Former mayor charged up by Philadelphia gathering
By:David Learn
When he left the Republican National Convention last week, Ken Scherer was feeling good about two things: the Bush-Cheney presidential ticket, and being a freeholder in Somerset County.
Mr. Scherer, a Hillsborough resident and Somerset County deputy freeholder director, served as an alternate delegate for the 7th Congressional District at the convention.
"The one thing that I really enjoyed was the respect I was given as a freeholder from Somerset County," Mr. Scherer, who is seeking re-election this year, said in an interview Tuesday morning. "You could just feel from their respect that we are viewed around the state as an example of good government."
Another prominent New Jersey Republican, Gov. Christie Whitman, began her political career as a Somerset County freeholder.
As an alternate, Mr. Scherer had little personal responsibility in the convention and was not privy to discussions about the Republican Party platform.
"Basically your delegates are the official ones," said Mr. Scherer. "We were there more for show of support. The whole thing is really a party-building exercise, basically to energize our local, state and county parties."
The result, for Mr. Scherer, was a feeling of connectedness – to other members of the New Jersey delegation and to Republicans in other states – and a sense of the national political machine.
"You just felt like you were part of history. You saw firsthand and you were witnessing democracy in action," he said. "It really does bring that grassroots flavor into national politics. It broadened my whole outlook on national politics."
In earlier years, a party’s national convention served the purpose of selecting a presidential and vice presidential candidate. But as more candidates concede defeat during the primaries, conventions are being used more for establishing the party platform and building unity.
"Had McCain stayed in it right to the end, there would have been debates," said Mr. Scherer. "That’s why it was so important that John McCain be there as a guest speaker."
Sen. John McCain of Arizona gave Gov. Bush the greatest challenge to securing the Republican nomination. He conceded the race this spring.
"We all left Philly feeling that George Bush and Dick Cheney have the ability to win back the White House for the Republicans," said Mr. Scherer. "Had George Bush come out on Thursday night and not done well, we would have carried that home."
Mr. Scherer represented New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District as an alternate delegate. The bulk of the 7th District is comprised of Union County, but it also includes portions of Somerset County, including Hillsborough.
"For me, it was a positive experience," said Mr. Scherer. "If I can possibly go, I’ll go, because I really enjoyed it."
In addition to his three years as a freeholder, Mr. Scherer served on the Township Committee for two terms, from 1991-1996, his last three as mayor. He said he eventually might pursue a state office.
"Clearly the convention piqued my interest in government and politics," said Mr. Scherer. "If anything, it has reinforced my interest in having a political career, along with my full-time job."
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