Dublin slams McGreevey over event being co-hosted by Ocean County GOP chair

Hudson County Register Jeff Dublin, the co-chair of Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea’s (D-2) campaign for greater Jersey City, is slamming former Gov. Jim McGreevey over a fundraiser being co-hosted by Ocean County GOP Chair George Gilmore.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“The fact that McGreevey has the gall to put this convicted crooked politician’s name on a formal printed invitation shows that he has no shame. “It speaks volumes about his arrogance and lack of integrity,” Dublin said in a statement.

“We can’t let the most corrupt governor in NJ history become the most corrupt mayor. That is not going to happen.”

Gilmore, who was convicted of a $1 million tax evasion case in January 2020 before being pardoned by then-President Donald Trump (R) in his last day of office, is co-hosting a $1,000 a ticket fundraiser for McGreevey in Bayville on Wednesday, as HCV first reported.

Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi is the other co-host of the event.

McGreevey, who has previously said he’s known Gilmore for 20 years, has previously been criticized by O’Dea’s council-at-large running mate Kristen Zadroga-Hart for accepting large current campaign contributions from Charles Kushner.

“Kushner controlled McGreevey like a puppet on a string before he went to prison and he still has enormous influence over him today,” said Dublin, noting that Charles Kushner is Jared Kushner’s father and Ivanka Trump’s father-in-law.

Dublin also referenced the CNN documentary “United States of Scandal,” a series that highlighted disgraced politicians and in their episode about McGreevey, highlighted Kushner’s involvement in his administration before his infamous resignation.

McGreevey did not return an email seeking comment this afternoon, but he previously told HCV he had no qualifications about taking part in the event.

“I have known George for over 20 years and he wanted to be helpful,” he said, joking that he knows Gilmore never voted for him (McGreevey is also a former Woodbridge mayor, state assemblyman, and state senator).

“I’ve just found that my political philosophy and progressive values, in my political life and my work as a private citizen, welcomes the support of individuals throughout the political spectrum, while respecting and honoring those values ​​which are central to my core.”

The non-partisan Jersey City mayoral race isn’t until November 4th, 2025, but still already has a field of five with incumbent Steven Fulop running for governor instead of seeking a fourth term.

The other declared candidates are Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Council President Joyce Watterman, and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali.