Parsippany's Betty DeCroce is the Republican party's choice to represent the 26th District 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 easily defeated her lone challenger, Montville attorney and GOP committeeman Larry Casha, 120-67.

At the event's start, there were three known candidates: DeCroce, Casha and Rockaway Mayor Larry Sceusi. A fourth was announced, Gary Steele, an attorney and former gubernatorial candidate from Montville. Sceusi and Steele dropped out early, leaving Casha and DeCroce.

"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, who insisted the vote was fair.

"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."

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 that the widow was the clear favorite.

"It's not because she is Alex's wife," insisted Parsippany Township Councilman Michael dePierro, who was one of a large number of New Jersey Republican leaders to throw 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."

DeCroce said as much when she addressed the convention prior to the vote.

“I entered this race because I have deep roots [in this district]. My experience is unmatched in this race," she told delegates. "Contrary to what some would have you believe, I have served as a councilmember, board of adujustment member, clerk, etc. As the former chair of the Morris County Joint Insurance Fund, I worked to reduce costs. I know how to balance a budget and meet a payroll.

"I believe in lower taxes, less spending, and smaller, less intrusive government. This is the only way we can grow our economy here in New Jersey.”

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."

As for Casha, who may have plans to launch another run for Assembly against Webber, but would only commit to getting a good night's sleep, the incumbent assemblyman had a message for his once and perhaps future rival.

"I think it would be a mistake," Webber 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.

Among those representing Parsippany as delegates were Mayor James Barberio and his wife, Brenda; Councilman dePierro and his wife, Dolores; Planning Board member Loretta Gragnani and her husband, Adam; Parsippany Police Sgt. Louis Vallori and councilmen Vincent Ferrara and John Cesaro, who gave the nominating speech for DeCroce.

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."