SOMERSET – Katie Mirne got right to the point:
“We are the future of New Jersey,” she said Friday as fellow students and some adults gathered for a “Young Conservatives Brunch” sponsored by the New Jersey High School Republicans.
Milne, who attends Colts Neck High School, chairs the high school Republicans. The group has more than 200 members and chapters in about half of the state’s 21 counties, she said.
Two of the speakers – Jack Ciattarelli and Bill Spadea – are 2025 gubernatorial candidates.
Also speaking was Billy Prempeh, the GOP candidate against Bill Pascrell in CD-9, Laura Ali, the Morris County Republican Chair, Justin Musella, a Parsippany councilman and mayoral candidate next year, and Zach Dora of Jersey 1st, a conservative advocacy group.
That was an impressive roster, especially in the middle of summer.
One pertinent question, especially for a high school group, popped up. Polls and anecdotes suggest that young people – or at least those who care about politics – lean to the left.
Why?
Ciattarelli was first to tackle that question.
He said it’s important to meet young people where they are, such as college campuses.
Issues count too. With that in mind, he brought up Somerville and asked what visitors are apt to see there.
“Cars,” was one reply.
Ciattarelli had something else in mind. He spoke of “buildings,” or rather, new construction in downtown. He said high-rise units that are affordable benefit young people by giving them a reasonable place to live. Not only that, they can make for a lively and bustling community.
Age can’t be ignored in this discussion – obviously.
Musella said demographics reveal that the average age of a New Jersey Republican is 58. That’s problematic. Musella, by the way, is 32.
He urged Republicans to play “offense” and to tell young people that it is Republican economic theory that gives them the best chance to be prosperous later in life.
Still, there’s more.
There is a social component to politics that outsiders can miss. The circuit of campaign events, fundraisers, rallies and brunches – like the one on Friday – can be a lot of fun. And it’s a great way to make new friends.
Bringing people into that mix may be a challenge for both parties, but perhaps more so with Republicans who tend to skew older than Democrats.
As Ali noted, there are times when “People don’t think it’s cool to be a Republican.”
So the challenge, as Ali said, is to acknowledge issues young people care about – climate change is one – and try to reach some type of consensus. It’s also to organize events aimed at younger individuals.
On this scale, Ali is always upbeat, talking about how this is a great time to be a Morris County Republican.
Prempeh, who is running against Pascrell for the third time, gave the most dramatic response.
He admitted that Republicans have to do a better job defining what a conservative means for young people.
To him it’s all about freedom – the freedom to live one’s life the way one wants.
Or more strikingly, the freedom not to be a “slave.”
The rhetoric may have been a bit over the top, but it certainly made an impression.
(Visited 7 times, 7 visits today)
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli and his running mate, Daryl Kipnis, have recently teamed up with conservative commentator Bill Spadea in an effort to appeal to young conservative voters in New Jersey. This strategic partnership comes at a crucial time as the November election approaches and both Ciattarelli and Spadea are looking to energize their base and attract new supporters.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, has been gaining momentum in his campaign for governor with his focus on issues such as lowering property taxes, improving education, and revitalizing the state’s economy. His message has resonated with many conservative voters who are looking for a change in leadership after years of Democratic control in New Jersey.
Spadea, a well-known radio host and political commentator, brings a strong conservative voice to the team and has a large following among young voters who are looking for a fresh perspective on politics. By teaming up with Ciattarelli and Kipnis, Spadea is able to amplify his message and reach a wider audience of potential supporters.
The partnership between Ciattarelli, Kipnis, and Spadea is a strategic move to appeal to young conservative voters who may be disillusioned with the current state of politics in New Jersey. By working together, the team hopes to inspire a new generation of voters to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard in the upcoming election.
In addition to their joint efforts on the campaign trail, Ciattarelli, Kipnis, and Spadea have also been hosting events and town hall meetings to engage with voters and discuss important issues facing the state. This grassroots approach has been effective in building support for their campaign and connecting with voters on a personal level.
Overall, the partnership between Ciattarelli, Kipnis, and Spadea is a promising development in the race for governor of New Jersey. By working together to appeal to young conservative voters, the team is positioning themselves as a strong alternative to the current Democratic leadership in the state. With the November election fast approaching, all eyes will be on Ciattarelli, Kipnis, and Spadea as they continue to make their case to voters and rally support for their campaign.
