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Financial services executive and Republican activist Joe Caruso begins his primary campaign tomorrow night

Calling District 40's current Republican representation in Trenton “weak,” Republican activist Joe Caruso will formally kick off his primary challenge against Assemblymen Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) and Dave Russo (R-Ridgewood) tomorrow.

Caruso, who’s from Wayne, will run with Franklin Lakes resident Anthony Rottino, a businessman who owns two Harley-Davison dealerships and part of a Gold’s Gym.  Rottino has never sought elected office before.  The two appear to be mounting a challenge to the right of Rumana and Russo, who are both considered moderate.  

Caruso and Rottino will make their announcement on Thursday at 7p.m. at the Packanack Lake Clubhouse in Wayne, which they say is intended to send a “message to the establishment Republicans in Trenton.”

“Trenton’s legislators have created a state that punishes success and rewards dependency on government,” said Caruso in a statement.  “It is time for professional politicians to move aside and give experienced business people a chance to lead. Anthony and I will help shape a business environment that leads to the creation of well paying jobs.”

Anthony Rottino, a 42-year-old businessman from Franklin Lakes, is expected to seek the Republican nomination for State Assembly in the 40th district.  Rottino and running mate Joseph Caruso will challenge the two GOP incumbents, Assemblymen David Russo (R-Ridgewood) and Scott Rumana (R-Wayne).

Rottino owns real estate and insurance firms, as well as two Harley-Davidson dealerships and the new Gold's Gym in Teterboro.

"As a business owner, I can attest to the fact that operating a successful business in New Jersey is very difficult. There is too much regulation, too many costs," Rottino said.  "Only by stripping away needless government programs and layers of regulation that punish hard working taxpayers and entrepreneurs can New Jersey once again become a vibrant and affordable state."

"I don’t see how Mr. Rumana can even run on the same line with Chris Christie when he can’t agree with him on one of the most important issues in this year’s campaign,”

Are Passaic County Republicans trying to recruit Freeholder Jim Gallagher, a Democrat-turned-Independent, to run on their line in 2009?

There is speculation in Passaic County that four-term Freeholder James Gallagher might run for re-election as a Republican on the organization line.  Gallagher, elected as a Democrat in 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006, left the Democratic Party last year to run as an Independent candidate for Mayor of Little Falls.  He has virtually no shot at a slot on the Democratic line this year.

In 2006, Gallagher was the top vote-getter in the Freeholder race.  He outpolled his Democratic running mates by more than 3,000 votes, and ran about 17,000 votes ahead of the Republicans countywide.  Republicans think Gallagher could attract enough Democrats and Independents to help them score their first countywide victory since 2001.

Gallagher, the son-in-law of former Paterson Mayor (and GOP gubernatorial candidate) Lawrence "Pat" Kramer, ran a poor third in his bid for Mayor, winning just 10.4% of the vote.  But his 537 votes was ten times the margin of victory for the Republican, Michael DeFrancisci, who beat Democrat John Agostinelli by just 55 votes, 45.3%-44.3%.

Republican fundraiser Joseph Caruso said today that he's "99 percent" sure he's going to mount a primary campaign for a 40th District assembly seat, although pushback from Republican leaders has frustrated his time table.

Caruso said that it's most likely a go if he can get $50,000 on hand by the middle of February, and plans a cocktail reception at his Wayne home this weekend to help meet that goal.

"I'm still doing what I was doing before - seeing how much money I can raise, how much support I can get on the ground, and just really digging through the numbers and making sure it's feasible," he said.  " I'm pretty much there.  I thought I would have more time than I have.

Caruso says that the Republican Party needs legislators committed to changing New Jersey into a taxpayer-friendly and business-friendly state.

Nutley businessman Carmen Pio Costa today officially entered the race for a seat in the 36th legislative District, as he submitted a letter of intent asking for the support of the  three party chairmen of those counties with towns in the district: Kevin O’Toole, chairman of Essex; Scott Rumana of Passaic, and Bob Yudin of Bergen.

This is a second go for Pio Costa.  

In 2007, the Republican lost to Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) and Assemblyman Fred Scalera (D-Nutley), but came close enough – in his words – to take another crack at the Democrats in this cycle. 

“In spite being outspent 5-to-1 in 2007, I made substantial gains and came within 2,500 votes of victory,” Pio Costa wrote. “In light of this monumental accomplishment I am poised to cross the finish line and bring this district Republican representation.  The experiences of my campaign in 2007 have left me with the knowledge, understanding, and determination necessary to achieve victory in 2009."

Statement from Republican leader and former Paterson Mayor Pat Kramer

Wayne businessman Joseph Caruso says he will probably challenge incumbent Scott Rumana in the Republican primary for State Assembly in District 40, and is assuring party leaders that he will raise his own money and not use any of the funds he has raised as Bergen County GOP Finance Chairman.

The complete text of Caruso's letter:

At a packed meeting of the county committee tonight in the Franklin Lakes Firehouse, Bergen County Republican Party Chairman Bob Yudin endorsed incumbent District 40 Assemblymen Scott Rumana and David C. Russo.

Earlier today, Yudin told PolitickerNJ.com that prior to Feb. 2nd he would make a decision about whether he would back the incumbents or candidates backed by former chair Peter Murphy, an ally of former Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano (R-Passaic).

Tonight, Yudin announced that decision in what was a victory for current Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Parsippany-Troy Hills), who had feared a primary battle fueled by Yudin's support of candidates other than Rumana and Russo.