Is the GOP headed for a primary in NJ-3?

by: Jason Springer

Thu Dec 10, 2009 at 05:31:52 PM EST

As Jon Runyan plays the I'm running, no I'm exploring game on whether he will mount a campaign for Congress, other potential candidates aren't waiting for his answer:

Toms River Township Councilman Maurice "Mo" Hill, a retired Navy rear admiral and dentist, said he will run for Congress even if party leaders from the district's three counties - Ocean, Burlington and Camden - are not unified.
"If I got the support of the Ocean County organization, then yes, I would move forward," Hill said Friday.

Hill has already met with the chairmen in Burlington, Camden and Ocean Counties as has Runyan. While Republicans have said they want to avoid a primary this time around, Hill says if he gets the support of one county party he will run. For his part, Ocean County GOP boss George Gilmore has his own list of potentials:

Gilmore has his own short list of candidates, including state Sen. Christopher Connors (R-Lacey Twp), Toms River Councilman Moe Hill and former State Lottery Commissioner Virginia "Ginny Haines." Gilmore said there are also a couple other potential candidates who do not want their names floated publicly yet.
"I'm not simply going to say 'Oh yes, Jon Runyan is our guy.' There are a lot of good people out there, including Moe Hill, Chris Connors and Ginny Haines. It doesn't matter how many statements Jon Runyan puts out, it's going to be the same answer: we have a process and we're going to go through it."

We'll see whether the GOP is able to avoid a competitive primary this time around like they were unable to do in their last shot at the seat.

Jason Springer :: Is the GOP headed for a primary in NJ-3?

Tags: nj-3, NJ3, John Adler, moe hill, Chris Connors, George Gilmore, Bill Layton, Glenn Paulsen, (All Tags)

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Is the GOP headed for a primary in NJ-3? | 4 comments

I'll be consistent and say... (0.00 / 0)

they're better off with a primary. Especially with a guy like Runyan, who knows what he is like as a candidate?

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

by: Hopeful @ Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 02:46:07 AM UTC

by: you @ soon

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They don't even know (4.00 / 1)

where he stands on the issues. Just that he's a name and has money to self fund, which hasn't bowled George Gilmore over yet.

by: Jason Springer @ Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 02:52:40 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Gilmore doesn't need the money (4.00 / 1)

and he certainly thinks that, as the boss of Ocean County where Republicans indisputably rule, he's the de facto Republican head of Burlington and Camden as well, and so should have the final say-so on who the candidate will be. The Burlington and Camden party chairs doubtlessly disagree, but when it comes to the primary, Gilmore's candidate will be the odds-on favorite in any primary, regardless of who he or she is and who else is running. But by all means, primary the Gilmore candidate, Republicans - it's money you won't have to spend in the general ...

by: denniscmcgrath @ Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 14:34:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh boy!! (0.00 / 0)

Just what we need. Another Republican dentist running for office. Aren't Cardinale and Pennacchio bad enough?

Anyway, if nobody else challenges Runyan I think Gilmore will back this guy. The only way I can see Gilmore going with Runyan if the latter puts up some of his own money into the Ocean County machine's bank account.

If Hill gets backing from Gilmore I think he'll beat Runyan. The primary will be very low turnout and I think the Gilmore machine has shown they do a better getting out their vote. Also seniors will be influential and I don't think they trust some football player with no experience or expertise to handle important issues like their health care benefits.

http://christiegonewild.blogsp...

by: ken bank @ Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 21:53:25 PM UTC

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Is the GOP headed for a primary in NJ-3? | 4 comments