RICK SHAFTAN NEEDS TO KEEP HIS COMMENTS ABOUT GLOUCESTER COUNTY TO HIMSELF

February 24, 2009; Franklin Township - Phyllis Scapellato the owner of the website itsnotloransparty.com and leader of a group dedicated to electing a new GOP chairman in Gloucester County took issue with remarks made by Steve Lonegan campaign strategist Rick Shaftan.

Rick Shaftan told PolitickerNJ.com "This is the whole [Gloucester County Republican Chairwoman Loran] Oglesby thing.  She wants a convention and the Christie people don't want it."

"Mr. Shaftan needs to get his facts straight before running his mouth," Phyllis Scapellato said. "To accuse us of wanting Loran Oglesby removed as party chairwoman to give the county line to any gubernatorial candidate is ridiculous. We want her out because she's a poor leader, no other reason."

"One member of our group, Chris Cugini, is the South Jersey coordinator for Rick Merkt," Scapellato added. "I don't think he wants to give the line to anyone but Rick and I have remained silent because both Rick Merkt and Steve Lonegan were supportive of our freeholder campaign. If I were to have the chance to award the line obviously I'd lean towards giving it to one of them."

"The fact is members of our group support different candidates," Scapellato stated. "It is unfair for Shaftan to run his mouth when some of us support Merkt, some Lonegan and some support Christie. I don't think he realizes the damage he just caused for his candidate here in Gloucester County. He just lost any chance he had at me deciding to back his candidate and I am sure Rick Merkt will thank him for it."

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