When did we become such a forgiving people?
By Wally EdgeMorris County Republicans traditionally don't hold grudges, which might make it a little easier for Jay Webber as he embarks on a bid to win a State Assembly seat in the 26th district. If he wins, Webber -- who ran a strong race for State Senate against Robert Martin in 2003 -- would join a long list of public officials who won after taking on incumbents in a GOP primary.
Rodney Frelinghuysen challenged Republican incumbent James Courter in the 1982 congressional primary and then won a State Assembly seat in 1983 after ousting Republican Assemblyman William Bishop in the primary.
Joseph Pennacchio, who is the heavy favorite to succeed Martin in the Senate next year, launched his political career by running against Congressman Dean Gallo in the 1984 primary. That was a particularly nasty race, especially since Gallo -- unbeknownst to Pennacchio -- was suffering from cancer. Pennacchio went on to win races for Freeholder and State Assembly.
Michael Patrick Carrolll took on Frelinghuysen and incumbent Arthur Albohn in a 1993 primary for State Assembly before winning the seat in 1995. Rick Merkt ran against incumbent Anthony Bucco in 1995 and won the seat in 1997. John Inglesino ran against Carroll in 1997 and later won a seat on the Morris County Board of Freeholders.
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
Yes, I know, I know.
Since it’s Thanksgiving week, I decided that no one could really be a Putz of the Week this week. So, I decided ... >
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
- Dem leadership teams come together after emerging from caucus meetings
- Milgram charges GOP consultant over robocall impersonating Rumana staffer
- Gallery packed with Garden State Equality activists as Doherty assumes oath of office
- Christie says Cryan should get out of chairman mode
- Wisniewski to make formal play for state party chair when Cryan makes departure official
- Goldstein leads 250 marriage equality activists for march on the Statehouse
- Senate Democrats back Sweeney for senate president, says Sarlo
- Pou won't rule out bid for Democratic State Party chair
- Stack: HCDO leaders need to put organization in order before trying to take out Cunningham
- Lesniak: bring gay marraige up for a vote
- Christie says Cryan should get out of chairman mode
- Milgram charges GOP consultant over robocall impersonating Rumana staffer
- Runyan, now a Charger, announces NJ-3 congressional bid
- Caruso says he had nothing to do with robocall
- Pou won't rule out bid for Democratic State Party chair
- Lesniak: bring gay marraige up for a vote
- Gallery packed with Garden State Equality activists as Doherty assumes oath of office
- Dem leadership teams come together after emerging from caucus meetings
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Spicuzzo nomination passes committee
- 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
“A lot of blood on the floor.” - Senate President Dick Codey (D-Roseland), emerging from the caucus room after losing his leadership position to Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford)
Recent Press Releases
Syndicate
