The race to replace Ferriero begins

Editor's Note: Paul Fader has indicated that he is not interested in seeking the Bergen County Democratic Chairmanship, and told PolitickerNJ.com that he has not made any phone calls indicating his interest or seeking support.  The Inside Edge gives him the benefit of the doubt and accordingly, retracts our report.

Joe Ferriero's recent legal woes -- allegations that he assaulted a woman at a Labor Day barbecue at his home, and a federal probe of a grants business in which he is a part owner that resulted in the FBI seizing records from his law office -- have resulted in his taking a leave of absence from his post as Bergen County Democratic Chairman.  Sensing a possible vacancy in the powerful post sometime in the near future, Paul Fader, a former Mayor of Englewood who served as Chief Counsel to Governors James E. McGreevey and Richard Codey,has begun making calls to seek support for Ferriero's job.  

Fader is a partner at a politically powerful law firm that includes former Gov. Jim Florio, Democratic powerhouse Michael Perucci, and Warren County GOP Chairman Douglas Steinhardt.  He's close to South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross, and was once a staffer for Bob Torricelli.  But watch for Fader to find at least one formidable opponent: he has a strained relationship with his predecessor as Englewood Mayor, U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman.  Look for Rothman to push former Leonia Mayor for the job.  And don't count State Sen. Loretta Weinberg out as a potential candidate for County Chairman, if Ferriero resigns.