Monmouth County GOP nominee for Congress Ernesto Cullari’s campaign manager, Charles Measley, just called from Trenton where he and Cullari were filing petitions with 319 signatures for the 6th District GOP primary election.
Measley said that a reporter from The Star Ledger asked Cullari what he thought of Anna Little quitting politics to become a singer.
Cullari told the reporter he didn’t know what to think and that Little seems to keep changing her mind about what office she wants to seek, according to Measley.
In case you missed it, yesterday was April 1.
Measley said that by the time he left the Secretary of State’s office at about 1PM, neither Little or anyone from her team had arrived to file petitions. No fooling. The deadline is 4PM.
Update
Little arrived at the Secretary of State’s office to file her petitions at about 2:30.
Posted: April 2nd, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: April Fools | Tags: Anna Little, April Fools, Charles Measley, Ernesto Cullari, New Jersey Secretary of State | 5 Comments »
Falling short of the required 200 signatures to be a candidate for Congress, former Highlands Mayor Anna Little announced this morning that she is quitting politics and launching a career as a singer.
In an email blast to supporters the former freeholder and 2010 GOP nominee for Congress from New Jersey’s 6th district said,
“I have come to the conclusion that I can do more to serve we the people, born and unborn, with my God given musical talent than I can in the rough and tumble world of politics. We have made a difference together, you and I, over the last two years that has given rise to certain opportunities that you made possible.
Governor Chris Christie has offered me the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Texas Governor Rick Perry said he would have me sing the Anthem at the Cowboys-Giants game in Arlington this November. Christie and Perry have promised to put a good word in for me with the 2013 Inaugural Committee to sing at President Romney’s swearing in ceremony or at the very least at one of the balls.
Ernesto Cullari has introduced me to his contacts at Disney. Their talent scout thinks I can be the next Angela Lansbury, who according to Disney’s site is everyone’s cup of tea. I could be next in line to play Mrs. Potts in the sequel and reprises of Beauty and the Beast on film and on Broadway.
In the meantime, I will be replacing the Kate Smith recording of God Bless America during the daily sunset ceremony at the Sea Gulls Nest at Sandy Hook. Proprietor Ed Segall is a big Pallone supporter. Given the opportunity to serve we the people, born and unborn, with my musical talent, it is just not right to put my new employer in such an uncomfortable position. I can see Sandy Hook from my house.”
Little, who lost the Monmouth GOP endorsement for Congress in the 6th district to Cullari, had counted on the Middlesex GOP to deliver the 200 required signatures during the convention that nominated her last Saturday, March 24. However, at the end of the day, there was only 75 signatures. Little collected another 135 signatures last week. Upon learning that Cullari had filed 500 signatures with the NJ Secretary of State on Friday, including those of 120 Middlesex County GOP convention delegates, Little realized that her petition would probably not survive a challenge given the duplicate signatures.
Little’s email continued:
This is not the end of Anna’s Army, but a new beginning. With my voice, we the people, born and unborn, can transform the culture of our country that you have been working so hard to save.
My backup chorus will be known as Anna’s Army. You can participate by volunteering to sing in the chorus, buying our CD’s and downloading songs from our soon to be launched website, or by making Little contributions.
All the Little contributions you make will go to the same work they have always gone to, just in a different form.
Posted: April 1st, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: April Fools | Tags: 2013 Inaugural Committee, Anna Little, April Fool, April Fools, CD 6, Chris Christie, Dallas Cowboys, Ernesto Cullari, Frank Pallone, MetLife Stadium, New York Giants, NJ Secretary of State, NJ-6, President Romney, Rick Perry, Super Bowl XLVIII | 23 Comments »
East Brunswick, NJ – On March 16, the Monmouth County GOP selected Ernesto Cullari as their choice to defeat Frank Pallone. Saturday, March 24, the Middlesex GOP voted Anna Little to take their line, making it clear they had no intentions of keeping the party in district 6 united during the most trying election cycle of our time.
As of two weeks ago, Little was fiercely running for US Senate against Joe Kyrillos. She campaigned by asking for donations and signatures from supporters. Knowing her obvious failure, Little then decided to run against newcomer Ernesto Cullari. Her decision came just days after Cullari’s announcement.
In 2010, Little was defeated by over 10% by incumbent Democrat, Frank Pallone.
“It’s a shame we are dealing with a split line in District 6. With the ballot having Obama on top this year, it would have been better for the Middlesex GOP to unite through the primary. On Tuesday, June 5th the voters in both counties will decide which Republican they want to represent them against Frank Pallone. After Anna Little’s approximate 10% loss in 2010, and failed U.S. Senate run, I think the choice will be clear to them. Ernesto Cullari is focused on one thing; beating Frank Pallone in November and returning the position to the constituency of district 6”, said, Charles Measley, Campaign Manager.
“My team and I are undeterred that the Middlesex County GOP did not vote in our favor, but this in no way means we will back down. Monmouth County GOP has put their trust in me to defeat Frank Pallone in November and that is what I intend to do.” Congressional Candidate, Ernesto Cullari.
Ernesto Cullari is a businessman, medical professional, and columnist for local newspapers. Ernesto is prepared to take the fight to Jersey’s most corrupt politician and the author of “Obama-Care”, Frank Pallone.
For more information on Cullari for Congress you can find us on facebook at facebook.com/cullariforcongress and on twitter at twitter.com/ernestocullari or visit our website at www.CullariforCongress.com.
Posted: March 26th, 2012 | Author: admin | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races | Tags: Anna Little, CD 6, Ernesto Cullari, Frank Pallone, Joe Kryillos, Middlesex GOP, Monmouth GOP, NJ-6, Press Release | 19 Comments »
East Brunswick- Former Highlands Mayor Anna Little easily defeated Ernesto Cullari for the Middlesex GOP endorsement for Congress from New Jersey’s 6 district. The final tally was 149 to 48. The convention was held at East Brunswick High School.
Cullari was awarded the Monmouth County GOP endorsement on March 16. The nomination will be decided by Republicans at the polls on June 5th. The primary victor will take on Congressman Frank Pallone in the November 6 general election.
The convention unanimously endorsed State Senator Joe Kyrillos for U.S. Senator. Assemblywoman Donna Simon was endorsed in the special election for State Assembly from the 16th legislative district.
In a three way race for two Freeholder nominations, former Superior Court Judge Roger Daley was the big winner with 319 votes. Daley has twice previously served on the Middlesex County Freeholder Board. Edison businessman Sam Khan won the second Freeholder nomination over North Brunswick financial consultant Carlo DiLalla.
Posted: March 24th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races, Middlesex County Republicans | Tags: Anna Little, Carlo DiLalla, Diane Simon, Ernesto Cullari, Joe Kyrillos, Roger Daley, Sam Khan | 37 Comments »
Anna Little continues to claim support that she doesn’t have for her fledgling efforts to get on the ballot as candidate for federal office this fall.
In an email blast this morning, Little claimed she would be marching in the Highlands St. Patrick’s parade on Saturday with the Bayshore Tea Party Group. BTPG is not marching in the parade and has not endorsed Little’s quest for the GOP nomination for Congress from the 6th District. Little was forced to issue a retraction email and post on her facebook page.
Earlier this week, Little claimed she had the support of GOP leaders for congressional candidacy, despite the fact that she lost the Monmouth GOP endorsement to Ernesto Cullari on Friday March 16th.
Last December, Little listed endorsements she received during her 2010 congressional run on her U.S. Senate campaign website, as if they were endorsements for her ill fated Senate bid against Joe Kyrillos.
If the Middlesex County GOP endorses Little at the convention on Saturday morning, the Republican nomination for Congress in the 6th district against Frank Pallone will be split in the June primary, with Cullari the endorsed GOP candidate on Monmouth County ballots and Little the endorsed candidate on Middlesex County ballots.
Little has the support of Middlesex County Chairman, Senator Sam Thompson, and is expected to prevail on Saturday.
Thompson and the Middlesex GOP should consider themselves forewarned. Those who know Little best have decided not to endorse her candidacy. The reasons listed above are just the tip of the iceberg.
Posted: March 22nd, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races | Tags: Anna Little, Ernesto Cullari, Frank Pallone, Middlesex GOP, Monmouth GOP, Sam Thompson | 4 Comments »
Anna Little announced her candidacy for Congress from the 6th district this morning in an email blast that also sought petition signatures, campaign volunteers and donations.
Little claimed that support from unnamed “GOP leaders” was instrumental in her decision to abandon her U.S. Senate primary campaign against Joe Kyrillos in favor of a congressional campaign:
During the past week, GOP leaders have offered us their support to run in Congressional District 6. You earned this opportunity by winning the GOP Primary, off the line, in 2010. By offering us their support this year, the GOP is respecting the wishes of grass roots New Jerseyans. This is a tremendous opportunity to continue what you started in 2010.
After many meetings, planning, and discussions with grass roots patriots, we have concluded that continuing what we started in 2010, to defeat Frank Pallone, will best serve the interests of the people of the State of NJ and the grass roots conservative movement statewide.
Little lost the Monmouth County Republican endorsement for congress from the sixth district to political newcomer, Ernesto Cullari on Friday morning. The Middlesex County GOP convenes on March 24th to award their endorsement.
Posted: March 18th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races | Tags: Anna Little, CD 6, Ernesto Cullari, Frank Pallone, Joe Kyrillos, Middlesex GOP, Monmouth GOP, NJ-6 | 13 Comments »
Political newcomer Ernesto Cullari defeated Anna Little for the Monmouth County GOP endorsement for Congress from New Jersey’s 6th district.
By a margin described as “reasonably close” the Monmouth GOP nominating committee selected Cullari, an Asbury Park businessman and conservative columnist for the triCityNews over Little, the former Freeholder, former Mayor of Highlands and the 2010 nominee for Congress against Frank Pallone. Little defeated Diane Gooch, owner of the Two River Times and Monmouth GOP Vice Chair in the 2010 primary.
The tally was taken by voice vote followed by a show of hands. Upon announcing Cullari the winner, Chairman Joe Oxley asked for and received a unanimous nomination by acclamation for Cullari.
The race for the nomination now heads back to Middlesex County which will hold a convention on March 24. The Middlesex GOP screening committee endorsed Little by 27-3 earlier this week. By rule, she will be the recommended candidate. However, the convention voters are not bound by the screening committee’s recommendation.
In 2010, the Middlesex GOP screening committee selected then Fair Haven Mayor Mike Halfacre by just less than the 2/3 margin that would have given Halfacre the formal recommendation of the committee. Halfacre lost the convention endorsement to Scott Sipprelle after then incoming County Chairman Sam Thompson interupted Halfacre’s speech to support Sipprelle.
It is rare, but not unprecedented, that the Monmouth and Middlesex GOPs would endorse different candidates for the same office. In the 2005 legislative primary, Middlesex County endorsed Assemblyman Joe Azzolina for reelection while Freeholder Amy Handlin was endorsed for Assembly by the Monmouth GOP.
Posted: March 16th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races, Anna Little | Tags: Anna Little, CD 6, Ernesto Cullari, Monmouth GOP | 29 Comments »
Members of the Monmouth GOP nominating committee are on their way to the Molly Pitcher, saying to themselves and each other, “Anna Little? I’m really going to vote to nominate Anna Little?”
The head office has determined that it is better to give Anna Little the party line in the primary for the 6th congressional district nomination than to take the chance that she will find a way to get 1000 qualified signatures to get herself an off the line spot on the primary ballot for U.S. Senate against Joe Kyrillos.
Barring a come to Yahweh moment, that is what is going to happen this morning.
Posted: March 16th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races | Tags: Anna Little, CD 6, Ernesto Cullari, Frank Pallone, Joe Kyrillos, NJ-6 | Comments Off on Moment of False
By Ernesto Cullari, also published in the March 15, 2012 edition of the triCityNews
I was 4 years old when my grandfather bought me my first bike. It was fire engine red. During the summer of ‘76 he taught me how to ride that bike and it was with joy and fear that I sought to balance myself on two wheels for the very first time. With one hand on the handlebars and one hand on the back of the seat he would push me, until finally one day he just let me go. I remember feeling thrilled and terrified at the sensation of freedom, it was like sleeping in the dark for the first time with the night-light out. Facing the unknown emboldened me. There are certain joys that we can only know as children: the bonds built with grandparents, triumphs over first fears and the feeling that you come from a uniquely special place, like America.
My grandfather was from the Philippines and during that summer of BBQ’s and fireworks and drive in movie theaters, he often shared with me his joy, his genuine gratitude and happiness with being an American. He didn’t proselytize to me in words. He simply told me what the American Bicentennial was about and the rest of his love for America he shared with me through his actions. He took me everywhere with him.
He often helped Filipino families that had just arrived in America to find work and to network with others that had been here longer and I tagged along with him as he made his rounds in the Filipino communities of East Orange, Union and Piscataway.
My grandfather was not a rich man, by any means, but he owned a home, he owned a car that he bought in cash and he bought and sold various businesses and modest rental properties. He was living the American dream out loud and he allowed me to share the joys of that dream with him.
With that said, I do not recognize the country that we live in today. It bares a striking resemblance to the America that I grew up in, but it is not the same. We live in a time where patriotism must be muted, where faith in God is subject to the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services and where starting a business, no matter how small, requires reams of compliance paperwork, an attorney and several hundred dollars.
John Stossel recently reported that if a child wanted to open up a lemonade stand on the sidewalk that they would have to comply with the following: register with the county clerk as the sole proprietor, apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, Complete 15 hour Food Protection Course, allow three to five weeks for delivery of Food Protection Certificate, Apply for a Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit, buy a portable fire extinguisher, receive a Health Inspection and the list goes on. Government is no longer for the people it is against the people, because it is no longer by the people.
Today government is run by career politicians that make their living not just off a government paycheck, but rather off the inside knowledge that they possess as legislators. The myth exists that because legislators live in the communities that they were elected in that they will legislate in the best interest of their community. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s member of Congress makes market decisions that outpace the best market analysts. As a result, the rest of us are struggling to keep our heads over water, we have fallen victim to the greed of a collusive relationship that exists between select corporations and legislators that bend the law to fatten their pocket books. The most corrupt do so behind our backs, while the portfolios of their spouses grow and grow they remain overtly modest.
I desire to live out the freedom that I inherited from my grandfather, I yearn for the days when the shadow of government does not eclipse my dreams, I will worship my God in the way that my soul alone is persuaded and I will fight to make sure that when I am a father that my children inherit these same blessings. It is for these reasons that I announce my intention to represent the Republican Party and the citizens of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties in the race for Congress for the Sixth Congressional District. I am running for Congress and the unknown emboldens me. God-willing we will triumph over our oppressors.
Ernesto Cullari is a candidate for the Republican nomination to Congress from New Jersey’s 6th district
Posted: March 15th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races, Ernesto Cullari | Tags: Ernesto Cullari, triCityNews | Comments Off on When We Were Young
With the strong support of the County Chairman, Senator Sam Thompson, Anna Little scored a 27-3 victory over newcomer Ernesto Cullari last night with the Middlesex County GOP screening committee .
According to the Middlesex GOP rules, Little will be the recommended candidate at the March 24th convention, by virture of a screening victory of over 2/3.
Charles Measley, Cullari’s campaign coordinator, said that Thompson implored the screening committee members to vote for Little. Thompson is concerned that Little will go back to challenging State Senator Joe Kyrillos in the U.S. Senate race if she does not get the party endorsement for Congress, according to Measley’s account of a conversation he had with the chairman.
The GOP endorsement process moves to Monmouth County tomorrow when the nominating committee will award the party line on the ballot for the June primary. The committee is comprised of all municipal chairs, current and former elected officials on the county and state levels, and former county chairs.
Posted: March 15th, 2012 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: 2012 Congressional Races | Tags: Anna Little, Ernesto Cullari, Sam Thompson | 14 Comments »
