Cape May goes for Ciattarelli

Jack Ciattarelli won the first-in-the-state GOP convention tonight, capturing the endorsement of the Cape May County Republican organization without opposition.

Two other candidates, Bill Spadea and Ed Durr, declined to participate in the convention; the fourth contender, Jon Bramnick, was not in attendance.    With office block ballots and no organization lines, the outcome of conventions is less relevant than in past years.

The county chairman, Mike Donohue, sharply criticized the non-participants for not showing up tonight.

“What these candidates are saying by snubbing the county conventions is that not only do they want to do away with the line, they want to do away with the Republican Party itself,” said Donohue.  “What these candidates are saying by snubbing the county conventions is that not only do they want to do away with the line, they want to do away with the Republican Party itself.”

Spadea won the endorsement of Wildwood Crest Deputy Mayor Joseph Franco, Jr.

“Last night’s debate made clear that there is one candidate best positioned to beat the Democrats and take back our state this fall. That’s Bill Spadea,” said Franco. “His command of the issues and demeanor on stage are exactly what we need in our next governor.”

Cape May Republicans also endorsed a group of incumbents seeking re-election: Assemblymen Erik Simonsen (R-Lower) and Antwan McClellan (R-Ocean City); County Clerk Rita Rothberg; and County Commissioners Andy Bulakowski and Bobby Barr.

“This is a tremendously strong ticket, and any statewide candidate should have been willing to compete to be a part of it instead of running away from the challenge,” Donohue stated.  “CapeGOP commends Jack Ciattarelli for respecting our people, our process, and our traditions, and we look forward to hitting the streets for Jack and our entire CapeGOP team in this primary election.”

The first-in-the-state Democratic convention is on Sunday morning in Hunterdon County.