A sweet night for GOP in Morris

and Tanya Drobness

GOP fever struck Morris County last night, with jubilant party faithful celebrating the victory of favorite son Chris Christie for governor, a sweep of all legislative and countywide races, and finally winning back the mayor's seat in Parsippany.

Led by an outpouring of support for Mendham Township's Christie, the county's dominant Republican Party steamrolled the Democrats, winning back some hard-fought gains made by Democrats in some of the county's 39 towns over the past several years.

Among Democratic victims of the Republican onslaught were Parsippany Mayor Michael Luther, Chatham Borough Councilmen Neal Collins and Joseph Mikulewicz, Denville Councilman Bob Grant, Mine Hill Councilman Marc Sovelove, Montville's lone Democratic Councilwoman Jean Bader and Morris Township Committeeman Jeff Grayzel.

Longtime Madison Councilwoman Carmela Vitale also lost a bid for an unexpired council term.

The few bright spots for the Democrats included a win of the mayoral race in Morristown by Tim Dougherty and a sweep of that town's council races, and victory in a three-way battle in East Hanover by Democratic Councilwoman Carolyn Jandoli.

Included among Republican highlights was a win by Anthony Bucco Jr. for Assembly in Morris County's 25th Legislative District, allowing him to join his father, state Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Morris), as a legislative team.

It's almost incomprehensible to me, to have father and son serving at the same time,'' said the younger Bucco. "One in each house of the Legislature. It's a real honor. I could not be prouder.''

The elder Bucco said he was "very proud'' of his son and joked about who would have more influence in the Legislature.

"I told him I am the senior legislator in the 25th District, and not just in age,'' the elder Bucco said with a laugh.

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