The three Republicans challenging three incumbent freeholders in Morris County are in the midst of having separate fundraisers and primary campaign kickoffs.

One of those incumbents, Tom Mastrangelo, is having an event of his own featuring a steak dinner, cigars and some former New York Giants.

That’s tough to top.

Mastrangelo’s event is set for this Thursday in Florham Park. Cost is $300 per person, but sponsorships for such things as the cigar component are more expensive.

The primary race hasn’t taken shape yet, but Mastrangelo says, “You can’t underestimate anybody in a campaign.”  He is running with fellow incumbents Doug Cabana and Kathy DeFilippo.

Featured guests at the dinner are scheduled to be Bart Oates and Karl Nelson, offensive linemen from the Giants’ first Super Bowl championship team in 1986.

Mastrangelo has had long-time family connections with the Giants dating back to the 1960s. This is the seventh year of the fundraiser and previous guests have been former Giants Lee Rouson, Howard Cross,
Charles Way and Ottis Anderson. Former pro football players often help draw crowds.

Mastrangelo and his team are bound to have a financial advantage over challengers Donald Dinsmore, Will Felegi and Cathy Winterfield.

But he says the June primary – like many football games is about something as basic as blocking and tackling.

“We’re one of the best-run counties in the country,” Mastrangelo says.