Ocean County Republican Party Announces Nominations + Governor Christie Makes Appearance [VIDEO]

Governor Christie is issuing a challenge to Ocean County Republicans, to win in the county by a 100,000 vote margin.

The governor made the bold request in Toms River during the Ocean County Republican Convention at the Holiday Inn on Route 37.

Christie and Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno received the nomination from the County’s GOP club, which was integral in the governor’s 2009 victory.

Additionally, Ocean County Republican Chairman George Gilmore announced the organization’s nominations of Senator Chris Connors, Assemblywoman Diane Gove, and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf in the 9th District, in the 10th district Senators Jim Holzapfel assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Greg McGuckin, in the 12th district Senator Sam Thompson and assemblymen Ron Dancer and Rob Clifton, in the 30th district assemblymen Sean Kean, Bob Singer, and Dave Rible all received endorsement.

Toms River Police Chief Mike Mastronardy got the nomination for Ocean County Sheriff, a position still vacant since former Sheriff Bill Polhemus passed away. For surrogate, incumbent Jeff Morans received the nomination. Freeholders Jim Lacey and Jack Kelly were nominated. Ginny Haines and Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher received nod for state committeeperson.

Christie’s nomination was the focal point of the convention, with the governor, in attendance, delivering a speech accepting the nomination. He noted seeing the devastation from Superstorm Sandy inspired him to decide to run for another term.

“I said to Mary Pat (Christie) that morning, ‘We’ve got a job to finish and we’re not going to be able to finish it in the next year, we’re going to need a few years to finish this job.’”

He also took the opportunity to attack his gubernatorial opponent, Senator Barbara Buono, criticizing her voting record and accusing her of supporting tax increases for Garden State residents.

“Let me tell you, if you thought the choice was stark between me and John Corzine, you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Adding “Senator Barbara Buono has voted 172 times to raise your taxes during her career in the legislature.”

The governor stressed the importance of continuing momentum in Ocean County, noting even though he has a 74 percent job approval rating, there will be a challenge getting people to vote.

“We need to work even harder this time. It doesn’t make sense but it’s true because we got to wake people up. When people are angry, like they were three years ago getting them to the polls was an easier proposition because they can’t wait to be heard. Now that 61 percent say the state is moving in the right direction we get complacency.’

Christie beat his opponent Jon Corzine by seventy thousand votes, the only time an elected official won by a larger margin in the county was Ronald Reagan during his second presidential run.

“I know the governor is going to want to break that record not only now but if in the future he wishes to run for president it’s going to be up to Ocean County to bring him over the one hundred thousand margin.” Says Gilmore.