Bergen women’s group backs Suarez for U.S. Attorney

An grassroots organization of Democratic women in Bergen County are advocating for Esther Suarez to become the next U.S. Attorney from New Jersey.

“Ms. Suarez surpasses all the professional qualifications and experience to serve as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey,” said the Women Empowered Democratic Organization of Bergen County in a statement released on Saturday.  “There are too few women representing the law enforcement community, and Esther has the skills, experience and integrity to continue to move women forward in government.”

Suarez, the Hudson County Prosecutor and a former Bergen County counsel and Superior Court Judge, is among a short list of candidates being considered for appointment to the state’s top law enforcement post.

“A lot of us know Esther personally, and we continue to support her career,” the statement said.

Suarez is one of seven candidates on a short list of current and former prosecutors being considered by Menendez and Booker, along with Henry Klingeman, Jenny Kramer, Phil Sellinger, Jamel Semper, Ricardo Solano, Jr., and Lee Vartan.

The U.S. Attorney post is traditionally filled by the senior senator from the state, if that senator’s party occupies the White House.  That role now falls to Menendez, who would presumably make the recommendation to Biden after consultation with Booker.

Suarez has received endorsements from the Hudson County Police Chiefs Association and several Latino organizations.

The Bergen group’s  executive board includes Christina Cutrone, Julie O’Brien, Ellen Busteed, Debra Amato and Donna Abene.

Semper, a current Assistant U.S. Attorney who heads the Organized Crimes and Gangs section, is backed by a group of politically powerful Black ministers from across the state.

A group of seven faith leaders backed Vartan, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and an assistant counsel to the governor.  He is the son of Leo Vartan, the former mayor of Kearny.