TOMS RIVER – The campaign is over! Let the campaign begin!

  An unusually nasty primary campaign season ended with the winner being a list of candidates that were not backed by the official Republican club: Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill and his slate of council choices.

  The Republican Club had endorsed former Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato and his team for the primary. He was being challenged by Hill and Councilman Daniel Rodrick. Current Mayor Thomas Kelaher is not running for re-election.

  Hill received 3,057 votes and the right to represent the Republicans in November. Coronato won 2,546 votes. Rodrick won 1,836 votes.

  Coronato issued a statement after the votes were tallied: “I congratulate Mo Hill and his team on a strong race. Now it’s time to set aside our differences, come together as a party, and ensure that Republican leadership continues to guide Toms River into the future.”

  Hill was not available to speak on election night and Rodrick did not return a request for comment.

  The three camps fought publicly during the weeks leading up to the election, sparring in public meetings, mailers, and a live debate.

  Now that the Republicans fight is over, there will be a brief respite before the campaign leading to the general election in November.

Council Election

  There are three council seats up in November. Each mayoral candidate had a team, and there was one resident running solo.

 Click Here for Full Results! (Jersey Shore Online)