The story of Michael DeVita
By Wally EdgeDemocrats had high hopes for Michael DeVita, a 35-year-old World War II Army captain who was elected Mayor of Paterson in 1947. DeVita unseated four-term Republican Mayor William Furrey by a massive 59%-41% margin. He was re-elected in 1949 with 65% of the vote despite his indictment on charges that he told a police officer to give false testimony in a state probe of illegal gambling; three months after the general election, a state Appellate Court judge dismissed the indictment.
In September 1951, former Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague alleged that the New Jersey Democratic Party was controlled by reputed mobster Abner "Longy" Zwillman, and named DeVita, the Passaic County Democratic Chairman, as one of the Democratic leaders Zwillman controlled. DeVita denied the allegations, but lost his bid for a third term that November to Republican Lester Titus by a 52%-48% margin. DeVita, at age 39, never returned to public office.
Contributors
Wally Edge
Michael Doherty. a West Point graduate and one of the state's most conservative legislators, will take his seat in the State Senate today. A ... >
Bob Torricelli
Everybody needs to start a new job with a list of priorities and Chris Christie is no exception. There might be a thousand things that need to get ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Political discourse in America contains much in the way of intellect or intellectual honesty. One considers the Federalist Papers with wistful awe: ... >
Jeff Michaels
As pundits and party leaders look to next year’s Congressional elections in NJ, it appears that freshman Democrat John Adler is the most vulnerable ... >
Richard LaRossa
When will NJ Republicans start acting like Republicans rather than Democrats. Time to stand up for your principles, assuming they have any left. >
Alan Steinberg
As in any transition, speculation is rampant as to whom Governor-elect Chris Christie will appoint as Chief of Staff, State Treasurer, and Attorney ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
Now that the dust has finally settled after the grueling campaign for governor, there are a number of lessons that we can draw from this ... >
Carla Katz
When he was growing up, Chris Christie's folks must have taught him that when he went to a new playground, he should pick a fight with the ... >
Joey Novick
“My work is done here. Winfrey has finally succumbed,” announced Novick at a press conference, pumping his fist in ‘win’ style. ... >
Murray Sabrin
New Jersey voters repudiated Governor Jon Corzine's policies of the past four years on November 3rd. Republican Chris Christie and Independent ... >
Poll
Hot Topics
Most Active Stories
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Fifis formally announces Burlco Dem leadership bid
- Watson Coleman drops speaker bid
- Conaway seeks Burlco Dem chairmanship
- Hayden files Ferriero motion
- Dem leadership teams come together after emerging from caucus meetings
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Lesniak: bring gay marraige up for a vote
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Milgram charges GOP consultant over robocall impersonating Rumana staffer
- Spicuzzo nomination passes committee
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Fifis formally announces Burlco Dem leadership bid
- Dem leadership teams come together after emerging from caucus meetings
- Quinnipiac: Christie leads 50%-40%
- Quinnipiac poll has Christie ahead by 4 points as Corzine gets closer
- Christie, in West New York, takes questions
- Gore makes his case for Corzine
- Potential LG rivals Allen and Weinberg ally for county committee reform legislation
- Final debate schedule
- Torricelli on making perfection the enemy of good
- Autistic man seeks Assembly seat in 37th
- Jeb Bush attends Christie fundraiser
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
"Neither the Wrath of God nor of Voters will descend upon you" - state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) in an email message pushing Democratic legislators to address gay marriage.
Recent Press Releases
- Nov 23 2009
Syndicate
