Passaic County Republicans are meeting tonight to consider candidates for the 2007 general election, but some insiders expect the session to be rather short one. With a 7:00 PM deadline for submitting resumes to party leaders for consideration as the endorsed organization candidates, the GOP still has no candidates for Sheriff, Surrogate, and for State Assembly in the 34th, 35th and 36th districts. The lack of candidates is causing some party leaders to question the strength and political future of the Republican County Chairman, Wayne Mayor Scott Rumana. Two Republicans, '06 candidate Arturo Soto and Clifton Firefighter Tony Latona, are seeking support for two Freeholder seats. There are unconfirmed reports that Rumana has agreed to allow Democratic Sheriff Jerry Speziale to run unopposed in November — perhaps because Rumana doesn't want Speziale engaged in Wayne Council races this year.
