PART ONE: Save Jersey's Interview with Mayor Steve Lonegan
By Matt Rooney | December 8, 2008
Good morning and welcome to Monday, Save Jersey. Here's Part One of my interview with Mayor Steve Lonegan.
Initial impressions? Love him or hate him, this candidate has a real shot to capture the GOP nomination in 2009. Anyone who thinks otherwise is ignoring the power and potency of Lonegan's libertarian-leaning conservative rhetoric at a time when conservatives are thirsting for "change" in the GOP's direction. So the context of our times is certainly promising for Lonegan, but is he necessarily the right messenger in our hour of need? We'll discuss this more in Part Two of the interview (check back Wednesday), but his overall performance in the upcoming primary contest will be the only true indicator. The Lonegan core message is sound; now it falls on his organization to effectively communicate Lonegan's ideas to New Jersey Republicans in a positive, concise and disciplined manner. They'll have to accomplish this task, in all likelihood, without the benefit of most county organizational lines. Bret Schundler can testify to the possibilities, but only Team Lonegan can decide whether an upset victory will ultimately become a reality.
Analysis aside, we had a thoroughly enjoyable, hour-long conversation last Thursday afternoon. I found Mayor Lonegan to be a very likable, down-to-earth guy with an unapologetically firm commitment to authentic conservative ideals. Anyone who has a chance to speak with "Bogota Steve" has to concede that he's a compelling advocate for limited government principles.
Mayor Lonegan was also gracious enough to answer numerous questions about his past, present, and future in the Garden State, and I genuinely enjoyed having the opportunity to pick his brain. We discussed the decline of New Jersey's economy and two-party system, what the NJGOP needs to do differently, how he distinguishes himself from primary opponents, his political comeback and the importance of faith in his politics:
On New Jersey's Economic Decline
ROONEY: You're a New Jersey native. Obviously New Jersey has changed a lot, even in your lifetime, and not all of it has been positive. What are some major ways you've seen our state change?
LONEGAN: Well, the biggest change is our decline from being the nation's leading state economy to the 50th worst. I mean really- when I was a kid growing up in Bergen County we were one of the three lowest tax states in the country. What's happened in my lifetime is that New Jersey has changed from a state where people want to move in, start a family, grow a business, to one where people want to leave.
On How the NJGOP Became a Minority Party
"When the Republican party readapts its core principles and articulates that message to the voters of New Jersey, then we will win back the majority."
ROONEY: What do you think the NJ Republicans are generally doing wrong, and as someone who is running to lead this party, what do you want to see the NJGOP do differently?
LONEGAN: We've abandoned the core principles of the Republican Party. The principles of limited government, low taxes and individual freedom and opportunity, in favor of simply.... It's what I like to call "the shirts versus the skins"; we don't try to distinguish ourselves from the Democrats on principles or ideals, but on sort of political manipulations or trying to out-Democrat the Democrats. Now we're in the minority because voters are penalizing Republicans for not standing-up for Republican principles.
When the Republican party readapts its core principles and articulates that message to the voters of New Jersey, then we will win back the majority. But the next step after that isn't just winning the election- it's governing. And governing from a historic perspective, governing in a way that says "we're going to change the course of history here in New Jersey. We can become the nation's leading economy again, we don't have to settle for the status quo. We can do far better." That's what the people of this state want. In fact, people say they're hungry for that kind of leadership.
ROONEY: I agree, and I think that you're right to say that "governing" has been a problem for Republicans. Is it something in our character as conservatives, that since we don't like big government, we also don't like to run it either?
LONEGAN: You know Matt, there's a lot of people who think about that in different ways. But you need to have leadership at the top that's going to stick to those core principles, weather the storm, articulate the message in a way that people can understand. You need a standard bearer for those values, and the minute the leadership starts folding which you've seen in the Republican party statewide, and of course the rank-and-file is also going to fall behind and wander off in a different direction and say "Hey, we don't want to follow these guys. They're not standing up for us."
On His Political Comeback
"I made a conscious decision, the night I made my concession speech, that I'd be running again."
ROONEY: You made an amazing turnaround from when you lost in 2005 in the primary to now, when you're easily one of the most recognizable figures in our state party. You've assembled quite a grassroots movement- I know every time we post something about you on this blog, I instantly get a dozen and a half emails, both positive and negative (but mostly positive). What exactly have you done to affect this turnaround? Was it a conscious decision or strategy?
LONEGAN: I made a conscious decision the night I made my concession speech that I'd be running again. That the Corzine Administration was going to sweep into office with a very left-wing agenda that would damage this state's economy. And that I would do everything I could, starting from that moment, to begin building a grassroots organization from the bottom up, because the so-called "leadership" was not prepared or able to take-on the battle and advance our principles and govern. So I've been traveling the state these past four years, speaking to any group that will listen, building a voter base, doing my radio spots, and educating myself more and more on the government, so I think that's put me in a position now to be the best candidate and to govern.
And so short story is, as Eddie Cantor used to say, "It took me 20 years of hard work to become an overnight success."
On Why He's the Best Candidate in the GOP Primary (And How His Leadership Experience Mirrors Sarah Palin's)
"I don't think there's any better experience to run for governor than to be mayor of a small town for 8 or 12 years."
ROONEY: You're headed into a potentially crowed primary. So far it's you and Assemblyman Merkt, and some of your likely opponents, such as Chris Christie and John Crowley, have yet to join the contest. So what makes you a better candidate than your likely primary opposition?
LONEGAN: I had my twelve years as mayor of a small town, which is a great experience- I don't think there's any better experience to run for governor than to be mayor of a small town for 8 or 12 years. I ran my own business in the state. I started from scratch in manufacturing and retail, so I know what it is like to start a business and meet a payroll. And I think all of these things combined, those three things- building and running a business, running a town and dealing with constituents, and being able to be out in front of people and learning more and more about the state's problems, makes me more qualified than anyone else to be the Republican candidate.
ROONEY: Being a former mayor of a small town, you must've had a unique perspective on the Sarah Palin criticism when the press mercilessly attacked her for not having any type of "legitimate" experience.
LONEGAN: You know, I'm so happy you said that. All I've heard for a decade is that "Oh, a small town conservative mayor can't win, you can't possible run in New Jersey." That's what the leadership in the Republican Party has always thought. And now they're all treating Sarah Palin like she's the best thing since sliced bread. She's from a small town, the same number of people as Bogota (8,000), same conservative credentials, so yeah- I think it's quite fascinating...
On Being an Irish-Italian Catholic in Politics
"I happen to believe that New Jersey is a conservative state."
ROONEY: I think something else you and I share in common, besides a conservative political orientation, is a Roman Catholic faith.
LONEGAN: Irish and a Roman Catholic.
ROONEY: A guy with the last name "Rooney" can appreciate that. Although I'm happy to have some Italian blood, too. Everyone should have a little Italian grandmom for eating purposes.
LONEGAN: Well my mother's Italian.
ROONEY: See? We have the best of both worlds.
LONEGAN: I think it's a great mix. You know, we haven't had a Catholic Republican candidate in New Jersey, on a statewide ballot, since William Cahill. But I shouldn't use that as an example because he lost the primary for Governor in 1974.
ROONEY: Good call. That's also a great segway to my real question. As a practicing Catholic running in a state dominated by socially liberal politicians, how does your faith inform your politics?
LONEGAN: It most definitely informs my politics, my theory and my moral basis. I happen to believe that New Jersey is a conservative state. We just have not tapped into those conservative values, 'cause again, the Republican Party hasn't articulated itself properly. But you're looking at a state that has more small towns than any other state in the country. By nature that makes it a conservative state, right? Small towns have conservative values. And each one of those small towns has a church and/or a synagogue, and these institutions form the social and moral foundation of our communities.
Check back Wednesday, December 10th for Part Two of the Lonegan Save Jersey Interview...
We'll discuss:
Good morning and welcome to Monday, Save Jersey. Here's Part One of my interview with Mayor Steve Lonegan.
Initial impressions? Love him or hate him, this candidate has a real shot to capture the GOP nomination in 2009. Anyone who thinks otherwise is ignoring the power and potency of Lonegan's libertarian-leaning conservative rhetoric at a time when conservatives are thirsting for "change" in the GOP's direction. So the context of our times is certainly promising for Lonegan, but is he necessarily the right messenger in our hour of need? We'll discuss this more in Part Two of the interview (check back Wednesday), but his overall performance in the upcoming primary contest will be the only true indicator. The Lonegan core message is sound; now it falls on his organization to effectively communicate Lonegan's ideas to New Jersey Republicans in a positive, concise and disciplined manner. They'll have to accomplish this task, in all likelihood, without the benefit of most county organizational lines. Bret Schundler can testify to the possibilities, but only Team Lonegan can decide whether an upset victory will ultimately become a reality.
Analysis aside, we had a thoroughly enjoyable, hour-long conversation last Thursday afternoon. I found Mayor Lonegan to be a very likable, down-to-earth guy with an unapologetically firm commitment to authentic conservative ideals. Anyone who has a chance to speak with "Bogota Steve" has to concede that he's a compelling advocate for limited government principles.
Mayor Lonegan was also gracious enough to answer numerous questions about his past, present, and future in the Garden State, and I genuinely enjoyed having the opportunity to pick his brain. We discussed the decline of New Jersey's economy and two-party system, what the NJGOP needs to do differently, how he distinguishes himself from primary opponents, his political comeback and the importance of faith in his politics:
On New Jersey's Economic Decline
ROONEY: You're a New Jersey native. Obviously New Jersey has changed a lot, even in your lifetime, and not all of it has been positive. What are some major ways you've seen our state change?
LONEGAN: Well, the biggest change is our decline from being the nation's leading state economy to the 50th worst. I mean really- when I was a kid growing up in Bergen County we were one of the three lowest tax states in the country. What's happened in my lifetime is that New Jersey has changed from a state where people want to move in, start a family, grow a business, to one where people want to leave.
On How the NJGOP Became a Minority Party
"When the Republican party readapts its core principles and articulates that message to the voters of New Jersey, then we will win back the majority."
ROONEY: What do you think the NJ Republicans are generally doing wrong, and as someone who is running to lead this party, what do you want to see the NJGOP do differently?
LONEGAN: We've abandoned the core principles of the Republican Party. The principles of limited government, low taxes and individual freedom and opportunity, in favor of simply.... It's what I like to call "the shirts versus the skins"; we don't try to distinguish ourselves from the Democrats on principles or ideals, but on sort of political manipulations or trying to out-Democrat the Democrats. Now we're in the minority because voters are penalizing Republicans for not standing-up for Republican principles.
When the Republican party readapts its core principles and articulates that message to the voters of New Jersey, then we will win back the majority. But the next step after that isn't just winning the election- it's governing. And governing from a historic perspective, governing in a way that says "we're going to change the course of history here in New Jersey. We can become the nation's leading economy again, we don't have to settle for the status quo. We can do far better." That's what the people of this state want. In fact, people say they're hungry for that kind of leadership.
ROONEY: I agree, and I think that you're right to say that "governing" has been a problem for Republicans. Is it something in our character as conservatives, that since we don't like big government, we also don't like to run it either?
LONEGAN: You know Matt, there's a lot of people who think about that in different ways. But you need to have leadership at the top that's going to stick to those core principles, weather the storm, articulate the message in a way that people can understand. You need a standard bearer for those values, and the minute the leadership starts folding which you've seen in the Republican party statewide, and of course the rank-and-file is also going to fall behind and wander off in a different direction and say "Hey, we don't want to follow these guys. They're not standing up for us."
On His Political Comeback
"I made a conscious decision, the night I made my concession speech, that I'd be running again."
ROONEY: You made an amazing turnaround from when you lost in 2005 in the primary to now, when you're easily one of the most recognizable figures in our state party. You've assembled quite a grassroots movement- I know every time we post something about you on this blog, I instantly get a dozen and a half emails, both positive and negative (but mostly positive). What exactly have you done to affect this turnaround? Was it a conscious decision or strategy?
LONEGAN: I made a conscious decision the night I made my concession speech that I'd be running again. That the Corzine Administration was going to sweep into office with a very left-wing agenda that would damage this state's economy. And that I would do everything I could, starting from that moment, to begin building a grassroots organization from the bottom up, because the so-called "leadership" was not prepared or able to take-on the battle and advance our principles and govern. So I've been traveling the state these past four years, speaking to any group that will listen, building a voter base, doing my radio spots, and educating myself more and more on the government, so I think that's put me in a position now to be the best candidate and to govern.
And so short story is, as Eddie Cantor used to say, "It took me 20 years of hard work to become an overnight success."
On Why He's the Best Candidate in the GOP Primary (And How His Leadership Experience Mirrors Sarah Palin's)
"I don't think there's any better experience to run for governor than to be mayor of a small town for 8 or 12 years."
ROONEY: You're headed into a potentially crowed primary. So far it's you and Assemblyman Merkt, and some of your likely opponents, such as Chris Christie and John Crowley, have yet to join the contest. So what makes you a better candidate than your likely primary opposition?
LONEGAN: I had my twelve years as mayor of a small town, which is a great experience- I don't think there's any better experience to run for governor than to be mayor of a small town for 8 or 12 years. I ran my own business in the state. I started from scratch in manufacturing and retail, so I know what it is like to start a business and meet a payroll. And I think all of these things combined, those three things- building and running a business, running a town and dealing with constituents, and being able to be out in front of people and learning more and more about the state's problems, makes me more qualified than anyone else to be the Republican candidate.
ROONEY: Being a former mayor of a small town, you must've had a unique perspective on the Sarah Palin criticism when the press mercilessly attacked her for not having any type of "legitimate" experience.
LONEGAN: You know, I'm so happy you said that. All I've heard for a decade is that "Oh, a small town conservative mayor can't win, you can't possible run in New Jersey." That's what the leadership in the Republican Party has always thought. And now they're all treating Sarah Palin like she's the best thing since sliced bread. She's from a small town, the same number of people as Bogota (8,000), same conservative credentials, so yeah- I think it's quite fascinating...
On Being an Irish-Italian Catholic in Politics
"I happen to believe that New Jersey is a conservative state."
ROONEY: I think something else you and I share in common, besides a conservative political orientation, is a Roman Catholic faith.
LONEGAN: Irish and a Roman Catholic.
ROONEY: A guy with the last name "Rooney" can appreciate that. Although I'm happy to have some Italian blood, too. Everyone should have a little Italian grandmom for eating purposes.
LONEGAN: Well my mother's Italian.
ROONEY: See? We have the best of both worlds.
LONEGAN: I think it's a great mix. You know, we haven't had a Catholic Republican candidate in New Jersey, on a statewide ballot, since William Cahill. But I shouldn't use that as an example because he lost the primary for Governor in 1974.
ROONEY: Good call. That's also a great segway to my real question. As a practicing Catholic running in a state dominated by socially liberal politicians, how does your faith inform your politics?
LONEGAN: It most definitely informs my politics, my theory and my moral basis. I happen to believe that New Jersey is a conservative state. We just have not tapped into those conservative values, 'cause again, the Republican Party hasn't articulated itself properly. But you're looking at a state that has more small towns than any other state in the country. By nature that makes it a conservative state, right? Small towns have conservative values. And each one of those small towns has a church and/or a synagogue, and these institutions form the social and moral foundation of our communities.
Check back Wednesday, December 10th for Part Two of the Lonegan Save Jersey Interview...
We'll discuss:
- HIS PROTEST AND ARREST IN JANUARY 2009
- SCHOOL CHOICE
- WINNING BACK THE URBAN VOTE
- ACCOMPLISHING HIS BOLD AGENDA WITH A DEM LEGISLATURE
- HIS ATTACKS ON NICK ASSELTA
- RUMORS OF ALTERNATIVE SLATES
- RECONCILING TAKING PUBLIC FINANCING WITH CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES
- ADVICE FOR YOUNG CONSERVATIVES
so he decided to run the night he lost? ambitious guy.
Reply to this
I think that is exactly what Republicans need, someone with the ambition and drive NOW who wants to govern the state in the right manner by cutting the size of government, cutting taxes, and cutting spending, and who is out there doing all the things necessary to win. Lonegan's message is right on the money (no pun intended) and he has the experience and record to show can follow through on what he is saying, and that can also beat Corzine's contrary record.
Reply to this
"ambition" is secondary, alexander. we need someone who can win.
Reply to this
Lonegan can, and will, win. He has the right message on cutting the size of government, cutting spending and cutting taxes. He has the experience as an executive in elected office who has actually done those things (rather than most politicians who merely talk a good game and then do nothing once in office), and his record as mayor shows that he can - and will - do what he says and provide good services.
It is exactly those things that led to his re-election TWICE in a town where Democrats out register Republicans 2-1 (much like the state as a whole), a town that otherwise votes for Democrats ... except Lonegan and his team when he was mayor.
Not only that, he will draw support from everyone in the old "Reagan coalition" which is what we need to win. ... and right now it seems he is reaching out to everyone in the party to get on board and bring all Republicans to victory next year.
He has the knowledge on the most important issues (economic) and the ability to address those issues in elected office. That knowledge, experience, and record have shown his ability to attract non-Republican votes in a Democrat area to get re-elected.
Lonegan is the only candidate with all these positive characteristics that are necessary to draw the support of Republicans, and the independents and "Reagan Democrats" Republicans need to get votes from to win next year.
So it seems like we should all rally behind Lonegan as the one who not only has these attributes but who also has the desire to campaign vigorously and defeat Corzine... and then to govern as a Republican should to turn this state around.
Reply to this
Attn: N.J. GOP Candidate Steve Lonegan,
Please be aware former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie, Rogue members of the F.B.I. and members of his former / current U.S. Atttorneys office and others are involved in the cover up (See Below & Attached). Two recent former U.S. Attorneys involved Colm Connolly and Allen Harberg once Subpoenaed will both confirm that Mills vs. Mills was and is in fact still being covered up by the F.B.I. N.J. Inspector General Mary Jane Cooper is to look into this matter. Case / Confirmation #20090303-345. I also received a voice mail from recently departed U.S. Attorney Allen Harberg's admitting that Mills vs. Mills is in fact a local F.B.I. cover up. My name is Richard Mills Soc Sec # 150-78-0087 and I am the victim of many crimes which fail to be investigated. I may be reached at 856-874-4077.
All four of my divorce attorneys were paid off. My former inlaws and their business partners and allies stole millions from me unlawfully during Burlington County Superior Court Divorce Proceedings and Post Divorce Proceedings.
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Richard Mills
To: ag.mccollum@myfloridalegal.com
Cc: criminal.division@usdoj.gov; a.brian.albritton@usdoj.gov; chris.griffiths@usdoj.gov; AskDOJ@usdoj.gov
Sent: Friday, March 6, 2009 8:09:22 PM
Subject: RE: Reporting F.B.I. Criminal Acts & Political Corruption
Florida Attorney General's Office / DOJ,
I am a Crime Victim and have case numbers assisgned for investigation.
Many serious crimes have been committed against me in the States of Delaware, N.J. PA, Florida, Maryland and the District of Colombia.I IMPLORE you to please share this information with Eric Holder U.S. Attorney General and the U.S. Office of the Inspector General Investigations Division on my behalf. I also request victim witness assistance. Your office advised me previously as shown in below email trail. I need your help as my certified letters have been intercepted and was denied visiting entry by the F.B.I. at the Dept. of Justice in Washington and at other offices.
N.J. O.I.G. Case# 20081112-314 & Case# 20090303-345 - Politcal Corruption
N.J. Attorney General Case#200706634 / Investigator Charles Crescenz @ 609-984-5655
( MaritalTheft / Court Fraud N.J. Docket #FM-03-826-05W )
IRS Case# 4228594 (1999 & 2000 stolen tax records)
Rogue members of the F.B.I. are Obstructing Justice and preventing investigations from occurring. This matter involves serious F.B.I. Criminal Acts & Political Corruption and involves the U.S. Attorneys offices of N.J. & Delaware. Two recently departed former U.S. Attorneys involved Colm Connolly and Allen Harberg once Subpoenaed will both confirm that Mills vs. Mills was and is in fact being covered up by the F.B.I. I also received a voice mail from recently departed U.S. Attorney Allen Harberg admitting such.
Reply to this
I think the only way he can get any press and be referred to as a "candidate" is by doing what he does best...(self-editing so he doesn't sue me)
Raising eyebrows at the Election Law Enforcement Commission would fall under that category.
Reply to this