Sleazy Union County pols supporting Newark councilwoman for Congress

As LaMonica McIver campaigns for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives representing New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, her political alliances in Union County are under intense scrutiny.

McIver, a member of the Newark City Council, has garnered support from at least two corrupt Union County political figures whose past controversies are raising eyebrows.

One of McIver's most prominent backers is Joe Cryan, an anti-abortion state senator with a history of support for the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Cryan—who is on record asserting that he would outlaw abortion except in cases of incest, rape, or if the life of the woman is endangered—cast the deciding vote in 2010 to allow Republican Governor Chris Christie to close six Planned Parenthood clinics across New Jersey.

Additionally, Cryan has consistently opposed legislation requiring police officers to reside in the communities they serve and the establishment of civilian police review boards with subpoena power.

Cryan welcomed an NRA-affiliated shooting range and firearms dealer on Route 22 in Union Township.

Cryan's scandals have shocked the conscience. In the mid-2000s, he was involved in a highly publicized incident involving sexually explicit emails sent to lobbyist Karen Golding.

The emails, which included fantasies of bondage and public sex, were sent from government computers by Cryan, who lied about his two-year relationship with Golding after she was arrested for stalking the politician and his family.

In addition to Cryan, McIver has received support from Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw, another Union County politician with a checkered past. Shaw was convicted for selling heroin and served time in New York’s Rikers Island prison.

Despite this, Shaw managed to avoid a criminal background check when hired as the recreation department director in Roselle.

McIver’s chief rival in the Democratic primary is Linden Mayor Derek Armstead, who has the backing of Senate President Nicholas Scutari, who is chairman of the Democratic Party in Union County, which comprises a quarter of the district. Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, the Democratic municipal chairman in Roselle, has also endorsed Armstead.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who conspicuously supported Republican GovernorChris Christie, is also backing McIver.

McIver's support from DiVincenzo, Cryan, and Shaw raises questions about her candidacy.

Cryan’s involvement with the NRA plus his opposition to abortion rights and police reform contrast sharply with the values traditionally associated with the Democratic Party. Shaw's criminal past adds doubt to McIver's integrity.

McIver dodged a bullet after the Secretary of State and an administrative law judge ruled that she could appear on the ballot after nine other candidates contended that her petition signatures were invalid, even though — Hassan Abdus-Sabur — who is employed on her municipal staff admitted to a political gossip blogger that he collected petition signatures. The candidate's mother was listed as the only witness for over 1,000 signatures, which rival candidates testified that one person couldn't collect over a single weekend.

“We believe one of our colleagues, LaMonica McIver, submitted a fraudulent candidate petition to the Division of the Elections,” said a letter signed by all the other candidates except for Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker. “In doing so, Ms. McIver has perpetrated a fraud on the State of New Jersey, jeopardizing the integrity of our electoral process.”

In addition to Armstead, McIver, and Walker, the contenders in the special election are: Brittany Claybrooks, Eugene Mazo, Darryl Godfrey, Shana Melius, John Flora, Alberta Gordon, Sheila Montague and Debra Salters.

McIver’s ability to navigate these controversies while presenting her platform and vision for the district will be critical in determining the outcome of the special election.

As the July 16 primary approaches, voters in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District will have to weigh these factors carefully.