Last night more than fifty Atlantic County Young Republicans packed Mangia by the Green in Egg Harbor Township for the organization’s annual reorganization meeting. Rising Republican star Manny Aponte, a prominent Latino financial advisor and former freeholder candidate, was unanimously elected to lead the Young Republicans through the 2009 election.

Atlantic County Democratic Chairman Patrick D’Arcy, who succeeded Ronald Ruff as county chairman in June, seems to have inherited the helm of the party during at a fortunate time.

Democrats, for the first time ever, outnumber Republicans in Atlantic County – and by a lot.

“This is certainly a traditionally Republican area. Everyone can have philosophical differences, but Obama has energized people who have never been involved before. You’re talking about a 20,000 swing in one year. Last year there were 10,000 less Republicans, now there are 10,000 more,” he said. “When you’re looking at it pro-rata, that’s an insane amount.”

D’Arcy sees that number as a sign that Democrats are going to make up for the freeholder seats they lost last year, after which they’ll be able to make gains on top of it to eventually take control of the board.

Cooper is being represented by William Tambussi of Westmont, Camden County, who is the attorney for the Camden County Democrat organization as well as the personal lawyer for George Norcross, Camden County’s Democrat power broker.

“There is no more urgent quality of life issue than ensuring a clean environment through the enactment of well crafted, forward looking policies. Achieving the goals set forth in our go green agenda will not only result in our citizens enjoying an enhanced and healthier atmosphere, but will lead to significant long term savings to our taxpayers as well.”

Former Democrat State Sens. Sharpe James and Wayne Bryant along with former Assemblymen Mims Hackett and Alfred Steele were supported by Schroeder in his job as a lobbyist for the New Jersey Education Association.

"Cooper's continued silence is a stunning hypocrisy. She showed no reluctance to fling false accusations at others when it suited her political agenda, but has remained tight-lipped in the face of the actions of her party and her running mate."

“The goal of cleansing our political campaign process of the disproportionate influence wielded by power brokers with large amounts of cash at their disposal can be attained with a strong deterrent policy. Substantial fines and reimbursement of ill gotten gains --- such as we are recommending --- must be a part of that policy.”

“We remind and warn Cooper that this year county candidates are subject to the county’s ban on pay to play as well as strict limits on so-called wheeling of contributions in which money is funneled into the county from outside. If she sticks to past Democrat Party strategy, she runs the risk of violating the county’s ordinance --- one enacted with Cooper’s support --- and will be subject to complaints filed in municipal court.”

“By abstaining, Cooper has clearly sided with those who want to perpetuate an unfair and dishonest system and manipulate it for partisan political advantage. She has contributed to the cynicism which people feel about government and has reinforced the perception that political gain trumps the public interest.“

  “County government continues to enjoy excellent fiscal health and stability because of the foresight and prudence exercised by the county administration. The county property tax rate has been cut for eight consecutive years, spending has been kept tightly in check, and hiring is based on need and qualifications.”