Morris Dems cancel presidential convention vote, will hold open primary

Morris County Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson has changed his mind and cancelled a vote on awarding an organization line in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“It is in our best interest to hold an open Presidential primary in June due to the increasing possibility of endorsing a candidate who would no longer be in the race a month or two later,” Morris Democrats said in a statement released on Friday.

Morris is now the first county to announce that they will follow the open primary plan proposed by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez last week.

Democratic county chairs in Essex, Hudson and Passaic have said they will consider an open presidential primary.

Democrats will still hold a vote to award the organization line for U.S. Senate, Congress, State Senate, Assembly and freeholder.

Three Democrats are competing for party support in a special election to take on State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-Boonton).  Former Morris Township mayor Jeff Grayzel, former freeholder candidate Rupande Mehta, and attorney Cliff Dawkins have pledged to not run in the Democratic primary if they lose the convention.