Steve Lonegan, former mayor of Bogota, N.J., and a contender in the Republican primaries for New Jersey governor, just called in for a quick last-day-on-the-road check-in. The self-described conservative is “extremely optimistic,” despite the polling results that favor his opponent. He attributes his bright attitude to a “powerful grassroots” energy that is driving his campaign — the same energy that we saw during the tea parties earlier this year. The campaign, he says, is “tapping into pent-up frustration” that is not unique to New Jersey.

Over the weekend, Lonegan referred to the GOP establishment in the state as “mushy moderates.” But he doesn’t confine his hostility toward the Republican status quo to his own state. Lonegan says that tomorrow’s Garden State primary is important for the country: we’re going to “set the standard” for “returning to limited government.” A vote for him is a vote for “a commitment to reestablishing the Republican — conservative — base.” “The party,” he says, “has lost its way.”

He sums up his campaign as being about “cutting the size of government,” instating a flat tax, ending punishing burdens on small business, supporting the Second Amendment, and “being pro-life.” He refers to the flat tax as “the most important issue in the campaign” and says Republican criticisms of it amount to “vague rhetoric” and are endemic of the “lack of depth” of the party.

Lonegan’s voice rises as he expresses his hostility to the word “bipartisanship.” “When I am the nominee,” he says, “we will take over the GOP” and put in place “new leadership that will turn the state around.” He will work with Democrats in the legislature as governor only “to advance my agenda.” He characterizes Democrats’ calls for bipartisanship as disingenuous — as calls for conservatives to give in, not for both sides to reach an agreement. This is a game he says he, unlike other Republicans in and out of state, will not be playing.

So why should anyone in New Jersey believe he can be governor, and actually work with anyone to get anything done? His record as mayor, he says. The facts that he was “elected three times” in the state, and that he “delivered on [his] promises” as mayor.

If he loses the primary tomorrow, Lonegan says he will support his current opponent, Chris Christie: “I will support the Republican.” But he also warns the state party to do the same if he wins tomorrow, unless they want to continue to be “losers.”