Roselle Park felt a little bit like Des Moines last night, when about 200 Democrats gathered at an Italian restaurant for the New Jersey Democratic Caucus, where the results didn’t mean much but Democratic passion was on full display.

But if the results actually held water, then the world of New Jersey politics is topsy-turvy, because Hillary Clinton – who continues to lead state polls by 30% margins -- was eliminated in the first round of caucusing, coming in short of the 15% threshold with 27 members – 6 less than Dennis Kucinich’s 33.

And ultimately John Edwards, who barely makes a dent in New Jersey polls, prevailed with 76 supporters to Barack Obama’s 68 and Kucinich’s 34.

The event was conceived and organized by Jeff Gardner, co-chair of New Jersey for Democracy, and John Bartlett, Chairman of the Executive Committee of New Jersey’s Democratic Future.  Gardner had seen the Iowa caucuses four years ago, and thought it would be fun to imitate.  The two organizers invited every candidate – except one.

U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie has written the Department of Justice advising them that he has received letters from Reps. Frank Pallone and Bill Pascrell regarding the selection of federal monitors, and asking them to simply look at the letter. Christie has not responded to the congressional inquiry directly, but forwarded a copy of his letter to Pallone and Pascrell.  The U.S. Attorneys manual requires letters from members of Congress to be sent directly to the Department of Justice for appropriate response.