Cabana backs Selen for Congress in NJ-11

Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana has endorsed Tayfun Selen for the Republican nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district.

Selen faces a runoff with former Kinnelon Councilman Larry Casha for the Morris County GOP organization line to take on Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair).

“I’ve seen up close on the County Board of Commissioners that Tayfun Selen is a hard-working public servant who cares deeply about delivering good government that protects taxpayers,” said Cabana.  “Coupled with his local government experience as Councilman and Mayor, his impressive background in business, and his one-of-a-kind life story – I believe he’s the best candidate Republicans can put forward to win this seat and get America back on track.”

Selen received 169 votes on the first ballot, with Casha edging out U.S. Army veteran Toby Anderson by five votes, 118-113, for second place and a runoff berth.

Former Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot, who had been viewed as a possible contender for the runoff, received 65 votes in his fourth place finish.  Larry Friscia received 14 votes, and  former Ridgefield Park Councilman Robert Kovic came in last with six votes.

Since the vote last Friday, Friscia has dropped out of the race and endorsed Casha.  Assemblymen Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains) and Christian Barranco (R-Jefferson) also announced support for Casha on the second ballot.  Cabana, a 9-term county commissioner, was the top vote-getter in last week’s vote.

Morris County Republicans have announced an extended voting period for the second ballot, where they will also choose between former Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. and 27-year-old businessman John Henry Isemann for the organization line in the 7th district, where Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) is seeking re-election.

Online voting will begin on Thursday, with in-person voting on Friday at the Morris GOP headquarters in Parsippany.  Only county committee members who voted on the first ballot are eligible to participate in the second ballot voting.

Casha has challenged Selen to a debate on Wednesday night sponsored by Save Jersey.