Thursday, December 31, 2020
America: Think Of THIS While You're Stuck At Home!
This is how they celebrate the New Year in Wuhan, where the virus originated. Meanwhile, millions of Americans are still locked in their homes.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 1, 2021
In 2021, China needs to pay.
pic.twitter.com/U7u49yfgNq
Anybody Still Remember 'Mr. New Year's Eve?'
The host of American Bandstand who later succeeded Guy Lombardo as "Mr. New Year's Eve" was 82 when he passed away. But he always looked decades younger. He was the timeless teenager.
Clark's legacy lives on through so many TV shows and innovations that he pioneered.
Dick Clark got his start in Philadelphia and was once as much a part of the fabric of the city as a Mummer's string band or a soft pretzel. It all began when he landed a gig as a DJ at WFIL in Philadelphia in 1952, spinning records for a show he called "Dick Clark's Caravan of Music." There he broke into the big time, hosting Bandstand, an afternoon dance show for teenagers. The show was such a hit locally that lines wrapped around the old WFIL-TV studio as teenagers waited to get in for the live, late-afternoon broadcasts.
When the show went national things really started to take off.
Within five years, the whole country was watching as ABC presented "American Bandstand" and Clark introduced the nation to some of the biggest rock 'n roll acts (and songs) ever.
The show was never quite the same after it moved to Hollywood in 1963 but Clark continued to succeed and rake in the dough as he became a hugely successful TV producer. His "Dick Clark Productions" became a veritable license to print money.
"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC became a Dec. 31 tradition, with Clark hosting the festivities for more than three decades, introducing the entertainment acts and, of course, counting down to midnight as the ball dropped in New York's Times Square.
In 2004 Clark suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and barely able to speak. Courageously, he continued to appear on the annual countdown.
He was a shrewd businessman, a consummate showman and an American success story.
Face It Everybody: It's Just Another Day!
We've never been big fans of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. But for a long time we couldn't quite figure out why.
Now, we finally get it: They're downright innocuous.Here then, in no particular order are the Ten Big Reason why the New Year's "holiday" is dumb, dumb, dumb:
1) There is absolutely no significant historical or religious meaning to the day. Well, none that we can discern, anyway.
2) How many bowl games can you really watch? That is, assuming they're even being held this time around.
3) The day celebrates not the beginning of anything but rather the end -- the end of the joyous holiday season.
4) The Tournament of Roses Parade, the Mummers Parade and other New Year's spectacles are all pretty much the same year-after-year. We LOVE the Mummers but the parade is sooo long it gets tedious after awhile. Of course, we won't have to worry about either tradition this year.
5) You know it's true: nobody keeps New Year's resolutions.
6) Celebrating the passing of time is like celebrating the inexorable march to your own death. OMG! Did we really just say that? OK, but let's not dwell on it.
7) After Christmas, no other holiday on the immediate horizon can compete.
8) By January 1 you're completely stuffed and don't even wanna look at food. You're facing the grueling regimen of a diet.
9) All you have to look forward to are the two bleakest months of the year: January and February; and March ain't much better.
10) It'll take you weeks to get used to writing 2021 and you may still be thinking 2020 (that awful, awful year) even in April.
The bottom line: New Year's Day is just another day on the calendar.
NJ's Ciattarelli Gains More Endorsements
Conservative small businessman, MBA/CPA and gubernatorial-candidate Jack Ciattarelli has received the endorsement of Republican leaders throughout Hunterdon County.
Sheriff Fred Brown issued his endorsement stating, “Jack is a proven leader who will bring conservative solutions to our state’s most pressing problems. He’ll stand with law enforcement and law-abiding citizens against Trenton politicians increasingly out-of-touch with the people they are supposed to represent. There is no better choice for Governor.”
Clerk Mary Melfi added, “Jack is exactly the kind of person we need leading our state and our party. As an accomplished public servant, he knows how to reform government so it works for the people, not the other way around. He will bring a special quality to the state that other gubernatorial candidates do not – and that is the ability to listen to his constituents. Knowing and working with Jack, I could not be prouder to support him.”
“Jack will drain the swamp in Trenton and restore power to the people of our state." said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan Soloway. "Here in Hunterdon County, we’ve held the line on taxes, reduced debt, and kept people safe. I know Jack will bring those same conservative values to Trenton and fix our broken state. He has my full support for Governor.”
In addition to Brown, Melfi, and Soloway, Ciattarelli also won the endorsements of Freeholders Shaun Van C. Doren, J. Matthew Holt and John E. Lanza. Freeholder John E. Lanza will serve as Ciattarelli’s Hunterdon County coordinator.
“I am inspired and humbled by the growing number of Republicans joining our fight to fix New Jersey,” said Ciattarelli. “Hunterdon County is a model of conservative governance and the voters have rewarded them for it. They know what it takes to win and I am honored to have them with us.”
These endorsements add to a growing list of support from leading Republicans across the state, including Atlantic, Burlington, Morris, and Somerset counties.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Complete Statement Of Senator Josh Hawley
Millions of voters concerned about election integrity deserve to be heard. I will object on January 6 on their behalf pic.twitter.com/kTaaPPJGHE
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) December 30, 2020
NJ Nursing Home COVID Deaths Still Climbing!
Horrible news 5 more residents died since Monday December 21st. at St Mary’s Rehab. In Cherry Hill
Posted by Rick Short on Wednesday, December 30, 2020
MAJOR! Senator Will Object To Biden Certification!
Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced he will object during the Electoral College certification process on January 6, 2021. Senator Hawley will object to highlight the failure of some states, including notably Pennsylvania, to follow their own election laws as well as the unprecedented interference of Big Tech monopolies in the election. He will call for Congress to launch a full investigation of potential fraud and election irregularities and enact election integrity measures.
Democrats have previously objected during the certification process for the 2004 and 2016 Presidential elections.
Senator Hawley said, "Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity. They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did. And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same.
“I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws. And I cannot vote to certify without pointing out the unprecedented effort of mega corporations, including Facebook and Twitter, to interfere in this election, in support of Joe Biden. At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections. But Congress has so far failed to act.
“For these reasons, I will follow the same practice Democrat members of Congress have in years past and object during the certification process on January 6 to raise these critical issues."
“I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on January 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws. And I cannot vote to certify without pointing out the unprecedented effort of mega corporations, including Facebook and Twitter, to interfere in this election, in support of Joe Biden. At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections. But Congress has so far failed to act.
“For these reasons, I will follow the same practice Democrat members of Congress have in years past and object during the certification process on January 6 to raise these critical issues."
Background On Previous Objections to Electoral College Vote Certification
- In 2005, Senator Barbara Boxer and Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones Objected to the Electoral College Votes from Ohio.
- Stephanie Tubs-Jones Said, “I Raise This Objection Because I Am Convinced That We As A Body Must Conduct A Formal And Legitimate Debate About Election Irregularities." (C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 3:10-3:20)
- Boxer views her 2005 objection as “her proudest moment on the Senate floor,” according to CNN. (CNN, 12/27/2020)
- In January 2005, 31 Congressional Democrats Voted To Reject Ohio’s Electoral Votes. (CNN, 1/6/05)
- Nancy Pelosi Praised The 2005 Objections, Saying Democrats Were “Speaking Up For Their Aggrieved Constituents” During “Their Only Opportunity To Have This Debate While The Country Is Listening"
- Nancy Pelosi Said “We Are Witnessing Democracy At Work” And “This Debate Is Fundamental To Our Democracy." "[T]oday we are witnessing democracy at work. This is not, as some of our Republican colleagues have referred to it, sadly, frivolous. This debate is fundamental to our democracy." (C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 32:49-33:08)
- Pelosi Said Democrats Were “Speaking Up For Their Aggrieved Constituents, Many Of Whom May Have Been Disenfranchised In This Process." "The Members of Congress who have brought this challenge are speaking up for their aggrieved constituents, many of whom may have been disenfranchised in this process. This is their only opportunity to have this debate while the country is listening, and it is appropriate to do so. If there were other venues of this caliber, we would have taken that opportunity. But this is the opportunity. We have a responsibility to take advantage of it." (C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 34:14-34:45)
- Pelosi Said “This Is Their Only Opportunity To Have This Debate While The Country Is Listening” And “We Have A Responsibility To Take Advantage Of It." (C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 34:14-34:45)
- Pelosi Said “Do Not Talk About This As A ‘Conspiracy Theory.'" "[P]lease do not talk about this as a ‘conspiracy theory.’ It is not about that. It is not about conspiracy; it is about the Constitution of the United States." (C-SPAN, 1/6/05, 39:50-40:03)
- Jim McGovern Said “The Electors Were Not Lawfully Certified, Especially Given The Confirmed And Illegal Activities Engaged By The Government Of Russia." (CNN, 1/6/17)
- Raul Grijalva Objected After North Carolina’s Tally. (CNN, 1/6/17)
- Pramila Jayapal Objected To Georgia’s Vote Certificate. (CNN, 1/6/17)
- Jamie Raskin Objected To 10 Of Florida’s 29 Electoral Votes, Saying “They Violated Florida’s Prohibition Against Dual Office Holders." (CNN, 1/6/17)
- Maxine Waters Objected. (CNN, 1/6/17)
Two Legislators: Study Discredits Murphy Edicts
An extensive scientific study of close to 10 million people in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus first emerged, yielded encouraging news about the spread of the virus and undermined the case for preventative lockdowns. The study included scientific institutions in the U.K. and Australia, as well as China.
“The Governor has been saying all along that he was following the science, but he has never divulged the sources of his data,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Science has never supported Murphy’s aggressive stranglehold on the economy, which has done more harm than good for our state. The failure to apply science and data to the Administration’s public policy was also questioned by some of those within the state department of health.
“This science-supported study makes it even more clear that lockdowns and restrictions on business may be completely unnecessary,” Pennacchio said.
Titled “Post-lockdown SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid screening in nearly 10 million residents of Wuhan, China,” the new study in Nature Communications, “debunked the concept of asymptomatic transmission,” a report published on Life Site News said.
Of nearly 10 million people in the study, “300 asymptomatic cases” were identified. “Contact tracing was then carried out and of those 300, no cases of COVID-19 were detected in any of them. A total of 1,174 close contacts of the asymptomatic positive cases were traced, and they all tested negative for the COVID-19,” the analysis noted.
Just as important, virus cultures in all asymptomatic carriers were negative, “indicating no viable virus” in positive asymptomatic cases detected in this study.
“This is exactly why the Governor and his Department of Health must do a better job interpreting and monitoring COVID testing,” said Doherty (R-23). “Policies that treat asymptomatic patients as highly contagious are misleading and disruptive. A public health emergency is no excuse to disregard medical and scientific evidence. Murphy edicts that are crippling the state economy and costing thousands of jobs are based on nothing more than emotion, and that has to stop before it is too late.”
Pennacchio and Doherty recently chastised the Administration for its failure to apply science to interpretations of PCR COVID test results.
In a press release, the Senators cited an Oxford study completed in May that found PCR tests, by over-cycling specimens, can deliver false positive results.
“The Administration has concluded the false positives are indicative of asymptomatic spreaders. This doesn’t make sense,” said Pennacchio.
“We have multiple studies basically saying if an individual is not demonstrating symptoms, they may not likely spread the virus. Murphy is using flawed data to determine public health policy. He is unnecessarily forcing New Jersey businesses and families into financial ruin,” continued Pennacchio.
The Wuhan study comes on the heels of announcements by the World Health Organization and Dr. Anthony Fauci rescinding their support of lockdowns.
In October, the World Health Organization announced it has just “reversed” its position and now “admits” that Covid-19 coronavirus lockdowns are harmful.
Five days later, Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said, “We want to use public health measures not to get in the way of opening the economy, but to being a safe gateway to opening the economy.” The Doctor spoke during an interview with CBS News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook.
In a letter three weeks ago, Senator Doherty challenged Murphy to update the way positive COVID tests are reported to minimize unnecessary disruptions for state residents. He did not receive a response, and some labs in the state continue to cycle PCR tests well beyond the recommended levels for accurate results.
“This over-cycling of patients specimens may be contributing to the absurd number of asymptomatic positive results,” said Doherty. “I don’t understand why the Administration doesn’t insist on accurate testing and science-backed research.
“A pandemic is the wrong time to allow ego to interfere with sound public policy.”
Guess What Our New Year's Resolutions Are . . .
No, you won't guess them because we don't have any. None!
And we won't be making one this year either.
Why?
Because they're stupid.
Think about it: A resolution (promise) is a Big Deal. And when you make it with the entire year ahead of you, well -- that's a long haul.
Plus, January and February are just dreadful months and an awful time to have to keep your resolution.
For example, suppose you resolved to watch your diet. What the hell is there to do during the dreary months of January and February except eat? And now you've gone and prevented yourself from eating. How are you gonna enjoy those Super Bowl parties or that Valentine's dinner with your sweetheart? And what about those l-o-n-g winter days when you want a cheesesteak or a pizza? Don't tell me you're gonna deprive yourself.
Suppose you resolve to work out more and get more exercise.
You'll have to run on a treadmill or somesuch. What's more stupid than that? You're indoors, you're runnin, you're sweatin and you ain't goin nowhere. Then you're all perspired and running toward your car in the frigid weather. That's a quick way to get pneumonia. Why would you want to do that?
But people go ahead and make these dumb resolutions anyway.
And 99% of the time these resolutions are not kept.
Remember this: When you make a promise, that promise is gonna weigh on you. It's only gonna make you do the opposite because you're gonna be thinkin about the promise all the time.
"Don't eat."
Whoa -- Did someone say "Eat?" Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat!
Ya see what I mean?
When you make a resolution, you're your own worst enemy. You're fighting yourself.
Here's the one way to approach this year and every year: Don't get too carried away on any front. Try to live fully but moderately. Avoid excess whenever you can.
Yeah, you can go overboard once in awhile but don't make it a habit, OK?
Be sensible. Use your noggin.
Then, you won't have to worry and you won't have to make resolutions.
You'll be fine.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
21 People to Watch In '21 - Who Made The List?
We all want new faces, new adventures, new horizons.
Still, not all of the people we're suggesting you watch in 2021 are "new" but most seem ready for new challenges, or at least should be. Still others make the list for not necessarily admirable reasons. The operative word here is simply watch, not cheer on or admire, OK? But most are people we genuinely like.
So let's get on with the list which we now present in alphabetical order:
Hunter Biden
We know he'd rather not have us watch. We know he'd rather be in hiding. That's his preferred (indeed, normal) mode of operation, it seems. But all that only makes him more watchable. It'll be interesting to see what happens to his guy and where he winds up at year's end -- or maybe even before then.
Jill Biden and Kamala Harris
This is a twofer. Why? Because (assuming Joe Biden actually takes and holds office) we have a sneaky suspicion these two will be in competition. Neither one has an undersized ego, that's for sure. So, we figure the angling for magazine covers and media face time will be fierce. And the FLOTUS wouldn't want to be upstaged by the Veep, would she?
You may not have heard of him yet, but you will -- and real soon. He's the engaging, amiable businessman and authentic Jersey Guy who's seeking the GOP nomination to unseat New Jersey Governor Phil (Phony Phil) Murphy. Ciattarelli is smart, politically savvy, independent-minded, refreshingly real, keenly focused and sensitive to the needs of everyday taxpayers. Get ready, New Jersey!
He looks better with the beard, yes? Distinguishing! And we think he's learned a lot since his 2016 presidential run. He seems more approachable, more authentic. And nobody knows the Constitution as well as this guy or is a fiercer competitor or a more vigilant defender of our liberties. He'll go toe-to-toe with the best of them, that's for sure!
Yeah, you've come to know these sistahs as Chief Defenders of President Trump but that doesn't define them and never has. Lynnette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson are relentless live-stream video bloggers, political activists and authors who have a wonderful, inspiring story to tell. Plus, they're entertaining, funny and insightful. We don't see them disappearing any time soon.
Is there ever not a good time to read what she's written or listen to what she has to say? This local lawyer, commentator, columnist and radio personality is a formidable generator of provocative proclivities who's now nationally syndicated and has even gone international via Israeli television where she's a frequent contributor. She's a dynamo who can conquer almost any realm.
Why is she on the list? Because she's one of the few Democrats who occasionally makes any sense, that's why! She's nimble of mind, has an appealing media presence, doesn't take any gruff and seems to challenge the right people at the right time.
Yeah, we think she's got aspirations for higher office. She's moving carefully, cleverly, it seems. She's not closing any doors no does she seem anxious to make enemies. But is she too calculating or maybe even too cautious? Not sure yet but don't underestimate her.
Will Broadway ever return? Ever? Is Hugh Jackman a bankable star? Will he put butts in seats (and have them standing, cheering and begging for more) when he opens on the Great White Way in The Music Man come autumn? Yes, yes, and yes! The show's advance sale is mammoth and he's bound to be the Toast of Broadway and the guidepost to its reemergence. Tickets, please!
He's building a burgeoning audience every night on Newsmax and scaring the hell out of the gang at Fox News. This brash anchor who's bullish on the USA and all things Trump has actually edged out Fox and CNN in the ratings during his time period. He's just daring enough to propel his brazen new network to the top.
An intense, power-packed Ocean County (NJ) native and self-proclaimed "kid from Waretown" the aptly-named Luna can shine a bright, upbeat light even into the "dark night" that Democrat merchants of fear and foreboding say we face in the new year. An incandescent energizer, Luna seems perfectly poised to challenge Congressman Andy Kim. And, if he's gonna do it, Luna will have to get started real soon. GoGoGo!
His new book, Greenlights is more than a bestseller. It's a runaway sensation. And this Texas native has cleverly positioned himself away from that glitzy, gaudy, giddy Hollywood gang of looney lefties. He's nibbling around the edges of politics and policy and often actually makes sense. Is a run for governor in the offing? And on which party's ticket? Or is this just all a big promotional scheme? Stay tuned!
We would say "the sky's the limit" for this guy but his SapceX has gone well beyond that. He's an All American trailblazer who defies borders and will now start selling Teslas in India, one of the hottest markets on earth. We like that he's defiant, unpredictable, wonderfully disruptive and self-invented. Let's have more of all of that in 2021!
Here's another maverick who set her own rules during the COVID horror and put South Dakota on the map. Who can forget the show she staged for President Trump at Mount Rushmore? Yes, she listens to her own drummer but she also knows her constituents and she seems, in more ways than one, remarkably well grounded. We see bright things ahead!
He's a Temple grad, a veteran Navy intelligence officer, an author, filmmaker and, in his own words, a "recovering political operative." Long before most others, he dove into social media and built a huge following with his audacious pronouncements. Lately, he's been a contributor at OANN, the growing One America News Network. Damned if he doesn't make conservatism surprising, entertaining and irrepressibly human. What will he do next?
Have you been looking forward to Reagan, the movie as much as we have? Have you long felt that this is the ideal guy to play the role? Well, your wish may be about to come true because the movie about one of America's most iconic figures (and a movie star in his own right) may actually make it to the Big Screen in 2021, more than 40 years after the Great Communicator was inaugurated. Hurry, hurry!
For the most part, Rubio's been a good soldier during the Trump years. And it helps that Florida showed up as solidly Republican. And how about that big Cuban-American vote for Trump, huh? We're figuring Marco will cash in some chips and prepare for another presidential run. Frankly, we'd welcome such a move from a charismatic pol who's shown he can roll with the punches and come back stronger and more appealing.
This immensely talented and inspiring actor, producer, director, author and motivational speaker is now building a growing following with his Christian films. He's proving that there is still an audience for the kind of morally responsible, intelligent filmmaking that Hollywood's big studios once happily embraced. Look for more from him in the year ahead!
Type her first name (NO third a) and her surname will automatically appear on your screen. La Streisand may not share our political views (and we often wish she'd just shut up and sing) but she's been writing a memwow for five years now. A noted perfectionist, she wants to get it right. 2021 could be the year her book arrives and she promises "lots and lots of stories." We're guessing it will be a blockbuster.
No, not Donald. And not Melania either. We're talking Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka. And since white men are out and women are all the rage, we say watch Ivanka as she may be eyeing a political career of her own. But where and how would she launch such a foray? We're not sure, but she's incredibly appealing, adept and adaptable. And keep an eye on Don Jr. as well since he remains as articulate, feisty and laser-sharp as ever. As for Eric, we see him staying closer to the Trump business empire.
Did we put him on a list like this once before? Well, we're adding him again because he's highly individualistic, bright, inquisitive and innovative. He keeps coming up with ideas that make us think; that make us see things in a new way. And we feel he's honestly interested in improving everyone's lot. Now, he's reportedly eyeing a run for Mayor of New York in the year ahead. We say: "Hooray!"
So, by now you've figured out that, for the most part, we populated this list with people who listen to their own drummers; people who follow their dreams; people who aspire to something more; people who strive -- and keep striving, no matter what. We tend to seek out mavericks and disruptors -- people who don't necessarily follow the crowd; people who challenge the conventional wisdom; people who aren't afraid to chart new paths, people who step up and lead! These are the types of people we should look to in the year ahead.
In 2021, stay away from the all-too-common functionaries, sycophants, bean counters, bureaucrats, paper pushers, mindless followers and assorted parasites. Turn to the exceptional ones. Watch, listen and learn!
Clipart by Vecteezy.
Monday, December 28, 2020
This Really Is Quite Inexplicable, Yes?
Can someone explain this one to me...
— Diante Johnson (@BCFPresident) December 28, 2020
I didn’t know Indian Americans celebrated Kwanzaa...Her father wasn’t in her life...So what's the Kwanzaa connection?
One top of that Kwanzaa was “Invented” in 1966 and @KamalaHarris was born 1964.🤔
But it’s now her favorite holiday? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8ohKk5yYhE
NJ: Right Women To Watch In 2021!
The following is reposted, with permission from the Save Jersey Blog:
By Erica Jedynak
_
Save Jersey’s 4th annual Right Women to Watch list includes right-of-center and pro-freedom women who were nominated for fighting for a better New Jersey, being principled in their views, and leading in their communities. Many are visionaries upsetting the status quo and up-and-comers charting a new path. Some are powerful in the public eye, and others behind the scenes; but every woman on this list is empowering and lifting up other women in the ranks.
Celebrate them and thank them!
- Rosemary Becchi ran an impressive uphill campaign to unseat Congresswoman Sherrill in CD-11. As a national tax policy attorney and reformer – her expertise remains sorely needed in New Jersey. She is currently a Strategic Advisor and Counsel for Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, and Schreck.
- Heather Cascone is the Assistant Vice President for State Affairs for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, having spent more than a decade in pharmaceutical lobbying. She got her start as an aide to Congressman Frelinghuysen and as a Chair of the Morris County Young Republicans.
- Katie Castellano and 4. Gabrielle Bekisz lead Castle Consulting, a fundraising firm crucial to Congressman Van Drew’s re-election campaign in CD-2.
- Maria Chappa, 6. Theresa Mondella, and Jamie Montgomery lead Turnkey Productions, a prominent Republican fundraising and event planning firm.
- Roxy Coburger is the statewide Political Director for the New Jersey Republican State Committee.
- Melanie Collette is the Vice Chair of the New Jersey Federation of Republican Women and Vice Chair of the Cape May Republicans. Collette is also host of “MoneyTalk with Melanie”, a syndicated radio show.
- Maggie Cucci revitalized the Somerset County Young Republicans as Chair and currently works as Director of Outreach for Jack Ciattarelli for Governor. She previously served as Asm. Carroll’s Chief of Staff before his retirement.
Alyssa Dawson Alyssa Dawson is the Chief of Staff for Asw. Schepisi in LD-39 and a leader in constituent services for those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether residents struggling with the state’s archaic unemployment system or small business owners shut down by Governor Murphy’s executive orders. She is also outspoken about removing the stigma revolving mental health.
- Amanda DePalma is the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Saker ShopRites, Inc. and previously served in leadership roles in the Republican Party – from the NJGOP to Chris Christie for President.
- Samantha DeAlmeida is an Ocean County native and the Second Vice President and Government Relations Liaison for Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey.
- Deborah DePiano is a Senior Legislative Advisor for the New Jersey Assembly Republicans in Trenton.
- Regina Egea is the President of Garden State Initiative (GSI) and a public voice on New Jersey’s economic competitiveness and fiscal health. In 2020, GSI was an early opponent of the financial transaction tax and called for fundamental reform to state spending. 2021 looks to be a big year as GSI seeks to bring pocketbook issues front and center to voters.
- Susan Enderly is a Passaic County native; tireless volunteer and fundraiser for the Republican Party; and Regional Vice Chair for the New Jersey Federation of Republican Women. Two of her daughters, Danielle Peracchio and 18. Taylor Peracchio, are up-and-coming leaders in their own right.
- Natalie Collins Ghaul is a Burlington County native and Senior Legislative Advisor for the New Jersey Assembly Republicans in Trenton.
- Kate Gibbs ran a scrappy primary campaign for CD-3 and currently serves as Deputy Director for the Engineers Labor Cooperative ELEC825. As the former Burlington County Freeholder Director, she was one of the youngest women ever elected to countywide office in the state.
- Amberle Gilroy is a fundraiser and event planner, most recently fundraising for Tom Kean for Congress in CD-7 and Pallotta for Congress in CD-5.
- Elyssa Giordano is a Bergen County native and Event Manager for the State Policy Network, a professional association of free market think tanks in all 50 states.
- Tia-Lyn Ghione previously served on the board of the Bergen County Women’s Republican Club and will be a key leader for Doug Steinhardt for Governor in Bergen, Hudson, and Essex Counties. She also launched FEMME Trend in 2020, an online lifestyle publication dedicated to empowering women.
- Kamei Harris is the first African American president of the Hudson County Federation of Republican Women and a community pillar in Jersey City working to solve quality of life issues.
Jeannette Hoffman Henne is President of Marathon Public Affairs and a regular political commentator for My9 and Newsmax.- Madi Holmes is the Finance & Events Director for the New Jersey Republican State Committee.
- Natalie Kaczynski is a Burlington County native. She interned for former Congressman MacArthur and currently works for LD-8 Assembly Members Ryan Peters and Jean Stanfield.
- Eileen Kelly ran an uphill race for Summit Town Council. While she lost, she outperformed every Republican above her on the ballot and remains dedicated to recruiting more women to run for office. She understands the importance of sacrifice and hard work, as her mother immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador and Kelly was the first person in her family to graduate from college.
- Vanessa LaFranco has provided years of leadership to the Federation of Republican Women, increasing its visibility at both a State GOP level and now at the national level on the board. She also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Center for American Women and Politics’ Bipartisan Coalition for Women’s Appointments.
- Dara Servis Melander is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the NJ Cannabis Association.
- Toni Angelini Nagle is the Senior Director of Communications for the Job Creators Network and an outspoken restaurant owner against Governor Murphy’s unfair restrictions on small business.
- Britney O’Neil is Chief of Staff for Sen. Mike Testa in LD-1.
- Jyoti Patel is a respected grassroots organizer and Vice Chair of the Jersey City GOP.
- Christina Renna is the President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Southern NJ and a trustee for the NEW JOBS PAC.
- Jess Rohr managed Congressman Smith’s successful re-election campaign for CD-4.
- Sara Razi is the State Chair for Young Americans for Liberty and a cabinet member of Future Female Leaders of America.
- Ashley Rosone is a Passaic County native and the statewide Grassroots Engagement Director for Americans for Prosperity. Besides leading issue advocacy for New Jersey pension reform and criminal justice, she deployed to Georgia this winter for the tight U.S. Senate race.
- Ariana Rubbet came onto the scene in New Jersey, running the field program for the Union and Essex portions of CD-7. She recruited hundreds of volunteers to make over 200,000 voter contacts in support of Tom Kean’s Congressional run.
- Alexandra “Ali” Almour Stienstra and Jamie Frick lead fundraising and events at Tusk Productions. They remain a force behind Senator Bucco’s re-election campaign in battleground LD-25.
- Candace “Candy” Straight, 42. Kathy Hugin, 43. Laura Overdeck, and Stacy Shuster head up the Women for a Stronger New Jersey PAC – passionately leading a movement to engage, empower, and elect more women. They are training and investing in women to run for office across the state at all levels.
Theresa Winegar Lauren Zisa Samulka is the Executive Director for the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce and President of All County Media.
- Jennifer Tiedemann is the Deputy Director of Communications for Goldwater Institute, where she leads media relations for the free market think tank across the country.
- Sydney Ugalde served on Rosemary Becchi’s congressional campaign and recently re-joined Asw. DeCroce’s District Office as a Legislative Aide. She currently attends Seton Hall Law School part-time and serves at Municipal Chair in Randolph.
- Jackie Vigilante is Chair of the Gloucester County GOP, a successful employment attorney, and an outspoken voice of Governor Murphy’s failed policies.
- Brittany Wheeler is the statewide Political Director for Jack Ciattarelli for Governor and former Chief of Staff to Asm. DePhillips.
- Theresa Winegar is the Campaign Manager for Doug Steinhardt for Governor and founder of Goldfinch Partners, with an impressive footprint including races in AK, AR, DE, IA, MN, MO, NJ, PA, SC, VT, and WV.
Elected Official Honorable Mentions:
- All the Republican Women of the New Jersey State Legislature
- Danielle DeGerolamo, Phillipsburg Councilwoman
- Christine Hanlon, Monmouth County Clerk
- Kristi Hanselmann, Mullica Township Committeewoman
- Victoria Napolitano, Moorestown Councilwoman
- Sarah Neibart, Mendham Township Mayor
- Susan Soloway, Hunterdon County Freeholder
Poll Asks: Whither The Future Of The GOP?
When the Republican Party reorganizes itself next year, GOP voters strongly believe President Trump should remain the role model, but most think the party should look for a new face to be its next presidential candidate.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 72% of Likely Republican Voters think their party should be more like Trump than like the average GOP member of Congress. Twenty-four percent (24%) see the average Republican in Congress as a better model. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
Most Republicans have consistently identified more with Trump than the average GOP member of Congress in surveys for the last several years.
Just over half (52%) of Republicans think their party should look for a fresh face to run for president in 2024. Thirty-three percent (33%) disagree and say the GOP should promote a candidate who has already run in the past. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure.
Sixty percent (60%) of GOP voters favored a new face in a survey six years ago, and outsider Trump ultimately defeated the party establishment favorites to win the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
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The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted December 21-22, 2020 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.
Looking back at the presidential election, Trump voters overwhelmingly say they voted for the president, while a sizable number of Biden supporters admit they were voting against Trump rather than for the former vice president.
Among all likely voters, 40% think the GOP should be more like Trump, while 45% say it should be more like the average Republican member of Congress. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) believe Republicans should look for a fresh face to run for president in 2024. Twenty-five percent (25%) say they should promote a candidate who has already run in the past. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure.
Sixty-two percent (62%) of Democrats think the Republican Party should be more like the average GOP member of Congress, a view shared by a plurality (48%) of voters not affiliated with either major party. Sixty-three percent (63%) of both Democrats and unaffiliated voters say Republicans should look for a fresh face to run in 2024.