The LD26 slate of Pennacchio-Webber-Bergen came out on top in Montville on Monday night; both Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) and his primary opponent Morris Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo hail from the 22,000+ resident community, but it was Pennacchio who finished the day with the endorsement of the full governing body in hand.
Meanwhile, a debate forum planned by the local club failed to attract both Mastrangelo and ex-Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce who is attempting to reclaim her old seat this June (she lost a 2021 primary battle). The Montville Township Republican Club reportedly invited the no-show candidates back in late February. The planned moderator was party mainstay Larry Casha who previously lost contests against both Pennacchio (in 2001) and Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-26) in 2007.
“It wasn’t surprising that BettyLou didn’t show up,” quipped Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-25) who was redistricted into LD26. “Running away from a fight is the only thing she is good at. While she hid in the Statehouse basement, I did all the heavy lifting in battling vaccination and mask regulations.”
“Tom Mastrangelo couldn’t be bothered to show up to work when his constituents needed him to vote to reject the Woke agenda so we shouldn’t be surprised that he skipped out on a debate in front of his neighbors in Montville,” added Pennacchio in his own statement. “I look forward to seeing everyone at the Republican Club meeting and will be happy to answer any questions.”
Pennacchio, Webber and Bergen have already wrapped up the lines in Passaic and Morris counties and can claim an edge heading into the final full month of the campaign. Mastrangelo and DeCroce have teamed with former Parsippany Councilman Robert Peluso to round out their own ticket.
