BRICK, N.J. — Exeutive board members of the Brick Republican Club are under mounting pressure to resign from township Republicans following allegations of questionable campaign expenditures tied to the 2023 election cycle.
Ruthanne Scaturro, president of the Brick GOP and vice-chairwoman of the Ocean County Republican Party, listed as club president and and vice president, Marc Vasquez are at the center of scrutiny. Internal records show Vasquez was paid nearly $20,000 in consulting fees, including $1,000 for Election Day services.
Republicans in Brick have raised concerns about several financial transactions made during and after the election, including a $7,500 check issued to Restoring America’s Mission PAC, reportedly linked only to Stephen Scaturro, Ruthanne’s husband. Additional charges include multiple post-campaign dinners, labeled as “wrap up meetings” were also found in those filings on record with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.
“Members of the club should not be profiting off a campaign,” a message shared internally stated, criticizing the payments as “absurd” and “wasteful.”
A statement issued by club leadership defended both officials, asserting continued confidence in their roles.
In a message distributed within the club, an unnamed spokesperson wrote, “The board believes in the leadership of President Scaturro and Vice President Vasquez, and we fully support them… Transparency has been our guiding principle.”
Vasquez called Shore News Network, “Fake News”, but did not deny the huge payouts to his own bank account.
Despite these statements, calls for change have intensified. A recent club letter addressed to both Scaturro and Vasquez urged them to step aside, stating, “It is in the best interest of the club… so that there can be a smooth transition into this election.”
Rattled by the news, Scaturro called for an emergency session of the club to garner 15 signatures, as a sign of endorsement by the club in their confidence of her leadership abilities, despite the payments made to her husband and her number two.
Several club members have interpreted these events as a sign of internal disarray heading into a critical election cycle.
Some warn that continued inaction may undermine local Republican momentum.
Democrats are also seizing on the scandal, citing possible conficts of interests and improprieties.
“If they are doing this before they are in office, imagine what they will do to Brick Township if they are elected,” said one supporter of Mayor Lisa Crate.
Brick Republicans have been trying to regain control of township government for over a decade since losing control due to numerous scandals, nepotism, and poor fiscal management in the past.
