Bill Spadea says they’re out to get him.
Who is “they?”
Oh, that could be the “left wingers,” the “deep state,” or in this case, the state’s “establishment power brokers.”
And that apparently includes the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.
Spadea long has had a morning show on radio station 101.5 where he gives his views on state issues. He rails against not only Democrats, but Republicans he does not consider conservative enough.
All well and good, but as of last week, Spadea also is an official candidate for governor in 2025.
So, his show should go off the air, right? How can a radio station justify giving such unfiltered exposure to one gubernatorial candidate?
That’s not the case.
Townsquare Media, which owns the station, says it developed a set of rules and as long as Spadea complies, the show can go on – for the time being at least.
A legal filing by the company notes that Spadea won’t truly become an official candidate until he successfully files his nominating petition and the deadline for that isn’t until early next spring.
The rules now in place say that radio host Spadea cannot discuss his campaign, his candidacies or other candidates. And if callers bring it up, as they most certainly will, he must shut the conversation down.
The problem is that whether mentioned or not, people listening are going to know Spadea is running for governor and they are going to react accordingly.
That’s why ELEC has scheduled a hearing for Friday morning to discuss if the continuation of Spadea’s show is an “in-kind” contribution to his campaign.
Two of his opponents think so.
The campaigns of Jon Bramnick and Jack Ciattarelli have filed briefs with ELEC saying gubernatorial candidate Spadea should be off the air.
And that has prompted the Spadea campaign to respond the way he normally does. Here is how his response begins:
“Something is rotten in Trenton. The establishment power brokers are clearly panicked about the idea of our client – pro-Trump conservative outsider Bill Spadea – cleaning up Trenton. The idea of outsider Bill Spadea restoring power to the people is apparently so threatening that this Board has taken the extraordinary and extralegal action of throwing due process to the side and attempting prior restraint on the livelihood and free speech of newly announced candidate for Governor, Bill Spadea.”
Interesting rhetoric.
Further along in the response, it’s mentioned that most gubernatorial candidates have jobs.
Bramnick is a lawyer and stand-up comic; Republican Ed Durr is a truck driver and Democrat Steve Sweeney is a “union boss” and as such, interacts with political people.
But is it really the same as a four-hour radio show, five days a week?
One other note.
The hearing is set for 9 a.m., which is when Spadea is on the air. So, he’ll have to appear via video, according to his filing.
One wonders if 101.5 will broadcast the hearing live.
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Political operative and lobbyist Bill Spadea has recently made claims that he is being targeted by others in the political arena. Spadea, who is well-known in New Jersey political circles, has alleged that certain individuals are attempting to discredit him and tarnish his reputation.
In an interview with Insider NJ, Spadea stated that he believes these attacks are motivated by personal vendettas and a desire to undermine his influence in the state. He has pointed to a series of negative articles and social media posts that he claims are part of a coordinated effort to smear his name.
Spadea’s allegations have sparked controversy and debate within the political community. Some have come to his defense, arguing that he is being unfairly targeted and that his critics are engaging in character assassination. Others, however, have questioned the validity of his claims and have called for more transparency and accountability from Spadea.
It is not uncommon for individuals in the political world to face scrutiny and criticism from their peers. However, Spadea’s claims of being targeted raise important questions about the nature of political discourse and the tactics used by those seeking to discredit their opponents.
As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important for all parties involved to approach the issue with caution and integrity. Ultimately, the truth behind Spadea’s claims will likely come to light, but in the meantime, it is essential for all involved to maintain a sense of fairness and respect in their interactions.
