“I want to thank and commend my counterpart Al Gaburo as he retires from the helm of the Somerset County Republican Party. Al and I have been on opposing sides of 10 campaigns, all hard-fought and some bitter. Throughout the years he has been a formidable adversary but always remained a gentleman. Al worked valiantly to maintain control of the county government against some pretty serious state and national headwinds, and against a committed and talented cadre of Somerset County Democrats.  Although we differed politically we maintained an open dialogue and a cordial relationship. I will miss the friendly competition and periodic cocktails in the offseason  He leaves big shoes to fill.”