Is this what happens when you take advice from Dick Kamin?
By Wally EdgeWhile not exactly Hudson County, the race for the Republican State Senate nomination in the 24th district in Sussex and Morris counties was indeed brutal. The contest for veteran Bob Littell's seat attracted two candidates: seven-term Assemblyman Guy Gregg, and Steven Oroho, a Sussex County Freeholder and Littell's handpicked successor. Gregg was viewed as the front-runner, but he had expected to run against Littell's forty-year legislative record and not watch the race become a referendum on his own votes in Trenton.
The well-funded Oroho started to turn the race around after Gregg claimed to have never voted to raise taxes -- a point rivals were able to demonstrate as inaccurate. Gregg was hit hard for voting to raise his own salary, and used the suddenly hot-button issue of immigration by slamming Gregg on being one of just four Assemblymen who voted against prohibiting companies with state contracts from hiring illegal immigrants. The Oroho campaign -- running with Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Sussex County Freeholder Gary Chiusano (who will likely take Gregg's Assembly seat) -- ran a satellite campaign in Sussex, urging voters to stop the Morris County politicians from taking away their State Senate seat.
Gregg, viewed as one of the state's more conservative legislators, was outflanked on the right by Oroho, despite endorsements from New Jersey Right to Life, the National Rifle Association, and Congressman Scott Garrett.
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Good Analysis
Right on the money.
Ever Since kamin was outed for raising money for Democrats, his
Once Kamin started raising money for McGreevey's pal John McCormack, Republicans, finally, stopped listening to him. Guys like Kamin, Mancuso and others who talk Republican talk but donate money to dems (read Corzine's Senate disclosure form at www.fec.gov) really don't have a place in the Republican leadership.
Money and lies Win - Character Loses
It is evident, that even though 99% of the people you talk to say they dislike negative campaigning, the Oroho camp and negative campaign expert (and indicted tactition) Winkler have proven that money and lies win out every time. The character of a 13 year public servant was no match for the barrage of negative phone calls, twisted accusations, and simply silly assertions about Guy Gregg, who was out-spent by a self funded campaign of another Corzine type, trying to buy the office. Sadly, it worked.
The voters will get what they deserve - an empty suit that made his millions from stock options of companies that kill people - companies of which he has has claimed he was a senior executive. Some financial wizard.
The real winner is Guy Gregg, who will be able to survive just fine because people know his character, which he did not compromise in order to win. The real losers are the people of the 24th district. Sad.
sour grapes
Oraho and Gregg shared in the tone. nuf said
Scoraig
The real loser is Dave Murray who ran a pathetic race. Guy Gregg was popular and well-liked. The only reason Gregg lost is because Murray used out-dated tactics that turned Gregg into a mean-spirited back room party boss. To hand credit to Winkler is misguided, Oroho's victory belongs with Murray and only with Murray.