PARAMUS – Following some arguing on the floor, Bergen County Democratic Committee committee members proferred and seconded the name of Robert Kugler for sheriff.

So there will be a contest after all.

“I support Anthony Cureton,” U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) said in the immediate aftermath of the nomination.

Then Cureton was at the microphone.

“Words matter,” he said, giving a nod to former Sheriff Mike Saudino, who melted down amid racist comments, which bounced him out of a job.

“These words stand in direct contrast to our values,” Cureton said. “Racism has no business in our society. We must demand the highest standard. It was heartening that these comments were immediately condemned by leaders across the spectrum.”

Now Kugler mounted the festive stage.

“He was outside, he was told it was starting, and he didn’t have his people here,” a party member hissed. “He was told it was going to begin at five. He wasn’t ready.”

Kugler gripped the mic.

“What Sheriff Saudino said was appalling and disgusting,” said the longshot candidate, quoting from a txt message he said he sent Gov. Phil Murphy on the day of the WNYC story. “I took a stand, throughout the 12 days – and I take a stand on it for the rest of my life.”