Politics & Government

Betty Lou DeCroce Wins Late Husband's Seat

GOP Committee picked minority leader's widow over Montville attorney Larry Casha, 120-67.

Parsippany's Betty DeCroce is the Republican party's choice to represent Montville and other District 26 towns in the state General Assembly.

At a special GOP convention to select a successor for the late Assemblyman Alex DeCroce at the Zeris Inn in Mountain Lakes Wednesday night, his widow defeated her lone challenger, Montville attorney and GOP committeeman Larry Casha, 120-67.

Two other candidates who expressed interest in the seat—Rockaway Township Mayor Larry Sceusi and former gubernatorial candidate Gary Steele, an attorney who has a law office in Montville—dropped out early. That left Casha and DeCroce.

Find out what's happening in Montvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think we saw, with the energy in the room, that everyone believed that Betty Lou, with her impeccable qualifications was the best candidate to fill the vacancy," said Al Barlas, Essex County Republican chairman.

"Each had an equal amount of time to campaign, and Larry declared before Betty Lou did. Larry's the consummate insider. For him to now re-brand himself as an outsider...people just didn't buy it."

Find out what's happening in Montvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Even though the Zeris was bedecked in Casha balloons, signs and stickers (leftovers from his unsuccessful 2007 Assembly campaign against the current seatholder, Jay Webber), it was clear DeCroce was the favorite.

"It's not because she is Alex's wife," said Parsippany Township Councilman Michael dePierro, who was one of a large number of New Jersey Republican leaders to give their support to DeCroce. "On her own, she has a great deal of experience on the municipal and state level. Betty Lou has gotten so much support because she is the best candidate."

Webber appeared relieved, happy and just a little stressed, as he is awaiting for his wife to give birth to their sixth child.

"I'm just really pleased," he said. "I think Betty Lou did a really good job of teling people what she believes and about her experience. I'm grateful to the county committee ... and pleased that Betty Lou is my new partner—that they selected her to be my partner."

Casha, the founder of the law firm on Horseneck Road in Montville, might run against Webber in the future, but would only commit to getting a good night's sleep Wednesday.

Webber had a message for his once and perhaps future rival.

"I think it would be a mistake," he said.

The vote involved every municipal district within the larger 26th District, which includes parts of Essex, Morrs and Passaic counties. Two delegates from each of the 26th's municipal delegates were permitted to cast secret votes in curtained voting booths.

The convention began with a eulogy of sorts for Alex DeCroce, given by state Sen. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Pine Brook). In an emotional address, Pennacchio paid tribute to his longtime friend.

"As a leader, Alex was tenacious, principled and caring," the senator said. "To his caucus, he was inspiring. ... His legislative work managed to touch the hearts and lives of almost every New Jersey citizen. Alex was a beacon of light that showed us all the way.

"As much as I miss his leadership, I miss his friendship," Pennacchio said.

When the vote was over, the mood was jubilant at the Zeris Inn, but there seemed to be a touch of sadness as well.

The new assemblywoman likely spoke for many in the room.

"We are filling Alex's seat," Betty Lou DeCroce said, "but no one can replace him."

Correction: The law firm Casha & Casha is located on Horseneck Road in Montville. Due to an editing error, a previous version of this story reported the street incorrectly.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here