Kasparian enters race for Bergen Democratic Chairman

Michael Kasparian, a Democratic fundraiser and ally of outgoing Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero, formally entered the race to succeed Ferriero this weekend, saying that he demonstrated his independence from party leaders by becoming an early support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. 

The Ho-Ho-Kus real estate developer and former Assembly candidate says he will unveil his platform for reform over the next two weeks.  Kasparian is expected to face labor leader Buzz Dressel in a January 22 special election.  Ferriero announced on Friday that he was stepping down after ten years at the helm of the Bergen County Democratic Organization.

The complete text of Kaspaian's announcement follows:

I wish all of you and your families a happy and healthy New Year.  I am announcing to you my candidacy for Chairman of the Bergen County Democratic Organization.

First, I want to thank Joe Ferriero for his service to the Party and wish him and his family the very best during this undoubtedly difficult period in their lives.  Our party has had unprecedented success over the last decade under his leadership.

As a long time County Committee member, former candidate for the State Assembly and as a Democratic fundraiser, I will have the ability not only to unite our Party but, with your help, build a stronger organization that will prepare our leaders for the challenges of these difficult times.

Though I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you, please let me give you a little background about my political experience.  Currently, I live in Ho-Ho-Kus with my wife Nancy and our three sons.  I am a long time county committee member.  I have had the opportunity to fundraise for Democratic causes at all levels both nationally and locally.  I understand the need to put Party before self and ran a grassroots oriented campaign for the Assembly in Legislative District 39.  Though unsuccessful, the run for Assembly reaffirmed my desire to have a strong Democratic Party throughout Bergen County.

Additionally, I recently demonstrated my independence from our local and state Party leaders as an early supporter of our President-elect Barack Obama.  I served as a National Finance Committee member for the Obama campaign and as an Obama Delegate at our national convention.  It was an honor for my family to have hosted the President-Elect and Michelle at our home in 2007.  I believe that the decision to support Barack Obama was best for Bergen County and the nation.  I look forward to calling upon our President-elect in support of our Democratic candidates this November.

I have been talking to countless County Committee members, municipal leaders and elected officials and I know that each of you want our party to move beyond the rancor that has beset our party of late.  We must not allow this discord to undermine the strength of our Party that has empowered countless victories.  Nothing would please the Republican Party more than to watch us debate our success away.  With the Governor's office, State Assembly seats, two Freeholders and numerous local election contests in play, it is essential that we all work together to insure a commanding Democratic success this year.

Over the next two weeks I will continue to discuss with you my platform for reform.  I will work hard to open up the party for greater participation and debate with more regular County Committee and Executive Committee meetings.  Additional reforms will have various facets, which will first and foremost include the implementation of an ethics training program for all candidates who desire the support of our party.  This commitment will be similar to the state mandated program that all commissioners and authority members, myself included, must complete annually.  Until such time, I encourage all of us to now support the appointment of a neutral third party to oversee the election that has been called for on January 22nd.

It is my hope that I may to speak with each of you before the County Convention to personally ask for your support.  Please feel free to call upon me as well if you have any advice or questions.  In the coming days, I will be releasing the list of elected and party officials who have pledged their support to my candidacy.  I truly appreciate your consideration and look forward to working with each of you for a new and even stronger Democratic Party.