Primary '09: the polls are open

Republicans will nominate a candidate for Governor today, with former U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie, former Bogota Mayor Steven Lonegan, and Assemblyman Rick Merkt (R-Mendham) seeking the chance to run against Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine.

Corzine has three primary opponents: former Glen Ridge Mayor Carl Bergmanson, Roger Bacon, and Jeff Boss, who claims to have witnessed the U.S. government planning the 9/11 terrorist attack.

In District 23, Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow (R-Raritan) faces a GOP primary challenge from Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Oxford).  Three candidates are seeking two Assembly seats: incumbent John DiMaio (R-Hackettstown), Hunterdon County Freeholder Erik Peterson, and Edward Smith, Doherty's Chief of Staff.

In the Morris County-based 25th district, where Merkt is giving up his seat to run for Governor, three candidates are seeking the Republican nod for a pair of Assembly seats: incumbent Michael Patrick Carroll (R-Morris Twp.), Morris County Freeholder Douglas Cabana,  and Anthony Bucco, Jr., the son of four-term State Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Boonton).

Former Assemblyman Craig Stanley (D-Irvington), who lost his seat by 127 votes in the 2007 Democratic primary, is seeking a comeback in the Essex County-based 28th district.  He is challenging incumbents Ralph Caputo (D-Belleville) and Cleopatra Tucker (D-Newark).

In District 40, which includes parts of Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties, incumbents David Russo (R-Ridgewood) and Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) face primary challenges from Joseph Caruso and Anthony Rottino. 

In the 3rd district, which includes parts of Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem counties, Republicans will pick two candidates to challenge Democratic incumbents John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro) and Celeste Riley (D-Bridgeton).

Democratic mayors face primary challenges in Edison, , Morristown,  Atlantic City, Plainfield, and East Orange.