Excoriated for calling incumbent Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz intellectually ill-suited to lead, embattled campaign strategist Jim Devine told reporters today he is disconnecting himself from Billy Delgado's mayoral campaign.

"To sever the blurry connection, I am removing myself from my role as the strategic adviser for Billy Delgado's campaign," Devine wrote. "This will allow Billy Delgado to continue advancing his message of hope and change for economic progress, government reform and true accountability in Perth Amboy. He is on a path to victory and I have no doubt that voters will elect him."

Two sources close to the campaign said Delgado's departure will now enable Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-19) and Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman to publicly endorse Delgado, possibly as early as Wednesday.

After the Diaz dress-down via email, Devine's presence hindered their willingness to go public for Delgado.

Meanwhile, the Perth Amboy Federation – American Federation of Teachers (PAF-AFT) today endorsed Delgado for Mayor of Perth Amboy.