Essex GOP picks candidates vs. DiVincenzo, Fontoura

Essex County Republicans have picked North Caldwell Councilman John Chiaia to run for County Executive and Caldwell Councilman Pasquale Capozzoli as their candidate for Sheriff.  They were approved by a screening committee last night and will run on the organization line in the June primary.

Chiaia and Capozzoli could face a primary if one of the 11th district congressional candidates puts together their own line.

Both face uphill battles against two entrenched and popular Democratic incumbents.  Chiaia, an attorney and four-term councilman, will face County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who is seeking re-election to a fifth term.  Capozzoli is a state corrections officer.  He will face Armando Fountoura, who has been Sheriff for nearly 28 years.