REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES ACCEPT PAY-TO-PLAY MONEYPRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

October 4, 2005

POC: JOE CALIENDO, CHAIRMAN, MIDDLETOWN DEMOCRATS, 8 DANIEL DRIVE, MIDDLETOWN, NJ 07748: CELL: 732-299-6470

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES ACCEPT PAY-TO-PLAY MONEY

Democrats for Middletown Township Committee Alex DeSevo and Steve Borbely say that their fears that their Republican challengers would become pawns of the corrupt Middletown GOP have been realized--even before the November election.

Election reports show that 77% of the money Republican challengers raised in contributions over $300 (some $8,750 out of $11,350) came from companies that have no bid contracts with the all-Republican Middletown Township Committee.

"What's striking is that, starting January 1st, these types of contributions by companies with government contracts won't be allowed under state law," Borbely noted. "Our opponents claim to be political outsiders, but they're already playing the game of patronage and paybacks like old pros."

DeSevo noted, "The awarding of no-bid contracts to companies has been shown time and again to be linked with the 'corruption tax' we all pay as our property taxes continue to rise. When certain companies make contributions, they expect to see a 'return' on their 'investment,' with the buck being passed along to taxpayers."

Borbely concluded, "If our opponents truly care about issues that affect the voters, they should return the pay-to-play money they received by companies whose contracts were awarded by the members of their party--the Republican party--who currently make-up the entire township committee."