New Jersey College Republicans

By most accounts, Saturday’s Annual NJ College Republican Convention at Rowan University was the most well attended convention as long as the NJCR’s have been holding them.  U.S. Senate Candidate and State Senator Joe Kyrillos addressed a room of about 75 people, and roughly 100 people came and went throughout the 5 hour long meeting of young Conservative activists.

“Best turnout I’ve seen in a long, long time.  Maybe ever,” said former NJCR Chairman Ron Filan.

“A very long drive, but well worth it,” said Chris Gabbett, who Chair’s the Ramapo College chapter of the College Republicans

“If we look at the political landscape across the nation, that 51st Republican vote in the U.S. Senate could in all probability come from the Garden State,” said NJCR Chairman Tom Szymanski as he introduced keynote speaker Kyrillos.  ”Bob Menendez is wrong for New Jersey, he’s wrong for our generation.  We are the ones being saddled with his debt, his spending.”

Senator Kyrillos echoed those sentiments.  ”More than half of recent college graduates, despite their talent are not getting jobs. This is not the American Dream.”  Senator Kyrillos also reflected upon the negative campaign being waged against him.  ”My opponent can’t talk about his record because it’s a bad one.  I want to get to the U.S. Senate and be a force for good.”

Chairman Szymanski told the room the College Republicans would be doing all that they could to help elect Joe Kyrillos to the United States Senate.

Earlier in the morning, a number of other speakers addressed the crowd, including College Republican National Committee (CRNC) Co-Chair Alexandra Smith.  She informed the CR delegation that the CRNC plans on deploying a record-setting 60 paid field representatives to assist College Republicans in recruitment and campaign work this fall.  The CRNC also plans on airing commercials, such as this one, in battleground states during programming on channels like “MTV” and “Comedy Central.”

Following her was a panel of some of New Jersey’s brightest political operatives, including Brandon Umba of Jon Runyan for Congress, Stephanie Fila of Joe Kyrillos for U.S. Senate, Ron Filan of Frank Lobiondo for Congress, and Erick Ford, Executive Director of the Camden County GOP.  They gave some tips on being successful in politics, and helping to connect with young voters.

“There are two kinds of College Republicans.  Ones who sit in a room on campus and the ones who bring their fellow students out to work on campaigns.  Working on campaigns is the best way of getting involved, its interactive and exciting.  It will keep students coming back to the College Republicans who may not have come back otherwise,” said Ron Filan.

“Let’s face it, Democrats are always going to have more money than Republicans in New Jersey,” said Brandon Umba.  ”What we do better is grassroots organization.  People who give up their time for free to help a candidate get elected really are the difference makers.  Mailpieces and commercials are one thing, it’s completely different when an enthusiastic citizen comes to your door or calls you on the phone.”

Assemblyman Greg McGuckin (R-10{Toms River}) and RNC National Committeewoman Ginny Haines

Also speaking in the morning was Greg McGuckin, newly elected Assemblyman from the 10th Legislative District (Toms River), Ginny Haines, New Jersey’s Republican National Committeewoman, as well as Cumberland County Freeholder Director Carl Kirstein.  Ernesto Cullari, Candidate for Congress in the 6th Congressional District (Asbury Park, New Brunswick), rounded out the morning session.

One of the more interesting parts of the day was a “New Media Forum,” hosted by Matt Rooney, founder of New Jersey’s top Conservative blog, SaveJersey.com. He took the time to educate CR’s on how easy it is to start and manage a successful blog.

“Your responsibility as College Republicans is to voice your opinions, highlight truths, and impact public discourse,” said Rooney.  ”And so I encourage you all to start a blog.  You’ll hear over and over, ’2012 is the most important election of your lifetime’ to the point it will lose its impact. So let me rephrase it: 2012 is the ONLY election of our lifetime.”

Rounding out the speaker series was Assemblyman Rob Clifton, of the 12th Legislative District (Matawan) and Greg Horton, Candidate for Congressin the 1st Congressional District (Camden).  The last official item on the docket was election of the 2012-2013 EBoard.

Senator Kyrillos and 1st Congressional District Candidate Greg Horton

“There have been some very influential folks saying great things about our organization today,” said outgoing Chairman Tom Szymanski.  ”The truth is, it’s because of all of you.  You’ve all been there for me and for this organization as a whole, and we’re where we are today because of outstanding teamwork.  Thank you all so much for all your hard work and continued hard work.  Even if you are graduating, I challenge you to stay involved.  Volunteer, run for office, join the Young Republicans, just take that next step.”

The ticket of incoming Chairman Connor Montferrat (Rutgers) prevailed in the EBoard elections.  Joining him will be Co-Chair James Keyes (FDU Teaneck), Northern Vice-Chair Felix Marte (FDU Teaneck), Central-Vice Alesandra Lipari (Rutgers), Southern-Vice Nick LaRotonda (Atlantic Cape Community College), Treasurer Johnathan Josephs (Rider), and Secretary Steve Berner (Rowan).

“It’s an honor to become the Chairman of this organization.  We have become very well-respected through a lot of hard work.  We put in 700 volunteer hours last year.  We are continually recruiting new College Republicans, and I have a great feeling about this upcoming year.  We have a great team in place,” said Connor Montferrat.

“I would like to thank first and foremost all the speakers who took time out of their busy Saturday’s to drive all the way to Gloucester County.  It’s a huge compliment to our organization that they would do this,” said Szymanski.  ”I will miss being a College Republican, and I feel my team and I have been able to accomplish a lot.  I thank them for all their hard work.  Best of luck to Connor and the new e-board, I know they are up to the task.”

Last weekend, the New Jersey College Republicans had the largest showing of any state federation of College Republicans at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C.  CPAC is the largest annual gathering of Conservatives in the nation.  Well over 50 CRs fro New Jersey were present at the conference, including from Fairleigh Dickinson Teaneck, Rutgers New Brunswick, TCNJ, Rider University, Rowan University, and Stockton College.  Rowan University and FDU Teaneck posted about it on their chapter websites, and Rowan’s group was even featured in their school newspaper, “The Whit.”

Among those who addressed the conference were Presidential candidates Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich.  Other speakers of note were Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. Paul Ryan, Gov. Sarah Palin, Speaker John Boehner, and CEO Herman Cain.  55% of the total CPAC participants were ages 18-25, and College Republican National Committee Chairman Alex Schriver even addressed the 2,000 person crowd in a panel entitled, “Why am I living in my Parents’ Basement?” highlighting how the Obama Administration’s economic policies have failed young people.

“It was a very educational, inspiring weekend,” said Stockton Chairman Dave Jonas.  “We had a great turnout from Jersey and from Stockton.”

Among Stockton’s attendees was Ariel Miles, 20, of Monroe Twp., Gloucester County.

“I ran for local office last year in a very staunch Democratic town, and lost by only a few votes,” said Miles.  “That was a learning experience, and I was able to learn even more this weekend.”

“I enjoyed it a lot, meeting Newt Gingrich was probably the highlight of the weekend,” said Harold Reighn, a junior political science major from Rowan who is also president of the Political Science Club there.  “I expect to come back,” he added.

Special thanks go out to Congressman Chris Smith and Senator Joe Kyrillos, who aided the Rider University College Republicans financially, so that they could make the trip to CPAC.

“Without their contributions, this trip would not have been possible for us,” said Rider Chairman Charles Measley.  “Their aide helped about a dozen College Republicans attend the conference and learn how to be better activists, and I thank them on behalf of my chapter.”

Greetings fellow Republicans, Tom Szymanski here.  It’s hard to believe that July is almost over, and the start of another school year is right around the corner.  Not to worry though, if you’re like me, you’ll be milking summer for all it’s worth and laying on the beach for as long as possible, even when it’s 60 degrees in October.  That being said, it’s never too early to begin thinking about campaigning and getting active within your club on campus.  If you’re a college student in New Jersey, and you want to spread a conservative message on campus, as well as help elect Republican candidates, feel free to email me today, at tszymanski@njcr.org.  I’d be happy to point you in the direction of your chapter chairman, or help you start a chapter on your campus!  It’s easy, and we at the state level can do most of the work for you.  We’re here to educate and assist young Republicans like yourself.

This is a huge year in New Jersey politics.  It is our state’s version of midterm elections, as the entire Senate and Assembly is up for grabs.  In the past year and six months, we’ve seen Governor Chris Christie act with courage and tenacity, as he took on special interests and the status quo to help change the way business is done in Trenton.  His model of bipartisan cooperation is one the entire nation can look to as a source of inspiration.  We are young adults, and unless something drastically changes in the ranks of government, we will not be able to afford to live in this country, let alone this great state.  Governor Christie understands that the cost of a big, bureaucratic government is strangling the common man.  The success of his agenda and term in office hinges on the results of these elections.  Do not sit idly by, get involved today!  On our website, you will see a tab that reads “internships.”  In the coming days, we will be updating this tab to feature a number of competitive legislative races throughout the state.  Even if you’re not looking to intern and just want to help out by volunteering here and there, contact these campaigns today!  Together we can help Chris Christie change New Jersey and make it a better place for all of us.

We currently have over a dozen chapters in the state, but to me, that is not enough.  I have vowed to start at least three new chapters, one in each region in this state just by Election Day.  We will have paid field representatives from the College Republican National Committee helping us achieve this goal during the fall.  Working on campaigns and helping Republicans win is an integral part of being a College Republican, but that’s not all there is to it.  It’s about talking to your friends and fellow students on campus.  It’s about mentioning to them in casual conversation,”Hey, don’t you know each citizen in this country owns more than $46,000 of national debt?” Or, “Did you know that cumulatively, New Jersey is the most heavily taxed state in the nation, but during Chris Christie’s time in office, he’s vetoed tax increases time and time again?”  It’s our job to connect with and motivate people in our age group.  Sometimes this is easier said than done, but if we make our presence known on campus, we will be able to connect with like-minded people and even change a few minds in the process.  We are not alone though.  I encourage you to check out our parent organization, the College Republican National Committee and their initiative to strangle big government and reduce the outrageously high national debt/deficit.  Sign the petition today and like them on facebook.

Let’s get to work this fall.  During my time in charge of this organization, we will not only have a successful 2011(on campus and on the campaign trail) but we will lay the groundwork for an even more successful 2012.  Please join us today.  Thank you.

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Earlier today Former New Jersey College Republican Chairman Ron Filan & current Chairman Gary LaSpisa made New Jersey the 1st state to formally endorse Alexandra C. Smith’s bid to become only the 2nd woman to serve as Co-Chair of the College Republican National Committee.

“During her tenure at Catholic University and as the Chairwoman of the DC College Republicans, Alex recruited bus loads of CRs to campaign in New Jersey including the 2009 “War for the Shore” and the 2010 “Gym, Tan, Laundry, Victory” deployments,” recalled Filan. “The New Jersey College Republicans have had no better friend than Alex Smith. A trailblazer from day one and a Jersey girl at heart, it is only fitting that we be the 1st to endorse her historic candidacy for Co-Chairwoman of the College Republican National Committee.”    

Alex’s support for New Jersey Republicans was year round. In 2008, she co-founded the Save Jersey Blog with Matt Rooney, himself a former Catholic University College Republican Chair. Save Jersey quickly become one of the most popular Republican blogs in New Jersey and continues to receive national recognition.   

“Alex Smith is more than qualified for the position of National Co-Chair.  The unique relationship between the New Jersey and Washington DC Federations has played an important role in New Jersey politics for years, and this year was no different,” said LaSpisa. “Her members have made marked impacts in elections in New Jersey and she will serve the National Committee with grace and distinction.  Alex is not only ‘Moving the CRNC Forward’ but she is breaking the glass ceiling on her way to the second highest office in our organization.” 

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 Paid for by the New Jersey College Republicans. Schuyler Soft, Treasurer.

Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of the reasons behind my recent endorsement of Alex Schriver for Chairman of the College Republican National Committee.

I made the decision to join the Move CRNC Forward campaign because the key message I got from my meetings and conversations with Alex was that the focus is truly on improving the organization, not on titles or resumes.

Over the past two years the current board has done great things to further the name of the CRNC and the work must be continued. Alex’s “4-B’s” (Budget, Basics, Brand & Build) are the beginnings of a plan that I am confident will leave the CRNC better at the end of his term, should the delegates chose to elect him in July.

When I was elected Chairman of the New Jersey College Republicans I made a promise to leave the committee better than it was when I found it and every action I have taken since has been to further that end. I am confident that Alex will do the same when he is elected National Chairman of the CRNC.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary R. La Spisa, II

Chairman, New Jersey College Republicans

Brand new video from the College Republicans National Committee and their program “Don’t Put it on Our Tab.”