April 10, 2007 - 9:38am
News

Hypothetically, could Sal Vega beat Brian Stack in a general?

The late John Renna would have viewed the lack of filing day activity by the Hudson County Republicans as a lost opportunity.  As the on-and-off Essex County Republican Chairman between 1977 and 1996, Renna had a few wins by watching the Democratic primary from the sidelines and then figuring out his ticket over the summer.  That's what happened in 1986, when Essex County Executive Peter Shapiro's popularity plummeted -- especially among Democrats.  Sensing an opportunity, Renna pulled aging former Assemblyman Carl Orechio off the ticket and replaced him with Nicholas Amato, who had won three terms as Surrogate as a Democrat before Shapiro dumped him from the party line a few months earlier.  For Surrogate, Renna ran another party switcher: Earl Harris, the Newark City Council President.  The result was a GOP landslide.

But those old Essex battles seem tame compared to today's Hudson County political wars.  Still, Hudson County GOP Chairman Jose Arango failed to file candidates for Senate and Assembly in the 31st and 33rd districts -- where Democrats are at Defcon One.  By not having Republican candidates on the fall ballot, Arango loses the ability to deal (Republicans still have a base vote of about 20%) with the defeated slates who might like a second chance in November.  

WALLY EDGE can be reached via email at politicsnj@aol.com.

Comments

The Republican Party doesn't exist in Hudson County


Now even the "shill" Republican Party doesn't exist. Legitimate Republicans should have Arango removed for giving the GOPs no representation at all.

04/10/07 12:14 pm

The GOP could definitely win here...


Do you see River Road these days? Rich people are moving into Hudson County like crazy and a rebuilt moderate to liberal Republican Party could be the right choice.

04/10/07 1:56 pm

Fernando Uribe for HCRO Chairman


That does it! Jose Arango MUST go! It's time to get the Republican Party in Hudson out of the hands of the HCDO once and for all. It is imperative that this becomes the straw that breaks the camel's back. Whatever steps that can possibly be taken to remove Arango from power need to be taken.

 I for one urge Fernando Uribe to step up to the plate. He's the number one candidate to start a grassroots GOP effort in Hudson.

04/10/07 5:51 pm

Attention Republican insurgents in North Hudson.....


If you really think the Red side of the political aisle has a chance in North Hudson, I have this property just off the pier on the Hudson River in West New York..... 

 I am willing to bet that the majority of the "river elite" has no idea who albio, Sal or maybe even John Corzine is - and could care less.

04/10/07 9:23 pm

Wally, You know - that you're THE go to guy in N.J. politics!


Real quick: In answer to your question, could Sal beat Brian in a general election, town v town, I have to say No. I am behind Sal, but U.C. has more town jobs and as you know, in a Primary, the organization "get out the town job vote" rules.

04/10/07 9:37 pm

BTW:


In Hudson County, the Primary usually is the general election.

04/11/07 5:44 am