November 9, 2007 - 6:49pm
Election Day was a cakewalk compared to GOP war in Burlington
By Max PizarroAlready locked in a mano-a-mano with potential U.S. Congressional candidate State Sen. Diane Allen, GOP boss Glenn Paulsen is now trying to fend off another prong of an uprising launched against him and his allies by Allen-ally Dawn Lacy, the party's acting county chairwoman.
A spat between the acting party chair and former chair boiled over after the election, when Lacy dismissed Paulsen confidants Bill Layton and Chris Russell, then secured party documents that she saw as the rightful purview of the acting chair and not Paulsen's surrogates.
"We need to professionalize this organization," says Lacy, who took the party's books out of the headquarters housed in a building owned in part by Paulsen.
"We need a transparent and inclusive process because it has become ugly and stressful," she says.
Paulsen is the former chairman of the party, but the boss continues to wield tremendous power. According to Lacy, who became acting chair in April with the resignation of Mike Warner, Paulsen's presence means that "People have been marginalized in their roles as county committee people."
Says the boss, "I don't think there's any power in my hands other than what people believe I can deliver. I worked my socks off in this election, and I came back because I saw our party going in the wrong direction."
Even as district 7 Sen. Allen was taking phone calls today and mulling over a Congressional run, Paulsen said he's calling for a meeting of the party's municipal chairs to be held tomorrow, to discuss the scheduling of a special meeting of the county chairs to elect a permanent county chairperson.
"We've got a GOP primary in June, and we can't relax, especially with the announcement today by Congressman Saxton (see related news story this page)," says the Republican boss. "Now do I think Bill Layton should be the county chairperson? Yeah, I do. I see the effort he's made over the last several months to fight the Camden Democrats and prevent them from coming in here. We're talking about a tremendous victory on Tuesday, probably the biggest victory since 1991."
He credits Layton and Russell for a good piece of that victory. But Lacy believes keeping them around in power roles would run counter to the party's best interests.
Getting rid of the pair wasn't a malicious act, the acting chairwoman insists - just necessary to preserve the integrity of the process. Sensing that she was being played for a ceremonial rollover, Lacy says she needed to assert herself as a legitimate chairperson.
"It was not meant to be hostile," she says, describing the action as a necessary part of any campaign that comes to an end. "But as soon as I sent them the letter, the phone campaign of retaliation started, and Glen's people began trying to depict me as a power-crazy figurehead."
The Republicans romped to victory in Burlington County, with a sweep in the 8th, an Allen steamroller in the 7th district senate race, and beat downs across the board of freeholder races. Russell and Layton wanted party members to know they were a part of that - indeed, two of the chief architects.
But Lacy was distrustful and sees an opportunity with Allen and others to forge a new party identity separate from Paulsen.
"There was a plan to ease in and take control while people weren't paying attention," she says, and that wouldn't have reflected a countywide desire she senses to move away from the boss' domination.
Lacy says the district 8 legislative candidates were unhappy during the campaign with the influence of Paulsen's people. They felt muzzled, Lacy says, and strait-jacketed into the Paulsen agenda.
"The candidates had no input on issues they felt strongly about," she says.
Then there was that business about a certain inflammatory mail piece that spawned a backlash of statewide negative news coverage. Issued by Russell's Traz Group, the mailer went after Democratic Party Assembly candidate Tracy Reilly, or more specifically her attorney husband, by suggesting that his legal representation of an alleged terrorist placed Reilly on the wrong footing for representing the 8th district.
"The candidates saw the mailer when it hit the mailboxes," Lacy says. "No one had any say. No one knew who was running the show."
A day after Lacy dismissed campaign chair Layton and campaign manager Russell, Allen, District 8 Sen.-Elect Phil Haines, Freeholder Director James K. Wujick, Freeholder William S. Haines, and Sheriff Jean E. Stanfield issued a letter to the county and municipal chairs backing up Lacy's actions.
"What Dawn Lacy wants to do is open the party up and empower people to be involved," says Allen, who today found herself at a crossroads in her political career with the impending retirement of Saxton, as the Republican National Committee called Allen as his most likely successor.
But as Allen fortified her support for Lacy, today Haines backed down and sent out a letter recanting his initial statement of support.
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SHOULD have swept
We did not "sweep" the 7th LD. We certainly SHOULD have, but Layton's "circle the wagons" decision--protecting only the county seats--cost the other victories we should have had. We lost several towns, and 2 of 3 seats in the 7th LD.
By now we should certainly have been taking MORE towns, and winning the 7th. A leader with vision would be working on this, but someone trying to protect his power and influence over money just doesn't care about anything beyong county seats.
Layton and Paulsen are acting as if Republicans winning the county and the 8th is some type of miracle or stroke of genius. Are you kidding me? These should be no-brainer elections, and our efforts should be focused on EXPANDING our victories into D territory. How long have we controlled the 8th and Burlco?
The truth is, the Burlco GOP is a hollow party, substituting mail for volunteers, not growing in influence at the municpal level (HUGE muni losses, as we all know), and alienating many of its potential supporters.
Pick your heads up, people. The Emporer has no clothes.
Breaking News
In a shocking announcement, Corrupt Boss Glenn Paulsen announces his support for his corrupt neighbor/Trenton Lobbyist Bill Layton.
Paulsen perhaps think Layton will make a fine puppet for him and organization.
Luckily there are good elected officials out there who will not tolerate the despicable tactics being used by Layton/Paulsen/Russell.
Lets hope for the sake of the county that Layton is never the chair and that we can find a candidate for chair who will actually unite the party and pick candidates based on their qualifications, not their ability to line the pockets of Paulsen.
riiiiiiiiiight, Dawn
"We need to professionalize this organization," says Lacy.
So, let's see. Sending out a kid to drive around on Election Day to steal signs in Burlington County who then proceeds to get caught red-handed by the police with 250 signs in his car and then naming you as the person who gave him his marching orders is typical of a professional organization?
BurlcoLibre is right. The BurlCo GOP did a good job playing defense this Election, which favored them. No more, no less. But Menendez, Corzine and Kerry all carried BurlCo in the previous three elections. Not exactly a sign of a strong organization.
Disgusting
Paulsen has called every appointed county employee, every muni chair and elected official and THREATENED them. He plays to win and will stop at nothing. He will ruin someones life over this.
Its ashame that people will not stand up and do what is write for the party. They will fold like lawn chairs and the party will continue down the path of coruption. The party is doomed if Bill Layton takes the helm.
Are you kidding me?
This was nothing more than a power grab by Lacey.
She will lose, just like Warner did and Layton will be chair. Face it.
Lacey is out her league.
BTW - This whole fight will turn on a dime if Diane decides to run for Congress. She will cut a deal with Paulsen for support and unified Burlington County GOP, because she knows that if she faces a strong Ocean County candidate and Pauslen drafts another Burlington county candidate in the primary - she loses.
Diane will have to decide which is more important Congress of fighting with Glenn.
Let's Review
Can anyone tell me what position Glenn Paulsen holds in the Burlington County GOP? I thought he was the FORMER Chair. He should not be involved in the day to day activities of the party anymore. People in Burlington GOP are ready for a real change and real reform. Of course Paulsen wouldn't be because reform would mean no more contracts for Glenn. Too bad!
Unanimously Elected
Please explain how someone who was UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED by the County Committee to her position is "grabbing power".
Layton was chosen by some candidates as campaign manager, and is now trying to strong arm muni chairs into signing some sort of statement to make him county chair. THAT is the power grab.
They are making themselves more transparent every day. The people are beginning to see Paulsen and Layton for what they are...and they are getting nausiated.
Impressive meeting today
The Municipal chairs and County committee met today and reaffirmed their right to hold a meeting elect a chair. If lacey wants to be so inclusive why doesn't she want to have a meeting of the full County Committee. Why doesn't she hold elections to elect full County Chair, and not just serve as Acting-chair?
Sure makes me wonder how inclusive she wants to be.
Momentum is on Bill's side
Bill Layton is on his way to becoming the next GOP Chair!
Go get'em Bill and Glenn
Don't let the RINO's take over the Party!
Keep on winning Elections.
Joe Malone
I read today that Joe Malone believes that we need to have an election for chair so we can move forward. I agree and will be calling Dawn to encourage her to have a meeting. We need a chair who knows how to win.
Are you kidding me?
Bill Layton is the worst possible choice for county chairman. The 8th district race wasn't competitive until Layton and Russell (the chief idiots, not architects) sent that ridiculous mailer. Layton is the worst possible choice, has poor judgement, is one of Paulsen's lackies, and will send the county GOP down the wrong path.
These men, "Boss" Paulsen especially, are trying strong arm everyone including Dawn Lacy. She is not doing anything out of the ordinary for someone in her position. But then again, she is by trying to clean up the corruption so Burlington County doesn't end up like Camden, Essex, and every other corrupt county in the state of New Jersey. What is so wrong with knowing the organization's financial status? What do they have to hide? This isn't La Cosa Nostra, this is the Burlington County GOP. What the hell, people WAKE UP.
Lastly, shame on you Phil Haines for recanting your initial statement of support. I guess you're simply trying to save your own ass and play both sides. What did you do to be in Paulsen's pocket?
You are kidding yourself
The Burlington County Republican Organization was heading down the wrong path until Layton, Paulsen and Russell took over the campaign. Remember last year when we lost the Surrogate's Race? How about losing in Mount Laurel and Evesham? We were on the wrong track then, but things have corrected themselves thanks to Bill, Glenn and Chris.
The terrorist mailer actually helped the 8th Districts Republicans in that the Riley tried to defend herself rather than talk about taxes, spending and other issues that people actually care about. This was a serious misstep on her part and hurt her campaign more than it helped.
As someone who cares about the Republican Party, I take offense to your corruption comment, we are nothing like Camden or Essex and will never be in that league - How dare you lump Burlington County with those counties.
You have to ask to yourself - why doesn't Dawn Lacey want to hold an election before she starts tinkering with the Party? The County Committee should be the ones who decide what direction the Party goes in not Dawn Lacey.
two years in the making
For anyone who thinks that Paulsen and Layton just happened to become relevant by masterminding the "sweeping victory" in the 8th district- you're giving them far too little credit. They've been working on this for two years- ever since Rich Levesque was made ED of the burlco gop. Since then, they had nearly two years to use Levesque as a puppet in the county to set up Mike Warner as a failure and help Layton make inroads into the county. Do they deserve credit for the win in the 8th? Sure they do- two years of plotting should count for something.
and another thing-
if you people are going to talk about the girl, at least spell her name right.
Was Layton on the grassy knoll also?
Wow you live in a bizzaro world of conspiracy theories. Are you one of those peole who thinks 9/11 was commited by our government or do you just like Michael Moore movies?
Whoa, Look out behind you the guys with the white coats and nets are coming to get you. Nut job!
Hola...do you believe your own BS
Or is a delusion? If that scenerio really happened...they are smarter than we all thought.
As far as your theory goes, Bill and Glenn didn't need Lavesque to make Warner a failure, he did just fine on his own. And those days are behind us now let's move onto the business of winning elections.
It's Sad To See That The Once "Grand Old Party"....
....relies on plotting and scheming and bossist "leadership" and dirty mailers implying that your opponents are terrorists to "win".
I areas where you dominate; you are no better than the worst of the Democratic machine pols.
The legalized corruption knows no partisan bounds.
Corrupt bosses care more about protecting their power/income than about the ideals of their party. In fact, they see idealists/reformers in their own parties as thier real opposition.
The fact that the bulk of the corruption is legalized and built into a system of legalized bribery does not excuse what are, essentially/morally/ethically, organized crime networks operating as if they were political parties.
It stinks.
I wonder if there are any reform minded Republicans out there who would truly want to clean up pay to play in a serious way?
Reform with sharp teeth sure isn't going to come from the bosses.
Meanwhile the ordinary working/middle class people of this state are avoiding voting in droves.......and that's just how the bosses/machines like it.
From Frederick Douglass
Let the Games Begin
Who will win the Battle of the Thieves? This party is so steeped in legal graft that the battle won't be won without significant political bloodshed. Now that Saxton's seat is in play, look for a real doneybrook. This should be fun to watch !
This is what I find interesting
Glenn Paulson and Billy Layten did not want an election prior to the November elections, they want and were pleased to have Dawn serve as acting chair until she decided to call an election. But now that Dawn is not following Layten's plan, they are desperately trying to force an election.
Its great to see Dawn Lacy doing what should have done a long time ago. Bring the party back to the people. She will conduct a full review of everything before any actions are taken. Sounds like a very smart move to me. I wonder why Layten and Paulson don't want a full investigation into the status of the party....What are they hiding? What are the scared of?
The good thing is that Glenn Paulson was too smart for his own good when he created bylaws that make it impossible for anyone but the Chair to call for an election. Glenn lived by the bylaws and now he will die by them. Sorry Glenn your time is up. It will give you and Layten more time to golf now!
RUSSELL LOST EVESHAM
Russell was the "genius" who lost evesham. He was the campaign manager, and the Traz Group did their usual tired mail shtick. He ignored the local party input (as usual), and handed the Dems control of a former R town.
Of course, when these guys lose, it's always somebody else's fault. I'm sure there will be a post or two claiming someone else is to blame.
And someone ask Glen Paulsen why Moorestown, who voted in huge majority for Bush Cheney 04, is controlled by the Dems. Guess that's not his fault either.
Dawn Lacy is Really Classy
Wow. What extraordinary leadership qualities Dawn Lacy is showcasing. Let's see. Allowing other people to do her work for her -- fundraising & winning -- then taking credit for it and firing those who did the actual work. What a class act.
I really may be ignorant here so perhaps someone can fill me in. What exactly are Dawn Lacy's qualifications? As far as I can tell she planned BBQ's for the YR's and then, as the handpicked right-hand woman to the biggest blunder in Burlco Leadership history, she helped Warner to lose GOP strongholds, Vince Farias' race, and allowed a veteran Assemblyman switch parties (pretty impressive in such a short tenure).
But what are her credits otherwise? Has she ever run a campaign? Raised a dime?
Allowing this Warner-clone to take over would be the absolute kiss of death for Burlington County. Finally some people came back in & restored some competence at HQ & confidence in the Republicans of BurlCo. They came in on short notice & tried to undo all of the messes Warner left in his wake & this is how you repay them? Classy, Lacy. Classy.
BurlcoLibre you are right I will blame someone else
Following your logic, than Dawn lacy lost Mount Laurel? Wasnt she the one on the ground in that election?
Let's set the record straight, Mike Warner lost Evesham, along with Mount Laurel and the Surrogates position. It was under his stewardship and lack of foresight to use Glenn Paulsen as the resource that he is.
When Glenn took over for Garfield, he worked with Garfield until he could manage on his own. Bill Layotn will need Glenn's help just like Warner did, to continue our tradition of winning elections. No one will take Dawn Lacy seriously.
Paulsen and Layton will
Judging from the panic I see, Paulen and Layton are taking her very seriously...
And from the email I've received, she is planning to have an election, just not at the whim of Bill Layton. He wanted it on Nov 8th, but didn't get it. Now he's furious.
There are 40 disctricts in NJ, right? Does that mean 39 other campaign managers are demanding to become their county's chair, demanding elections, and calling rogue meetings?
Relax and have a doughnut, Bill. You'll get an election. With informed voters, and hopefully a choice of candidates.
Panic?
You guys are the ones who are sweating. You have quite an angry tone, you sound like one of the people who have the most to lose.
By-Laws People
Your organization has by-laws. I believe they say the Chair/Acting Chair calls the meeting for a vote. You also need 35 of 40 Municipal Chairs to have her removed. Glenn old boy you put yourself in a box way back when your drafted the by-laws to protect your own butt. Now take your by-laws and go home until June when there is supposed to be an election for a new Chair.