It looks like a major primary storm is shaping up in New Jersey and Bergen County is likely to be at the epicenter.

Congressman Steve Rothman today threw down the gauntlet and decided he would run in a column with Senator Frank Lautenberg.  There’s just one problem.  That may be out of the BCDO line.

Today has been a flurry of activity and deal making with Democratic Boss Joe Ferriero rumored to be in negotiations with South Jersey Boss George Norcross regarding the United States Senate nomination.  Rob Andrews is considering breaking out of the pack of wannabees (Rothman, Pallone, Pascrell, et al) to run for statewide office against eighty-four year old Frank Lautenberg.

Perhaps letting his role in Obamamania go to his head, Rothman has decided to tell the BCDO what to do in the Senate race (even though his candidate for President lost badly in Bergen on February 5^th).  Now Rothman will likely face an expensive challenge himself.

Insiders say an alliance is forming between Bergen Democrats and Hudson County powerhouse Nicholas Sacco to back Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes on the official Bergen Organization line with Andrews.  It is reported that Wildes is willing to commit raising and spending $3 million on the primary to augment the BCDO and Sacco’s backing. Wildes has over $500,000 on hand in a congressional account.

Ferriero is said to be livid at Rothman for dictating Party politics.  Sacco had a falling out with Rothman a few years back. 

Insiders have mixed feelings about the race against their longtime Congressman.  With most uncertain of the outcome all agree on one thing: this will be perhaps the costliest intra-party battle in Bergen ever.

Wildes would not return calls from Inside Bergen.

Another option for County Democrats is highly popular County Executive Dennis McNerney.  Armed with high name recognition, McNerney would have strong appeal district-wide and especially in South Bergen.  McNerney would have to commit to moving into the 9^th from the 5^th congressional district, but strategists say his standing as a county-wide official makes his not living in the district a moot point.

McNerney could not be reached.

Neither Wildes or McNerney would give up their seats to challenge Rothman. Regardless of which man runs, if either wins, or even comes close, most say Rothman’s hopes of state-wide office are over.