Donovan circumspect on Ferriero

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Almost immediately after Bergen County Clerk Kathleen Donovan returns home, her reelection campaign will kick into high gear.
Donovan, a Republican delegate ffrom the 9th Congressional District, has four events lined up for Saturday related to her reelection campaign against Democratic challenger Diane Testa.

But you won’t hear Donovan use the same kind of rhetoric about Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joe Ferriero, who’s under investigation, as the freeholder candidates beneath her on the Republican ticket. Donovan won’t comment on Ferriero, but she said that’s not because she’s still hoping that her allies will find an opportunity to appoint her to a judgeship, she said.

“We run together but we have different issues. That’s the best way I can explain that,” said Donovan, who after 20 years in office remains the last Republican county-wide officeholder in the once solidly GOP county. “I don’t comment on any kind of investigation. I’m not involved in anything in my capacity as county clerk, so I don’t talk about that at all.”

Donovan is expecting a tough fight against Testa, though right now she hasn’t been subject to any negative campaign ads. And when talking about the difference between Republicans and Democrats, Donovan’s response is measured.

“I think Republicans govern better. We are obviously for smaller government, for personal rights, and I don’t want to tell anyone how to live their life or raise their children. That’s their business,” she said. “I’m hoping this November that, not only do I get reelected, but the three freeholder candidates join me. I also think you need some diversity. Every time it’s just one party, that’s very difficult.”