April 7, 2009 - 4:18pm
Inside Edge

To oust Stender, Marks hires firm that beat her twice

Former Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks and newcomer Bo Vastine are seeking State Assembly seats in a district that trends Democratic. But they must smell an opportunity because they've hired Jamestown Associates, a GOP political consulting firm, which has made something of a cottage industry out of beating up Linda Stender.  Stender, a four-term Assemblywoman, came close to beating U.S. Rep. Michael Ferguson in 2006 when Jamestown labeled her as “Stender the Spender” and helped Ferguson eke out a one percent victory.  Last year, Jamestown (working for Leonard Lance), beat Stender by nine points, despite being outspent by a 3-1 margin.

Some insiders view the closing of Muhlenberg Hospital as one of those rare, resonant local issues that could hurt the incumbents, Stender (D-Fanwood) and Gerald Green (D-Plainfield).  Marks won 45% in his 2003 State Senate race. 

Wally Edge can be reached via email at politicsnj@aol.com.