An Organizational "Line in the Sand"

How the Bergen County 'Line' Undermines Justice and Erodes Voter Confidence

This week, I stood before the NJ Senate Committee in Newark to testify about my personal experiences with the corrupting influence of the "organizational line" in New Jersey politics. This system, where party-endorsed candidates are clustered in a single line on the ballot, has been linked to secretive agreements that prioritize personal agendas over fair democracy. As I told the committee (see link below), "I'm not here speculating or theorizing, I'm here sharing my own personal experience - because I lived this corruption."

I highlighted in my testimony this week, that during my 2020 campaign for US Congress, I had received more than 1,000 texts over a six-month timeframe from a Bergen County Republican Organization (BCRO) insider and a protégé of the then BCRO Chairman Jack Zisa, demanding money in exchange for a favorable ballot position. It started with a simple three-word text": BUY THE LINE". That text message, and the hundreds that followed, implied that without "payment", I wouldn't receive the Organization's support. My steadfast refusal however, revealed a scheme that undermines our sacred democratic principles. As I testified, "I was clearly being pressured to purchase my own spot on the ballot."

Frank Pallotta (R) Testifies at NJ Senate Committee Hearing

The threats escalated, with a promise to give the organizational line to another candidate if I didn't comply (there were 4 other candidates in the race at that time). Shortly after the final ultimatum, when it appeared that I would prevail in a County Convention without having to pay their ransom, Chairman Zisa and Parliamentarian Rich Malagiere cancelled the convention altogether, and simply handed the organizational line to another candidate - without a single County Committee vote being cast, all but confirming the suspicions that a pay-to-play is alive and well in Bergen County.

My rejection of their demands exposed the true corrupt Bergen County political machine, sparking a three-year vendetta against me. When their plot was initially brought to light, the BCRO denied any wrongdoing. However, when their text - and their true intentions - became public, the personal attacks began; and continue today.

Testifying further, I emphasized the broader implications of this system, stating, "The county line doesn't just breed corruption; it actively silences new voices and discourages good and decent people from running for office. Competition is the lifeblood of our democracy, and this County Line construct bleeds it dry. I am your living proof." I continued to urge them to abolish the county line: "New Jersey can no longer remain the outlier. The county line isn't just unconstitutional, it's morally wrong. It’s no longer a harmless relic of the past; it's an active cancer on our electoral process. It's time for a cure. Let's put the power back where it belongs - in the hands of the voters."

The fact that legislators are now actively discussing reform brings "some hope" that the era of exploiting this system for personal gain may finally be coming to an end. I concluded my testimony by stating, "History will remember you for what you do here today. I pray you have the courage to do what's right." The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter, and I remain committed to fighting for a fairer, more transparent political process.

I will continue to share my story and advocate for change, because, as I said in my testimony, "The people of New Jersey are asking for better. I demand better. We all deserve better."

Frank Pallotta

LD39 NJ Assembly Candidate

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