MORRIS COUNTY — As the 2023 primary campaign enters its final two weeks, the Republican candidates vying for the state legislature in District 26, which covers areas of Morris and Passaic counties, have yet to engage in a debate.
It’s the fault of challengers Tom Mastrangelo, BettyLou DeCroce, and Robert Peluso in this case. They are running against state Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Assemblymen Brian Bergen and Jay Webber.
“How can we expect BettyLou DeCroce to stand up for people in the Assembly if she refuses to debate on stage?” said Bergen, a combat veteran who served in the Army for eight years before returning to New Jersey to operate two businesses.
DeCroce was a no-show at the first debate hosted by the Montville Township Republican Club in April.
In general, challenger candidates are eager to participate in debates, and incumbents refuse to square off against one another. In this particular instance, the roles are reversed.
Bergen has a theory on why DeCroce won’t debate. He says she has made several unsubstantiated claims about his record that she cannot defend.
“It’s easy to hide behind your mail and press releases,” Bergen noted. “It’s much more difficult to back them up when it’s untrue.”
Other Republican primaries have had debates, including in Districts 4 and 24.
“I am ready,” Bergen concluded. “Let’s get this debate scheduled.”
