Wildes says he'll challenge Rothman if Ferriero gives him the line
By Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ.com ReporterEnglewood Mayor Michael Wildes today said he would not challenge U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman as long as Rothman has the organization line in Bergen County.
“I would need the party support to go forward,” said Wildes, an ally of Bergen County Democratic Organization (BCDO) Chairman Joseph Ferriero, who yesterday issued a statement of support for U.S. Frank Lautenberg.
Earlier in the week, Rothman had threatened Ferriero with legal action if the chairman removed Lautenberg from Bergen’s line A on the ballot to replace him with U.S. Rep Rob Andrews, who this week jumped in the Democratic primary against Lautenberg.
In the scrap between Ferriero and Rothman, BCDO allies floated Wildes’s name as a potential opponent of Rothman’s in the event of an all out county war.
Today Wildes said, “If the opportunity presents itself, I would do it. The vacancy would have to create itself. Rothman has the line. Without that I can’t go.”
Asked if Wildes would go against Rothman in an open primary, the mayor would not speculate, but sources close to the mayor said petitions are being circulated on Wildes’s behalf - just in case.
“I will reserve comment on an open primary,” Wildes said, “but politics is very fluid, and you always have to be prepared. This mayor has got wheels on his heels.”
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