In the wake of the historic election of Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, observers have expressed interest in the strategy behind his online campaign. Three members of the Scott Brown team visited The Heritage Foundation yesterday to talk about the campaign’s incredible success. Afterwards, we sat down with Robert Willington, one of the chief architects of their web strategy.
When asked how conservatives can continue to stoke the momentum they currently enjoy online, Mr. Willington replied, “By being conservative. By having a conservative message. Conservative activists are not in this for anything other than for the power of ideas and their philosophy, so they will be engaged as long as the message is there.”
Outgoing assemblyman Richard Merkt (R-Mendham), who ran what many observers considered a quixotic campaign for governor last year, said that he has not talked to Gov.-elect Chris Christie one-on-one since the election.
“He did show up at the caucus several weeks ago, and I did express my good wishes to him, and reiterated my view that he’s probably the last governor in New Jersey who has a chance at saving the state from bankruptcy,” said Merkt from the assembly floor on the last day of his 12-year legislative career.
Merkt shares a hometown with Christie but not much affinity. The two ran unsuccessfully for assembly together in 1995 before developing prickly relationship that occasionally surfaced at campaign events last year.
Nevertheless, Merkt, who will continue full-time as an attorney for TDI Power Systems, said that he hopes Christie has a successful first term, and plans to let him and other New Jerseyans know how he thinks he’s doing.
“When the Christie administration does things right, I intend to give them a pat on the back. And when it does things wrong, I intend to hold their feet to the fire,” said Merkt, who hopes to write some guest newspaper op-eds during Christie’s term.
Outgoing assemblyman Richard Merkt (R-Mendham), who ran what many observers considered a quixotic campaign for governor last year, said that he has not talked to Gov.-elect Chris Christie one-on-one since the election.
“He did show up at the caucus several weeks ago, and I did express my good wishes to him, and reiterated my view that he’s probably the last governor in New Jersey who has a chance at saving the state from bankruptcy,” said Merkt from the assembly floor on the last day of his 12-year legislative career.