Jun Choi, a political newcomer who tapped into Edison’s burgeoning Asian population, wrestled the Democratic nomination from Mayor George Spadoro yesterday in a stunning upset.
Choi, the first Asian-American to run for mayor in the sprawling township, credited his victory to an army of Election Day volunteers who placed thousands of calls, knocked on doors, hung signs, and brought voters to the polls. …
Choi, who made his first bid for public office, was virtually unknown until two radio hosts on NJ 101.5 FM poked fun at his Korean heritage, asking who would vote for someone with that name and insisting Americans should vote for Americans.
The comments from the “Jersey Guys” brought a deluge of criticism from Asian groups, and gave Choi weeks of free publicity. He was invited on the show two weeks ago for about two hours during which Craig Carton and Ray Rossi apologized for their remarks.