TRENTON, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bill Spadea is facing criticism from within his own party after a pair of social media posts appeared to contradict his campaign message of opposing political insiders and corrupt special interests.
In one post, Spadea declared, “It’s time for a real Republican to be our nominee and governor,” criticizing “weak, lobbyist-created politicians” and calling for leadership “free of the influence of the corrupt special interests that have defined NJ politics for decades.”
But just hours later, the candidate praised George Gilmore — a longtime Ocean County GOP power broker who was convicted of tax-related crimes in 2019 and later pardoned by former President Donald Trump — calling him a “good friend” and crediting his leadership for a recent campaign success. “It’s his leadership that delivered Ocean County BIG,” Spadea wrote in a tweet.
It turns out, Gilmore, one of the most notorious GOP party bosses in New Jersey is on the Spadea payroll, being paid as a senior advisor to his Common Sense Club campaign.
Charlie’s of Bayhead is Gilmore’s “usual spot” to wine and dine Republican party elites for campaign fundraising shakedowns.
That prompted a sharp rebuke from Republican strategist Chris Russell, who posted: “This is the problem w/ @BillSpadea campaign in a nutshell. Talking tough about slaying corrupt party bosses in one breath, then groveling and genuflecting at George’s altar the next is absurd & pathetic.”
Russell was the campaign manager for former New Jersey Congressman Tom MacArthur.
Russell’s comments highlight tensions within New Jersey’s Republican ranks as Spadea attempts to position himself as a populist outsider ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial primary.
His critics say aligning with figures like Gilmore undermines that message and exposes inconsistencies and credbility in his campaign.
Reaction signals growing divide in GOP
Gilmore, the former Ocean County Republican Chairman, remains a controversial figure in New Jersey politics. Although pardoned, his conviction and ties to entrenched political networks have made him a lightning rod in debates over corruption and reform within the party.
He was former partners with New Jersey Democrat Party Chairman LeRoy Jones in 1868 Public Affairs and also works for a Norcross-backed lobbying firm in Camden County, according to reports. He has been under fire for secret meetings in Red Bank with Governor Phil Murphy and for his appearance at a campaign fundraiser last year for former Democrat Governor James McGreevey.
He is also closely aligned with New Jersey Senate Democrat leader Vin Gopal, from Monmouth County. Gopal was present in at least one meeting between Gilmore and the governor.
Gilmore is not only a supporter of Spadea’s, he is paid $5,000 per month by Spadea’s Common Sense Club PAC. So much for being a ‘man of the people’ in a fight against corrupt political bosses and the establishment.
Spadea’s campaign has not publicly responded to Russell’s critique, nor has it addressed the apparent contradiction in messaging. The tweets remain posted and are prominently featured on Spadea’s social media feed.
Key Points
- Bill Spadea criticized political insiders, then praised GOP power broker George Gilmore.
- Republican strategist Chris Russell called Spadea’s messaging “absurd & pathetic.”
- Gilmore is a controversial figure who was convicted of tax crimes and later pardoned.