Harry Hurley’s Commentary: Aline Dix and Hamilton Township Republicans

Hurley in the Morning has learned and confirmed that the Hamilton Township Republican Committee has decided against nominating incumbent Republican Committeewoman Aline Dix for re-election.

Instead, they have formally nominated John Kurtz, who is the President of the Mays Landing Merchants Association. Kurtz is the owner of a long established florist shop in Hamilton Township and was recently the Businessman of the Year in Mays Landing.

This is a very rare occurrence. It's usually a mere formality for an incumbent to sail to an easy re-nomination for election.

I have also confirmed that Committeewoman Aline Dix intends to run for re-election ... in what will now be a contested June Primary Election.

The stakes are very high in Hamilton Township this year. The winner of this seat, will tip the majority one way or the other. Republicans now hold a 3-2 majority.

This contested Primary Election is potential risky political business in that Republicans will have to spend money and no doubt attacks will be made ... with the Democrats potentially rallying behind one candidate, who will not have to compete in a contested June Primary.

Dix has been seen by many Republican Leaders in Hamilton Township as combative and not a reliable teammate. Dix will now have to win a Republican Primary Election for her own seat or she will be out.