Perfect Storm Brewing in Hudson County Political Game

As we reported yesterday, the relative peace the Hudson County Democratic machine was enjoying was shaken when Assemblyman Joe Vas launched his campaign for the Congressional seat that Bob Menendez is about to vacate. Meanwhile, we were a bit surprised that newly elected and still campaigning Jersey City councilman Steven Fulop hadn't launched his own bid to fill the seat. Apparently, our assumptions were accurate, and Fulop is considering a run.

Albio Sires, the Hudson Democratic party endorsed candidate, has a huge advatange over Vas because Hudson County is such a large part of the 13th district.

"A spokesman for Vas also welcomed Fulop, saying the race would benefit from an infusion of his ideas" neglecting to mention that any Hudson County candidate that would take votes away from party endorsed candidate Sires would greatly benefit Vas's campaign.

Indeed, the real trouble with Fulop entering the race for Congress would be that he potentially would be a spoiler for Sires in Hudson County. And while a unified Hudson County would easily defeat Middlesex man Vas, a divided Hudson County could lead to a Vas victory. Of course, if that were to happen, two years later Vas would likely face another primary challenge from a unified Hudson. Leaders of the Hudson Democratic party are probably not looking forward to the fight, but then again, getting Fulop out of his Jersey City municipal office may not seem such a bad idea to them either.