Hambel is top candidate to succeed Zeoli

Former Sparta Mayor Ailish Hambel has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Richard Zeoli as Sussex County Republican Chairman when County Committee members hold a special election on February 7.  Zeoli, the Chairman since 2003, is resigning on Saturday to focus on his campaign for the GOP Freeholder nomination.

Hambel was Acting County Chairman briefly in 2003. As Vice Chair, she took over when David Mortimer resigned to run for the State Assembly after Scott Garrett won a seat in Congress.  Jill Space, the current Vice Chair, will be Acting County Chairman for the week between Zeoli's resignation and the election of his successor.

Zeoli, a former aide to Garrett and Acting Governor Donald DiFrancesco, is seeking the seat of Glen Vetrano, who is not a candidate for re-election. 

The text of Zeoli's letter to the County Committee follows:

I want to sincerely thank you for the service you have provided to the Sussex County Republican Committee. Without question, the great successes we achieved on the local, county, and federal levels occurred in no small part because of the effort you put forward on behalf of the party. I congratulate Congressman Scott Garrett, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Freeholder Phil Crabb, and all the Republican mayors and council members who were victorious in November. Their triumphs show both the resilient hope of their message and the power of teamwork.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the momentum of enthusiasm I sense within our party. As is often the case, however, change accompanies growth, and as you may know, Freeholder Glen Vetrano has announced he will not be seeking re election to the Sussex County Freeholder Board in 2009. Glen has done an outstanding job representing the people of Sussex County and I would like to offer him my gratitude for his service and for his commitment to the people of this county. I know he will remain involved and lend his many skills and talents to the people of the county, and I wish him continued success in all his endeavors.

As you know I am resigning as Chairman effective February 1, 2009. It has truly been an honor to serve and I thank you for the privilege. In the past six years we have won every single election for Congressional, legislative, Freeholder, and constitutional officer seats, and we have increased Republican numbers among mayors and council members throughout the county. Despite the ever-increasing fundraising regulations aimed directly at shutting down county political organizations, we were always able to fund our campaigns, pay our bills, pay staff, and maintain a headquarters.

In addition, we added new events such as the Spring Gala, the Road to Victory Beefsteak Dinner, and the annual Space Farms Family Day. By bringing prominent speakers such as Mark Levin, Curtis Sliwa, and national Republican leaders, we grew as a party. Our door-to-door GOTV program ensured we had a constant presence in all of our towns. Most importantly, thanks to the outstanding work over the years of both Treasurers Terry Beshada and Amy Nittolo, our financial accounting was held to the highest possible standards. By carefully scrutinizing each and every donation that came through our door, we avoided the steep financial fines accompanied by the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2004 and "pay-to-play restrictions" specifically designed to weaken GOP county committees.

By expanding our Internet presence we brought the party into the 21st century and set a standard that other county political organizations soon followed. We moved our headquarters to historic downtown Newton where it remains today, albeit half the space due to the needs of our landlord. As we are on a month-to-month lease agreement with our landlord, our new Chair will be able to guide the county committee in deciding whether to either keep or relocate the Headquarters.

Last but not least, let's never forget that in 2005 our county hosted the first Gubernatorial Debate in New Jersey and hundreds of people, as well as national and state media, were on hand to see all seven of the candidates grace the stage of Sussex County Technical School. We are looking forward to possibly hosting another Gubernatorial debate as well as a convention in 2009.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without your confidence, support, and teamwork. Working together, we reached new heights, and I know there are still greater heights that can and will be achieved.

To ensure a smooth committee leadership transition, and in accordance with Committee bylaws, effective February 1st, First Vice Chair Jill Space will become Acting Chair. I have full confidence in First Vice Chair Space's ability to serve and oversee the County Committee meeting to select the new Chair on Saturday, February 7 at 11am at Sussex County Technical School. The annual Lincoln Day brunch honoring Freeholder Director Glen Vetrano will follow the meeting starting at noon, at the Lafayette House. In another sign of Sussex County's statewide importance, all of the declared Republican Gubernatorial candidates are attending the brunch.

Thank you once again for your support and friendship over these last six years. While the arena may change, I will never stop fighting for the conservative values of limited government and low taxes that have made Sussex County one of the greatest places to live in New Jersey. As we move forward in 2009, I look forward to continuing this worthy fight with you.

Happy New Year, and may God bless you and your family in 2009.