Politician Inappropriately uses Veteran’s Initiative to Promote his Political Campaign

The below is a statement from Matt Anderson, Spokesman for Jeff Cantor for Monmouth County Sheriff:

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden is facing steep criticism from various veterans after using a Veteran focused social media initiative to promote his political campaign for re-election. Golden has never served in the military in any capacity. Sheriff's Candidate Jeff Cantor is a veteran, as are Surrogate and Freeholder Candidates, Vincent Solomeno and Sue Fulton.

"During a day of political campaigning, signs labeled #OnDutyForSheriffGolden were passed out to fellow politicians, including Golden himself. The group posed on numerous occasions and spread the photos throughout social media, a clear attempt to grasp on to the support for the veteran focused initiative for political gain. It is disrespectful and mocks our veterans. Because of the political maneuver, Golden was met with heavy criticism by local veterans for his willingness to abuse the veteran focused initiative for personal and political gain," stated Anderson.

In 2014, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, began a social media initiative for veterans using the title #OnDutyForJoni. Supporters would pose for photos on their social media webpages using the title #OnDutyForJoni as a call for support of Ernst and other veterans serving at home and overseas.

Golden is facing the most competitive challenge to his re-election he has seen in the near decade he has spent in the Sheriff’s Office. His opponent, U.S. Army Colonel Jeff Cantor joined fellow candidate U.S. Army Captain Vincent Solomeno in the veterans focused social media initiative by having their supporters pose online while they served overseas this year.

Many veterans chimed in...

Ray Dothard, a Vietnam, Combat Fighter Pilot from Millstone offered the following...

“I know political campaigns get dirty, but this is beyond the pale. How can we trust a sheriff to protect us who is willing to do whatever it takes to score political points, even if it means co-opting a veterans’ initiative for his own gain? It’s disgraceful.” Vietnam Combat Fighter Pilot Veteran, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)," stated Dothard,

Don Yacavone, a veteran offered the following.

"This is disrespectful and deceitful to veterans. To mock a candidate running for office because he or she is overseas defending us is inappropriate. The sheriff should be ashamed."

David Lande of Millstone, NJ (Captain in the Army, 82nd airborne decision)

"Proud to support Colonel Jeff Cantor for Monmouth County Sheriff. As a veteran, he has the administrative leadership skills and understands how to keep Monmouth County safe. The current sheriff needs to do more for veterans issues. Colonel Cantor is the best candidate for the job."

Wayne Blanchard of Belmar NJ (State Trooper and Veterans Advocate)

"We need to support veterans not mock them. Colonel Jeff Cantor has 30 years of military experience - he is the right person for the job. It was totally inappropriate of them to copy Colonel Cantor who is overseas protecting our interests."