Assembly Opponents Pause Campaign For Bucco To Mourn Father

BOONTON, NJ — The race for Assembly in New Jersey's 25th District has been put on hold, as incumbent Assemblyman Anthony Bucco mourns the loss of his father, state Senator Anthony "Tony" R. Bucco.

Democratic challengers Lisa Bhimani and Darcy Draeger said on Monday they would "put their campaign on hold" out of respect for the late senator.

"There is a time for politics and that time is not now. We mourn this tremendous loss with all of New Jersey and send our sincere condolences to Assemblyman Bucco and his family," Draeger said in a statement.

Bhimani praised the late-Republican's long history of public service, saying in the statement, "Our hearts go out to Assemblyman Bucco and his family following the passing of his father, Senator Anthony Bucco. Senator Bucco was a dedicated representative who leaves behind a lasting legacy of more than 50-years of public service — a model for all those who serve our state."

Assemblyman Bucco has not issued a statement on his father's passing; a family representative said the elder Bucco died of a heart attack Monday night.

"He passed peacefully this evening with his family by his side at Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville. The family kindly asks for privacy at this time," Michael DuHaime, spokesman for the Bucco family, said shortly after the senator's passing.

Bucco represented New Jersey's 25th district as a Republican for more than 20 years. Before being elected to the State Senate, Bucco served as mayor of Boonton from 1984-1989, as a Morris County Freeholder from 1989-1992, and a State Assemblyman from 1995-1997. Upon election to the State Senate, his son, Anthony M. Bucco, was elected to his father's old seat in the Assembly.

Bucco was a lifelong resident of Boonton, where he lived with his wife, Helen. The couple had one son, Anthony M. Bucco. In addition to his wife and son, Bucco is survived by his grandchildren.