“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.”

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NJCR Convention-10AM-3PM
Rowan University-201 Mullica Hill Road(that is the street address, actual location of convention is below)
Glassboro, NJ 08028

Convention is being held in Rowan Hall- Rowan Hall Auditorium(Room 117)
Rowan Hall is located on North Campus Drive, and is the first building on the right.
You will turn onto North Campus Drive while driving on Bowe Blvd.(Turn by the Blue/White “Rowan” sign)
Park in parking lot M1(the gravel lot directly across from Rowan Hall)

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DIRECTIONS 

From the North 
Take the NJ Turnpike South to Exit 4 (73 North). In approximately 1 mile, take I-295 South. Follow I-295 to Route 42 South (Atlantic City). Exit Route 42 South onto Route 55 South. Follow Rte. 55 South to exit 50A (Glassboro-Mullica Hill). Take Route 322 East to the first traffic light. Make a left at the light onto  Bowe Blvd. After you cross the railroad tracks, make the first right into the campus. Rowan Hall is a large white building, and will be the first building on your right. Park in Parking Lot M1(gravel lot directly across from Rowan Hall)

From Central New Jersey 
Take Route 70 West to I–295 South. Follow I–295 to Route 42 South (Atlantic City). Exit Route 42 South onto Route 55 South. Follow Route 55 South to exit 50A (Glassboro–Mullica Hill). Take Route 322 East to the first traffic light. Make a left at the light onto Bowe Blvd. After you cross the railroad tracks, make the first right into the campus. Rowan Hall is a large white building, and will be the first building on your right. Park in Parking Lot M1(gravel lot directly across from Rowan Hall)

From the East 
Take the Garden State Parkway to the Atlantic City Expressway. Take the Expressway West to Exit 38 (Williamstown). Turn left after exiting and follow road for 2 miles.  After 2 miles, you will encounter a 5 way intersection.  Turn right and continue on Route 322 at this intersection.  After 6 miles you will come to an intersection with Rte 47(Delsea Drive).  Turn right and continue on Rte 322/Rte.47.  At the second traffic light, make a left and continue on Route 322.  Continue for 1.1 miles(you should pass the campus on your right…keep driving). Make a right at traffic light onto Bowe Blvd. After you cross the railroad tracks, make the first right into the campus. Rowan Hall is a large white building, and will be the first building on your right. Park in Parking Lot M1(gravel lot directly across from Rowan Hall)

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3:00: Adjournment

Please “Attend” the event on Facebook, and push the event on Facebook to friends, fellow CR’s, etc. etc.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Jersey College Republicans

Contact: Vinny Manco-Executive Director

(732) 239-3171-vmanco@njcr.org

NJ College Republicans to Hold Convention at Rowan University Featuring Senator Joe Kyrillos 

The New Jersey College Republicans are thrilled to announce that our Annual Re-Organization Convention will be held on Saturday, April 28^th from 10AM-3PM at Rowan University (201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro).  The convention will be held in Rowan Hall, Room 117 (Rowan Hall Auditorium).

NJCR Chairman Tom Szymanski expressed excitement over the upcoming convention.  “The purpose of this convention is to select a new e-board, as well as share ideas on how to better deliver college students with a message of Conservatism.  We also discuss our grassroots efforts.  Our organization put in over 700 volunteer hours on various campaigns last year, mostly legislative races, and we expect more next year.”

Chairman Szymanski also acknowledged the impending merger of Rowan and Rutgers Camden.  “This is an exciting time for Rowan University, and we are proud to have our convention there. In just a couple of decades, Rowan has built itself from a local commuter school, to a regionally renowned University on the verge of becoming a federal research institution.”

Headlining the event as the keynote speaker will be State Senator Joe Kyrillos (R-Monmouth), who is the likely Republican nominee to face incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Menendez in the November general election.   Other confirmed speakers at the convention include Assemblyman Christopher J. Brown, Assemblyman Robert Clifton, Cumberland County Freeholder Director Carl Kirstein, CRNC Co-Chairwoman Alex Smith, and “Save Jersey” blog founder Matt Rooney.

The only current candidate for NJCR Chairman is Connor Montferrat, 20, of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, originally from Hightstown, NJ.

“Our country is at a crossroads; a gallon of gas is $4.00 and unemployment looms well over 8%, despite President Obama promising otherwise.  My generation is in serious trouble, and we need proven leaders like Joe Kyrillos in Washington to help turn things around,” said Montferrat.  “As Chairman, my team and I will continue to educate and inform college students about news and politics, as well as work for strong candidates like Joe Kyrillos.”

Should Montferrat be successful, he will supervise all of the chapters of the College Republicans in New Jersey, which currently stands at 14 campuses.  The convention is open, anyone attend.  If interested in attending, please contact Executive Director Vinny Manco (vmanco@njcr.org).

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.”

Rutgers NB-235 Hours
TCNJ-141 Hours
Stockton College-112 Hours
Rowan University-98 Hours
FDU-74 Hours
Rider University-26 Hours
SHU-16 Hours
Princeton University-6 Hours

TOTAL-708 Hours

These numbers, throughout the campaign were logged by our paid field reps., and verified by the respective campaign managers.  This commitment and work ethic is something our organization is very proud of.  We are on the frontlines of Governor Christie’s efforts to reform New Jersey and make it a more affordable, more hopeful place to live.  These efforts by our membership represent the kind of work ethic that has made the College Republicans THE dominant Conservative force on campuses nationwide since the 1890′s.  With an eye toward continued expansion this Spring semester, we also look to exceed our efforts and our numbers in this November’s election, an election that promises to be the most important one of our time.  Thank you to all the CRs and operatives who helped our organization make these numbers possible.

Chairman Tom Szymanski

A group of students from Rowan University, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Caswell, longtime Political Science professor, traveled to the Granite State last week to observe the candidates seeking the GOP Presidential nomination.  Among the group were members of the Rowan University Republicans, President Vinny Manco, Samantha Marandino, and Kevin Sperling.

“We had an amazing time.  It’s amazing how many big people can be standing right next to you,” said Manco.  “I was featured in USA Today looking through a window at (Rick)Santorum(see right), Kevin(Sperling) was featured in the main picture of Yahoo News.  Also, we met CNN’s John King and Soledad O’Brien, as well as Fox News’ Brett Baier.”

When asked which Presidential candidates they saw, Manco said,”We saw them all multiple times.  Except for Perry, he was spending his time in South Carolina.  We shook hands with all except Paul, because his staff escorts him away quickly.  We even managed to get a few pictures with Newt Ginrich.”

The group of Rowan students received good coverage.  The Gloucester County Times reported on the students, and quoted Sperling as saying, “I’m learning a lot about how events are organized, what people they attract and what types of protesters come to the events — all hands-on things.”

When asked about who she thought the likely victor would be, Sam Marandino told the Times, “It’s kind of a given that Romney will win because he’s had the most press and support, and many polls are saying Ron Paul would be second. I’d like it to be Huntsman.”  An assessment which was accurately reflected in last night’s results.

They were also mentioned in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  They blogged about the happenings on Rowan’s website.

In one account of the late Assemblyman’s career, he was a caring family man and his proudest accomplishments were when he “sponsored a law that renewed the state Transportation Trust Fund, dedicated motor fuels tax for transportation projects, and amended the state Constitution to protect and strengthen the rights of crime victims, his biography said.”

His passing is meaningful because Assemblyman DeCroce embodies the kind of work ethic that College Republicans such as ourselves aspire to have.  No matter how much work it took, he got it done.  If something was important to the people of New Jersey, he put it before his party.  Rest easy Assemblyman.

Only three students were given the opportunity to ask questions, and all three were members of the Rider University Republicans.  Charles Measley, Michael Ward, and Johnathan Josephs were the only three members of the audience to interact with the governors.

“On behalf of the Rider University College Republicans, welcome to our campus, Governors,” said Charles Measley, before delving into his policy question.

“It was certainly a big day and a proud moment for our club,” said Janine Jakubauskas, Chairwoman of the Rider University College Republicans.

Click to watch Michael Ward question the Governors.