Kim Guadagno Endorses Serena DiMaso in NJ 13 Republican Primary

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Kim Guadagno, the former New Jersey lieutenant governor and 2017 Republican governor candidate who lost to Phil Murphy, is endorsing Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso in the NJ 13th District Republican primary.

The election is next Tuesday, June 8.

With her endorsement, Guadagno is parting ways with Monmouth County Republican Party chairman and county sheriff, Shaun Golden, who publicly dropped DiMaso earlier this March, and later accused her of "unethical behavior."

DiMaso's name will appear under Phil Rizzo's Tuesday on the ballot.

Guadagno herself was the elected Monmouth County Sheriff before she became lieutenant governor.

"I have had the honor, as the former Lt. Governor, the 75th Sheriff of Monmouth County and a Commissioner of Monmouth Beach, of observing thousands of public servants in my career. None have been as deserving of our support than my friend and my own Assemblywoman, Serena DiMaso," said Guadagno in a long statement declaring her support. "I have been in awe of Serena’s loyalty, work ethic and principals."

"Serena has the demonstrated ability to lead," Guadagno continued. "We all know the number of women in politics is shamefully low. Serena has led woman legislators on a national basis ... I am thankful we have an experienced, fearless and articulate voice in Trenton at a time when we need it most."

The 13th District race has exposed deep infighting and division in the Monmouth County Republican Party: DiMaso is trying to hold onto her seat despite being rejected by Sheriff Golden, who instead threw his backing behind incumbent Gerry Scharfenberger and Vicky Flynn, a newcomer seeking statewide office. Out of the three, voters will be asked to chose two.

Golden and DiMaso have been quietly at odds with each other for years. DiMaso previously told Patch she "didn't know why" Golden dropped her, and that he would not return her calls.

As reported by the New Jersey Globe, Golden accused DiMaso of unspecified "unethical behavior and missing key votes while on vacation."

Tuesday's election will be a test of not only Golden's political power, but also DiMaso's likability among Monmouth County Republican voters — is she popular and well-known enough to run "off the line" and win?

Out of the five Monmouth County Commissioners (they used to be called freeholders), all Republican, only one is supporting DiMaso. On Friday, Lillian Burry told us why she's not toeing the party line.

"She (DiMaso) is an incumbent of the highest quality," said Burry. "She's well respected and she's done nothing to disgrace our body."

"I don't like the methodology of what was done and they know that. I told them that," said Burry, referring to Golden and GOP party leadership. "It wasn't right; it wasn't right at all what was done to her. Was there any sound basis for it?"

On Wednesday of this week, four of the five Monmouth County Commissioners penned this letter of endorsement for Flynn and Scharfenberger. The letter was signed by Commissioners Tom Arnone, former Hazlet Mayor Sue Kiley, Dominick DiRocco and Ross Licitra, who also runs the Monmouth County SPCA.

Burry said she deliberately left her name off that letter.

"I'm supporting her just as Kim Guadagno is, and she's not a name that you scoff at," said DiMaso.

In her endorsement statement, Guadagno only vaguely referred to the political infighting:

"These are not the days for people who put petty politics above the needs of the people of the 13th," said Guadagno. "Certainly, my years in Trenton — and my time as your Sheriff— have taught me to speak truth to power when that power no longer reflects our values. Serena has been that voice for you and will continue to be that voice."

The Monmouth County Republican Party is now divided in the DiMaso vs. Golden feud.

Should DiMaso be able to retain her seat, it will show she took on the party boss, and won. If she loses, it will show that Golden still retains a powerful grip on Monmouth County politics.

Golden did not return an email from Patch seeking comment for this article.

The 13th legislative district includes Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright, Rumson and Union Beach. It includes many wealthy towns.

This race is not so much about specific issues as it is about finding candidates who can keep this part of Monmouth County squarely in Republican control, and fend off an ever-rise tide of New Jersey "blueness."

Burry was just re-elected to her Commissioner seat last year, and she told us Friday she "hasn't decided" if she's going to run again in three years when her term expires.

The backstory:

Monmouth County GOP Pulls Support For DiMaso In NJ-13 Race (March 19)

NJ 13 Republican Primary: DiMaso Fights For Her Political Life (June 1)

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