Republicans municipal chairs in Dover and Boonton have endorsed Larry Casha for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district, giving the veteran GOP leader additional support in advance of tomorrow’s Morris County GOP convention.
In addition to Keith Titus (Dover) and Boonton Councilman Joe Bock, Casha announced endorsements from Montville Deputy Mayor Richard Cook and former Morris County Freeholder David Scapicchio, as well as thirteen voting members of the Morris County Republican committee. That brings his tally of GOP endorsements up to 98, including six municipal chairs.
Winning the home county Morris Republican organization line is likely make-or-break for Casha, the GOP state committeeman and a former Kinnelon Council President. He’ll have virtually no chance to score an off-the-line primary victory for the chance to take on Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) in the fall.
County Commissioner Tayfun Selen is the favorite to finish first in Friday’s vote but will fall short of capturing 50% for a first-ballot victory.
“If you’re not already for Tayfun, then you’re not going to suddenly be with him on the next ballot,” one Morris GOP leader told the New Jersey Globe. “This is probably a race for second place.”
Selen, Casha and former Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot are viewed as the top candidates for the Morris line. DeGroot already has the GOP organization line in Passaic County. Selen and DeGroot have raised the most money, with Casha falling just short of $100,000 at the end of 2021.
“I have the best team in Morris County behind me to stop the madness,” said Casha. “I am so proud to stand with this list of Republican leaders and with their help with will win the Morris County Convention and move on to victory in November against Mikie Sherrill.”
Casha is a known commodity in Morris and the well-liked stalwart turn into the consensus choice if a Stop Selen campaign is organized on the convention floor.
He has the backing of two former Morris GOP chairs, several ex-freeholders, two mayors and a host of former elected officials.
The other candidates – Robert Kovic, Larry Friscia and Toby Anderson – are long-shots to make it into a runoff.
This is Casha’s second bid to take on Sherrill. He entered the race two years ago, but dropped out after Republican leaders made a deal to get Rosemary Becchi to switch from a challenge to Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) in the 7th – clearing the GOP primary field for Tom Kean, Jr. – to the 11th
Casha has also lost State Assembly races in 2001 and 2007, so at age 68, this is probably his last chance to win higher office.
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