JACKSON, NJ — In a strongly worded statement released today, the Common Sense Club Board has addressed what they describe as “coordinated politically motivated attacks” against their organization and its founder, Bill Spadea.
The board’s statement directly refutes allegations circulating in certain media outlets and political circles, characterizing the attacks as “baseless” and “lies.” According to their response, these attacks appear timed to coincide with Spadea’s growing influence in New Jersey politics.
Sources close to the situation indicate that former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway, former and current perennial gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, podcaster Mike Crispi, and Shore News Network operator Phil Stilton have been involved in propagating these claims.
The Common Sense Club, which describes itself as a grassroots organization focused on promoting common sense solutions to everyday problems, maintains that all financial arrangements have been conducted with full transparency and in accordance with relevant regulations.
Link to their full statement here:
“These attacks are a desperate attempt to smear a growing movement of everyday New Jerseyans who are tired of the establishment politics that have failed our state,” said a spokesperson for the organization. Of particular note is the involvement of Phil Stilton, publisher of Shore News Network. Multiple sources have indicated that Stilton’s actions may be connected to previous interactions with Spadea. According to these sources, Stilton has a tactic of approaching people with what could be characterized as extortion attempts, demanding financial compensation in exchange for favorable coverage. When Spadea and others in the past have reportedly refused these advances, Stilton allegedly pivots to publishing negative content about them and their organizations.
Phil Stilton
This pattern of behavior appears consistent with previous reporting about Stilton by the Patch, which described controversial tactics and questionable journalistic practices that have drawn criticism from media ethics experts.
Link to their Patch article here:
https://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/meet-controversial-figure-behind-fox-news-new-jersey
The Common Sense Club board emphasized that they welcome legitimate scrutiny but condemn what they describe as “character assassination attempts designed to silence grassroots voices.”
As this story develops, we will continue to investigate the claims and counterclaims, providing our readers with factual, balanced reporting on this unfolding situation in New Jersey politics.
[Editor’s note: Our publication has reached out to all parties mentioned for comment. This story will be updated with their responses.]
