Rutherford Republicans aren't the only local GOP organization facing a primary this year. Republicans in Saddle Brook will also be engaged in a primary battle to decide who will represent end up on the council ticket come November.  Although this contest is not nearly as contentious as the proxy battle being fought between Mayor John Hipp and local GOP chairman John Dowd, it is still a primary and an undesirable one at that. 

After watching Democrat Mayor Louis D'Arminio and fellow Democrat, Council President Edward Kugler at each other's throats, one would think the local GOP would be licking their chops at the opportunity to capitalize on the discord created by all of the infighting.  The Democrat controlled council has gone so far as to appoint investigators to probe alleged misconduct regarding a purchase of over $10,000 worth of technological equipment with taxpayer funds, the mayor's exclusive use of a new Police vehicle and allegations that he allowed two contractors to store equipment on township-owned property, free of charge. 

Unfortunately though, the Saddle Brook GOP is experiencing a classic case of the "sour grapes" primary.  S. Vincent Montagna was passed over in favor of Anthony Halko, Andrew Cimiluca, and Paul Jack Altemus Jr. who received endorsements from the Saddle Brook Republican County Committee and the municipal GOP organization.  A highly placed source inside the Saddle Brook GOP told Inside Bergen that Montagna pledged not to run a primary against the organization line and that the local GOP only found out about his challenge when they received a surprise call from the township clerk asking why there were four candidates running for three spots on the November ballot.  

His attempt to get on the November ballot via a primary is much to the chagrin of local GOP chair Gloria Sinski.  "I am not pleased and do not believe we need a primary in Saddle Brook," said Sinski about Montagna's primary challenge.  Although Ms. Sinski seems a tad bit perturbed at Mr. Montagna and his primary, District 38 GOP chair Rich Miller doesn't see Saddle Brook turning into another Rutherford, a situation he described as a "shame." 

In fact, Mr. Miller is quite optimistic about the situation in Saddle Brook and in District 38 as a whole, where he hopes the GOP will be able to capitalize on gains made last year in Elmwood Park, Hasbrouck Heights, South Hackensack, and Ridgefield.  Although the Saddle Brook primary is unlikely to knee-cap the local Republican party in the same fashion that last year's O'Toole – Caliguire brawl knee-capped the BCRO, the fact remains that primary battles often have the potential to get ugly, and this one is no exception.