TOMS RIVER, NJ – It was supposed to be a victory celebration in Ocean County after nearly every GOP candidate endorsed by the county Republican party won their 2023 elections in November, instead, it was the start of an online fight between three men running for Governor in 2025.
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore and the Ocean County caucus celebrated the 62nd birthday of former gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli. New Jersey 101.5 conservative shock jock Bill Spadea even presented Ciattarelli with a birthday cake. It was a sign that the two longtime frenemies might actually put their petty bickering aside. You know, that petty bickering that probably cost Republicans a key to the Governor’s mansion and led to Phil Murphy being re-elected.
Well, it didn’t last long.
Later, Spadea launched an insult about Ciattrelli being a perennial loser in state elections. At the victory celebration, Chairman Gilmore, who has politically opposed Ciattarelli, was on hand as Spadea handed Ciattarelli a birthday cake.
“Great evening in Ocean County last night with Chairman George Gilmore for the Ocean County GOP Victory Celebration. Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to wish a happy 62nd birthday to @Jack4NJ; Can’t believe it’s been almost ten years that you’ve been running for Governor!” Spadea wrote.
Ciattarelli responded with an in-kind contribution to the conversation.
“Thanks @BillSpadea! I’m even old enough to remember you begging county committee members to be my running mate back in 2012. But all four counties & your hometown decided to go with/ someone who could actually win an election. Tough luck,” Ciattarelli responded.
Bill Bramnick, who is also running for Governor in 2025 as a Republican, didn’t let a good opportunity go to waste to attack both Ciattarelli and Spadea.
“The radio announcer who mutes his opponents and lost every time he ran for office has been attacking me. His support for the Jan 6th riot and his denial of election results is not a winning plan. And a candidate who changed his opinion on these topics can’t win statewide,” Bramnick said.
Buckle up, New Jersey. At this rate, we’re looking at eight more years with a Democrat successor to carry the torch for Phil Murphy long after he’s gone and we’re all being forced to drive electric cars and cook on electric stoves while praying the offshore wind farms can keep our electric heat going through the long New Jersey winters ahead.