Ciattarelli accuses Ocean GOP chairman of ‘lining his pockets’ with Spadea money

When Ocean County GOP officials meet to endorse a gubernatorial candidate in the coming weeks, they are widely expected to select former radio host Bill Spadea. 

Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who is also seeking the GOP nomination, said he has no illusions about who they’ll choose. But in a letter he addressed to Ocean County Republicans, he accused the county’s GOP chairman of being on Spadea’s payroll and “lining his pockets” at the expense of the county party.

“At today’s screening committee, I look forward to sharing my vision for a safer, more affordable and more prosperous state, as well as my commitment to working in concert with President Trump to put New Jersey and America First,” Ciattarelli wrote. “At the same time, I am under no illusions about the screening committee’s outcome, nor the outcome of your convention in a few weeks.”

Gilmore, who runs the strongest Republican machine in New Jersey, endorsed Spadea last year. Ciattarelli previously worked to keep Gilmore from returning to the county chairman position in 2022. President Donald Trump pardoned Gilmore on the final day of his first term—Gilmore was convicted of three tax-related charges.

Ciattarelli alleged Ocean GOP Chairman George Gilmore has accepted $85,000 from Spadea’s political group. The race between Ciattarelli and Spadea has become heated—the pair are the frontrunners and aiming to secure the votes of Trump-supporting New Jerseyans in the June primary.

“It is the worst kept secret in New Jersey politics that Chairman Gilmore is on the payroll of Bill Spadea’s political organization to the tune of $85,000 (and counting), lining his pockets at the expense of your proud organization’s credibility,” Ciattarelli wrote. “It’s notable that George is the ONLY County Chairman in the state to so brazenly accept payment for what is widely seen as an attempt to rig your process and put Ocean County’s support up for sale.”

Spadea, State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), and former State Sen. Ed Durr said they won’t participate in this year’s county conventions. County endorsements are expected to be less valuable this year than previous elections because of the abolition of the county line, which allowed county parties to grant their endorsees an advantageous ballot position.

But the endorsements still grant candidates the party’s designated ballot slogan, as well as resource advantages.

Spadea has received the endorsement of several Ocean County Republicans, including County Commissioners Jennifer Bacchione and Rob Arace.  He plans to participate in the screening this evening.