With Machine Backing, James Takes Hillside

Sen. Sharpe James was reelected by the 29th District in last week's Democratic primary, besting challenger Luis Quintana by a margin of 8-to-1 in Hillside Township alone.

The Senator, who has hardly ever made an appearance in Hillside and never supported legislation to help the super-taxed town, managed to pull a spectacular victory with a last-minute get-out-the-vote campaign.

Although actual numbers were not released by the Election Law Enforcement Commission by web post time, sources in the Quintana camp estimated James' campaign costs at well over $100,000, with extra cash from McGreevey and the state Party at the last moment.

Union County Democratic Party chair, and Hillside resident, Charlotte DeFilippo supported James on the Democratic line and was worried about losing Hillside's support for James, political sources believe.

DeFilippo organized a massive GOTV effort employing dozens of people and elected officials to reelect Senator James.

Even so, voter turn out was low but in the end the machine's efforts proved unstoppable.

In November, James faces Republican Anthony Timmons and Green Party candidate Toy-Ling Washington - a Hillside resident.