State Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Woodbridge) today called on his indicted district-mate, Assemblyman Joseph Vas (D-Perth Amboy), to resign.

“In light of the variety and extent of the charges, Assemblyman Vas should resign his seat immediately so the people and voters of the 19th Legislative District can have their government serve them in a way that’s unencumbered by these charges,” Vitale told PolitickerNJ.com in a phone interview.

Vas was charged with 11 corruption counts today related to his time mayor of Perth Amboy.  He was defeated in an upset last year by current mayor Wilda Diaz.  

Vas is already facing a primary challenge for his assembly seat from South Amboy Mayor Jack O’Leary.  Middlesex County Democrats will award the party line to two assembly candidates at a convention later this month.

Vitale said that he supports O’Leary, who he has been quietly helping win party support, as well as incumbent Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Sayreville).  

"He's a good man, so hopefully he'll be the next nominee and the next assemblyman," said Vitale.