Thank you, Jay Webber!

Big news out of Trenton today. Five months before the end of his term, Assemblyman Jay Webber of Morris County is stepping aside in his leadership position as NJGOP Chair. Assemblyman Webber is someone I greatly admire in state politics. Named one of the Top 40 Under 40 in 2010 by Time, Webber has served as Assemblyman since 2008 and is one of New Jersey's most consistent Conservatives.

After securing a win in the 2009 GOP Gubernatorial Primary, Governor (then candidate) Chris Christie named Webber as NJGOP Chair and this sent shockwaves across the state! Over the past 20-30 years, the Republican Party in New Jersey has suffered through an identity crisis, favoring more "moderate" candidates to run statewide and the one time a Conservative was chosen by the voters (Bret Schunder in 2000), many of the moderates stayed on the sidelines. So when Chris Christie, whose Conservative credentials were doubted by some, nominated Webber, that act stated Conservatives in New Jersey will not be placed on the back burner. And in his tenure, Webber has done a phenominal job, helping the Republican Party to unite in the election last year and has facilitated a fundraising effort that has greatly benefited the Republican Party and out-fundraised the NJ Dems.

Some may still doubt Christie's Conservative credentials, but placing Jay Webber as Chairman of the NJGOP was significant, smart and took steps to healing wounds suffered (and sometimes self-inflicted) by the Republican Party in New Jersey and gave Conservatives a true voice in the party.

"The 'Right' Solutions" thanks Assemblyman Webber for his leadership and looks forward to Saddle Brook Mayor Sam Raia, who in his own right, is as effective a fundraiser, and will likely be a key player in the 2011 New Jersey Legislative Midterms.