Jack Ciattarelli likes to talk about "having the wind at his back."
It is a little hard to grasp precisely what he means by that. Presumably, the point is that after eight years of Phil Murphy, a majority of voters (at least 51 percent of them) want change.

At the same time, what Ciattarelli also has at his back is Donald Trump. That certainly helped him in the primary. But now? Perhaps not?

Of more relevance is how far that wind carries.

A recent report by AdImpact Politics, which tracks this sort of thing, notes that Republicans in New Jersey (and in Virginia as well) have been slow in reserving TV time for the fall campaign.

How slow?

Well, according to this analysis a few days ago, Republicans have reserved no ad money. Democrats have reserved $17.5 million.

This discrepancy has gotten the attention of Matt Rooney, who runs Save Jersey, a well-respected conservative political site. He has posted on social media the following:

"Don’t want to alarm anyone, but here it is: national GOP groups are taking too long to commit $$ to New Jersey’s Election 2025.

Wasted a long summer of opportunities to help define Mikie Sherrill.
There’s still time, but a chance to seize the advantage was lost. Disappointing."

On the flip side, one can reason that it is still August.

While political junkies pay attention to politics in the summer, normal human beings probably do not.

So, there is still time for Republicans to launch an ad campaign. But they can't wait too long. Mail-in ballots will be mailed to voters beginning on Sept. 20.

* * * 

Speaking of mail-in voting, the Ciattarelli campaign may be living dangerously.

Team Jack's Facebook page features Jim Gannon, the lieutenant governor candidate, spending time recently with Republicans in Hanover Township, Morris County. Gannon is the county sheriff.

What was Gannon doing?

He was helping to "stuff envelopes with Vote by Mail applications!," the post explained. It added:

"Every vote counts and the deadline to apply is October 14th. This election is about bringing real change to New Jersey: lowering taxes, making our communities safer, and restoring common sense leadership. Together, we can get it done -  but only if everyone makes their voice heard on November 4th. #ItsTime."

Sounds like a reasonable political summation of things.

But then again ... Donald Trump says he wants to do away with mail-in voting.

Better get those applications out fast.