Defining Wheeling to suit their purpose

A "Wireside Chat" from Chairman Adam Puharic
10/29/2006

Dear fellow Republicans:

This week, the Democrats have attempted to redefine “wheeling” to benefit their interests and provide cover so they can continue their questionable fundraising practices. The practice of outside county party organizations and interest groups sending large sums of diverted contributions to impact a local race, known as “wheeling,” is one of the most controversial issues in New Jersey politics today.

Last year, Monmouth Democrats wheeled in over $200,000 between October 26 and Election Day. They received over $87,000 from labor unions outside of the county. The New York Council of Carpenters kicked in $25,000 and Camden County Democrat boss Joe Roberts rolled in $37,000.

I find it hard to believe that New York labor bosses and political bosses from Camden County have a grassroots interest in Monmouth County. In a recent letter to the editor, the Democrat treasurer charged with overseeing their party’s finances defended wheeling and attempted to belittle the serious negative impact it has on elections.

They are attempting to mislead voters into thinking what they are about to do again is acceptable. The simple fact is they cannot escape from what they have done in the past. Democrats took hundreds of thousands of dollars from labor unions, special interest and Camden County party bosses, not grassroots contributions from family members.

The precedent has been set and I expect them to do it again this year. Why else would their own bookkeeper look to defend this practice with only days to go in the campaign? The proof is in the finance reports. Instead of defending this, they should join our calls to ban it and pledge not to do it again.

P.S. With nine days left until the election victories of Tom Kean for US Senate, Leigh Ann Bellew and Joe Sinagra for Congress, Rosemarie Peters for Surrogate, Andrew Lucas and Anna Little for Freeholder, and all of our outstanding Republican candidates – once again county spending, legal fees, and other non-starters are being brought into question by the press. I find the timing of the recent articles, so close to the election, interesting to say the least.

Yes, it is true that our Freeholders must continue to find ways to cut spending and keep property taxes low. But you must ask this question: why are New Jersey residents (67,000 last year) leaving New Jersey, while in contrast Monmouth County continues to grow?

The answer is lower taxes, outstanding services, great parks, great educational opportunities like the nationally-recognized Brookdale Community College, and great property values. It takes economic opportunity, entrepreneurial spirit, lower taxes, and good government to grow an economy. The good government is being provided by the all-Republican Board of Chosen Freeholders. Our Surrogate Marie Muhler has lead her office to efficiencies and effectiveness that are recognized by all sides of the political aisle. Our County Clerk Claire French has transformed the office into a revenue-generating laboratory of innovation and accessibility. Our Sheriff Joe Oxley is the National Sheriff’s Association Sheriff of the Year.

Monmouth County is best in the business because of Republican leadership and Republican values. Never forget this.

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Adam Puharic, Chairman
Monmouth County Republican Party
www.MonmouthRepublican.org
info@MonmouthRepublican.org
732.431.6664