Sounds much like Nazi Germany as one by one the cowards defected. Godd Riddins you gutless coward. I know you wil soon get a cushy job in Camden County government, just watch.

In recent times, South Jersey GOP politicians have been deserting the party in droves, whether it is Hutchison and Mellace in Gloucester, Metzner in Winslow, Bodine in BurlCo, or others. One can look at this cynically and argue that they wanted to be part of the political party with the most influence and power in South Jersey, but I think there is more to this story than this or just personal gain on the part of Mellace et al.

In fact, I challenge any detractor to find an article that states that these politicians, besides Bodine who is hopefully going to be the next state senator in district 8, actually got anything in exchange for these party switches.

What you'll instead find is that the Republican Party is becoming more and more out of touch, particularly on a national level, with the average New Jerseyan and that the Democratic freeholders and other represented politicians, including Sen. Adler, are representing their constituents quite well in Trenton and in the county. Mellace and Klingsberg are absolutely correct in their claim that local Republicans are "silent or ineffective - or both - on matters important to our hard-working residents."

Very quietly, Rep. Andrews and Gov. Corzine have been making overtures to some Republicans about joining the Democratic Party, and I imagine this successful trend will continue.

... patting yourself on the back. A certain segment of folks in both parties switch teams either due to a genuine ideological parting of ways (former Dem Ronald Reagan comes to mind) or for the sake of expediency and personal gain. A classic example of the latter was Lauch Faircloth in NC in 1992. Faircloth was a prominent Dem who saw his opportunity and jumped at it, stabbing then Senator and former friend Terry Sanford in the back by running against Sanford for Senate as a Republican. He won the seat only to be upended by your man John Edwards in 1998.

At the moment, momentum is favoring Dems in NJ.  As a Republican, I am relieved that Mellace and his ilk (see Fran Bodine) would leave the party.  We already have enough counterfeits going through the motions of party loyalty while suckling at the teet of Democrat machine largesse.  To borrow a term from classic car enthusiasts, the NJGOP needs a frame off restoration.  Those such as Mellace are merely rusted fenders to be discarded to the nearest junk yard and replaced with more reliable parts. 

"KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD" - Emil Faber

Fair weather friends are everywhere. These folk never last in their new party.

The story is written like this is a bad thing.

Martin shows just how stupid and ignorant he is. Any politician who switches party at this time is doing so to retain their power(money)and they believe that the Dems can raise more money. Their ideology has not changed. You naybe the most naive person on these boards or you are believing wholesale what Norcross is telling you.

I fall somewhere between Republicans here who are steaming and Martin's usual glee over a Republican bolting. There is nothing to celebrate for the GOP when they lose a municipal chair. On the other hand, what does Martin's party stand for if they are so willing to absorb Republicans? I can't imagine these ex-Republicans are not going to buy the whole Corzine agenda, Bodine in fact acts like an old-style Dixiecrat. How does this affect the Democrats?

Martin shows just how stupid and ignorant he is. Any politician who switches party at this time is doing so to retain their power(money)and they believe that the Dems can raise more money. Their ideology has not changed. You naybe the most naive person on these boards or you are believing wholesale what Noprcross is telling you.

The ignorance you've displayed on this thread would be really entertaining if you weren't being serious. Unfortunately... as far as I can tell…you were.

I was able to see first hand how someone career was ruined by making a comparison to Nazism (rightfully so) with the Ward Churchill scandal a few years ago. While serving as a tenured professor at U of Colorado he wrote a little publicized essay comparing those in the WTC to 'little Eichmans (he funded the Nazi campaign). He was demonized and later fired from his post at Colorado and now lives his life in shame. Unfortunately, the same can't be done to you. It seems cowardly that you would compare a relatively unimportant political leader (on a global scope) in Jersey politics to a genocide which left millions of people dead. Either you have forgotten the grief and devastation inflicted by the Nazi's, or you find yourself above shame so that you can sit behind your computer screen to throw insults.

Also, your ad homonym attacks on Martin are the equivalent of a boxer in the 4th who starts throwing haymakers because he knows he’s about to get KO'd.

While I won't share in Martin's 'glee' over the defections, I will reiterate his point that it shows how out of touch the counties GOP is with voters...

As for the point SewarenScoup made about absorbing the GOP defections...the article makes no mention of that. It simply said that they would change their affiliation, and support candidates. Any citizen can change party affiliation, that doesn’t mean that the party has to endorse them (i.e. Democratic race in Newark to fill Sharpe James’ soon to be vacant seat).

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

Meverett, your liberalism is blaring through. If you don't think that any defector is going to gain personally you need to go back to grade school. Ward Churchill is an extremist, just like there are extremists on the right.

I made no mentions of personal gain whatsoever in my post. Nowhere. Not a single mention. Of course the defections are meant for personal gain, I'm not quite that naive. And yes, as has been illustrated before, I am a liberal minded person, but fortunately I'm still open minded enough to look at both sides and then make a judgment call as was illustrated by recent comments with ‘Nick Lento’ in which I talked against tax increases.

I used the Ward Churchill illustration to exemplify what should happen to people when they spew ignorance and make terrible references. He is an extremist, to the point where I (remember I'm an 'America hating, communist liberal') am disgusted by his rhetoric. Much in the same way I was disgusted by his words, was I disgusted by your words, which show the little shame you have for supporting your own 'extremist' agenda.

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

Did I mention an extremist agenda! I don't think so> nice try though to link me with the word extremist. Where did I even mention an agenda? The fact is the ONE party controlling this State is screwing it up, much the way ONE party at the Federal level screwed it up. It's pretty much that simple. Or is one party ok as long as it's your party. Thats pretty scary if you take a win at all costs approach.

. that these guys finally figured out how to get the freebies. All of our "elected" officials aren't there to help us - they say that, and for the longest time I believed it - but getting on the gravy train seems to be the REAL reason anyone tries to get elected. Trying not to question anyones reasons, but NJ is going to go bankrupt, and the only people to blame are the dummies we elected - BOTH parties! For example - we know Kristie played a little loose with the budget and how to fund things - surprised? Recently JC says we need to fix the budget deficit, because it will be a problem for the future taxpayers! Hey gov, and the rest of the crooks - it's not a problem for the taxpayers - it;s a problem for the TAXSPENDERS!!

One party did screw up this country, which is why there was such a turn around in the 110th congress. And you're right again, one party is screwing up in NJ, which is why they're not in control of this state.

I mean no offense to rational GOP members on this thread, though I understand it will inevitably be taken.

Personally, I tend to vote for a balanced ticket in local elections (that means across party lines), and I often vote for the GOP in my county because they are making the right choices at home. While I vote cross party locally, I cannot affiliate myself with many of the choices the GOP offers on the state or federal level. I’ve tried very hard on this website to represent myself as a liberal, but level-headed Democrat. I think I’ve done a good job of this, and hopefully this is apparent to the other side of the isle. I tend to despise far left candidates almost as much as those on the far right. At the same time, I appreciate moderates from both parties.

I don't have to try to link you to the word extremist, you've done that quite well enough on your own...be it through your slanted attacks on anyone straying from your opinions, or your ramblings on this thread...it's quite obvious.

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

Martin is a political hack will NEVER bend on any opinion and continually tries to antagonize and bait people. As far as you go, I haven't seem many of your posts so I'll let it be.

Welcome to the party of TAX and spend Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Mellace.  Make yourself comfortable. Help yourself to whatever you like, its on US, the taxpayers. Its only a matter of time before we realize that we are too busy with our hard working jobs and we FINALLY take the time to realize, OK it hurts bad enough. Gloucester township knew what they were doin when voters elected a Republican Mayor and ,well ONE TRUE republican councilwoman. I think they realize that its starting to hurt bad enough. Good luck you you BOTH in your new Party just dont except any rides from Mr. Corzine. I wish you both good luck. I truly do.

Please, Marty, please! Are you (a) ignorant, (b) blind, (c) unwilling to take your party blinders off, (d) stoned when you write these things, or (e) all of the above. Do you know these people? Mellace, Klingberg, Metzner, Bodine? I doubt it. You're looking for something in print that doesn't exist (yet). Don't look there. Talk to people who have been approached by Camden County Dems (I have, and so have a few others) about switching and what they could get in return. Get a clue, dude! And the freeholders are looking out for us? $50 million and counting for illegal benefits to people who did not earn them. 50 MILLION, MARTY! $30 million and counting to condemn and throw out small family business owners from the Mart sight to build a Norcross arena, conference center, hotel, condos, whatever-it-is now. $30 MILLION, MARTY! Is that looking out for you? They're a discrace and so are you for supporting them! Do your homework, get real, and stop with your "Every GOP defection = GOP Bad, Dems Good" argument. People are starting to laugh at your posts!

First, in response to Xenu's claim that party defections are, at times, equal parts ideological breaks and/or switches for convenience, I'll agree with your logic, especially as it pertains to the Faircloth example you mentioned (and, of course, I'm glad that Edwards got his break from defeating him)... From the reverse end, Zell Miller's switch to Republican ideology in the last example may be an example of both of the above; though he didn't switch parties, he went full throttle into the anti-Northeast liberal, pro-neocon interventionist attack mode.

Mellace and Klingsberg, along with the Winslow and Waterford officials who have switched of late, almost certainly have some vested interest in changing parties; I disagree with jkasko's conspiracy-laden theories out a quid pro quo, especially since he provides no sources and no names. For Mellace and Klingsberg et al, the question isn't one of who is counterfeit versus authentically Republican, however; it is instead the narrative of a failed local party, South Jersey Republicans, and their vision-less approach to governance, as well as a general disconnect between the Republican Party and working New Jerseyans, particularly working-class South Jerseyans. My prediction is that there will be further defections from area Republicans as Democrats consolidate power across South Jersey and offer a better, more substantive vision for its constituents.

Jkasko: I'm sorry that you lost the freeholder election a few years ago, but your projected anger onto me as some Oedipal figure in your life, a substitute for the Camden County Democrats, is becoming a tired, old routine. Further, because, as a Republican official, you've met some of the individuals who are now switching parties, does not make you any authority on the matter. In your (and that troll votedemsout) conspiratorial mind, everyone's being paid off via back-door politics for this switch; nevermind that the South Jersey Republicans are feckless, disorganized, and run on a pro-Bush agenda in an anti-Bush territory -- for you, it is always the blame game and the puppet strings of an imaginary master. And the freeholders here have done a good job by cutting positions rather than raise taxes and by promoting transparent governance, particularly in their multiple public forums. Again, I'm sorry that you lost in the freeholder election, but you lack the gravitas, maturity, and policy knowledge to serve as freeholder. And by calling me a "dirace [sic]" for disagreeing with your politics, you lessen the credibility of your own claims and discredit other conservative Republicans who have something to offer these forums.

It's funny that some of these left wing pinheads would use a Thomas Jefferson quote. That guy wouldn't be caught dead in today's Democrat Party. He would probably organize an armed revolution against New Jersey's Property Tax Problem. As for what the traitors will get? A job at the DRPA, Remington & Vernick or Commerce Bank is the usual routine. Do you Democrats like living in New Jersey? Property Taxes, Car Insurance, Beach Tags, Toll booths everywhere, cities in such a bad condition that when the New Jersey Devils won their 3 Cups they had to have the parade in the parking lot of the Continental Airlines. People are fleeing this hole for a business friendly red state. Soon the entire state will look like Camden or Newark. Democrats controll the Senate & Assembly, both Federal Senate Seats, a majority of congressmen, a majority of the counties and the Governor. What do they do with this power? Nothing! Lynch in Jail. Bryant and James to follow.

A) It's not some people quoting Jefferson...it's just one (me)

B) I'm not going to justify my position to someone who goes by the name 'Camden Beer'...

C) Yet another post which shows why the GOP won't run NJ in the near future....too many crazies in the party.

Do yourself a favor and think before you speak. Which business friendly 'red states' are you talking about? The bustling metropolis of Burmingham, Alabama? Little Rock Arkansas? Bismark, North Dakota? As far as I remember, the vast majority of states with a semblance of commerce are Democratic leaning.

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

What a devestating loss to the Republican Party! I cannot believe nor understand how such powerhouses would ever consider changing party affiliations. Two big lossers who couldn't win their voting districts during a simple primary election. What a loss! How about fundraising? Two commiteepeople who couldn't buy or sell four tickets between themselves. What an assest they'll be to the their new loyal friends ; any comp tickets laying around? Maybe "Danny Boy" Hutchinson had to bail them out again. Now they can be legendary leaders in their own minds.

Interesting these two sound one in the same and meverett please don't bring that DEMOCROOK Bleeding Heart thing into the conversation. The Republicans will run the state again once the people have had enough of the STENCH that the New Jersey DEMOCROOKS would have created over the 8 years of mismanagement, lies and thievery will bring the end of Wall street boy wonder Jonnie and DEMOCROOK control.

As I have said before there won't be any DEMOCROOKS left to elect as they will all be put to shame and in jail for their ARONGANTS, CORRUPTION, DISHONESTY, SLEASE, DECEITFULNESS and any other words that represent how low that organization of 60’s Pot Heads can take it till they all die and leave this earth will this country get back to the roots that yes, even Thomas Jefferson and the forefathers had envision.

As you don’t have a clue here, just as you do not have a clue with your idiot friend from Haddonfield who never had to pay a price for your right to speak out, as I have, I just say to you and him……………

“RUN FRED RUN” “RUN FRED RUN” “RUN FRED RUN” 

The next REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not the wife of a draft-dodging, slut chasing loser, from whatever state they say they are from today nor a Terrorist sounding first name person with no knowledge of anything.

 “RUN FRED RUN” “RUN FRED RUN” “RUN FRED RUN” 

A story about 2 of Dan's guys that did nothing rates a story. Thank god they followed Dan, now he has all of his hired help, I mean robots, I mean servants with him. Are you guys allowed in the front door or just hold it for him? Can anyone list one good or effective thing these guys did? Raise money, no, build the organization , no, buy a ticket and pay for it, that wasn't a just a basketball bouncing. Hey Dems when they come to your fundraisers, get a certified check. Frank runs a primary and can't win his district, wow a real power house. What a loss.

meverett I suggest you read Wayne Root - Millionaire Republican.

The book explains that a hard working, educated American can make it anywhere, but why bother in a high tax, overregulated blue state when it is easier in a red state.

Red State boom economies would include

The entire state of North Carolina

Las Vegas area in Nevada

Salt Lake City in Utah

Oil business in Texas

No Income Tax in Florida

Phonix Arizon just passed Philadelphia in population.

As for the name "Camden Beer". It was a major company in Camden City in the days of RCA, New York Shipbuilding, Campbell's Soup, etc.

You all are way too high and mighty to have a constructive talk. "You naybe the most naive person"... "how stupid and ignorant he is"...."once the people have had enough of the STENCH"..."slut chasing loser"..."Terrorist sounding first name person "..."Soon the entire state will look like Camden or Newark"..."Get a clue, dude!" Two nobody's from CAmden county switched parties. It was reported because it piggybacks off of the national stories concerning Domenici and Lugar. I can't wait to hear what you have to say when anything of signifigance happens. Or maybe, we could have audio posts that way we could scream at eachother and whoever screams the loudest and the longest wins! ...and it's his last name that sounds terroristy...if your're going to be a bigot please do it correctly.

I normally leave politicsnj comments for when I'm bored at work but...

MadMax has done it again...embarrassing himself with his over the top poor grammar and ramblings of a crazy (note that I'm using the word crazy as a noun) which doesn‘t warrant a legitimate response. I've said this to Xenu before, I respect the fact that you've served this country in the military.

But I'll admit you've made a great point...I'm a wanted criminal...I voted for John Kerry (that does make me a terrorist right?) and Lautenberg and Menendez....put me behind bars for life. In fact, why stop where the GOP in the 109th started and do away with habeas corpus altogether? That way we can start mass kidnappings of all Democrats! Hell....why not just put all of us in Guantanamo, maybe the CIA'll get us to tell the secret of how to win a statewide election in NJ.

Camdenbeer, note taken on the name. Note also taken on the book. There are examples for both sides to use on successful economic policies. Nevada is a tough one because their senior senator is the majority leader, while Ensign is a fairly conservative voice on the other side of the isle. I think that on principal, the GOP works much better on the local level because of economic policies. This is why it’s a big deal that they’re struggling so much considering the incredibly high taxes in NJ…apparently, the majority of people in NJ would rather pay high taxes than have right wing extremists dictate their morals.

With regards to these 'traitors' in South Jersey...I'm an NJ Devils fan. I heard a lot of people this summer talking about how Scott Gomez really isn't that good and how much we're not going to miss him now that he's gone...but the fact is...losing Scott Gomez hurts no matter how much we tell ourselves it doesn‘t...Losing him to the Rangers hurts even worse....hopefully...this analogy isn't lost on everyone else.

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

Blah-Blah-Blah  Yak-Yak-Yak

Yak yak yak. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah. Blah blah. Blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah. This is a page about nothing. Blah blah. Blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah. Yak yak yak. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah. Yak yak yak. Blah blah blah. Blah blah. Blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah.

Did you know that "blah-blah" means silly or pretentious chatter or nonsense?

The meverett way and besides you don't warrant my best writing anyway and I would not be so ostentatious to waste such an enormous capacity of writing for you’re pleasure.

And “That’s all I have to say about that”…………

I appreciate that you went through the trouble to buy a thesaurus and fill your post with a few big words you don't know in order to look smart. Unfortunately, filling your post with long words that don't fit where you use them so you can make an ad hom attack is exactly what you are....a joke.

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

I really want to be a smart, self-righteous, know-it-all with my head in the sand, like you.

This is not a post about freeholder elections or my lack of gravitas. Please. Have you been to a freeholder meeting? Do you think freeholders like Ripa or Cream have this high level of gravitas, maturity and policy knowledge that you so crave in elected officials? If you do, you must be smoking some really good stuff.

You're my Oedipal figure? Where did this come from? The whole Oedipus thing has to do with a desire for the opposite-sex parent. As far as I know, you are not a parent, you are not female, and you are no relation to me. If you think you are any of these (or that I do), you must be smoking some really good stuff.

I guess if you can't counter an argument, you switch to personal attacks on the messenger. I used to think you couldn't win a race for local dogcatcher, but I see you catch on quick to not answering the question, changing the subject, and making personal attacks. Hey, you might actually make a good candidate some day!

The bottom line is that party switches at this level usually have a lot to do with personal gain, personal gripes, and/or some type of reward for the switch. These guys were losers in their own feckless party (to use your term). But it tells you a lot about how the Dems will work at any level to chip away at ANY type of opposition (or take advantage of GOP discord). It's their right to do so - but don't try and mask it as some type of grand ideological/principle type of switch. We all know better than that. At a higher level (congressman, senator, governor) it might be that -- but not at this level.

Knowing these people, working with them in the past, knowing their whole story, and knowing a few things about party politics from 20 years of involvement -- these do make one a kind of authority, Martin. What makes you an authority?

Now, reach into that man-bag and share some of that good stuff. I want to kill a few brain cells and feel as good about myself as you do.

Not to stick up for anyone but the story of Oedipus has as much to do with a self fufilling prophacy as the attraction to ones mother. The whole reason Oedipus is banished as a baby is because a prophecy said the king would be killed by his son. Yada Yada Yada...Oedipus comes back and kills the king without either of them realizing he is family...

After re-reading, even this doesn't fit in with Martin's statement, but I figured I would add the double meaning.

If a nation expects to be ignorant — and free — in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

-Thomas Jefferson

Have been Democrats a lot longer than the past week! When their meal ticket (Dan Hutchison) switched parties, they switched too. These two losers can't make it in the real world and have to rely on Democrat Dan for their lively hoods.Keep sending them your bancruptcy clients Dan, that's the only way Frank could ever sell a house. The CCGOP, although weak, is much better off without these two poor excuses.

Seems like Dan Hutchinson has become the Democrats new attack dog. he seems to be on a never ending mission to conduct personal attacks rather than address the local business of the township to which he serves, altho one young man stood up to him and silenced him when Dan's comments were only self serving, as if that were different.Dan also has his little puppy his recent convert Frank. Just pull Frank's string and he'll bark just how Dan likes him. Its almost a comedey act. it is apparant to those in Gloucester township that the Democrats not only dont have a plan, but they want the people of Gloucester township to wait til AFTER the elections to show them thier NO PLAN. Who would have ever expected that. Oh well its only a matter of time before the Democrats get tired of hearing Dan and Frank's useless barking as the Dems have no clue how to fix the things that THERE NEW PARTY broke over a 10 year period. Hang in there Republicans. The people of Gloucester township are MUCH SMARTER than Dan and Frank give them credit for, and November elections shall prove that. Democrats offering reform when much of the same people offering reform ar the same people that have been running as Democrats the whole time.Who are they gonna reform? THEMSELVES? Take your town back Republicans before the democrats chase even more people out of township.