Fierce rivalry with a local enemy provides exactly the motivation state Senator/Mayor Nicholas Sacco (D-32) needs to recommit himself to a friendship with state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-18), Metuchen, in a statewide brawl.

Irritated by the cross proximity of arch rival state Senator/Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack, a booster of Republican Gov. Chris Christie's, Sacco showed his willingness this week to counter with Buono when he welcomed the Democratic gubernatorial challenger to last night’s meeting of the North Bergen Democratic Municipal Committee.

“I have worked with Barbara Buono in the Senate for many years and I know that she is an ideal candidate to provide a strong contrast to Governor Christie and articulate the Democratic message in this election,” said Sacco. “I thank her for attending our meeting and our organization is behind her 100% and will work hard to produce a strong vote for her in North Bergen.”

Buono addressed a crowd of over 200 Democratic county committee members and volunteers and stayed after the meeting to meet with members of the organization. Those present included Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, North Bergen Democratic Municipal Chairman John Belluardo, Hudson County Freeholder Tom Liggio and several other local officials.

A week ago, Stack welcomed Christie to Union City to help christen a new school.

Sacco's eagerness to engage on Buono's behalf may mirror a similar incentive dynamic in Essex County, where Democrats say Christie's closeness to Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo has the potential to stir former Acting Governor Dick Codey (D-27) to arms on Buono's behalf, sources say.