Ocean GOP optimistic about Giuliani

An elevator-full of Rudy Giuliani supporters looked at the ceiling when confronted with today’s Monmouth University/Gannett poll numbers that show the former New York mayor in a statistical dead heat with Arizona Sen. John McCain in the 2008 GOP presidential primary.

They were riding down from the fourth floor of the Toms River law office of Ocean County Republican Chairman George Gilmore, who also serves as state chairman of Giuliani’s campaign in New Jersey.

Gilmore wasn’t in town today.

"He’s in Florida, helping the Giuliani campaign effort there," said Freeholder Jack Kelly, who officially announced his 3rd District Congressional candidacy today.

"I stand by my endorsement of Mayor Giuliani," said Kelly, who used Giuliani's pro President George W. Bush, offense versus defense analogy in defending an aggressive fight on global terrorism. "Whoever our party nominates will beat the candidate from the Democrat Party."

The tough talk on terror prompted a response from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"Both Chris Myers and John Kelly are welcome to cross the third district touting their unwavering support of President Bush's war in Iraq," DCCC spokeswoman Carrie James said of the 3rd district Republican candidates.  "The American people have been outspoken in their opposition to this war and are ready for a new direction and leaders, like John Adler, who will fight to bring a responsible end to the war in Iraq."

County Clerk Carl W. Block pinned his hopes on primaries in Michigan and South Carolina.

"If Romney can beat McCain in Michigan tonight, that takes away the momentum that McCain got in New Hampshire," said Block. "Then if someone else can win in South Carolina, you open up the field more so that once again there’s not a strong national favorite coming into the Feb. 5th New Jersey primary."