For almost an hour after the polls closed for the June 7, 2011 primary elections, Casino in the Park in Jersey City – where the Hudson County Democrats gathered – remained quiet and nearly empty.
In some ways, the Dems’ reaction to their victory was more of a sigh than a cheer, since even though the Hudson County Democratic Organization-backed candidates prevailed, there was some disturbing signs of weakness. This was especially true in Jersey City committee races, where some old guard committee people lost to a challenge brought by Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop.
“We worked very hard.” – Sandra Cunningham
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There was also some doubt in particular in the 33rd District – which includes Hoboken, Union City, and a portion of Jersey City – where many speculated that independent Assembly candidate Ravi Bhalla might have managed to pull an upset and beat one of the two HCDO-backed candidates, incumbent Assemblyman Ruben Ramos and newcomer Sean Connors. Ramos and Connors won by large margins. But it was Connors who seemed most relieved when he came in, greeted finally with cheers, hugs, and handshakes.
“My team supported me,” Connors said. “I had a lot of people who came out to volunteer for me, and without them, this would not have happened.”
Although Connors still faces a challenge against a Republican opponent in November, most Democratic primary candidates in Hudson County go on to win the general election. But he said he’s not taking anything for granted and will campaign hard for that election, too.
“I’m going to be out there in the neighborhood,” he promised. He said if elected then, he will work hard to represent the district.
Cunningham won big in the 31st District
State Sen. Sandra Cunningham in the 31st District – which includes all of Bayonne and about half of Jersey City – said she was grateful for the victory. With 85 percent of the vote, Cunningham beat Bruce Alston.
“We worked very hard,” she said, but also noted that this was testimony to voter satisfaction in the job she had done, the kind of legislation she has proposed and pushed into law.
She will face off against Republican Donamarie James of Bayonne and Independent Louis Vernotico, who filed to run for state Senate in the 31st District in the November general election.
Alston said he will remain active in the local community despite his loss to Cunningham, and will support her reelection effort in November.
Cunningham’s two Assembly candidates – Charles Mainor and Jason O’Donnell – ran unopposed and will face two Republican opponents – Michael Alonso and Daniel Beckelman – in November.
“I’m very happy people put their faith in me,” O’Donnell said.
State Sen. Nicholas Sacco, who was opposed by Independent Jeff Boss, led his two Assembly candidates, Vincent Prieto and Angelica M. Jemenez, to a decisive primary victory. Sacco beat Boss by receiving about 95 percent of the total votes cast. Sacco will be facing longtime Independent opponent Herb Shaw and Republican Edward T. O’Neill in November.
On Shaw’s ticket, Saleh Awadalla and April Tricoli-Busset, both of North Bergen, filed to run for Assembly in the 32nd District.
Republican candidates for the Assembly in the 32nd District are Roland F. Tarolla and Michael J. Barulovich.
Some independents filed for the November election
If there were surprises in this year’s primary, these came prior to the closing of the polls when new candidates emerged to challenge some of the seats in the November election.
Democratic freeholders were all unopposed except in District 3 in Jersey City, where incumbent Jeff Dublin beat back a challenge by Arnold Williams.
The Republicans ran only one freeholder candidate in District 9, which includes West Hudson and most of Secaucus. Paul Castille will challenge Democrat Incumbent Al Cifelli in November.
Although Democrat Freeholder Anthony Romano did extremely well in the primary, he will face off against Independent Kurt Gardiner in District 5, which covers Hoboken and parts of Jersey City.
In District 7, which covers Guttenberg, West New York, and Weehawken, Independent Alaine Gomez will challenge incumbent Democratic Freeholder Jose Munoz.
“This is payback for my support of Sal Vega in the mayoral election against Dr. Roque,” Munos said.
Newly elected Mayor Dr. Felix Roque along with Rep. Albio Sires made a brief appearance at Casino.
Rumors suggested Roque might switch political parties, especially after Republican Gov. Christopher Christie swore him into office last month. But Roque registered and voted as a Democrat in this primary.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.