By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
Somewhere, Bob Franks is smiling, Save Jerseyans.
Why? The deceased New Jersey veteran politico’s friend and ally John Kasich is having a decent little 24 hours here in the Garden State.
For starters, Senators Kip Bateman (R-16) and Jennifer Beck (R-11) are endorsing the Ohio Governor’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination. According to at least one report, both legislators are on the host list for a New Jersey Kasich fundraiser coming up in April. Endorsements by themselves don’t mean what they used to in the modern political environment but they sure don’t hurt (in most cases – ask Mitt Romney).
Most other GOP legislators have remained quiet in the early going. Notable exceptions include Senators Mike Doherty (R-23) and Joe Pennacchio (R-26) who’ve both endorsed Trump.
Meanwhile, up in the densely-populated suburbs of our state’s northeastern bend, Union County Republicans endorsed Kasich over Donald Trump on a second ballot last night, the first N.J. GOP convention thus far this cycle that has gone to someone who isn’t the Donald.
They’re in the minority, yes, but not alone. Kasich also has the support of someone not particularly popular among the Republican grassroots but nevertheless is still a recognized figure both here and nationally: former Governor Christine Todd Whitman.
I know. Now, some of you are going to say “So what, Matt? Look at the delegate counts; they’re wasting their time on a loser!”
Exactly. Look at the delegate counts, then check out this well-written post over at The Observer penned by leading N.J.-based Kasich booster, venture capitalist and former congressional candidate Scott Sipprelle. If Trump falls short of clinching the nomination per-Cleveland (what’s looking like a possible Trump loss in Wisconsin next week makes that more likely), throw out the rule book.
Anything can happen.
It’s a historically-strange year. A year in which New Jersey’s voice might actually matter for a change. Me? Still thinking this one over given the remaining options, but yes, I’m sincerely happy for anyone who seizes the opportunity to think independently and take a stand. I say that without reservation!
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That’s cute.
When your govt representatives back people who have no chance of succeeding it tells you all you need to know about NJ.
Why would they back a candidate with no possible chance of winning?
Yeah, nice!!!! This way if Kasich becomes Pres. and there occurs an international incident with, let’s say, someone like the Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, he can hug him and whisper sweet nothings in his ear. Kasich is a joke. he’d be better off being Pres. of a Tavern, where he belongs.
Well yea bc they’re RINOs
It’s the safe play.
Endorse a guy who has NO path to nomination, except by fiat. Safe to say they’re part of the establishment problem.
Just shows the intelligence of the people running this state. Idiots. Kasich has no chance!
Two more Idiots from NJ
Only TRUMP…VOTE THESE TWO ASSHATS OUT