Mercer GOP picks lawyer to run for Assembly

Rather than support college student Brian Hackett, Mercer County Republicans have chosen Hamilton attorney Bill Harvey to run for State Assembly in the 14th district.

The pick sets up a Mercer-Middlesex primary in a district where both parties traditionally split their Assembly tickets between the two counties.  Harvey will bracket with Hamilton restaurant owner Rob Calabro while Hackett will run as Middlesex County's sole candidate.

Harvey, 31, moved from Passaic County to Hamilton with his fiancé just over a year ago and runs a private law practice out of Lawrenceville.   He responded to recruitment efforts by the three-member vacancy committee of Sidna Mitchell, who filed petitions with the Division of Elections but decided not to run.

"I saw an opportunity to present myself and seized upon it," Harvey said.  "Given my background, I believe I could do a very good job for Mercer County, the 14th District and the State of New Jersey. I'm here to do my best for the state and constituents."

Harvey said that he wants to reduce government spending and lower property taxes.

"The way the state is spending is absolutely out of control," he said.

Mercer County Republican Chairman Roy Wesley, who sits on Mitchell's committee on vacancies with his wife Nancy and Assembly Republican Campaign Committee Executive Director Mark Duffy, plans to file the paperwork replacing Mitchell with Harvey today.

Fearing that the 21-year-old Hackett will not be taken seriously by the voters of Hamilton - the district's largest and most important town - Wesley and his Mercer County Republican allies started searching for an alternative candidate soon after Hackett was tapped by Middlesex County Republicans.

"Our goal has always been to find two qualified candidates to run for Assembly who can win in Mercer County.  We've never been convinced that Brian Hackett is that person," Wesley said.

Although a Mercer-Mercer ticket is unusual for the district, Wesley pointed out that the Republicans' original dream duo -- Hamilton Council President Kelly Yaede and retired State Trooper and '08 Sheriff candidate Jim McSorely -- were both from Hamilton as well.

Middlesex County Republican Chairman Joe Leo said that as long as Hackett wants to run, he will support him.

"Of course, but our rules are clear and he's our nominee.  The others from Mercer did not come to our convention," he said.

Still, while circumstances seem to be moving the county parties towards a primary, Leo kept his remarks to his fellow Republicans civil.

"I don't know Mr. Harvey.  I'm sure he's a good candidate if the Mercer people are united behind him," he said.

Hackett, for his part, did not criticize Wesley's decision, but said that he will not step down before the primary. 

"I respect the process.  If Chairman Wesley has elected to have a contested primary, I'll happily participate in it.  I look forward to showing the voters why I'm qualified to represent them," he said.