CHALLENGER SLATE FILES 277 FOR COUNTY COMMITTEE; Rumana’s Tenuous Hold On Leadership is Threatened

In Assembly District 34 the PCRO has filed candidates Michael Mecca III and Matthew Tyella both of Clifton.  In addition the PCRO, which will do battle with the faltering GOP organization of Assemblyman Scott Rumana – filed two candidates in the West Paterson council race  -- Matt DeBrino and William DeStefano -- while Rumana’s organization failed to file any. 

“We want to make sure the Democrats have opposition – strong opposition – everywhere,” said Mecca. “We believe in fighting Democrats wherever we can, obviously Mr. Rumana does not."

The  PCRO also has fielded council candidates in Totowa, West Milford and North Haledon.  Rumana, the embattled chairman of the regular Republican organization in Passaic County, which has not come close to winning a county election since Rumana became its leader, will have to contend with a significant county committee challenge that could lead to his ouster in June.  

The PCRO’s 277 county committee candidates include 41 in Rumana’s home town of Wayne; 82 in Clifton; 73 in Paterson; 26 in West Milford; 15 in Passaic; 14 in Little Falls and 12 in Totowa. The organization also has five candidates in Haledon and two in West Paterson. 

Mecca said the fact that the nascent organization was able to attract so many candidates is a testament to the hard work of those who want to see the Republican Party rebound in Passaic County.  

“Obviously, many people are disenchanted with Scott Rumana’s stewardship of the Republican organization and with his divided loyalties between his job as chairman and his job as Assemblyman,” said Mecca. 

“The momentum is clearly on the side of change in Passaic County,” added Mecca. “All the name calling, bullying and childish tactics by Mr. Rumana and his henchmen have done nothing, but to motivate people to join an organization that is energized and committed to winning elections against Democrats in November.”