Bergenfield Police Chief Cathy Madalone has powerful advocates in her corner this evening as Bergen Democrats attempt to align the big, unwieldy county behind a candidate with 43 days before a special election.

Madalone is one possible choice for Democrats to replace former Sheriff Mike Saudino, who last Friday resigned in disgrace after he surfaced on a tape making racist remarks.

She wouldn’t be without political challenges. She’s a late filing Democrat, one source told InsiderNJ.

Federal law also presents a potential barricade. In order to take any other job and collect a pension, a chief would have to first be retired for six months.

That’s not the case here.

“All these chiefs could have an issue, unless they’ve been retired for six months,” one source noted.

In a more minor matter, Paramus expressed concern about turnout, making the pitch for a homespun candidate.

But the grievance did not seem to impress those outside of Paramus.

“They’ve already got [Bergen Executive Jim] Tedesco at the top of the ticket,” a source griped, pushing back. “And freaking [Senator Joe] Lagana’s on the ticket.”

When InsiderNJ asked about what “powerful” forces had gathered behind Madalone, someone pointed up and said, “Upstairs.”

Trenton.

She would have to run 43 days from now in a special election for sheriff, and then run next year for a full three-year term.