Higher Office
In the 2003 Democratic primary, incumbent Arline Friscia lost the official endorsement of the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, which went instead to Vas, leading Friscia to switch over to the Republican Party. Vas was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2003; he was re-elected in 2005 and 2007 where he served as chairman of a powerful assembly committee and served as a member of the Assembly Budget Committee. He did not seek re-election in 2009.
In 2006, Vas ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to fill the New Jersey's 13th congressional district seat Bob Menendez vacated to become a U.S. Senator, but was defeated by Albio Sires in the June 6, 2006, primary, 70% to 30%. Despite the uphill battle, Vas won 77% of the vote in Middlesex County and captured several votinrsey City, Newark and Bayonne. However, Vas was crushed nearly 8 to 1 in North Hudson, Sires' homebase. Sires allies Silverio Vega, Brian Stack and Nick Sacco delivered massive turnouts in their respective towns of West New York, Union City and North Bergen. Sires has the party lines and support in Hudson, Essex and Union Counties. Sires defeated Vas in Essex County, 63% to 37%, in Union County 66% to 34%, in Bayonne 57% to 43% and in Jersey City 64% to 36%. Vas demolished Sires in Middlesex County, 77% to 23%. However, Sires crushed Vas in North Hudson, winning most towns by 80% of the vote, making the Middlesex results for Vas inconsequential. Sires has the support in the primary of Bayonne Mayor Joe Doria, Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, Newark political boss Steve Adubato, Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman, Senator Ray Lesniak, Assemblyman and Democratic State Chairman Joe Cryan, Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts and former Governor Jim Florio. Vas had the support of Middlesex County Sheriff Joe Spicuzo, Assemblyman Tony Chiappone, Senator Sandra Cunningham, Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop and Woodbridge Mayor Frank Pelzman.
In May 2008, Vas received just 39% of the vote in the mayoral election, despite outspending his opponent, Wilda Diaz, by nearly 5 to 1.
Read more about this topic: Joseph Vas
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