Howes’ Somerset County Republican Organization Charged (Again) with 11 State Violations

Due to Chairman Howes’ lack of leadership Somerset County Republican Organization faces more fines than cash on hand

Today the New Jersey State Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) filed a Complaint against the Somerset County Republican Organization (SCRO) Chair Tim Howes asserting 11 separate violations of New Jersey Election Law for improper handling of financial donations. The attached Complaint indicates multiple failures to properly disclose donations.

“Three years of unfiled reports and excuses for his lack of management is nothing less than negligence, which is unacceptable and inexcusable. Instead of taking responsibility, Howes has staged a war in the upcoming Primary against our loyal County Committee Members, blaming them for raising objections to his failures as a chairman,” said Tracy DiFrancesco. “This latest denial of responsibility is only proving the utter disregard Tim exercises as Chairman of the Somerset County GOP and why the Organization can no longer function and win elections for Republicans,” DiFrancesco concluded.

According to the Q1 ELEC disclosure report (attached) SCRO currently has only $1,600 cash on hand as of April 15, 2024. Based on the violations issued, SCRO faces potentially eleven fines totaling over $107,000 for their lack of compliance – 65 times more than the organization has in their bank account.

Last year, more than 150 County Committee members from all over the county personally and publicly (via signed petition) called for the removal of Howes after 3 years of lost elections and disregard for legally required campaign compliance and disclosure reports, which resulted in SCRO being cited with a serious state election law violation.