BAYONNE AND JERSEY CITY — Jersey City Democratic Chairman Joe Conte withdrew his bid to replace Anthony Chiappone as the assemblyman for the 31st District after a meeting with Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith, Conte said.
Chiappone resigned on July 16 after pleading guilty to wrongfully reporting election income, prompting a vote from the district’s Democrats scheduled for this Monday, July 26.
Conte was among several candidates seeking the post, but said that after a meeting with Smith, he decided to withdraw his bid, citing the need for party unity.
Earlier in the day, State Sen. Sandra Cunningham who respents the 31 st District, said she would not oppose a Smith choice to fill the seat.
The committee will select a candidate to fill the seat until a November special election can decide who will seat in the seat until the general election in November 2011.
Smith apparently will have to decide whether to support Bayonne Democratic Chairman Jason O’Donnell or former mayoral aide and civic leader James Dugan.