Cape May County Republicans

Chris Christie has a deep affection and strong commitment to New Jersey. Born in Newark and raised in Livingston, Chris has lived in New Jersey his entire life. Chris and his wife of 22 years, Mary Pat, now reside in Mendham, where they are raising their four children, Andrew, Sarah, Patrick and Bridget. After graduating from the University of Delaware in 1984 with a BA degree, Chris attended Seton Hall University School of Law, earning his JD degree in 1987. Chris joined a Cranford law firm and soon was named a partner. He ran for Freeholder in Morris County, an office he held from 1995 to 1997, serving as Director of the Board in 1997.

Christie was appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey in 2002. As the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Jersey, Christie earned praise from leaders in both parties and drew national attention for his efforts in battling political corruption, corporate crime, human trafficking, gangs, terrorism and polluters. Christie led a widely acclaimed charge against public corruption. Regardless of party affiliation or political influence, when laws were broken, Christie took action. His office racked up an astonishing record - winning convictions or guilty pleas from over 130 public officials - both Republican and Democrat - without losing a single case.

The New York Times said Christie “won widespread admiration for his aggressive fight against political corruption.” And The Bergen Record wrote: “All New Jerseyans owe him a huge debt of gratitude for refusing to accept this state’s sleazy status quo.”

Upon Christie’s resignation on December 1, 2008, every major newspaper in the state applauded his term as New Jersey’s US Attorney. The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote: “Christie has already done more good for New Jersey than some previous governors. His office successfully prosecuted more than 130 public officials. And it has not lost a single corruption case.” And in a story headlined “Christie rewrote the book on prosecuting corruption,” Bob Braun of the Newark Star-Ledger concluded, “Christie…was creative, too - and aggressive.”

As Governor, Christie’s strong leadership and common-sense approach will bring the change New Jersey needs. The hallmarks of his tenure as US Attorney - eliminating waste and fraud, increasing governmental transparency, restoring honesty to government and returning hard-earned dollars to taxpayers - will be Chris’s focus as Governor in Trenton.

To learn more about Chris and his family, read Park Place’s “Candid Candidate.”

John McCann
Small Business Owner - Job Creator - Community Leader
A constant voice for lower taxes, less government and more economic growth, John McCann is one of the foremost business leaders in Cape May County.
He is a former President of the Cape May County Association of Realtors and currently serves on the Cape May County Tax Board. John’s two small businesses provide income for 20 families throughout Sea Isle and Ocean City, and he is a tireless activist for church, family and community issues.

 Freeholder Len Desiderio

Leonard C. Desiderio, mayor of Sea Isle City since 1993, was elected freeholder in 2002. Desiderio received his B.A. degree in Social Sciences and History from Thomas Edison College.

A native of Nutley, New Jersey, Desiderio became a full-time resident of Sea Isle City in 1983 and is president of Sea Isle Inn, Inc.; a family owned and operated business. Desiderio is married to wife Carmela and they have one daughter, Carmela.

 Michael J. Donohue
Committed to Our Future

When Mike Donohue volunteered to teach high school on the Caribbean island of St. Croix in 1990, he wasn’t looking for a free vacation. The island’s St. Joseph High School had recently been destroyed by Hurricane Hugo, and Mike was just trying to help the students affected by the disaster.

Amidst the clamor of the reconstruction efforts, Mike taught religion and English lessons from a tent and recruited students for the school’s mock trial team. Mike later coached the team to a successful appearance at the Virgin Islands Championship, which earned them a slot at the national championships in New Orleans.

For Mike – then a recent college graduate – the job helping students from a hurricane-ravaged school was the first in a career that has been defined by volunteerism, selfless service and a commitment to making things better for the people around him.

Mike has never abandoned this commitment. As a firefighter in Stone Harbor and Church volunteer, as and elected official or as a practicing attorney, his primary focus continues to be helping his community in any way that he can.

Mike has spent the better part of the last decade as a municipal prosecutor. Keeping criminals off the streets and keeping families safe has always been a priority for Mike, and he has successfully prosecuted hundreds of drunk drivers, domestic violence assailants and non-felony offenders.

Mike got his start in politics in 1998, when he was elected to the Stone Harbor Borough Council. He served as chair of the council’s Health and Welfare Committee and later as head of the Public Works Committee.

Born in Cape May Court House, Mike spent time growing up in Sea Isle City, Stone Harbor and Middle Township. At Middle Township High School Mike was a varsity letterman in Track and Football and Senior Class President.  Mike credits his hard-working, blue-collar values to his parents and grandparents. One grandfather worked in a glass factory and at a gas company, while the other worked on a family farm. Mike’s mother worked full time while raising seven kids.  Today she volunteers at the local hospital.  Mike’s Dad had a distinguished career in law enforcement and volunteers now for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Mike also held a number of blue-collar jobs himself, working as a dishwasher, busboy, prep cook and carpenter while making his way through high school, college and law school.

After earning his law degree from Stetson University, Mike opened his own legal practice in 1994, in Stone Harbor. As a legal practitioner, Mike has handled complex business, real estate, insurance, divorce and municipal litigation.  He has also served as defense counsel in criminal matters ranging from homicide to traffic tickets. In 2008, Mike Donohue joined the firm of Gruccio, Pepper, DeSanto & Ruth in Vineland, New Jersey.

Mike married Jeanne Dewey in September 1997.  The couple has two daughters, Natalia Kathleen and Bridget Rose, and a son, William Walter.  The family resides in Dennis Township where Mike and Jeanne have been active volunteers for the Dennis Township Public Schools and Recreation Programs.