(Montville, NJ) Republican Morris County Commissioner and State Senate candidate Tom Mastrangelo described Sen. Joseph Pennacchio’s (R-LD26) comments following Saturday’s county convention as “classless” and another indication of why the Senator needs to be replaced.

“Senator Pennacchio’s comment following the Republican convention is just another indicator as to why he has been completely ineffective in representing our district,” said Mastrangelo.

Pennacchio accused Mastrangelo of having a “political psychosis” for daring to challenge him for the District 26 Senate seat, which Pennacchio has held since 2008.

“Not only does the senator’s comment show a lack of class and grace, but also a lack of compassion for persons who have real mental health issues,” said Mastrangelo.

“After 15 years in Trenton, Sen. Pennacchio thinks like an entrenched political insider who is entitled to his seat without question or contest. That’s not the way our democracy works,” said Mastrangelo.

“If he fought the Democrats in Trenton with the same vigor as he attacks me, he might actually be an effective legislator. But he’s not a fighter and he’s not effective and I will demonstrate that to Republican voters between now and the June Primary Election,” said Mastrangelo.