And then there were four, Save Jerseyans.
NJ 101.5 host Bill Spadea formally launched his long-anticipated 2025 gubernatorial campaign on Monday with a social media-distributed video highlighting his radio career and taking aim at his prime primary opponent.
“Newsflash: Republicans are never going to take back our state if we nominate a 35 year career politician who’s already lost twice for governor,” said Spadea as an image of the intended target (2021 nominee Jack Ciattarelli) appears on the screen.
Spadea, a retired Marine, former real estate professional, ex-television host and made-for-TV film producer, joins Ciattarelli, state Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21), and ex-state Senator Ed “The Trucker” Durr (R-3) as officially announced primary candidates despite the fact that the actual 2025 GOP primary is still one year away. He also hit the familiar notes in his launch video, promising to crack down on illegal immigration, support parental rights, and tackle property taxes.
“If you’re okay with more of the same, the other Republicans running for governor will give you exactly that,” added Spadea. “I’m running for the people who are sick and tired of expecting little from the politicians we elect, and getting even less on the radio. I give power to those who deserve to have their voices heard. And that’s exactly what I’ll do as your governor.”
What’s less clear is what NJ 101.5 will do with Spadea’s morning drive-time program. FCC rules don’t explicitly prohibit Spadea from running for office and remaining on the air, but there are limitations, potential ELEC (state campaign finance) concerns, and a possible FCC complication for the station: his adversaries demanding equal time.
“Equal opportunity usually means that a station must make the same amount of time available to opposing candidates, but the term can mean more than just the same amount of time; a station might also be required to provide opposing candidates with time during a portion of the day when there is a comparable audience,” explains the standards page of the PBS website. “A station does not need to provide opposing candidates with time during the same program.”
Whether Spadea’s candidacy for the purposes of the FCC begins today (the announcement) or next year (when his nominating petitions are filed) could determine NJ 101.5’s ultimate position, but for now, NJ Globe reports that Townsquare Media – the parent company – intends to keep him on the air.
A traditional in-person launch rally is planned for Tuesday evening in Whiting (Ocean County), a stronghold of Spadea’s most influential establishment backer: Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore.
Watch below:
I’m IN. I’m proud to announce that I’m running for Governor. There’s a lot of work to be done to restore common sense to New Jersey and I’m ready to get the job done for YOU. Check out my announcement video below and join us at our first campaign rally tomorrow, June 18th.
Now… pic.twitter.com/q8YRx5Fa4W
— Bill Spadea (@BillSpadea) June 17, 2024
