Spicuzzo: 'We will come together as Democrats'

It's going to be a vote by secret ballot tomorrow at the Middlesex County Democratic Committee's special election for a 19th District Assembly candidate, where 340 county committee people are eligible to vote, according to Chairman Joe Spicuzzo.

"There will be four-minute presentations by each of the three candidates," said Spicuzzo.

No questions.

Health care professional Jean Pierce of Woodbridge yesterday drew first to speak, and will occupy the number one spot on the secret ballot. Retired Superior Court Judge Mathias Rodriguez will speak next followed by retired Municipal Judge Craig Coughlin of Woodbridge, who will respectively occupy the two and three spots on the ballot.

"Whatever happens at the convention, we will come together as Democrats," said Spicuzzo.

The winner among Coughlin, Rodriguez and Pierce is expected to run on a ticket with incumbent Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Sayreville) against Republicans Peter Kothari of Woodbridge and Richard Piatkowski of Perth Amboy.

Insiders say Coughlin, himself a longtime District 19 Democratic Party insider with significant backing in Woodbridge, Carteret and South Amboy, is the favorite.

The Democrats have been trailing a blood spoor in District 19 ever since March, when the state dropped corruption charges on Assemblyman Joe Vas (D-Perth Amboy) effectively forcing him out of his reelection bid. A subsequent candidate, South Amboy Mayor John T. O'Leary, left the race owing to wounds sustained by an anonymous packet rife with corruption charges leveled at the 23-year mayor.