Vying for re-election to the Bergen County Freeholder Board, Freeholder Rob Hermansen said he intends to win the backing of the Bergen County Republican Organization at a March 14^th convention – or bust.

“Our goal as Republicans is keeping the majority,” the freeholder said. “I’m going to win. If I lose, I’m not going to primary. I have reason to go after that if I don’t get the backing of the committee. The Republican Party needs to win in November. I still believe I’m the best candidate.

“I believe I’m going to win the convention, but if the will of the county committee is somebody else I will be willing to accept whatever they decide,” Hermansen said.

Four Republican hopefuls are pursuing two seats, one of which Hermansen occupies now as he seeks re-election to a second three-year term.

Ridgewood attorney John Ginty, former Rivers Edge Mayor Margaret "Peg" Watkins, and Washington Township Councilman Frederick C. Goetz also want the organization's nod.

“Four people are running,” said Hermansen. “We’ll see.

“I’m not going to primary,” he reiterated. “I refuse to do that. It’s too important to the party. We have got to win. We have to maintain a majority on the freeholder board. We have to maintain a majority for Chris Christie, who’s running next year.”

Hermansen’s support for a pay-to-play ordinance last year put him at odds with the BCRO.

Having lost his running mate, Freeholder John Driscoll, who decided not to run for re-election this year, the incumbent Republican freeholder seeks re-election unaffiliated with any of the other three candidates.

Hermansen has a scheduled Monday night solo fundraiser.

“I’m reaching out for support,” he said. “I really believe I’m going to win the convention.”