MATT ROONEY – Save Jersey’s Founder & Blogger-in-Chief
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“There is no conservative Republican activist in New Jersey with a greater ability to reach and influence the Republican wing of the state Republican party.”
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Then a 23-year old law student looking to make a difference in his home state, Matt Rooney launched The Save Jersey Blog in August 2008 without any fanfare, a $0 budget and a homemade Facebook group page. He began to write about both trending and under-the-radar topics in New Jersey politics. Matt recognized a critical need for an independent, pro-taxpayer voice in the New Jersey media and sought to meet it.
Over the next few years, Matt’s one-man blogging operation quickly blossomed into the primary online gathering place for New Jersey’s long-beleaguered conservative movement with tens of thousands of weekly visitors (and some very vocal detractors, too) and well over a million unique visitors annually. Save Jersey has been cited or credited hundreds of times over the years by news outlets ranging from Fox News and Politico to local and regional publications.
Since May 2008, Save Jersey has been repeatedly recognized in recent years as a potent force in New Jersey politics; Matt has been recognized on the New Jersey Globe Power List for three years in a row (2018-2020), was ranked #46 on InsiderNJ’s 100 Media Power List in 2017, named a “Rising Star” in state politics by Gannett’s New Jersey newspapers in 2013, and a top politics and policy tweeter by NJSpotlight. In 2012, he received the nationally-recognized Independence Hall Tea Party Association’s (IHTPA) 2012 Benjamin Franklin Award for Courageous Journalism.
A regular guest on regional radio programs, Matt currently hosts ‘The Matt Rooney Show’ on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT every Sunday from 8-10 p.m. EST. He previously served as a weekly ‘A+ panelist’ on Chasing News with Bill Spadea.
Matt is a life-long New Jersey resident born at Camden City’s Cooper Hospital in 1984 and raised in nearby Oaklyn. When he’s not fighting for a freer and more prosperous Garden State, Matt is a practicing attorney at the South Jersey-based law firm of DeMichele & DeMichele, P.C. in Haddon Heights, Camden County, focusing on New Jersey family, personal injury, civil litigation and municipal court matters. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 2010 from the Rutgers University School of Law – Camden; in 2007, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where he was also an active College Republican leader and conservative activist. Matt continues to reside in South Jersey with his wife and son.
Follow Matt: Facebook – Twitter – Email – Law Offices
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What they’ve said about Matt Rooney’s Save Jersey:
“Matt Rooney is one of our State’s most passionate and dedicated YR leaders. His tireless efforts are leading the GOP netroots revolution in New Jersey, conveying our party’s conservative message to a new generation of Republicans. Matt’s hard work is already paying dividends here in the Garden State…”
– Then-Future Governor Chris Christie (R-New Jersey), endorsing Matt Rooney for Young Republican national office back in 2009.
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“I will say that the blog, from the very first day to today, performs a very important role for the citizens of New Jersey. And you were great and […] there was a vacuum that existed, and you’ve really provided an extraordinary leadership role to bring out important ideas before the citizens of New Jersey, so I want to say, more than once, thank you.”
– Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union) during an Election 2013 interview with Matt Rooney
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“Save Jersey Blog founder Matt Rooney, 28, of Collingswood has become an influential voice in the Republican Party. He has developed a following around the state due to his blog and activism. He has never made a bid for elective office, but one observer says ‘he has all the markings of someone who wants to run for office some day.’ Rooney is an an attorney with DeMichele & DeMichele in Camden County.”
– The Asbury Park Press, as part of a statewide Gannett Newspapers series citing Matt Rooney as a top “Rising Star” in NJ politics.
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“What’s undeniable is that Save Jersey.com has become a must-read among Republicans, Trenton-watchers, and even Democrats. Reading its savvy, sassy coverage of the Rutgers-Rowan merger, I enjoy the combative Jersey-ness that defines the site.”
– Kevin Riordan of The Philadelphia Inquirer profiling Matt Rooney, Brian McGovern and Save Jersey in April 2012.
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“The founding editor of Save Jersey has carved out a space for himself as the state’s go-to GOP commentator and opinion-crafter.”
– InsiderNJ.com, naming Matt Rooney as #46 on its 100 Media Power List in 2017.
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Stumbled upon SaveJersey website while reading the Paul VI SOAR magazine latest edition. With so few conservatives in NJ it was a comfort to know that there is actually a forum for our side. Thanks!
I was in HS when the question was put on the ballot for residents to approve gambling, and it was promised to residents in southern NJ that our Real Estate taxes would be one of the lowest in the nation. When you talk to older New Jerseyan’s they remember this well, and many have told me they did receive a “tax rebate check”, NOTE, one check. Typical of Jersey politicians! Now, rather than embracing the whole OCEANFRONT/FAMILY concept that I suggested years past, and presently the ONLY OCEANFRONT GAMBLING RESORT in the USA on the ATLANTIC OCEAN, we are sitting on the bay-side, so to speak. I DO NOT GET IT! Poor business planning if you ask me. This area could be a GOLDMINE if utilized to it’s capacity. THANK YOU
agreed!
I’m not interested in “one side” v. the “other side.” but I am interested in the corruption and nepotism in this state that serves no one but the political power brokers. thanks for your commentary!
Impressive!!! Have you all been visited by the IRS?! Thank you for what you do. Keep it up!!
What a well-defined diverse group. Seems I have common ground with each of you and hence why I get much enjoyment reading your blogs! Keep up the great work.
I have very interesting information on council women Debor Shapiro of Liviingston.