In an LD40 Republican Primary battle with Bergen County Republican Chair Paul DiGaetano last year, Essex GOP Chairman snagged the unrenewed preferred slogan of the Bergen Republican establishment; and now Barlas – in the interest of party collegiality but no less sympathetic to the cause of old nemesis DiGaetano, is giving it back.

“I hereby provide consent for the use of the slogan to ALL Republican candidates seeking to do so,” Barlas wrote to Bergen County Clerk John Hogan this morning, referring to the slogan “Republicans for Responsible Government.”

“Should there be multiple candidates seeking the same office utilizing the above slogan please contact me for clarification,” the Essex chair added.

The Essex chairman purchased the trademarked slogan last year in the midst of the LD40 senate primary between DiGaetano and Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40). Barlas backed Corrado, his choice to replace old pal state Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-40), and his smothering of the slogan deprived DiGaetano of a reliable brand association.

Corrado won.

Since then, Barlas has spoken to CD5 candidate John McCann, who’s authorized by the officers of the Bergen County Republican Organization to engage Barlas in the return of the slogan. As recently as 11 days ago, Essex informed McCann that Barlas signed his portion of the transfer but has not received DiGaetano’s signature.