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Pezzullo Backs Bennett

Rich Pezzullo

Rich Pezzullo

The last man who challenged an incumbent John Bennett is sticking with the Monmouth County Republican Chairman in his race against Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden.

Rich Pezzullo, a candidate for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in the June 3 primary, told Save Jersey that he’s all in for Bennett to continue to lead the Monmouth GOP.

“He is the Republican in Monmouth county who has known me as a political figure the longest – almost 20 years,” Pezzullo told Save Jersey on Thursday. “He’s set a good example for me as a professional, politician and organizer. I’ve seen him in his roles as a political opponent and political partner. I’ve known him as he grieved the loss of his father, gave his daughters off to marriage and celebrated the birth of his grandchildren. It would be hard to have so much respect for a person and entertain the thought of not supporting him when his record is full of committed service, personal sacrifice and genuine accomplishments.”

Pezzullo, of Freehold, challenged Bennett in the GOP primary for State Senate in 2003 in what was then the 12th legislative district.  Bennett was the Senate Co-President with Senator Richard Cody in the 20-20 Senate during the first two years of the McGreevey Administration.   Bennett spent $350,000 to beat back Pezzullo’s challenge and the Asbury Park Press, which made Bennett’s $8,000 billing error as Marlboro Township Attorney and nepotism in his legislative office front page news for months.

Bennett prevailed against Pezzullo in the 2003 primary but lost his Senate seat to Ellen Karcher, then Marlboro’s Council President, that November and the GOP lost their equal footing with the Democrats in the Senate.

Pezzullo has the Monmouth County Republican line in his U.S. Senate primary race against Jeff Bell, Brian Goldberg and Murray Sabrin.

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Posted: May 15th, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: 2014 U.S. Senate race, John Bennett, Monmouth County, Shaun Golden, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | 8 Comments »

8 Comments on “Pezzullo Backs Bennett”

  1. Pizullo said at 10:13 pm on May 15th, 2014:

    Who is this guy?

  2. TheDigger said at 10:31 pm on May 15th, 2014:

    Let’s see…John Bennett gave this individual the Monmouth County GOP line for the primary….hmmm….no story here.

    Jeff Bell for US Senate!

  3. Anon said at 11:11 pm on May 15th, 2014:

    John Bennett didn’t give anyone the line. Pezzullo won it by vote of the convention.
    A convention which Jeff Bell failed to appear at, probably because he was moving his stuff out of his house in Virginia.

  4. At Least Bennett Withstood Investigations said at 9:24 am on May 16th, 2014:

    The so-called double billing of John’s law firm was proven to be a mistake made by a law clerk if my memory serves correct. I also believe he came under intense scrutiny by the feds and the state for this. Guess what? Nothing there. It was indeed a mistake!

    Now, could Golden withstand scrutiny by investigators? After all didn’t he place his friend in a make-believe position so that friend can enjoy the benefits of a pension and a salary?? C’mon folks–Golden seems to be the one here that is ethically challenged!

    John has raised a ton of money for candidates in this county–that shouldn’t be forgotten.

  5. expected endorsement said at 11:08 am on May 16th, 2014:

    But meaningless

  6. Wow, First Middletown, then Howell, whose next? said at 11:32 am on May 16th, 2014:

    Hmmm, the two largest towns have endorsed Golden. The third largest town Marlboro will follow suit. Municipal Chairman Dean’s son was in Golden’s sheriff’s camp–so there should be no surprise there.

    Now Manalapan, which I believe is the fourth largest town is perplexing to predict. Sue Cohen is co-chair of the county and has an excellent relationship with her constituents. Will McEnery dare to rock the boat?? time will tell…..

  7. Case closed said at 5:38 pm on May 16th, 2014:

    Wow, John walked his daughters down the aisle at their weddings. This guy really knows how to give a convincing endorsement.

  8. Freehold said at 4:35 pm on May 17th, 2014:

    Well, Pezzullo’s endorsement means that Freehold Township and Boro will hold strong for Bennett. Not exactly a guarantee of victory, but definitely a positive sign. Regardless of whether he wins the Senate nomination or not, Pezzullo and his wife are both Monmouth committepeople.