Raymond Durkin

Former Democratic State Chairman Ray Durkin has endorsed Rob Andrews for the U.S. Senate.  Durkin was the longtime Essex County Democratic Chairman, and is the father of Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin.

With just three days until the filing deadline, sources say that Essex County Surrogate Joseph Brennan looks to have survived some efforts to oust him from the Essex Democratic organization line. Wilfredo Benitez, a Montclair attorney who is the son-in-law of Assemblyman William Payne, had been reportedly seeking support for the post. But in Essex, three days is a long time, and Brennan, a former West Orange Councilman who wants a third term, is not likely to rest easily until the deadline officially passes. Last year, Essex Democrats bumped incumbent County Clerk Patrick McNally and replaced him with Christopher Durkin, the son of former Democratic State Chairman Raymond Durkin.

Essex County Clerk Patrick McNally resigned today -- 43 days before the end of his term. The two-term Democrat did not seek re-election this year after Essex County Democrats decided to replace him on the organization line by Christopher Durkin, the son of former Democratic State Chairman Raymond Durkin. Vacancies in constitutional offices are filled by gubernatorial appointment, but the post is likely to remain vacant until Durkin takes office on January 1. McNally's resignation was surprising since his friends say he has no job lined up -- although he is expected to be offered a state or county position early next year.