Menendez, Booker endorse Cureton

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker have endorsed former Bergen County NAACP president Anthony Cureton for the Democratic nomination for Sheriff.

Cureton, who is the choice of Bergen County Democratic Chairman Louis Stellato, will seek party support for the special election at a convention tomorrow evening.  He is expected to face Saddle Brook Police Chief Bob Kugler.

“The residents of Bergen County deserve an experienced, law enforcement leader who has the capacity to bring people together, while restoring professionalism and dignity to the sheriff’s office. That person is undoubtedly Anthony Cureton–a man who has served and protected his community for nearly three decades,” Menendez and Booker said in a joint statement issued tonight. “Besides being an accomplished law enforcement professional with the skills and expertise to run the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, Anthony is a widely respected, solutions-oriented civic and community leader who is dedicated to improving people’s lives and ensuring their public safety. He’s thoughtful and pragmatic and exhibits both passion for the job and compassion for the residents he serves. Anthony also has the opportunity to make history as Bergen County’s first African-American Sheriff. It’s clear that Anthony Cureton is the right man for the job, and will continue to serve Bergen County with honor and integrity.”

The special election was caused by the resignation of Democrat Michael Saudino, who left after getting caught on tape making racist and homophobic comments.