MOUNT LAUREL – Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-16) slapped at the sitting Republican State Committee tonight after he received the formal backing of the Burlington County Republican Committee – then the candidate took a shot at comedian Joe Piscopo.

“It is obscene to me after seven and a half years that our state party is broke,” Ciattarelli griped, promising to lead a grassroots effort to rebuild the party.

The assemblyman then threw a loose elbow at Piscopo, who is edging toward an independent bid for governor.

“The next time I see Joe Piscopo I’m going to kick him in the shins and I’m going to punch him in the nose,” Ciattarelli said. “Don’t be badmouthing Republicans on the way out the door.”