A 95th birthday celebration for legendary former Ocean County GOP chairman Joseph Buckelew tonight is set to feature comedy from two Republicans of very different stripes: State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) and radio host Joe Piscopo.
Bramnick, a moderate longtime state legislator and the “funniest lawyer in New Jersey,” is a declared candidate for governor next year; he’s one of four Republicans currently in the race to succeed termed-out Gov. Phil Murphy.
Piscopo, meanwhile, has never held public office before, but he told the New Jersey Globe that he’s been urged by some of his political friends to seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination as well. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s flirted with a campaign for governor; he considered running as an independent in 2017, and then floated a potential challenge to Murphy in 2021, but decided against it both times.
Buckelew, a former Lakewood mayor and Ocean County freeholder, served as the chair of the Ocean GOP for 20 years, eventually being succeeded in 1996 by now-Chairman George Gilmore. Well into his 90s, Buckelew also remains a member of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
Also in attendance at tonight’s party will be South Jersey Democratic power broker George Norcross, who has close ties to Buckelew via their insurance firm, Conner Strong & Buckelew.