Wayne D'Angelo

One labor endorsement of note: the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #269, representing over 1200 members in Central New Jersey, has endorsed Republican Bill Baroni for State Senate in the 14th district. The Assistant Business Manager for that local is Wayne D'Angelo, the Democratic Assembly candidate in that district.

Party leaders and state officials are predicting a low turnout in this year's midterm legislative races. This, despite the low ratings that most New Jerseyans give the legislature and citizens deep concerns about high property taxes, political corruption, and the direction in which the state is headed. But with most legislative districts drawn to be safe, the high cost of mounting a serious challenge against an entrenched incumbent, and citizens' skepticism about either party's ability to solve the state's complex problems, folks simply don't seem to be excited this campaign season.

Conservatives are almost guaranteed a victory in the 14th district State Assembly race, because three of the four candidates have taken fairly conservative stands on key issues. Democrat Wayne D'Angelo is pro-life, supports the death penalty, and opposes Governor Jon Corzine's plan to lease the New Jersey Turnpike, according to an issue survey D'Angelo submitted to the non-partisan Project Vote Smart.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 269 ousted their longtime President, Chico Marciante, last night and replaced him with Dennis Doyle.  That means Marciante's Business Manager, Democratic Assembly candidate Wayne D'Angelo, might be out of a job.  Marciante is the nephew of the legendary Charles Marciante, who was the New Jersey AFL-CIO President from 1969 to 1997.

Monday is Election Day for members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 269, and the results could impact the race for State Assembly in the 14th district. IBEW Local 269 President Chico Marciante (the nephew of the legendary Charles Marciante, who was the New Jersey AFL-CIO President from 1969 to 1997), faces what is considered a serious challenge for the union presidency from Dennis Doyle.

If Doyle wins, that could jeopardize the job of Wayne D'Angelo, Marciante's Business Administrator and a strong ally of the incumbent. D'Angelo, a former Hamilton Township Councilman, is the Democratic nominee for Assembly; he is seeking the seat of Republican Bill Baroni, who is running for State Senator, and Democrats are optimistic that they can pick up this seat from the GOP. But if D'Angelo is forced out of his union post, it could potentially weaken his candidacy for the general election.