April 10, 2008 - 5:54pm
Unanue will end candidacy tomorrow; Zimmer will enter race
By EditorAndy Unanue will file papers tomorrow morning withdrawing from the U.S. Senate race, and his Committee on Vacancies will announce tomorrow that they have designated former Rep. Dick Zimmer to take his place on the ballot in the June 3 Republican primary.
Unanue reportedly signed papers ending his campaign earlier today from his vacation home in Colorado. Zimmer, 63, the 1996 GOP U.S. Senate candidate, has been making calls today advising party leaders of his decision to enter the race. He will face State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio and college professor Murray Sabrin in the primary.
Unanue, a former COO of Goya Foods, entered the Senate race on Easter Sunday, and has won organization support in nine counties.
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Quote of the Day
August 19, 2008
“I liquidated my stake in Dune Capital, it’s all reported and it’s all public." -- Gov. Jon Corzine, on his own investment in a company involved in the Xanadu project where a close friend and a former senior advisor own stock.
-The Record, 08/19/08
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Xanadu bill footnote may weigh on Corzine― CHARLES STILE
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What an EMBARASSMENT for Jersey Joe
He has been courting the GOP establishment for months and they bring out a lobbyist because they don't like Jersey Joe.
We know why they don't like Dr. Murray Sabrin - because he has called for real REFORM within the Republican Party.
All of the County Chairmen should be ashamed of themselves for their actions.
If Dick Zimmer gets into the race, I don't see how Jersey Joe can stay in.
Joe has enough feet
on the ground. Watch local donations dry up for the County orgs from Joe supporters. We guys with vowel ending names can get pretty ticked. Remember there are more of us than Murray guys and we are around all year long.
One Good Thing
The only positive thing I can say with Zimmer getting in the race is that Unanue is GONE.
Joe's Supporters Will Have Little Effect on Donations
If Joe had such a significant number of supporters, his campaign would not be broke right now like PolitickerNJ reported that it was last week.
Politics and fashion
In the fashion world, trends tend to recyle themselves. Unfortunately, the same rule doesn't hold true in politics. Dick Zimmer is the political equivalent of the Liesure Suit or Nehru jacket.
Its Jersey Joe
Its Jersey Joe. He did the work and he knows how to fight. If Zimmer trys to steal this nomination away from him, shame on him.
steal the nomination?
It is no one's nomination until the primary in june. So until then, its fair game.
Nobody's nomination.
Zimmer has been pretty cocky stating that nobody before has given him the nomination. I just would like to note that nobody has given it to him except back to the USSR Chairmen and the establishment Republicans, who embarassed themselves beyond repair. The sad part is that they embarassed every Republican in NJ. And this should not be forgiven until the last of them is driven out of NJ. Let them join Andy "the bean" in Colorado.
In order to be fair, i have to say that we have only two legitimate candidates in the primaries: Jersey Joe and Dr. Sabrin. Now, let the campaign start through debates and political discourse.
I would basically suggest to ignore carpetbaggers like Zimmer. Let them run for the establishment Republicans.
Y'all are so sad
I've watched for weeks as you all talked about how "substantial" and "informed" and "issues oriented" your respective candidates are. Now there is a guy who probably knows more about what's wrong and how to fix it than anyone who's run for US Senate since him 1996 and all you can do is whine and complain! Zimmer ran a 3 way primary in 1996 and won. He ran a Congressional primary against Shaftan's boy "Twinkle Twinkle" Pappas and won that. This guy has been battle tested, staked out solid positions, actually affected policy, and raised money. Murray is an obnoxious liar. Joe is a nice guy, just not US Senate material vs. Zimmer. C'mon folks take off your candidate-colored-glasses and be objective.
Asta la vista Goya
Asta la vista Goya Boya!
What does Zimmer have to offer? Where does he stand on issues?
It's Murray or me. Joe is good too but I think Murray would be tougher on fiscal issues.
It's Murray or me = It's
It's Murray or me = It's Murray FOR me
Nobody's nomination II
GOPanimal, obviously you should take off "your candidate-colored-glasses and be objective." If Zimmer is such a golden boy, such a smart politician, and such a certain winner, then where has he been since December when other candidates have declared themselves? If he is so sure about his US Senate chance, let him prepare seriously for the run next time. In the meantime, he can move back to NJ and start his political life here again. Being a lobbyist and consultant in Washington, D.C. does not really put him high in my opinion as a politician. Lobbying and public service are two different moral positions and I would not be able to reconcile them at the same time.
However, if Zimmer is able to do it and you like it or respect it, then let's drink to that. On the second thought, I do not like it.
I'm confused
Is there really a guy named Andy Unanue? It must be some kind of trick.
All these responsible, wise party leaders couldn't really have backed a guy who ran an entire unsuccessful campaign without once ever setting a foot in the State -- could they?
If they made a mistake like that, it would call into question their long track record of electing statewide candidates from their party...oh, that's right.
So, we'll have Lautenberg -- NJ's answer to Robert Byrd, without the seniority.
Battle tested
Yeah, he's battle tested alright. Dick badly lost the Senate race to the Torch in 1996 (when the GOP was still the dominant party in NJ), then a very winnable House race in 2000. He seems to lose a lot. And guess what? He'll lose again in 2008.
Eric
The reason Joe has no money is that his staff hasn't asked anyone. And they haven't followed up on the website applications (when it was working).
Joe is going to need a new team if he wants any chance. These bozos are pathetic.
Question.
How does Zimmer get on the ballot?
Is this a write-in effort?
Why do Republicans think running a guy who lost for statewide office 12 years ago is a better candidate than Ricky Ricardo, Jersey Joe or the absent-minded professor?
Can it get anymore pathetic than this?
Now wonder why Andrews jumped in. How could he no resist knocking off the fossil with the GOP this incredibly incompetent?
Vote Column "A" - All the way!
Dick Zimmer
Been there - done that! Old news. Let's choose between Joe & Murray, who are legitiment candidates. Zimmer is Pro Abortion!
Dougherty must be kicking himself for not running! He would have done the best against either Lousenberg or lightweight Andrews!
ANOTHER...
INEFFECTIVE REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN A BREWIN'