Promises Made, Promises Kept
An Open Letter to the Monmouth County Republican Committee From Chairman John O. Bennett
Dear County Committee Member,
The success of a Republican Chairman in Monmouth County has always been ultimately measured by one thing –Being victorious on the first Tuesday in November!
To that end, during the last two election cycles, we – Vice-Chairwoman Susan Cohen and our hardworking volunteers like you – have helped our countywide candidates score resounding victories that have helped the Monmouth County Republican Party restore its brand as one of the state’s best Republican organizations.
Along the way, we have delivered on every promise made during our campaign two years ago:
1. We returned to the County Convention system for candidate selection.
2. We established a set of by-laws to operate the County Committee with transparency. 
3. We have formed a Board of Directors with Regional Republicans to advise the Chairman.
4. We updated the GOP Web Site and opened a full-time GOP Campaign Headquarters.
5. We raised over $500,000 to fund professional campaigns.
6. We made over 585k volunteer phone calls and knocked on 115k doors in 2013 alone
7. We financially assisted targeted municipalities facing control or key elections.
8. We restored the power of “the line” by overwhelmingly winning last year’s primary.
9. We gave the Governor and Lt. Governor one of their largest margins in the State in 2013.
10. We elected candidates who have provided outstanding government to our citizens.
Given the track record of success and growth, many were surprised by Sheriff Golden’s decision to challenge me. In fact, many Republicans have flat-out asked me: “Why are some in our party intent on forcing another divisive Chairman’s fight?”
It’s a great question and here is what I tell them:
“Two years ago, you elected me Chairman in a very close race. During that run, I was the target of repeated negative personal attacks by many of the same people now orchestrating Sheriff Golden’s challenge against me. This is really just an extension of that campaign two years ago. Unfortunately, to some, ambition and self-interest is more important than beating the Democrats in November and delivering good government to the people of Monmouth County.”
Let me be clear, I am not talking about Sheriff Golden. I like Shaun and laud him for his efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Am I surprised that he is running against me after I worked so tirelessly to help him during his re-election last year? Of course I am, but that’s politics some times.
All of you know that I have been an active Republican in this county for more than thirty years. I’ve made public service a big part of my life and it has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Party for the past two years.
I am writing you today to ask for your vote for one more term. We have come a long way in two years, but there is still work to be done. My goal is to put the party in a position of strength heading into the Presidential Race in 2016 and the next Gubernatorial in 2017, an then hand it off to the future leader of your choosing who can build on our successes.
Thank you for your time and I would be humbled to earn your vote on June 10th.
More from my site
Niemann Endorses Bennett, Says “You cannot be a Party Leader and an Elected Official”
DiSomma Staying Out of Chairman’s Race
Bennett’s “Final Letter.” Challenges Golden to debate before the convention
Pomanowski Endorses Golden For Chairman
Golden Wins!
Another endorsement for Bennett
Costigan exits on a high note
Backlash from Bennett’s “Endorsement”
Manalapan Elected Officials Stand With Bennett
John Kaye: Vin Gopal and the Monmouth Democrats will “beat us over the head” if Golden is Chairman
I am very happy with the job Bennett has done these past 2 years. #1 on his list, that was a big one for me. I didn’t like Oxley’s Super Committee Selection process and I can only guess that will come back if Shaun is elected. That right there is the best way to engage CC members, let them know their vote counts come candidate selection time.
An impressive piece, showing the difference between the two candidates. Proven record and experience. I will be voting for Bennett.
All of these negative comments that has been coming from Bennett and his supporters.
Golden has my vote
Bennett has not reached out to the younger generation. We need to bring in the ‘milleniums’ generation. They are our future. They are our life blood. The Dems are doing it. Bennett ignores this for his own reasons. Not good. Golden is the future. We need to grow. Voting for Shaun Golden.
An odd letter. Great theatre without much more. Going negative is not going to help his cause.
Interesting choice of words, coming from the master of self interest. Freudian slip, perhaps?
We got John a taxpayer funded job as administrator in Oceanport that he promised he would not take.
I could give 12, 13 and 14, but everyone gets the picture.
Has Shaun ever given anyone his priority list? Has he ever given #1?
The man if elected would strong arm the Freeholder’s into funding his office. If they fail to perform as required–as Shaun requires–there campaign could be in financial ruins. Worse yet, they would not be picked to represent the Republican line. That is why you haven’t heard a peep by the Freeholders on this issue.
What does Serena and Arnone have to say? Afterall, they ran with Shaun not too long ago. Are they in conspiracy with Shaun?
I still like to know why Shaun refuses to tell the public why he kept someone employed in his office in a make believe position. I read the articles about it–now Shaun, would you like to rebut the article? After all, some people here have been calling Shaun a fraudster–and without any rebuttal, I am inclined to believe it.
Negativity started from the Bennent side. Freehold and Manalapan being the boisterous ones is not a coincident
Let’s be truthful here.
Although I voted for John before, I dislike, as many do, the tone that was set now from Manalapan and Freehold. Troubling to most
I will support and vote for Golden, based on his integrity, his values and ability to lead us on a successful, positive, very optimistic and welcoming path.
You will support Golden based on his integrity and values??? How can you possibly say (or write that) regarding a law enforcement man who has placed a person in a fictitious position–meaning it doesn’t exist–in his department?
This is a man that took an oath of office; this is a man that failed to make this person–presumably his personal friend–pay back monies to a pension fund that is teetering on default.
I don’t call this honorable, I don’t call this “integrity,” and I certainly don’t call this a “value” in Shaun Golden.
Did you ever ask Golden about this dirty secret that was exposed by a prize winning journalist?? I guess he would say, “lets move along, nothing to see here.” And people such as yourself would do just that.
For what it is worth, the questions Bennett continues to ask about the Sheriff being funded by the Freeholders is a slap in the face to the Freeholder board, not the Sheriff. The way I read it, the chairman is insinuating that the Freeholders do not have the fortitude to make competent and unbiased decisions based on the Sheriff also being Chairman. Just another example why I would not vote for Bennett.
Both the families of John Bennett and Sheriff Golden do not condone the political attacks coming from each camp. Speaking from too much experience, it does nothing to help either camp’s cause and it only serves to hurt people, sever friendships and ultimately weaken the Party. The last Chaiman’s race was a truly an awful experience, and many people were left questioning if the Party could unite again. However, my father has worked side by side with Christine to move foreward and elevate the Party to where we stand now: an increase in contributions of over 50% in the last two years and a sophisticated grass roots opperation that has led to an overwhelming victory for our candidates. He has kept all the promises he made during that campaign two years ago. Including giving up all County work for his firm. I became Managing Partner and acquired his practice January 2014, when he left the firm to become the Administrator in Oceanport. He is associated with my firm as “of counsel” only, and does not receive any compensation for the firm’s clients. I applied for the position of Special County Counsel upon his departure, and was appointed same unanimously by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. I view working for the County that I live in as a privilege, but certainly not an economic choice. To date, my firm has received less than $2,000 from the County. I say this not as a complaint, but simply to get the facts out and to put to rest the attacks from the not-so-anonimous bloggers. Both candidates have sacrificed to serve this County, and both should be shown the respect they deserve. Each County Committee Member is charged with the responsiblity to ascertain the facts about each candidate and make an informed choice on June 10th.
The part where he calls some unknown entity(s) ambitious and self-interested is really weird. It should’ve been dropped from the final draft.
So, Meghan, what you’re saying is the YOU are the one who benefits from your father’s position as Chairman?
Glad to finally hear it from the horses mouth!
Interesting, Meghan, that you point out that your father is still an attorney with your firm directing legal work to you, and at the same time the administrator/Dpw director of oceanport collecting a salary of $200,000, collecting a fat pension and getting lifetime benefits from the state of New Jersey – certainly not the GOP way – Glad you are setting the record straight though!
Send John Bennett a message, he can still be a GOP , but only if it means he is Getting Out of Politics!
The truth finally be told from the horses mouth.
Golden will make an excellent chairman, he is the only positive candidate in this race
“Truth be told” and “Stories Don’t Match” neither of the comments would be condoned by the Sheriff. I understand your passion, but you do not need to attack the candidate, or his family members, to endorse your candidate. Remember, after this election we will all need to work together. I applied for the position of Special County Counsel and I received the unanimous vote from the Freeholders. Your viewpoint is both sexist and insulting. My record as an attorney speaks for itself. I posted in the hopes to end the personal attacks on the blogs. Both candidates are good men, and both deserve the Party’s respect.
I don’t know you, and you and your father seem like nice people.
However, this is politics and you opened up the door to comments critical of your comments. Best that you should have remained silent. You can’t be upset after you let the horse out of the barn.
However, you did clarify things and it only made my vote for Shaun even stronger.
To Meghan – It’s refreshing to see someone posting under their own name. I’ll pass on that myself. Predictable reaction out of people – parrot the same tired rhetoric about Bennett. Oink this, trough that. Same old stuff from long ago.
Whoever was talking about courting millennials – that’s an uphill challenge; most break democrat until they have families. And do you really think a sheriff of all people is going to bring young people into the fold? Think about it and you’ll realize it’s unlikely to work. Candidates inspire, and Bennett had an impressive slate, golden included. Too bad he decided to throw it away for a chairmanship position. And of course, the ethics issue will keep him from serving out his term. When he has to step down, not only should he be run out of town on a rail, but the vice chair should as well.
As far as Meghan’s comments go, they’re on point. Bennett is a good guy, as is golden, but Bennett’s done far more for the party. And for all the people who think new blood is need in the chair position, careful what you wish for. Shaun is younger than bennet, but far far less experienced. If he ever mans up and debates bennett, there’s no way he’ll win. So far he hasn’t articulated a single idea or accomplishment of his that shows he’s capable of leading. Ducking issues yes, burying his head in the sand yes leading the party no.
And I love that Meghan revealed how much she’s made from the county – $2,000. WOW! How long can they keep feeding? Archer & Greiner, Christine Hanlon and Brian Nelson’s firm billed 100+ times that number last year. They’re Shaun supporters, wonder why? File an OPRA request and get the facts before you spout the same tired arguments about Bennett.
Since you poo-poohed the idea of networking and grass roots work, it’s strange that John Bennett is now doing a meet & greet on June 5th. I guess he’s figured out that networking and grassroots work is important.
You did attack that, remember?
Oh, and to parrot your question, since you and Tim H have been doing a lot of parroting:
Who is paying for John Bennett’s Meet & Greet with “complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeurvres”?
That sounds a lot more expensive than a simple breakfast, a lot more snooty to boot.
No Jim, what I poo pooed was your rigid adherence to the idea that more breakfast meetings will win more elections. That’s all Shaun’s come up with and you really dig it. He needs to articulate more of his platform and a debate would be the perfect chance. Let’s not hold our breaths. And who’s paying for Bennett’s shindig? I guarantee it’s not from a source that would run afoul of ELEC.
You were certainly poo-poohing the concept of Shaun having breakfast meetings, telling people to go buy their own egg mcmuffins. You forgot that didn’t you?
Otherwise, why would I have thrown Bennett’s FANCY cocktail party at you. I guess he can afford it since he’s double dipping at a lot of jobs on he taxpayer’s dime.
But, when your guy does the same thing but with the “complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeurvres,” you run for cover because you got caught.
And you continue to create conspiracy theories, intimating that Shaun is breaking the law with breakfast meetings.
You have proof?
If so, bring it on. If not, all you are doing is to continue to play the Bennett game of nasty politics.
The problem for you is that you don’t have any such proof that Shaun is breaking ELEC laws. Instead, you play a game Democrats play where the (outlandish & tin foil) charges are more important to your agenda than the lack of facts behind your charge.
As to the debate, it’s kind of late in the game to find a place, schedule it and get enough attendance to make it meaningful, unless the two want to debate the night of the vote.
Besides, based on the way the towns are endorsing, I think most minds are made up already.
Another thing, you have never answered the question, are you a County Committee Person?
Finally, you think you know who I am, but you don’t.
I think that is a great idea! I know Bennett would be up for it! We will all be there. I don’t think Shaun will accept unfortunately.
I remember telling you to go get an egg mc muffin rather than sell your vote for one. I also remember poo pooing the idea of more breakfast meeting without any other ideas to win elections. I also remember poo pooing how much you love the idea of “moar breakfastses” and how great you think it is. It’s a lot of poo poo that came your way. And yes, if all bennett was doing for the party was having cocktails I’d poo poo that too. Even more poo poo for you Jim.
And yes, I am county committee. Why do you want to know; are you putting together a laser tag team for election night Jim?
I bet that while you get people break left worked years ago, but all those promises from the left have been broken, now is the time to welcome those younger people who want jobs and a place of their own. Zohar is Bennett’s plan for that?
Last I heard young people are breaking republican. Not a matter of welcoming them, but convincing them to join. Shaun doesn’t have the charisma to bring young people in. Bennett may not be able to get themin the fold either, but repubs are winning while he’s chair. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Not sure why you’re dragging Kabbalah into it, but to each their own. Stick with egg mc muffins for everyone. See you at breakfast!
I am going to be all over Shire Reeve’s & Tim H’s face on June 11th.
Everything they say is wrong and irrational
I guess this means no laser tag?
Laser tag is so 2 years ago.
@Shire Reeve It’s not just about “bringing young people in” it is about finding young R’s in the county and not just pushing them to the side in favor of the same people, time & time again. It is about embracing the idea of pushing future candidates and not just having them sign clip boards when it will never eventually benefit them.
The Dems are stocking their bench for the future, but the R’s refuse to support anyone young. They are just used as GOTV cattle and never shown any respect.
– Stay Funky
BINGO! You hit the nail on the head, Tone Loc!
This was what I was talking about days ago, and this ‘Shire Reeve’ post-er first states this at 7:26pm May 31:
“Whoever was talking about counting millenials — that’s an uphill challenge; most break democrat until they have families. And do you really think a sheriff is going to bring young people into the fold? Think about it and you’ll realize it’s unlikely to work.”
So…as I was following his directive and ‘thinking about it’, Shire Reeve posts this — about 3 hours later — at 11:08pm, within this exchange with someone else:
“Have you looked around lately… said at 10:56 pm on May 31st, 2014:
I bet that while you get people break left worked years ago, but all those promises from the left have been broken, now is the time to welcome those younger people who want jobs and a place of their own. Zohar is Bennett’s plan for that?
Shire Reeve said at 11:08 pm on May 31st, 2014:
Last I heard young people are breaking republican. Not a matter of welcoming them, but convincing them to join. Shaun doesn’t have the charisma to bring young people in. Bennett may not be able to get themin the fold either,…”
If Shire Reeve represents Bennett, it appears that Bennett has no commitment or plan for these young people as evidenced by these contradictory answers. The only stand he is consistent about is going negative and bashing Golden … without any facts to substantiate his claim.
Golden is a rock star with young people. He is the future, and they know it.
Shaun Golden will be a dynamic, inspirational chairman, grow our ranks and give even bigger wins county-wide. Invest in the future, not the past. It is time to move on. Shaun Golden for Monmouth County Chairman.