Democrats want Friscia off ballot after switch

By JONATHAN TAMARI, Gannett New Jersey, Published in the Courier News on September 6, 2003

[Editor's Note: NOW-NJ PAC endorsed Arline Friscia in previous elections. A decision to endorse in this election is pending interview results.]

Middlesex County Democrats not only want 19th District Assemblywoman Arline Friscia out of office, they also want her off the ballot.

The Democrats are seeking a court injunction to prevent Democrat-turned-Republican Friscia from appearing on the Nov. 4 election ballot, saying her party switch after losing the Democratic primary will cause
confusion among voters.

Superior Court Judge Yolanda Ciccone will hear arguments in the case Wednesday in New Brunswick. Ciccone already has issued an order preventing County Clerk Elaine Flynn from printing sample ballots, said Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Joseph Spicuzzo.

County Republican Chairman Joseph Leo said Friscia's change of parties was researched thoroughly by both her attorneys and the GOP's lawyers and that he was not worried by the Democrats' latest move.

Friscia, a longtime Democrat who has been in the Assembly since 1996, lost the party's backing earlier this year. She was then defeated by incumbent John Wisniewski and Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas in June's primary.

Vas, who received the party nod, beat Friscia by about 730 votes in a district that includes Woodbridge, Carteret, Perth Amboy, Sayreville and South Amboy.

After challenging the results, Friscia switched parties last month and has received support from GOP leaders. Friscia could not be reached for comment.