Larry Casha

State Sen. Joe Pennacchio gave up his delegate slot to stay in New Jersey for Labor Day weekend
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. While New Jersey Republicans gather for their convention, one person who’s staying home is state Sen. Joe Pennacchio, who was supposed to be a delegate.

Speaking to PolitickerNJ two weeks ago, Pennacchio (R-Montville) said he wouldn’t be attending for a number of reasons. For one, he decided after his U.S. Senate primary campaign to spend more time with his family. He also wants to spend more time focusing on his legislative career and his dental practice. But there’s something else too.

“To be honest with you, I didn’t want to party with the party leaders. The leaders everyone was talking about in my campaign,” said Pennacchio, whose delegate spot has been replaced by former Morris County Freeholder John Inglesino. “I have an indifference towards them as much as they have an indifference towards me.”

Former Kinnelon Council President Larry Casha lost his bid for State Assembly yesterday -- it was his second loss; Joseph Pennacchio beat him in a 2001 Special Election Convention -- but he performed well enough in ultra-forgiving Morris County to remain on the short list for the next vacancy. 

Casha ran a strong campaign, with perhaps the best direct mail of the cycle, but could not compete with Webber, who had spent five years running for the Legislature and had a virtual lock on primary-voting conservatives.  By the time the next seat comes up -- Alex DeCroce turns 71 on Sunday -- Casha may be able to shed the liability of being Bob Martin's staffer and campaign aide.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT: Gregory Andres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT: Gregory Andres

June 4, 2007                                                                            973-909-4490

Just three days out from the 26th district Republican primary between Jay Webber and Larry Casha, many Republicans say the race is too close to call. 

The two candidates are enmeshed in a heated battle for one of two one open assembly seat in the 26th District, trying to outdo each others’ conservative credentials.

Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce is up for reelection for the other seat, but he is considered the favorite and both other candidates claim to support him.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT: Gregory Andres

June 1, 2007                                                                            973-909-4490

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT: Gregory Andres

June 1, 2007                                                                            973-909-4490

Under a barrage of campaign literature from opponent Jay Webber, District 26 Assembly candidate Larry Casha planned to hold a press conference this morning announcing his intentions, if elected, to write a bill entitled, "Truth in Campaign Advertising."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT: Gregory Andres

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             CONTACT: Gregory Andres

May 29, 2007                                                                          973-909-4490