ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD
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BODY POLITIC by Jack Archibald, Atlantic Highlands Councilman

Contact Jack Archibald jack@ahherald.com View archive

12TH DISTRICT SHAPING UP AS REAL BATTLEGROUND

It’s early, but one of New Jersey’s most interesting political races of the year will take place in Monmouth County. On the Republican side, four candidates have openly declared their intentions for the 12 th Legislative District while the Democrats will try to hold onto seats won just over a year ago. The battle is shaping up as a pivotal one, and the successful candidates will probably hold to their seats for years to come.

Republicans think they have a good shot at recapturing the lost seats. Traditionally a Republican stronghold, the race last time turned on the fate of then State Senator John Bennett. After being demonized in the press for much of 2003, Senator Bennett and his running mates took the chance that the voters would reward their years of service and overlook some ethical lapses. Instead, Democrats Ellen Karcher, Robert Morgan, and Michael Panter rode the voter discontent to a sweep of the three posts, and Republicans were playing “I told you so” over Bennett’s campaign.

This year will be different. The four declared Republicans include Little Silver Councilman Declan O’Scanlan, former Wall Mayor and Colts Neck resident Mike Fitgerald, Red Bank Councilwoman Jennifer Beck, and Evan Maltz a Millstone resident and former Mayor. All of these candidates are fresh faces on the state level, but well known among the foot soldiers of the local Monmouth County Republicans. Look for some kind of deal to be cut before the June primary, with Beck emerging as one part of the ticket. It almost doesn’t matter which two prevail as challengers, because they will have a unified party behind them ready to take on Panter and Morgan.

Give the freshman legislators their due. They have held countless town meetings among their constituents, appear to have come down on the right side of the ethics battle, and have not always marched in step with the Trenton Democrats. This time around will be different, as they will have a record to defend and a Republican Party eager to retake their cherished seats. If there is a Republican primary, it will be fun to watch and will only serve as a warm-up act for November’s main event.