District 40 Republicans Sweep Election

The had little trouble dispensing of Democratic challengers Tuesday, besting opponents Bill Brennan (D-Wayne), Cassandra Lazzara (D-Little Falls) and John Zunic (D-Cedar Grove).

(R-Cedar Grove) and Assemblyman (R-Ridgewood) ran quiet campaigns in the heavily Republican district while running mate Scott Rumana (R-Wayne) fought fire with fire in a campaign filled to the brim with personal attacks between bitter rivals.

With 20,150 votes and just a few polling districts left, Rumana, the former Wayne mayor, defeated ex-firefighter Bill Brennan in a race that centered more on allegations of ethics violations and corruption than it did legislative agendas. , garnered 12,571 votes and previously said he knew he had no shot at winning.

"I am very appreciative of the support the voters have shown for us," said Rumana.

Cassandra Lazzara, a school teacher from Little Falls who ran largely on the platform that the governor's reform agenda is damaging education, captured 14,266 votes, so far falling short of Russo for the second Assembly seat. Russo has taken home 20,448 votes.

In a rematch of the 2007 state senate race, the former Cedar Grove mayor, O'Toole, appears to have cruised to an easy victory over . O'Toole notched 21,116 votes while Zunic captured 12,585.

The 40th District represents Midland Park, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Mahwah, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Wayne, Ringwood, Wanaque, Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona.

[Editor's note: 42 of 51 polling districts in Bergen are in. The County Clerk's office could not be reached to provide final totals from the remaining polling districts.]

Daniel Hubbard contributed to this report.