March 15, 2008 - 3:00pm
Tom Blakely, GOP consultant, dies at 47
By Editor
Tags: Robert Torricelli, Tom Blakely, James Treffinger, Dick Zimmer, Christine Todd Whitman, Jamestown Associates, GOP consultant dies
Tom Blakely (1961-2008)Republican political consultant Tom Blakely died this morning after collapsing during a 5k run in Bordentown. He was 48.
Blakely was the President of Jamestown Associates, a New Jersey-based GOP consulting firm. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he served as an aide to Rep. Dick Zimmer and was Campaign Manager of Zimmer’s 1996 U.S. Senate bid against Robert Torricelli. He also ran County Executive campaigns for James Treffinger and Robert Prunetti, and was Director of Appointments for Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.
Jamestown just directed Andy Harris successful GOP primary campaign against Rep. Wayne Gilchrest in Maryland, and is working for GOP House candidate Leonard Lance. In 2006, he consulted for Tim Walberg's Republican primary victory over Michigan incumbent Rep. Joe Schwarz.
"I relied on Tom Blakely without hesitation when confronted with the most daunting challenges of my political life," Zimmer told PolitickerNJ.com. "He was a man of integrity, tenacity, loyalty and candor. Tom's life is a testament to the maxim that there's no such thing as an ex-Marine."
READ BLAKEY'S FEBRUARY 18, 2008 OP-ED ON POLITICKERNJ.COM
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I'm so sorry.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Tom's age
Please check records, I believe Tom was 46 years old, not 48.
::prayers::
::prayers::
One of the best..
Tom Blakely
1961-2008
Requiescat in Pace
A true patriot and loyal friend.
As loyal a friend as you were tenacious in the thick of any political fight, Tom, I’ll miss you greatly. You and your family remain in my prayers.
A great man
He was a special man who was loved by so many.
Tom will be missed by many
Tom was a mentor and advisor to members of congress, legions of state and local elected officials, young political operatives, and others in the public eye. His counsel was sought by many who put great trust in his judgment. Regardless of their position, he treated all the same and never bragged about his behind the scenes influence. Most importantly, he was a proud husband and father to two beautiful young children for whom we’ll be praying for to give them strength and character just like their father had even under the most adverse of circumstances.
Blake
Tom gave me my first job in politics. Throughout the years he has been a mentor, a go to guy for advice and a good friend. His committment to his work and honor, inspired me to always try to do better in whatever I was doing. Regardless of anything, he was always a stand up guy. And in this business, that'sa rarity.
His loss is simply devastating.
I pray for strength for his wife and children. And my thoughts are with his friends and relatives, and his greater family within the New Jersey political community.
It is impossible to find the correct words right now to provide testament to Blake's life and accomplishments. I guess the only thing there is to say is;
Semper fidelis, dude...
- Joshua
Terrible News
Very sad indeed. Perhaps he's run in these before, but as an asthmatic who has run a few 5K's himself over the years, this is why you always go to a doctor for a check up beforehand to make sure your in the proper physical condition to do so. Especially when you're nearing 50 like Mr. Blakely was.
A very tragic loss.
"Liberals are people who will believe anything...twice."- William F. Buckley
Tom
I only recently learned of Tom's sudden death. There is absolutely nothing I can say to lessen this loss. Tom, was simply, the best! We always got together during NJ election cycles. When I couldn't reach him recently, I learned of his passing. MY life "of politics" will never, never be the same. Tom was not only real-time, but he was loyal-time all-the-time Blakely. God, what a great loss, that only a very few of us will ever know. Tom, I will never forget you. I wasn't there the day of your passing. . .but I know what you would have said. . .don't worry about me. . .but. . .please. . .help take care of my family? An so it will be, for me. Tom, you were, and always will be, a GREAT AMERICAN. GOD I'm going to miss you!