Elected Gloucester County Leader Stunned by GOP Ineptitude

Tonight, Mr. Rob Eichmann, elected member of the Republican State Committee, had an awful lot to say about the state of the GOP in NJ amid Chris Christie's precipitous slide in the polls.

Reached at a function this evening aimed at highlighting what the Republican party can do to increase it's influence in New Jersey politics instead of aquiesce to the whims of the democrats, Mr. Eichmann was very vocal and vociferous.

"First and foremost, our party and our candidates must be able to state their core beliefs and principles.  In our case, that is cutting the size, power, and scope of government.  It is up to our candidates to discuss the specifics; in general, that is what our party believes in!  It should not even be a discussion as to whether or not we support the RNC platform.  The very idea of the NJ Republican State Committee squabbling over this, in a year when we are one of only two states holding an election for statewide office, is discomforting.  With all of the voter angst, why wouldn't we want to proudly and loudly proclaim what we stand for?  Running away from our beliefs doesn't appear to make sense on any level, much less when you want to win an election!"

Many of the guests at the event echoed Mr. Eichmann's sentiments.  The biggest applause arose from the crowd when Mr. Eichmann asked "Can anyone tell me what Chris Christie stands for?  What does he believe in?  What does the GOP in NJ stand for?  Why won't they call themselves republicans?"  The room was on their feet and applauded loudly for several minutes.

The room was enthused when Mr. Eichmann recited the 10 point "Contract with New Jersey" put forth by the republican assembly challengers.  (re-printed below)  Mr. Eichmann then asked why the Assembly Republican Victory  - 2009 (ARV 2009), Assembly minority leader Alex DeCroce and Senate minority leader Tom Keane, Jr. refused to back this simple statement of principles.

 Mr. Eichmann sent the room into a frenzy when he asked "why can't our leadership support our platform?  Why can't our leadership support our candidates standing behind the principles I just read?  What is our so called leadership so damn afraid of?"  He ended with resounding applause as he exclaimed that "We need to elect representatives that are willing to articulate principles, be held accountable to them, and those that will work to change the do nothing culture in Trenton!"

"The Contract with New Jersey" by the GOP Assembly Challengers 

1.       Eliminate legal corruption: Expand pay to play rules and Conflicts of Interest law to unions and special interest groups who are the recipients of public funds.

  2.       Pension reform: New Jersey’s pension system is broken and in badly need of reform.  Only citizen representatives who are free from special interest groups can provide the change that is needed to make it more fair and rational for the workers and the taxpayers.

3.       Competitive benefits for government workers: Taxpayers are burdened enough.  All state workers, including legislators, must begin making contributions to their State-provided health care benefits.

  4.       Meaningful penalties for abuse of power:  End the culture of corruption by stiffening penalties for violators of the public trust.   

5.       Election competition:  Election reform to restore competitive elections by eliminating campaign war chests and opening up the process to regular citizens who seek to challenge incumbents.

  6.       Cut taxes and regulations: Cut taxes to promote private sector job growth in New Jersey.   

7.       True property tax reform: End unfunded State mandates and provide meaningful property tax relief.

  8.       Parental choice in education: Improve quality and reduce costs by introducing competition. 

9.       Free choice in health care:  Increase individual choices and competition which will result in lower health care costs for everyone.

  10.     Stop the violence: Government's primary responsibility is to protect the public. We pledge to devote necessary resources to end violence in our communities