MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Behind-the-scenes bickering highlighted cracks in the Middlesex County Democratic Committee during a recent battle over a new chairman. Former five-term Assemblyman Peter Barnes was elected party head at the convention Tuesday in Edison, but not before divisions among the members came to light. State party chair and Assemblyman John Wisniewski took a swipe at Woodbridge Mayor...
Former Assemblyman Peter Barnes in this 2002 file photo.MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Behind-the-scenes bickering highlighted cracks in the Middlesex County Democratic Committee during a recent battle over a new chairman.
Former five-term Assemblyman Peter Barnes was elected party head at the convention Tuesday in Edison, but not before divisions among the members came to light.
State party chair and Assemblyman John Wisniewski took a swipe at Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, who backed former state labor commissioner Kevin McCabe to head the party. McCormac has been criticized for hosting Gov. Chris Christie on a walking tour of Woodbridge just after Christie won election.
Wisniewski, at the convention, nominated Barnes — also a retired FBI agent and former director of the state parole board — telling party members "they won’t have wonder if (Barnes) walks with them. They won’t have to wonder if he stands with them."
During the past three months, committee members across the county were sent a stream of letters about the campaign, including one from Sayreville party leader Thomas Pollando attacking Woodbridge’s party committee.
Pollando, who is from Wisniewski’s hometown, sent a signed letter noting the Woodbridge committee abstained when Wisniewski was up for chairman of the state party, a move insiders say was to protest the assemblyman’s suggestion to put Edison and Woodbridge in one legislative district.
Pollando’s letter included copies of news photos showing McCormac walking with Christie.
McCabe had support from another party heavy hitter: Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono of Metuchen gave the nominating speech for him, saying the party was at a crossroads.
Barnes, 82, reading his speech from prepared notes, listed steps he would take in leading the party, including the use of Facebook and e-mails.
McCabe, 38, speaking without notes, repeated his themes of the need to use social media and have a vision for development and energy for the next several years.
Touching on the criticism of Woodbridge Democrats, McCabe stressed former Gov. Jon Corzine lost in 17 of the 25 towns in the county.
"This is not about one town," he said.
Barnes, in his speech, referred to his career in law enforcement and said he would "send a clear message that corruption would not be tolerated on any level."
Democrats were forced to pick a new leader after former chairman Joseph Spicuzzo stepped down in March when he was charged with selling jobs and promotions during his 30 years as county sheriff. He pleaded not guilty.
Two banquet rooms were used for the convention, but two smaller areas were also reserved, one with a sign saying it was for "Friends of Sen. Joseph Vitale" of Woodbridge and the other for "Friends of Sen. Bob Smith" of Piscataway. Both men are state senators.
It was the only open mention of Smith, who was staunchly supporting Barnes as McCormac backed McCabe.
After Barnes was elected chairman by a vote of 517-412, McCabe quickly called for party unity.
All the speakers targeted Christie and the Republicans. Although Democrats hold all the elected county seats, McCabe in his speech said the party needs to regain control of several municipalities now "in the Republican column."