The Fighting 32nd

by: ModerateObserver

Tue Jan 16, 2007 at 09:41:35 AM EST

This district has a high population of Latino and foreign-born voters, each representing four out of ten constituents.

This district is also among the bluest in New Jersey, at least by registration. 42% of voters affiliate with the Democrats here, a nearly 5-1 advantage over the GOP. In a good Democratic year like 2005, the district votes more than 75% for Democratic candidates.

Senator Nicholas Sacco leads the delegation. He is North Bergen's Mayor and School Superintendent. In the Senate since 1994, he has faced little opposition since. He has been an advocate for urban enterprise zones as well as law and order on drugs and prisoner issues. Assemblywoman Joan Quigley of Jersey City Heights, also in since 1994. is a known advocate for health issues. Vincent Prieto, a Cuban-American, was selected in 2004 to replace the ethically challenged Anthony Impreveduto. Prieto, a building code inspector in Secaucus, serves as Deputy Majority Whip, and having met him a great addition to the Legislature.

Issues of land use, particularly with the Sports and Exposition Authority, affect the district. The heavily Democratic nature of the 32nd makes general elections a formality, but a primary challenge to Quigley from Jersey City Councilman William Gaughan in December 2006 was deftly avoided by some work between the Hudson County Democrats and Governor Jon Corzine.