Call it a case of strange bedfellows.
Florence Sabrin, who is running as a rebel Republican freeholder candidate on the slate headed up by her husband, U.S. Senate candidate Murray Sabrin, is fending off a petition challenge in court today along with her running mate, Paul Mladjenovic.
But representing the two candidates, who are running under the slogan “Constitutional Republicans Protecting the Liberty,” is Bergen County Democratic Organization counsel Dennis Oury.
Oury is closely aligned with BCDO Chairman Joe Ferriero, but has worked with Republicans like Steve Lonegan in the past by threatening to file a joint lawsuit against pay-to-play legislation.
The complaint was filed by Bergen County Republican committeeman Gary Berner.
Sabrin spokesman George Ajjan could not immediately be reached for comment.
Democratic Freeholder incumbents David Ganz and Bernadette McPherson are also in court today to fend off a petition signature challenge from the rival Democratic group Real Bergen Democrats.
It’s unclear whether Oury is also representing Ganz and McPherson.
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Closely aligned?
"Oury is closely aligned with BCDO Chairman Joe Ferriero."
Closely aligned?
Media, including the Bergen Record and PolitickerNJ, identify Dennis Oury as official counsel to BCDO.
Who's paying for Oury's time on this matter?
Do Sabrin's people have other county Democratic organization counsel representing them in challenges around the state?
Republican Lawyers ?
Were there no Republican lawyers available? Where is John Ginty when you need him ?
just working against BCRO
Ferriero wants Sabrin's slate to beat the BCRO slate.
Seems pretty logical to me. Probably even has Oury working pro bono!
Is Gary Berner closely aligned with Rob Ortiz?
Is Ortiz backing another slate of candidates that his committee didnt pick? Maybe Unanue wants to run for freeholder? Perhaps Ortiz will have a bake sale to keep the lights on at the BCRO?
These questions must all be answered.
Food For Thought
Legal representation for the complaint by a Democrat is really not an issue.
What I do find egregious is Hudson County's Republican Chairman, Jose Arango, making a $1500 contribution on behalf of the Hudson County Republican Committee to Democrat Jeremmiah Healy's 2009 Mayoral campaign in May 2006.
Donated in May 2006 for a 2009 election?
http://www.speaknj.com/Jan%2016,%202007.pdf
Page 51
Or how about Carl Czaplicki, former Executive Director to the Hudson County Republican Committee hosting a fundraiser for Obama WHILE he was still the ED of the HCRC.
These are issues that should be discussed.