Kathy Callahan, MSW, LCSW
And....
Lonegan isn't Reagan or Goldwater, and neither is Chris Christie for that matter. Fact is the last two Republicans to win statewide election in New Jersey were Tom Kean and Christy Whitman. No one is saying we should go back to some of Whitman's economic policies, but if you want to find the last social conservative to win statewide election here, I honestly can't recall who that was because I wasn't born then. The only thing that matters is winning and who puts the Republicans in a position to win. If they don't win, it will still be a Democratic controlled state, with all the same policies and all the same consequences as the last seven years. So tell me, what information is out there that a candidate with conservative social views can be in a position to win in '09?
Kathy
hold off on the Christie ORGASM until Ferriero, Oury and the rest of the Bergen Gang are led away in silver bracelets to club fed.
MCS
Only a fool thinks that New Jersey voters are more interested in having abortions and gay marriages than lower taxes.
Those people who are more interested in having abortions and gay marriages than lower taxes should vote for Corzine. For everyone else, there will be a very clear and obvious choice should Steve become a candidate.
I am merely excited that I had professional contact
and appropriate follow-up from the U.S. Attorney's office.
"It's A Long Road Out Of Eden!" That's what Joe Walsh (NJ) and Don Henley of the Eagles said at the Eagles concert in D.C. last week. Henley riffed on Walsh and the state of NJ, "Joe Walsh should run for Governor of NJ! He's got the energy and he is just what they need in NJ, now! A big kick in the ass." Joe Walsh agreed and the crowd went wild!
back to my original point. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to make public: Election Day Stories in America and uncivil and criminal encounters with poll workers public. The stories should be told and retold in the light of day.
Finally, I got the following official announcement from the state web site.
From the Office of the Governor:
March 7, 2006 Jon Corzine Files Direct Appointments
BERGEN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Reappoint Eileen DeBari (New Milford, Bergen)
Reappoint Peter Incardone, Jr. (Wood-Ridge, Bergen)
MT
If Lonegan does run and becomes the Republican nominee, I know I will vote for him despite my disagreements with him on some social issues. But the problem for him is, there are alot of people who disagree with him on those issues and won't vote for him for those reasons. I can't see how anyone could say that McGreevey was the better candidate on econcomic issues than Schundler. Schundler, as far as from what I've read and what little I've seen since I don't live there, did a pretty good job as mayor of Jersey City. But Schundler couldn't escape the run to the hard right he did in the primary against Franks. He won the battle but lost the war. Fact is New Jersey is a left leaning state. Republicans are in the minority. There is a heavy moderate base in that Republican minority. Social conservatives are the minority within the minority of this state. Before the moderates within the Republicans can effect any change, and before social conservatives can expect their views to gain any traction in this State, Republicans have to start winning. My problem is not with Lonegan's economic policies, and whether I would vote for him isn't in question, as far as I can remember I've always voted Republican in State elections. The only question is who is better able to reach a broader audience within the New Jersey electorate.
You don't need a broad audience
Just more votes than the other candidate.
Schundler lost because he did not speak the language of the forgotten middle class.
To many, Schundler came off as a modern day egghead version of John Lindsay -- a prettyboy focused only on the problems of low income people and the underclass and not caring about or understanding the suburban homeowner.
I don't think anyone reading this thinks Lonegan has the same problem.
Reagan was not Goldwater and Lonegan isn't Schundler but unfortunately for state Democrats, Jon Corzine is proving to be Jimmy Carter on steroids.
The Republicans don't lose
The Republicans don't lose because they are socially conservative. They lose because they don't communicate to the middle class rather than the rich. Economic conservatism and social conservatism are related, because government spending often subsidizes the social engineering of liberals. But when most social conservatives see moderate Repubs, they see someone with no core, and that can be dangerous. So if you are pro-choice, fine, but at least support reasonable restrictions and be specific about cutting state government.
Not quite
Economic conservatism is about decreasing the governmental burden on people so that they can create and flourish. Social conservatism is about controlling what those people do in their private lives. What does feeling that the state government has gotten too big and can use alot of trimming down have to do with being pro-choice or pro-life? What does wanting people to be able to afford to live in the state they were raised, and not being driven out by high property taxes have to do with stem-cell research? What does believing that the Abbott School district expenditures are a sham have to do with gay marriage? Social Conservative Republicans may look at Moderates as someone without a core, but alot of Moderates look at Social Conservative Republicans loose cannon bible-thumpers, more concerned with projecting a "moral code" (be it real or just for show) than with actually accomplishing anything. But aside from what each faction of the Republican party may think about each other, the only thing thats important is winning in '09. No matter who comes out ahead for the nomination in the general (and all involved best make sure its not bloody), the nominee will need support and money the likes of which no Republican nominee for statewide office has seen in awhile.