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I have been patiently waiting to inform our supporters of a watershed decision made late last Fall
and many of you have been patiently waiting to let the cat out of the bag, as well. I truly
appreciate the circumspection shown the early stages of this campaign.
I was approached independently by certain factions of the leadership of both the Democrat and
Republican parties, from BOTH counties in our district, and for the same reason.
They are not satisfied in the least with our present representation, and understand that the
Republican Machine will never let that golden goose get away.
I have been asked to consider, and will be seeking, the nomination of the Democrat Party to run
as their candidate in the 2016 Congressional Race in New Jerseys third district.
Our own organization supports this decision fully, and remains at my side, and watching my
back, as we move forward toward November.
Does this change my independent stance on the issues we face? Not a jot. The Democrats
know this, and fully understand and respect that. In fact, any vacillation on this on my part
would have shown me to be unworthy. The Republicans that reached out, who are not part of the
friends and family plan, are tired of being told they have to accept the mediocre failure-ship
of my opponent as the best we have to offer, also understand why this decision had to be made.
It began with a phone call from a trusted opponent a Republican. Then, another this time
from an ally who ran as an independent in the last election, but was and is strongly Democratic.
I was a little shocked, at first. We spent very little in the last campaign, as we were really only
seeking the pulse of the district, and determining how best to serve ALL of the voters who live
there not just conservatives, not just liberals.
I was reluctant, at first. I believe anyone who knows me knows that I abhor machine politics
but it was made plain to me that, while we would enjoy the backing of a party organization, it
would not require that I change my jersey (intentional pun).
No Handcuffs. Do you realize what that implies? REAL representation.
As I have been a registered Democrat since my younger brother clerked for Senator Bill Bradley
in Washington DC., my eligibility to run as a Democratic Candidate is not in question. I dont
think anyone who knows me questions my positions on a given issue we may not agree, but
they know where I stand.
I spent several hours with one of the leaders of the Democrat Party effectively, a thesis
defense.
I frankly dont care a jot whether he comes or not. He blew off the veterans at the Willingboro
VFW post, last year, and did so a second time at an event scheduled at the Foster Military Lodge
also in Willingboro. He picked both initial dates, by the way.
I am sure hes not looking forward to a repeat of the shellacking he took at Ocean County
College, (video available on my web-site, without the hour-and-twenty-minute leader he
probably paid to add so people wouldnt watch.) but hell have to man up and show up if he
expects to retain the seat. I can hardly blame him for being reluctant. Hes left most of what he
promised undone, done much harm to our environmental protections, and is proud of proposing a
National Fish, that we purchase our military insignia only from US vendors, and promoted a
Congressional Reading Challenge of three books from September to March 18th. At least the
last one is being donesetting the bar a little low, dont you think?
He can pretend an independent opponent isnt a factor. This is quite another story.
He cant stand on his record, and he cant hide from debateso, since cornered, we can expect
all kinds of lovely accusations to fly. Lets put his only ammunition to rest, right now.
Im not a millionaire - never cared to be. In my family, we measure success very differently.
Im overweight. I live my life with gusto.
Im happily married for 26 years, and, as to my affairs theyre in order.
Now, what?
The gentleman spent nearly 9 million dollars to win an election for a job that pays $ 175,000 a
year or more, now, since I believe they just voted themselves another raise. Even a cursory
examination of his recorded sponsors shows how our favorite self-funder is getting back his
investment and it aint with thousand-dollar pancakes.
I am sure he wont go quietly, or even honorably but GO, he WILL.
I expect him to get nasty early, and continue to be. He will avoid his own record, which is an
even greater obstacle to his incumbency than I am.
Just remember, when watching a magician, its the other hand you have to keep your eye on
and remember, further, that the difference between a magician and a pickpocket is that the
magician gives you back your wallet and watch at the end of the trick.
When caught in a lie, he doubles down - watch for it. At least, in that, hes consistent. If it
werent so important, I would find it mildly amusing.
Im not amused.
In fact, Ive had enough.
Have you?
Stand for whats right, or settle for whats left Frederick John LaVergne