Spadea wins Ocean County with hefty 61%

Radio personality Bill Spadea won a decisive 22-point victory at the Ocean County GOP convention tonight, capturing the endorsement of the state’s premier Republican county.

Spadea defeated Jack Ciattarelli, 129-83.   State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), former State Sen. Ed Durr (R-Logan), and others did not file to run.

“Tonight, the largest Republican organization in the state spoke clearly. I’m honored and humbled to have the support of the Ocean County GOP behind my campaign,” Spadea stated.  

Ocean County has nearly 200,000 Republicans – the most in the state – and makes up 12% of New Jersey’s GOP electorate.  The county has 20% more registered Republicans than Monmouth and 40% more than Morris.

The Spadea victory was expected: he has the endorsement of George Gilmore, the county chairman and a top advisor, State Sen. Carmen Amato (R-Berkeley), and other Republican legislators and county and local officials and party leaders.  But Ciattarelli’s 39% exceeded some expectations.

“For years, Ocean County has delivered the largest margins for Republican candidates running statewide,” Spadea said.  “More recently, Ocean County and Chairman Gilmore have consistently delivered for President Trump with the largest margins in New Jersey and second largest in the entire nation.”

Tonight is the only convention Spadea is participating in.   With no organization lines – and no preferential ballot positions — convention victories are not the prize they once were.

Ciattareli said he was  “proud to compete” in Ocean and praised the convention delegates “who courageously stepped up to support my candidacy.”

“Because of my great respect for duly elected county committeepeople, I will, unlike my primary opponents, continue to compete in every county convention,” said Ciattarelli.  “Apparently,  one of my opponents is only comfortable appearing before conventions where the County Chairman is on his payroll.”

Ciattarelli has captured endorsements in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Passaic counties and has a clear path to run the rest of the table.