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Lonegan letter stirs debate in NJGOP
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Former Bogota mayor and defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan has publicly weighed in on an internecine battle in the New Jersey GOP that threatens to serve as a distraction to the Christie campaign. In a letter to state party chairman Vin Webber, Lonegan was critical of the state party's decision to forgo votes on motions formally adopting the national Republican Party platform and condemning Governor Jon Corzine's recently passed $29 billion budget. Though Lonegan does not criticize Christopher Christie by name, the letter could quickly become an issue Christie will have to deal with, taking time away from talking about issues important to voters.
In the letter, Lonegan derides the party "establishment" for refusing to vote on the motions, calling them "hollow men" and criticizing what he calls their refusal to stand on principle. Lonegan names Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. and Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, along with the Atlantic County Republican Committee, and rails against Republican actions in both chambers of the State House. Webber and Christie denied that the letter was evidence of divisions in the party. Webber called the entire controversy, "a tempest in a teapot," and said that New Jersey Republicans are united behind electing Christie governor.
On the surface, Lonegan's complaints appear to be minor. Lonegan's letter does not mention that Democrats in the legislature passed Governor Corzine's budget without a single Republican vote in either house. That is a much stronger show of opposition to Corzine than allowing a vote on a committee motion. Adopting a platform has largely become an academic exercise. Still, Lonegan did command over 40% of the vote in the June primary. That makes him a force to be reckoned with in New Jersey Republican circles.
The controversy will serve as a test of Christie's ability to lead the party and the state. He continues to lead Corzine in the polls, but must demonstrate to voters that he has the skills necessary to successfully govern. If Christie is able to defuse this situation, it could go toward convincing voters that he is up to the job of governor. Christie will likely be helped in that regard by President Barack Obama's visit on behalf of Corzine later this week. The visit will overshadow Republican infighting, and give the party something else to talk about.
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