There is a Democratic Primary for Somerset County Sheriff, but the Republican countywide Primary between establishment candidate William Parenti of North Plainfield and former Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit Commander Tim Pino appears to dominate the scenery.

A respected local police chief Parenti is running with the party endorsement of Somerset County GOP Chairman Al Gaburo and has the advantage of running with incumbent Freeholder Pat Walsh.

The ubiquitous Walsh is running a very aggressive reelection campaign in Somerset.

But Pino has inundated his county with unconventional Easter eggs, reminding voters of his anti-establishment candidacy.

He’s got ads on diner place mats and in church bulletins.

In the western part of the county especially his signs appear to be everywhere.

Sources are watching the contest closely, mostly because of Pino’s persistent tactics.

Republican candidate Robert Quinn is also vying for freeholder.

On the Democratic side, retired Franklin Twp. Police. Lt. Darrin Russo vies with Arthur Arkins to face the winner of the Republican contest.