In a political cycle characterized by tremendous discord at the national level, the NJGOP’s U.S. Senate “primary” has been nothing but smooth sailing for presumptive nominee Joe Kyrillos.
Earlier today, the Monmouth legislator accepted the formal support of Mercer County Republican leaders including Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried, Hamilton Township Mayor John Bencivengo, former State Senator Tom Goodwin, former State Senator Peter Inverso, and former NJ-12 Congressional Candidate Scott Sipprelle.
Kyrillos has also been endorsed by the Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Monmouth, and Ocean County Republican Organizations. All without opposition, mind you.
It could’ve turned out much differently, Save Jerseyans…
Senator Kyrillos’s Democrat opponent is vulnerable but his own name recognition remains nearly non-existent outside of his home district. I’ve described this general election dynamic as a “glass half full, half empty” situation for the GOP contender’s campaign. Opportunity mixed with a strong dose of economic reality; in other words, the chance to define yourself (at a high price, and hopefully before the other guy does). Therefore, a Lonegan-esque candidate could have engendered a real (if not “competitive”) primary race.
The fact that it didn’t turn out differently is a testament to Governor Christie’s near absolute control of the New Jersey Republican Party. And, of course, his “rainmaking” fundraising prowess.
The good news coming out of all of this? Unlike Mitt Romney, Kyrillos can now conserve time, money and good will building a comprehensive GOTV organization. Sure, a bloody primary helps boost your name recognition, but it also has an upward effect on your negatives, too. Again… in a year like 2012, Kyrillos is limited only by how much money he can raise and what kind of campaign he can run.
But the bad news? Mitt Romney has spent nearly a decade running for president. Accruing valuable debate experience, fine-tuning his core message, working out the procedural kinks, allowing the media to vet him and get it out of their system, etc. He’s a vet at this point with not-much-else to gain from a continued primary. Kyrillos, on the other hand, is relatively untested. He’s never reakky run anywhere except in comparatively conservative Monmouth district. No “preseason,” if you will, to train and test his mettle.
We have to hope he’s up for the challenge!
