Somerset GOP faces ELEC complaint

New Jersey Globe

By David Wildstein

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has filed a three-count complaint against the Somerset County Republican Organization and its treasurer, Robert Damiano, alleging late reporting of campaign finance reports for the first quarter of 2022, and not reporting 48-hour fundraising reports before the primary and general election that year.

They have twenty days to ask for a hearing where they can respond to the ELEC complaint.  It’s unclear when that hearing will be held.

The GOP county chairman, Tim Howes, said that responsibility for the late report lies with his former treasurer, Robert Damiano.   Damiano resigned last year.

“We intend to seek full indemnification from Mr. Damiano for damage done to the organization and for any civil penalties,” Howe said.  He said a new treasurer has brought the organization up to date.

Howes is seeking re-election to a third term as county chairman this summer.  He faces a challenge from Watchung GOP Municipal Chair Tracy DiFrancesco, the daughter of former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco.

Damiano did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

DiFrancesco said that “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,” she said. “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.”