JERSEY CITY – Does the road to City Hall in this Democratic bastion run through Republican Ocean County?
Proving once again that oddities are the norm in politics, mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey, the one-time Democratic governor, is scheduled to appear at a fundraiser Wednesday night co-hosted by George Gilmore, the GOP chair in Ocean County. Tickets cost $1,000 per person.
Beyond being a Republican chair, Gilmore was convicted of tax evasion in 2019, but ultimately pardoned by then-President Trump.
The invite for the bash at the B2 Bistro in Bayville notes that McGreevey is running in a “non-partisan” Jersey City mayoral election. Is that designed to make McGreevey’s presence at a Republican-led event seem more palatable?
If so, it does not seem to be working.
Talk about low hanging fruit for some of McGreevey’s mayoral opponents.
The campaign of Bill O’Dea weighed in with a release from Jeff Dublin, the Hudson County register.
“The fact that McGreevey has the gall to put this convicted crooked politician’s name on a formal printed invitation shows that he has no shame. It speaks volumes about his arrogance and lack of integrity,” says Dublin. “We can’t let the most corrupt governor in N.J. history become the most corrupt mayor. That is not going to happen.”
We also heard from the campaign of James Solomon.
Campaign Manager Stuart Thomas said, “Jim McGreevey is raising money from an unrepentant
Trump-pardoned MAGA acolyte who is determined to beat Kamala Harris and elect a Republican Governor in 2025. Jim McGreevey’s willingness to take money from anyone – but especially from a MAGA party boss – says loudly and clearly that his priority is not changing Jersey City; it’s doing the same old corrupt politics people are sick of. There is only one candidate in his race with the backbone to stand up to developers and the machine and that’s James Solomon.”
McGreevey has not yet responded to phone and email messages.
But he was recently quoted about the Gilmore fundraiser in the Hudson County View, a local online news site.
McGreevey said he’s known Gilmore for more than 20 years, adding:
“I’ve just found that my political philosophy and progressive values, in my political life and my work as a private citizen, welcomes the support of individuals throughout the political spectrum, while respecting and honoring those values which are central to my core.”
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Insider NJ recently reported on the fundraising efforts of George Gilmore, a prominent political figure in New Jersey, for former Governor Jim McGreevey’s Hudson Havoc Tripwires initiative. The initiative aims to provide support and resources for individuals reentering society after incarceration, with a focus on helping them navigate the challenges of finding employment and housing.
Gilmore, who is known for his fundraising prowess and connections within the political community, has taken on the role of spearheading the fundraising efforts for the Hudson Havoc Tripwires initiative. His involvement has already garnered significant support from donors and supporters who believe in the importance of providing second chances to individuals who have served their time and are looking to rebuild their lives.
The Hudson Havoc Tripwires initiative is particularly timely given the current focus on criminal justice reform and efforts to reduce recidivism rates. By providing resources and support to individuals reentering society, the initiative aims to help break the cycle of incarceration and give individuals the tools they need to succeed.
In addition to fundraising efforts, Gilmore and McGreevey are also working to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. By sharing stories and experiences, they hope to shed light on the barriers that exist and advocate for policies that support successful reentry.
Overall, Gilmore’s fundraising efforts for McGreevey’s Hudson Havoc Tripwires initiative are making a significant impact in the community and helping to support individuals in need of a second chance. With continued support and advocacy, the initiative has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of those reentering society after incarceration.
