Princeton political parties split on approach to primaries

By Nick Norlen, Staff Writer
   The difference of their respective politics aside, Democratic and Republican groups in Princeton are approaching the coming New Jersey presidential primaries with greatly different strategies.
   The Princeton Community Democratic Organization held its second straw poll of its membership on Sunday as it gears up to take its official endorsement vote Jan. 20.
   But Republican Association of Princeton President Mark Herr said his organization has no plans to engage in similar activities.
   ”No, we don’t intend to do that. Unlike the Democrats in Princeton, we focus on Princeton issues. I don’t know that the national party is looking for our endorsement,” he said, calling the PCDO’s planned endorsement “vanity plate politicking.”
   He added, “Most Princetonians are bright enough to pick candidates on their merits without relying in their (local political) bosses.”
   But Princeton Community Democratic Organization President Jenny Crumiller said the early date of the coming primary makes it more important than ever.
   Sunday’s straw poll featured an open microphone session with speakers from a number of the campaigns, and resulted in victory for Barack Obama, who was also chosen by the majority during the previous straw poll Nov. 18.
   However, the polls featured the votes of just 90 and 43 members, respectively.
   Ms. Crumiller said she hopes the official endorsement vote on Jan. 20 turns out more PCDO members.
   ”Since this is a new situation, where it really matters, I’m hoping we’ll have 250,” she said.
   The Jan. 20 event is open to PCDO members who are Princeton residents, registered voters and who are up to date on their membership dues.
   She said the PCDO is also hoping new members will join the organization in time to take part in the endorsement vote, the winner of which will be publicized.
   Though it won’t issue an endorsement, the Republican Association is also looking to “grow the base,” Mr. Herr said, noting that his party has been “regrouping” after the recent election.
   ”We made history by fielding candidates for all the open council seats for the first time in about a decade,” he said.
   The focus now is on building membership and recruiting candidates for the next Princeton election, he said.
   ”We prefer to keep it local,” he said.