PASSAIC GOP GIVES NOD TO O'TOOLE TEAM

PASSAIC GOP GIVES NOD TO O’TOOLE, RUSSO, RUMANA

March 28, 2007 

West Paterson -- The Passaic County Republican Organization Executive Committee last night endorsed the O’Toole, Russo and Rumana legislative ticket for District 40.  Assemblyman O’Toole, who won unanimous support from the organization’s leadership for the state Senate nomination (replacing Senator Henry McNamara, who is retiring) said he was proud to have the backing of the party organization and would work hard to elect Republicans throughout the county. 

“This November is not just about me and my running mates winning, it’s about the Republican Party in Passaic, Essex and Bergen counties winning,� said the 42 year old O’Toole, who is also the Essex GOP Chairman.

 “Dave Russo, Scott Rumana and I will raise money and work hard to make sure that every Republican candidate in the district has a chance to be victorious on November 6,� he added.

Assemblyman Russo, 53, of Ridgewood, is seeking re-election to the General Assembly; he has represented the district since 1990. Rumana, 42, the current mayor of Wayne and a former Passaic County Freeholder, is running to fill O’Toole’s slot in the Assembly.    

Rumana, who is also the Passaic County GOP chairman thanked the Executive Committee for its support and said as a state legislator he would be in a better position to help Passaic County Republicans. 

“I look forward to working in the New Jersey General Assembly to advance the cause of Republicanism and to be even a stronger advocate for Republican candidates who support efficient and ethical government,� said Rumana. "I truly appreciate the vote of confidence I received from the Executive Committee.� 

Wayne Councilwoman Ann Mary O’Rourke said the addition of Rumana to the District 40 ticket gives Passaic County the opportunity to have “a hard working Republican working for us in Trenton.

“Scott Rumana is one of the hardest working government officials I have ever met. He is a tremendously effective leader in Wayne and his innovations have helped our township do more for the people with fewer resources. Scott will be an outstanding legislator,� said O’Rourke.�

O’Rourke also noted that as county chairman, “Scott has the party headed in the right direction. He has improved our technology, opened up lines of communication and invited more women to participate. 

“Under Scott’s leadership the Passaic County Republicans have a  clear town-by-town strategy to pull back council seats that we lost in recent years. His leadership has really reinvigorated our GOP base,� she added.

District 40 is comprised of: Cedar Grove Township, Franklin Lakes Borough, Little Falls Township, Mahwah Township, Midland Park Borough, Oakland Borough, Ridgewood Village, Ringwood Borough, Verona Township, Wanaque Borough, Wayne Township, Wyckoff Township