TROOC Says Myers’ USS Freedom Cap Calls Attention To $400 Million Lockheed Martin Cost Over-Runs In 3rd District Conflict Issue

Traditional Republicans of Ocean County leader Joseph Haelig charged today that the most recent campaign flyer from congressional candidate Christopher Myers “calls attention to the scandal and incompetence connected with Lockheed Martin’s botched job on the construction of the new Navy ship USS Freedom.”

The Traditional Republican organization has endorsed Justin Murphy for the 3rd District seat now held by retiring congressman Jim Saxton.

Haelig noted that Myers was trying to “make capital out of his military background by wearing a cap with the name of the ship that was commissioned on September 23, 2006, but has yet to take its first trip around the lagoon.”

“The bill for the USS Freedom so far is $531 million, more than double the original estimate, but the ship is still being fitted for service at the Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin,” Haelig said.“

The total added cost has been estimated at $100 million with no guarantees,” he said, adding the cap “underscores the huge conflict of interest inherent in Myers’ candidacy.”

“The Navy and Lockheed Martin apparently redesigned and built the ship at the same time and wasted a truckload of taxpayers’ money in the process,” Haelig said.

In a recent report on the lack of progress of the USS Freedom, Vice Admiral Paul E. Sullivan told the New York Times “It’s not good to be building as you’re redesigning.”

Admiral Sullivan is Commander of the Navy branch that supervises ship building.

“The Myers conflict, his connection with the Burlington County political machine, and the manifestly corrupt candidacy of Ocean County Freeholder Jack Kelly makes our support for Justin Murphy all the more appealing to taxpayers who want a candidate with a sense of public responsibility,” Haelig said.

TROOC is also backing 4th District Congressman Chris Smith for re-election, Murray Sabrin for U. S. Senate, Suzanne Penna for Freeholder, Pete McCarthy for County Clerk and Don Lombardi for Surrogate.

“Ocean County taxpayers are sick and tired of being swindled and cheated by the political machine. Justin Murphy will play a crucial role in reforming the system,” Haelig said.

Link to the NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/25/us/25ship.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss