Pete Trabucco
Guest Column
There comes a time in everybody’s career when tough decisions have to be made for the big picture and for the good of the party. I believe we have come to that crossroads — and to that time — regarding the New Jersey State Assembly race in the 13th Legislative District.
As a former state Assembly chief of staff in the 19th District and a recent Board of Chosen Freeholder candidate in Middlesex County, I know what it is like to want to win against all odds. But you can’t win any election without unity, trust and the full backing of your party. It is at these difficult times that even the wisest of individuals need to make decisions that are in fact far greater than themselves — decisions which in the end can ultimately affect the outcome of any political race.
After last week’s Monmouth County convention results, it has become apparent to me — and to many others — that the party has selected Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Handlin as its top candidate. I am also told that Amy turned down the line and decided to run solo in our local Republican primary alongside a gubernatorial candidate who will remain nameless at this time. Well, I say when you receive the party’s nomination to run, you take that opportunity and move on. It is so important to get this one right, because any poor decision here just puts the party in a bad position for the general election. By splitting the line, it also puts Assemblymen Sam Thompson in a very, very tough position. A position which might undoubtedly affect the overall election results in the town of Old Bridge. A town, I might add, that in the past has become so vital in the overall outcome of the 13th District election process.
When you add all this confusion of a primary, it just hurts the GOP chances all the more, and I would like to personally appeal to the candidates in question to work this thing out before it gets out of control.
I want to make it clear that over the years, I have felt Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina has been an outstanding yeoman in our state Assembly. He has done much for the people, and for that I take this time to personally thank him for his many years of tireless work at the Statehouse.
I also know Freeholder Handlin has also done equally well for her county and in my mind would also make a fine Assembly candidate this year. However, unity is the key, and I also know that if both parties try, this can all be worked out with the end result of just one line and two Assembly candidates working together toward an ultimate victory in November.
I strongly appeal to Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina and Freeholder Amy Handlin to work this thing out and do what is right for the party. Subjecting us to an unnecessary primary won’t help the GOP in continuing the good fight that is so important to the constituents of the 13th Legislative District.
Pete Trabucco is a resident of Old Bridge