Even in politics, there’s a lot to be thankful for

Nov, 23-2009 11:32 am

By HARRY HURLEY
Political Columnist 

We all have so much to be thankful for this time of year. I am a very blessed man – and I'm smart enough to know it!

First, I have a family life from central casting. A beautiful wife (inside and out), Margie, for more than 28 years. We have three amazing children who have all turned out to be amazing young adults: Kristin, 26, married to Jon Baker; Lauren, 23, who is engaged to Tim Mancuso; and Robert, 20.

And Margie and I have the most amazing grandson, Noah, who is almost 2 years old now. I could never even begin to imagine how much joy Noah Hurley Baker would bring to the Hurley and Baker families.

We are also blessed to have such a great relationship with Mrs. Anne and Dr. John Baker. There has never been a harsh word between us, and I know this much: Noah is one lucky little man, I can tell you that. He has four absolutely devoted grandparents who unconditionally love and cherish him. 

I'm also very lucky to have an identical twin brother, Don, who is the younger twin by two minutes. I take great pride in being his "older" brother. Having an identical twin is a great thing. It's two for the price of one.

In this day of fast expectations, it's nice to have an identical twin brother who can pinch-hit for you when necessary. We've gotten to the point where we are somewhat interchangeable. I mean that in the best way, in that as long as one of us is "there," it sorta, kinda is accepted that we were both there. This comes in handy. 

I want to send a Thanksgiving Day shout-out to my older sister, Karen. Karen has always been there for Don and me. Her support is unconditional. She's a great sister and a great and unselfish mom.

I am extremely thankful for my great employers, Rick and Nancy Brancadora. They have entrusted much to me. We have had a great 3 1/2-year run thus far.

Let me also take this opportunity to break some professional news in this week's holiday column. I have recently signed a new five-year contract extension through Oct. 31, 2014 to remain the vice president of programming and operations for WIBG AM 1020 and Wibbage FM 94.3 radio stations.

This new contract extension means that "Hurley in the Morning" will remain on air at WIBG 1020 AM radio for at least the next five years. I am very thankful and excited about this long-term contract extension, which reflects Rick’s, Nancy’s and my desire to remain a broadcasting team for many years to come.

I am also very grateful and thankful for all of the many effective and positive relationships that I have built in the world of electoral politics. It's a very tough business, filled with double- and even triple-crossing. It's ruthless, and at times some of the bad actors are void of character and any principles whatsoever. 

However, I have been able to successfully swim against the dirty tide of electoral politics and forge many long-term relationships over the past 19 years. It's hard and risky to start naming names, but here goes. (Note: I'm only including people whom I have interviewed over the years. And I know I'm going to inadvertently leave out some important friends. Please accept my apologies in advance.)

A partial list of some of my "political" favorites include: Speaker Newt Gingrich; Sen. Bob Dole; the late Jack Kemp; Ollie North; Donald Trump (he's kind of a political figure); Nick Ribis (great boss); Governors Jim Florio and Bob Casey; Mayor Rudy Giuliani; Congressman/Ambassador William Hughes; Congressmen Frank LoBiondo, Rob Andrews and Jim Saxton; Governor-elect Christopher J. Christie; Gov. Mike Huckabee; Sens. Jeff Van Drew, Joe Kyrillos, Bill Gormley and Sonny McCullough; Mayor Lorenzo Langford; Deputy Mayor Jake Glassey (loyal and one of the best); Committeeman Charles Cain; Mayor Bill Mangles; Assemblymen Kirk Conover, Ed Kline, Ken LeFevre, Fred Nickles, Tom Foley, Paul D'Amato, John Amodeo and Vince Polistina; and Freeholders Joe Silapena, Jim Curcio, Tom Russo, Frank Finnerty, Joe Nickels, Frank Sutton, Lawton Nelson, Joe McDevitt, Frank Giordano and Frank Formica. 

A special, heartfelt thank you to all of my readers and listeners: Without you, none of this would be possible. 

Finally, have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day. It's an honor and a privilege to be able to share this space with you each week. I want to thank my publisher and editors for carrying this column in The Current and The Gazette newspapers.

 

Harry Hurley is vice president of programming and operations for Life Radio WIBG 1020 AM and Wibbage Radio 94.3 FM. He hosts the daily talk radio program "Hurley in the Morning," weekdays from 7 to 11 a.m. on WIBG 1020 AM. He hosts various programs for local television and is the editor and publisher of his news and information website, www.HarryHurley.com. To comment email HarryHurley@aol.com.