Democrats spent $1.5 million to defeat Angelini and Casagrande
Democratic Assembly Members-elect Joann Downey and Eric Houghtailing, and Independent Expenditure Committees supporting them spent $1,503,233 to defeat Republican incumbents Mary Pat Angelini and Caroline Casagrande in the 11th legislative district election, according to an analysis of 2015 campaign spending published on PolitickerNJ.
Angelini and Casagrande spent $234,118 on their reelection effort.
For all of that spending, 700 additional Republican votes would have carried the day for Angelini and Casagrande. Those votes reside in Colts Neck, a Republican stronghold that had less than a 20% voter turnout and Freehold Township, another Republican stronghold in the district that did not turnout for the incumbents. Casagrande and Angelini, while winning Freehold Township, did so with by a margin of less than 10%.
Had these two been independent voices from our unethical and absent governor, perhaps they would have been celebrating their respective victory, instead of reading about it here.
Additionally, these two chose to go to a Christie Fundraiser instead of debating their Democratic rivals. The public did not want to see their cocky and confident attitude. They wanted to hear how the legislature was going to make New Jersey more affordable to live in; they wanted to hear what the legislature was going to do to reverse the 9 credit downgrades; they wanted to hear what and how our legislative leaders was going to get NJ out of the economic dumps.
Need I say anymore?
to bring many blame games and recriminations: if everyone who is an incumbent Republican officeholder in or covering Monmouth County,doesn’t finally realize we are the plum, the goal, the target for the state Dem machine, and plan and prepare for more of this onslaught accordingly, we will be blogging and blabbing much more about this kind of defeat, in the very near future..statistically, over 80% of incumbents of either party usually win re- election: in this case, it appears there was over- confidence, little urgency by various leaders to turn out Rep voters, and not much money raised and spent, to defend against all those ads and mailings against them: word to the wise: smarten up, plan better, and work harder, or you’ll be next.
1.5 million total from ds and rs…don’t spread misinformation or don’t be sloppy
I was trying to find Freehold Township NJ but got lost going through New Mexico.
Maybe a Republican sherrif could check into the illegal immigrant problem in the area and then Republican voters will turn out for him?
to seriously know anyone who signed that petition from the APP about lowering taxes who voted for EH & JD…if ANYONE thinks that these two union lemmings will try to lower your taxes, I think you should have your heads examined!
To lose CC & MA is a big hit, but you’ll have people like Jim S. (who is crazy) & others that have personal vendettas. I’ll tell you one thing, I am out of this God-forsaken state ASAP.
I am a small business owner and if you think I am giving another dime that I do not have to to these unionites then you are insane. I will go, open up shop in DE or PA, keep more of MY money and then chose where it should be going.
CC & MA, thank you for what you have done to helped children and the disabled and to the rest of Jersey…signora.
If only the Assemblywomen (one of whom spent the entire summer out of state on vacation) had listened to the Party Chairman, who’s County campaign made 60,000 phone calls and 20,000 door knocks according to several sources) and been more active, perhaps they would have found the couple hundred votes they needed.
the municipal chairs and local county committee people did a better job on registered Republican voter turnout, rather than coasting along on incumbency, it would have easily realized the extra 700 or so votes that were needed: for example, a serious look into why Holmdel was so tight, why the popular incumbents in Freehold Twp only got 1,000 more votes than their retreaded opponents, why Colts Neck had an 18% or so turnout,etc., needs to be done..we must go where our strengths are, and maximize our voter turnout, every year-the county demographics are changing rapidly, and next year, our tough towns will be out in droves: forget personalities, and face it, and deal in plain numbers and facts: we need to collectively do a much better job, or Gopal gets to be a hero, the county goes faster down the tubes,and the taxpayers suffer,even more.
To lose anybody–especially other Republicans, and yes crazy Jim S, is a shame. I certainly feel the cockiness and self-confidence has destroyed the party.
Some party players felt so confident of assured victory, that campaigning was lacking. I also believe Shaun Golden paid to much attention to the election of the constitutional officers over the those that make the big decisions for us in Trenton. Am I alone in this thinking?
I think “Puppy Jack” is a creeper who you can commonly see commenting on NJ press sites. Dude, get a life! Seriously man, you were passed over for something years ago and this stalking stuff that you do is textbook, needing SVU investigators, psycho-ness.
I would think if that trip you highlighted was so “unethical” than someone in the press or Dems would have called her out on it….not just your “lotion in the basket” self. By the way, explain to us genius, even if it WERE true (which we already know it’s not)…how would that differ from the NJEA BUYING candidates like the two newest elect-members? Hmmm?
Now, about marijuana….I’m not against it, but why is someone who works to prevent kids from doing drugs being against it such a big friggin’ surprise? I love how people like you highlight one, singular issue to rip someone down upon…regardless of the good they have done..especially with kids. I mean, c’mon man, seriously? I hope sure hope that the new members agree with you on every topic 100% or they’re in trouble! Oh Boy! (sarcasm if it wasn;’t implied hard enough).
Houghtaling and Downey were handed hundreds of thousands of reasons to vote in lock step with the people who have been in control of the Legislature for over a decade. If you think for a minute that they will be proactive in making New Jersey a more affordable place you should seek help immediately. If you think Houghtaling and Downey are going to be voices and votes independent of the unions and party bosses that put them there, think again. If you think these two jagaloons are going to be ethical members of the Assembly after being bought by the very unions that drive up the cost of just about everything in New Jersey, think again. If you are a republican and think that sitting around, pointing fingers and throwing jabs or going tit-for-tat over who made more calls, knocked on more doors or worked harder, thinking that you are being helpful or useful, think again. Just realize that the Assembly just gained two mouth pieces for the Democratic party, two votes to pass the buck, two votes to pretend like they are doing something and two votes who are going to keep New Jersey on the same sad road that it is on.
The New Jersey Legislature has lost two of the toughest fighters for taxpayers. Casagrande and Angelini are two who have always stood up for families and small businesses. Caroline in particular has spoken out continually about the need to stop the outward migration of our most productive citizens who simply cannot afford to live here. It is a shame that residents of District 11 could not see this and instead chose two individuals who will only serve to keep the status quo in Trenton. Republicans need to get behind these candidates in the future and fight to get our message out. The big money coming in only makes the job that much harder.
Wow wait a second bro, you’re making some serious allegations and slanderous comments there.
Where is your proof that this trip she went on wasn’t paid by her? And what ‘dispicable & unethical conduct’ did it relate to? Oh, I’m sorry I guess doing a bill to protect the developmentally disabled is ‘unethical’ to you.
Oh and by the way, if you google the groups from your link it eventually shows how a NJ Dem is going on the same trip this coming year…so are you going to go at them the same way buddy?
My moral compass is fine and it points away from the BS you’re trying to spill. So, by your rationale, the Koch brothers are more than fine with their political donations, they would have to be ok…but I would assume you wouldn’t say so now would you? After all, money flooding and buying politics is only ok when a union does it.
Look, your candidates won *golf clap*. Good luck to them and you, but I don’t want to hear any guff when taxes skyrocket more in the next 2-5 years.
Wow wait a second bro, you’re making some serious allegations and slanderous comments there.
Where is your proof that this trip she went on wasn’t paid by her? And what ‘dispicable & unethical conduct’ did it relate to? Oh, I’m sorry I guess doing a bill to protect the developmentally disabled is ‘unethical’ to you.
Oh and by the way, if you google the groups from your link it eventually shows how a NJ Dem is going on the same trip this coming year…so are you going to go at them the same way buddy?
My moral compass is fine and it points away from the BS you’re trying to spill. So, by your rationale, the Koch brothers are more than fine with their political donations, they would have to be ok…but I would assume you wouldn’t say so now would you? After all, money flooding and buying politics is only ok when a union does it…
By the way, here’s an article highlighting when Upendra Chivakula went to Israel by the same group… When I find the link again to this year’s Dem, I’ll make sure to post it too:
“Chivukula, who visited Israel for an energy seminar thanks to the American Jewish Committee, commended Israel Corp. for “investing in the future” with its stake in Primus.” – NJ.com
http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2012/06/biofuel_race_is_a_global_pursu.html
The chairman lost the race. He was never able to get the party together because he is not respected. He is a light weight. And the two candidates were weak and cocky. The blame starts at the top and that is with the chairman. They lost fair and square and got outworked. No crying about it now. Now is time to find two better candidates and a real chair that can lead, raise money and is respected. Golden was not ready for prime time.
may be accurate if you combine all of the calls made by all campaigns in the county and all doors knocked on in the county by all campaigns. The accusation that any campaign didn’t work hard enough is asinine. I’m sure one or two of the commenters showed up to help out but if everyone that spends time lambasting efforts actually got involved in a constructive way they wouldn’t have had to rely on “multiple sources” they could have been one of the sources.
A quick look at the recently released ELEC reports show for the general alone Angelini & Casagrande spent just north of $560,000. The $234,118 was the money spent by the Super PAC in D11
Golden was ready for primetime when he beat Gopal’s lackies by 10,000 votes last year after the Dems. spent 3 quarters of a million dollars to take out two VERY vulnerable GOP incumbents. As for this year, sounds like you’re a newcomer to NJ politics, but that’s OK…I’ll educate you. The organization responsible for running Assembly races is called “Assembly Republican Victory,” and is headed by minority leader Jon Bramnick. Local chairs run their local races, county chair runs the county races, assembly leader runs the assembly races, senate leader runs the senate races. Get it? Hope I am getting through to you…
Beautifully written. The Monmouth County Republican’s, aka “Club Monmouth,” simply do not get the concept of ethical behavior. It started with the unethical behavior of this governor, and it has trickled down to the county.
More Repubs will be falling in two years. The only stalwart that will stay is that lovable Irish bastard John Curley!
no matter who is “in charge” of each level’s campaign, it is at the local level, where the county committee handbook admonishes us activists to ” turn out every voter” who thinks our way: if we fail to coordinate and drive out our votes in every town, on each actual election day,we will fail more often,as those big Union and other Dem monies continue to come rushing in! -Ignore this age-old custom,practice, and historic constant, at future peril!
From “Puppy Jack:” ‘ those who seek to influence the political process’
Well, not to interlude on internet bickering, but I just have to point out that what you just said is contradictory. By definition, that is what the NJEA did do which kind of was the point of “Tupac” in the first place.
You can’t say it’s unethical for one group to play in politics and yet tout the victory of others, that by definition is hypocritical. Also, as asked of you earlier by the previous posters, do you know for a fact that Ms. Casagrande did not pay for the trip?
You do know that you can go on trips sponsored and organized by groups, but they do not necessarily pay for you to go. Non-profits & NGO’s do it almost daily with the sponsored actually covering the costs of their travel and expenditures.
and any other picking on the two ladies. It’s all a numbers game, and it’s simply pathetic to lose 4 assembly seats statewide, in an off-year- we can argue about the good and bad points and votes of any of them, but, each time we have a lack of leadership and coordination, and lose in the final head count, it only makes us more “blue”of a state, and harder to make back lost ground, next time. With so many “producers” getting wise and leaving NJ, the likelihood of us ever having another Rep gov or legislative majority again, becomes more remote. For those “ambitious ones” among us, having worked in the last state Rep majority era, it is really no fun to sit in the back with no say in the agenda, no power to appoint, and no ability to make sorely needed changes to this “mini California” of a state!
The “age old custom,” is not being ignored as you falsely claim. The County GOP made 100,000 voter contacts, with close coordination with local campaigns. I know, as I volunteer my time with the organization. Perhaps if you had bothered lifting a finger, you would know this for yourself! Voter turnout in Monmouth was significantly higher than the statewide average, thanks to the efforts of good Republican volunteers in our County.
Even in the article you posted it says “sponsored” which is exactly what the guy said to you before, not PAID FOR as you consistently keep claiming.
By the way you still haven’t taken any shots at Chivakula for going to Israel or Asm. Gordon for always going to Turkey and actually holding press events about it on the State House floor…
Look, have a good weekend, I’m out. I have to worry about paying for gas to get me to East Rutherford for the Jets game let alone keep talking about someone else’s trip to Israel lol. By the way, you should remove the pic associated with your acct on here. Always try to remain anonymous as you can on places like here.
of the 100,000 voter “contacts” equated into: recorded messages left on landline machines without actually speaking to the person; hang-ups; no-answers, and, ones done not on Election Day itself? ( you are quick to get defensive and incorrectly assume nobody did/ does as much as you,) I have made thousands of calls myself over the years, and run multiple phone banks, for every level, and this year, was dragging out voters on Election Day,and challenging at the polls, fyi) How many “contacts” in Dist. 11 equated into shiny fliers that mentioned the opponents name but neglected to tell a person who to vote FOR?.. How many “contacts” were door knocking weeks ahead, and/ or drooping off a door hanger, in “bad” voting districts we had virtually no chance of winning?..I do not know that number, but I do know from years of hard, grunt work, that if a lot of intense, targeted GOTV in “good” towns or districts doesn’t happen on that day, you can come up short, period.. Stats and actual election results prove the point- we’ve all been on winning and losing ends..so, stop being so self- righteous and pointing fingers, please, at anybody who simply suggests ways of increasing turnout, on that specific day!
You’ve run phonebanks? You’ve made thousands of calls? If only you had done so this year, the Assemblywomen might have won. Again, if you know so much about G.O.T.V., please…come forward, share your valuable knowledge. If only you had come forward sooner this whole thing definitely would have been avoided. Save us, armchair quarterback!
Stop, just stop trying to bail out Caroline Casagrande by pointing fingers at Chairman Golden. I too was a volunteer and I saw the amount of work done on behalf of the LD 11 candidates. If fingers are to be pointed, they should be pointed at the complacency of Casagrande & Angelini (most specifically their campaign managers) as well as the candidate’s failure to debate the Democrat scrum that we now have as Assembly People. Word has it that Houghtaling can’t string two sentences together to make a coherent thought and is so far ill prepared on the issues that Cassagrande and Angelini would have wiped the floor with them.
The sour grape Bennett supporters like G.P. and crew (spurred on by Cassagrande) need to stop their bogus attacks on Golden. He did his job, winning the county seats. The LEGISLATIVE candidates ran their own races and they need to own their own failures instead of whining like Casagrande is.
Casagrande needs to act like an adult and accept that they and the campaign managers screwed up. They need to stop acting like whiney children who didn’t get their way.
@ How Many, since you seem to know everything, you know dang well your charges are bogus. Not everyone is reachable by phone, by door knock ect. But it is the repetition of those contacts, the frequent reminders that are important and those reminders were indeed frequent.
You complain about “door knocks weeks ahead in bad districts.” You reach out to every viable voter that you think you can persuade.
Besides, what do you expect? Get out the vote efforts to operate like Santa Clause, all of those contacts in one day?
How ludicrous.
You all ought to be very angry and be going after the Municipal Chairman in the towns that failed to turn out Republican votes, towns like Colts Neck, Tinton Falls and others, or even the laughing stock of Neptune which didn’t even have candidates on the line and instead worked to push out Democrat votes for a flawed “coalition team.”
Those are the people in the trenches and on the front lines that failed tremendously.
How about them apples, eh?
Get real whiners.
be able to get past the contest that is long over, will you?-am sad for you, that you need to constantly go backwards to boost yourself up, and continue a rift that even Mr. Bennett is over- did you not read his gracious statements on the current chair??.. Well, all his past supporters are long past it, too,have moved on, and have happy lives-glad we can agree on the original, main point-that each local chair and their org need to do a better job on Election Day turnout, going forward- there’s a real breakthrough- hope Santa brings you some humility,humanity, and more inclusiveness,teamwork, and cooperation, in the new year.. And, try and resolve to lose the unproductive nastiness,name- calling, and the snarky, personal digs, in 2016: the leadership’s up for re- election, so, you get more with honey, than vinegar..Happy Holidays, and God Bless America!!