Rep. Smith stirs up GOP base in Princeton

Local Republicans host pep rally on eve of election

By: Courtney Gross
   After slipping American flags into their suit pockets, members of the Republican Association of Princeton braced to hear "the ranking Republican official in Mercer County," as some members described him, deliver the needed motivation for next week’s election.
   At its main fall event, Princeton’s umbrella Republican organization hosted U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4), along with other Republican elected officials from across central New Jersey, to not only invigorate the party for Tuesday’s general election, but to also inspire their conservative base in Princeton.
   Approximately 50 members of a party that has remained under the radar in Princeton for the past several years congregated at Mountain Lakes House in the Mountain Lakes Preserve on Wednesday evening for hors d’oeuvres and political pep talks.
   Candidates’ signs bordering the lengthy, wooded driveway recognized races throughout Mercer County where Republicans anticipated an easy re-election or where candidates were running neck and neck.
   None were from Princeton.
   "We are trying to resuscitate a party that has a lot to say," the association’s president, Mark Herr, said. "One-party rule is never good."
   Although no Republican candidates filed for municipal races in Princeton Borough or Princeton Township next week — including borough mayor, three Borough Council seats and a seat on the Township Committee — the GOP is attempting to broaden its base before jumping back into the political arena, members of the association said.
   And bringing state senators, congressional candidates, freeholder candidates and Republicans young and old together is one way to do just that, members said.
   Master of ceremonies and Princeton Township Republican Committee Chairman Tom Pyle said the Republican Party in the borough and township are deep behind enemy lines, but the "second" battle of Princeton would start on Election Day.
   "On that day and thereafter, we should reclaim what is rightfully ours — our local government," Mr. Pyle said.
   As the highlight of the evening, Rep. Smith — whose district includes Hamilton, parts of Trenton, East Windsor, Washington Township and Hightstown in Mercer County — spoke to attendees on the importance of next week’s elections, as well as other issues confronting Congress.
   "If we were to lose the House or the Senate, or both, on Tuesday, I think the American people will get a rude awakening," said Rep. Smith, who is vying for his 14th term.
   Described by state Sen. Peter Inverso (R-Hamilton) as a champion for all, who has never abandoned his roots or his constituents, Rep. Smith defended the Bush administration’s tax cuts and criticized this year’s campaign tactics.
   "The intellectual dishonesty of the 30-second ad," Rep. Smith said, has riddled this year’s election.
   Recognizing the scandals that have plagued the Republican Party in Washington recently, Rep. Smith said media bias could distort the party’s stance, which makes it more important for Republicans to fight back.
   Having returned from Iraq several weeks ago, the congressman cited the importance of protecting the nation’s security in a post-Sept. 11 world as well as his hope for the war-torn country to turn into a functioning democracy.
   And in order to retain this platform, Rep. Smith said, while pointing to the 12th Congressional District’s Republican candidate Joseph Sinagra, it is most important Mercer County Republicans stand up next week. Mr. Sinagra is challenging Democratic incumbent Rush Holt.