Christie's choice for Bergen County prosecutor surprises political insiders

Governor Christie's choice of Glen Rock attorney Gurbir Grewal as his nominee for Bergen County prosecutor took county Republicans and Democrats, many of whom had been handicapping the selection, by surprise.

The 40-year-old assistant U.S. attorney was not one of the names bandied about by political insiders who have speculated over the last few months on whom the governor might tap to succeed John Molinelli, who has served in the post for more than 10 years.

"It's out of the ordinary for so many people to be surprised," said state Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee that will oversee Grewal's confirmation hearing. (Gurbir Grewal is pronounced "Gur-beer Gray-wall.")

Weinberg added, though, that it's not unusual for lawmakers to first meet a gubernatorial appointee only after the nomination is announced. Neither Grewal nor Molinelli could be reached for comment Friday.

Officials in both parties also were surprised to learn that Christie, a Republican, had tapped a Democrat to replace Molinelli, who also is a Democrat. Grewal has been a registered Democrat in his hometown of Glen Rock since 2008.

"I think the governor is just wanting to find the best candidate regardless of party," said state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, R-Cedar Grove, whose district includes part of Bergen County.

Campaign finance reports show that Grewal has contributed to candidates in both main political parties.

Federal Election Commission reports show that he gave a total of $2,000 to President Obama's first campaign for the White House as well as $1,000 to Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Mendendez during his last two campaigns.

At the county level, state election records show Grewal contributed $500 to Republican O'Toole's 2011 campaign as well as a total of $2,500 to Democrat Leo McGuire's unsuccessful reelection campaign for Bergen County sheriff.

State Sen. Robert Gordon, D-Fair Lawn, said political affiliation matters less than experience and leadership ability when it comes to the county prosecutor, who also serves as the county's top law enforcement official.