Democrats Shahdanian and McCarthy

Defeating Scott Garrett in 2010 demands more than traditional campaign tactics. Electing Democrats into other 5th District public positions is also crucial. These elected positions range from Town Council and Mayor to Assembly and State Senate. If we can get those important seats filled with like-minded individuals, we have a better chance of convincing the electorate that Scott Garrett should be kicked out of office in the 2010 election.

New Jersey’s 39th District Assembly races (which include these Bergen County towns) are typically blowouts. Republicans have held the district’s two Assembly seats since 1977 despite Democrats’  success in the rest of Bergen County. 2009 is going to be different though – Republican incumbent Charlotte Vandervalk and Robert Schroeder (replacing Assemblyman John Rooney) are being challenged by two formidable Democrats, John Shahdanian and Michael McCarthy.

Shahdanian says he’s running in ’09, “maybe because I’m stubborn”; it also might be his impressive resume. Born and raised in Old Tappan, Shahdanian is currently a partner at Secaucus law firm Chasan, Leyner & Lamparello. He devotes his practice to all aspects of civil rights and is a recognized expert on topics ranging from sexual harassment and racial discrimination to disability claims and whistleblowing. New Jersey Magazine named John a part of its “Super Lawyers” edition, which inludes only the top 5% of New Jersey lawyers and he was named one of New Jersey Monthly’s “Rising Stars” in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Republican Robert Schroeder

Mike McCarthy, meanwhile, has been a part of the New Jersey organized labor community for over 20 years. A resident of Dumont, McCarthy currently serves as New Jersey Legislative & Political Director for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stagehands Union (IATSE). Before entering into organized labor full time McCarthy managed the family owned insurance company while working nights and weekends as a union stagehand. His father John J. McCarthy is the Secretary of the New Jersey Senate-Emeritus.

Shahdanian believes District 39 needs representatives in the Assembly who will take a fresh look at ways to improve government. ”The same politicians year in and year out are always reelected. It’s just a matter of automatically pushing the button for people.”

Republicans have irresponsibly represented District 39 for over 30 years. John Shahdanian and Mike McCarthy are going to change that. Shahdanian and McCarthy stand for accountability. They will address District 39′s needs – needs that haven’t been addressed for years, if ever. If you live in the 39th District, please consider them in November. If you are interested in helping their campaign, contact Mike at msimonson19@gmail.com.

Full Disclosure: I was just hired as a Field Organizer for Jon Corzine’s Coordinated Campaign in Bergen County, which supports John Shahdanian and Mike McCarthy for Assembly in the 39th District.