HUDSON COUNTY -- Discussions are underway among Jersey City Democrats to try to name their own candidate to fill the seat being vacated by the conviction of Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone.
In June, Chiappone pleaded guilty for misdirecting aide funds to his campaign account in 2005.
Although Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith – who also serves as the chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Organization – appears to be leaning towards naming Jason O’Donnell, chairman of the Bayonne Democratic Committee, Jersey City Democrats are talking about four names that include Jersey City Chairman Joe Conte, Attorney John Collins, longtime educator Fran Lyons-McCarthy, and Committeewoman Lori Hennessey. Conte appears to be the lead choice for Jersey City Democrats, who could – with more than two to one voting majority in the 31st District – could control who will replace Chiappone when he resigns in September, and who will run in the November special election on the Democratic line.
James Dugan, the head of a civic organization in Bayonne, is also considered a contender for the seat.
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