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.

Following the event, the New Jersey College Republicans will be hosting a luncheon, from 12:30(or earlier, depending on the event’s conclusion), until about 2PM.  It will be held in the BLC Pub, located in the same building which in which Governor Christie is speaking.  A light lunch will be served, and a few brief presentations will be given by Janine Jakubauskas, Chair of the Rider University Republicans, Tom Szymanski, Chair of the New Jeresey College Republicans, as well as Jared Pilosio on behalf of NJGOP, and Kyle Collins, Republican candidate for Lawrenceville town council.

CR’s and Non-CR’s alike are welcome and encouraged to attend this event.  We would appreciate your attendance, and look forward to a successful event tomorrow.

The Empty Sky Memorial, located in Liberty State Park, was opened in a solemn and beautiful ceremony yesterday morning.  Remarks were given by Port Authority Chairman David Samson, as well ad Senators Menendez and Lautenberg, and of course Governor Chris Christie.  But as the governor pointed out, the day was not about speeches for those friends and loved ones in attendance.  The day was one for reflection and rememberance.  In what was arguably the most moving portion of the the ceremony, four family members of victims who died on 9/11 read a poem which was found in Liberty State Park not long after the attacks.  A portion of the poem described Americans as  ”one color one class one generation and one people.”

Several New Jersey College Republicans gave up their day to volunteer for the event and accomodate those who were in attendance, there to mourn their friend or family member.  “This is a day in which all of us can give something up to help others.  Compared to what some people have lost, the least we can do is show up and give our time,” said Connor Montferrat of Rutgers University. 

Others reflected on how that day ten years ago impacted them.  “Watching that smoke billow into the sky ten years ago changed me,” said Tom Szymanski of Rowan University.  “I guess it instilled a sense of patriotism, a sense of public service.”

Remembering September 11th is not just about New Jersey though.  Between the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a total of 2,996 lives were lost.  On this day we pause to remember and celebrate those lives which were taken so abruptly from us. We live in the greatest country in the world and nobody can ever take that from us. We as a people continue to perservere each and every day

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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Part 2, Part 3

Glenn Beck held a town hall style show with a group of 40 conservative and libertarian college students from across the country.  The New Jersey College Republicans were heavily represented in the student panel.  James Keyes (FDU), Brian Nole (Monmouth), Vinny Manco (Rowan), Maggie Walsh (Rowan), Aaron Marcus (Rutgers), Amanda Nauman (Stevens), and David Jonas (Stockton) were in attendance.

The show aired on Friday, May 13th at 5pm on Fox News.  The program was taped at Fox News Studio D in Manhattan the previous day.

Students presented difficulties of being vocal conservatives on college campuses.  They also shared stories of bias and intimidation by liberal students and professors.  The overwhelming majority of students present confirmed that they have had at least one belligerent professor.

Brian Nole, a student at Monmouth University, talked about being ridiculed in class by his professor and classmates for questioning President Obama.

Aaron Marcus, a student at Rutgers University, mentioned how threats were made toward him for writing articles in school newspaper in support of Israel.

Beck reminded everyone that he is leaving Fox.  He, along with conservative commentator S.E. Cupp, hinted about future plans.  Beck stated, “If we lose your generation… we lose.  I have to concentrate on your generation.”  After the show aired, S.E. Cupp tweeted “Response to Glenn’s college conservatives show has been HUGE. We’ve got big plans. Soon, you will not be alone. Stay tuned.”

Chairman Vinny Manco of the Rowan Republicans reflected on the opportunity to be on the show.  ”Glenn was a very nice guy.  He shook hands with everyone.  He also conversed and joked with us during the breaks.  We were all happy to get a chance to be on the show and had a great time in New York.”

Cross-posted at Rowan University Republicans