MORRISTOWN - Doug Cabana's tenure as a Morris County freeholder/commissioner goes back almost three decades. This fall, he's running again.

All this may get old, but this year, Cabana said Thursday night there's much excitement in Morris Republican circles.

And then he pointed across the room and said it's all because of "the man standing there."

That was Jim Gannon, the local sheriff and just announced lieutenant governor candidate.

Officially, Thursday's event at a local bar was a "meet and greet" for this year's three Republican commission candidates - Cabana, Christine Myers and Tom Mastrangelo.

But Gannon's presence gave it somewhat of a statewide appeal.

"I see energy out there," said Gannon, who was selected as a LG candidate earlier this week. He added:
"Jack Ciattarelli is a brilliant, brilliant  man who knows the issues inside out. I think we're in good shape. I really do."

Gannon's remarks were what you'd expect a newly-minted lieutenant governor candidate to say.

That wasn't the point, though.

The 40 or so people in attendance are convinced Gannon's presence on the ticket is going to help Ciattarelli in Morris.

That remains to be seen.

The county is in Mikie Sherrill's CD-11 and she has always done well there.

So has Gannon, who is running again for sheriff this year unopposed. He can run for sheriff and LG on Ciattarelli's ticket at the same time. But if Gannon becomes lieutenant governor, he, obviously, will step down as sheriff.

The question is how many voters in Morris really know who the county sheriff is? Will there be enough to truly help Ciattarelli?

Also speaking were GOP candidates for the town council in Morristown and township committee in Morris Township.

Democrats control both towns, but for the first time in the last few years, Republicans are making a genuine effort.

A Morristown/Morris Township Republican Club has been formed, or perhaps revitalized.

The club president is John Biehl who likes to tell Ronald Reagan stories - always a good thing at Republican events.

More relevant to the task at hand, Biehl also proclaimed that Morristown/Morris Township Republicans are "alive and well."