November 28, 2006 - 12:05pm
News

Clifton declines to bang Thompson

Monmouth County Freeholder Robert Clifton has decided not to challenge Assemblyman Samuel Thompson in the 2007 Republican primary, and Republicans say that the 71-year-old legislator appears to be in good shape to win re-nomination for a sixth term. Thompson is from Old Bridge in Middlesex County and there has been speculation that the Monmouth GOP might push him toward retirement.

In 2005, Thompson was the top vote-getter in a three way primary for the two 13th district Assemby seats. Amy Handlin, then a Monmouth County Freeholder, defeated longtime incumbent Joseph Azzolina by a 624 vote margin.

Democrats have still not decided if they will make a serious bid to unseat Thompson and Handlin next year. Former Assemblyman William Flynn is still mullling a run for the Legislature.

WALLY EDGE can be reached via email at politicsnj@aol.com.

Comments

***** First, I'm sort of surprised that Clifton is taking a pass


*****
First, I'm sort of surprised that Clifton is taking a pass. I think he could beat Thompson no problem. He'd certainly get the line in Monmouth over Thompson.

Second, the Monmouth Dems should take a pass on Flynn. His candidacy in '05 never got off the ground. It was one of those "clean election" districts, but nevertheless, his campaign was nothing special, and certainly nothing to warrant a second run.

*****

11/28/06 1:27 pm

Come on Wally... Sam Thompson is the only one that does the bang


Come on Wally... Sam Thompson is the only one that does the banging around here.

11/28/06 1:50 pm

Sam has done an exceptional job in the legislature; representing


Sam has done an exceptional job in the legislature; representing everyone. Old Bridge is 1/3 of the district and therefore deserves 1/3 of the legislative seats. The Monmouth R's had better be carefull because they may go the way of the Bergen R's as relevant as Camden and Middlesex R's. Let them drop Sam and you will see Dems from the 13th.

11/29/06 2:16 am