Sixteen years out of office, ex-Assemblyman mulls Senate bid
By Wally EdgeFormer Assemblyman John Villapiano is testing the waters for a possible State Senate bid in 2007. He wants the Democratic nomination to run in the 11th district, where longtime Republican Senator Joseph Palaia is retiring, and has met with Senate President Richard Codey to discuss his possible candidacy.
Villapiano was a Monmouth County Freeholder in 1988 when Assemblyman Anthony "Doc" Villane resigned to become Commissioner of Community Affairs in Governor Thomas Kean's cabinet. He won a September 1988 Special Election against Thomas Villane, the son of his predecessor, and was re-elected in 1989. But after voting to support Governor James Florio's tax increase, he lost his seat in 1991 to Republicans Steven Corodemus and Thomas Smith. He lost a 1993 rematch to regain his seat.
Villapiano has some baggage relating to his personal financial situation, and that is causing some Monmouth Democrats to take some time before signing off on his candidacy. Matthew Doherty, who ran a strong race for Assembly in 2005 -- and is likely to win a Belmar Council seat this year -- is also considered a possible Senate candidate.
Corodemus, now in his eighth term, is seeking support for the Republican nomination to succeed Palaia, as his his running mate, Assemblyman Sean Kean.
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Syndicate
what kind of baggage? isn't voting for the Florio tax increase
what kind of baggage? isn't voting for the Florio tax increase enough (see Skip Cimino)?
Is this really the best Monmouth Dems can do? Gimme a break already!
I think years ago he benefited having enourmous name recognitio
I think years ago he benefited having enourmous name recognition by having a brother who played Professional football.
You may not agree, but that is how I remember the former Assemblyman - as Phil Villapiano's brother. Us political junkies may not think much of it, the the average voter sure did
I think that name reconigition is long gone
I think years ago he benefited having enourmous name recognitio
I think years ago he benefited having enourmous name recognition by having a brother who played Professional football.
You may not agree, but that is how I remember the former Assemblyman - as Phil Villapiano's brother. Us political junkies may not think much of it, the the average voter sure did
I think that name reconigition is long gone
I think years ago he benefited having enourmous name recognitio
I think years ago he benefited having enourmous name recognition by having a brother who played Professional football.
You may not agree, but that is how I remember the former Assemblyman - as Phil Villapiano's brother. Us political junkies may not think much of it, the the average voter sure did
I think that name reconigition is long
Is this supposed to be New Jersey's answer to Walter Mondale or
Is this supposed to be New Jersey's answer to Walter Mondale or something?
Mr. Democrat, no one (except us political junkies) remember Flor
Mr. Democrat, no one (except us political junkies) remember Florio or his tax increases. B/T/W, Cimino lost primarily because, as State Personnel Commissioner, he laid off hundreds of state employees, prompting all the unions to rally around Inverso. Cimino didn't lose one vote because he voted for Florio's taxes.
Maybe Lenny Inzerillo will run.
Maybe Lenny Inzerillo will run.
If John Villapiano then I know there is still hope for Eugene La
If John Villapiano then I know there is still hope for Eugene Lavergne foe State Senate...NOT!
This speaks volumes about Vic Scudiery's ability to recruit able
This speaks volumes about Vic Scudiery's ability to recruit able candidates. "Bring out your dead," is his mantra.