In a politically heated town, even some things catch everyone by surprise.

Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell released at statement today announcing that 1st Ward Councilman Richard Kane has resigned from the Town Council, effective immediately.

According to the statement, Kane has accepted a new job in Connecticut that will require him to commute, leaving him unable to fulfill his responsibilities as councilman.

"It would be unfair to my family and its future to not accept this new opportunity," Kane said in a statement issued this afternoon. "It would also be unfair to the residents of the 1st Ward for me to remain in my council seat because I would be unable to dedicate the same amount of time that I have to my constituents as their representative, time that they deserve and have come to expect."

Kane, a Democrat and an ally of the mayor, has served on the council for more than three years. He was scheduled to come up for re-election this November, as is the mayor.

By state law, according to the release from Elwell, the Secaucus Democratic Committee will submit the names of three possible replacements for Kane. The Town Council will then vote on which candidate will replace Kane and serve out the rest of his term through the end of the year.

Mayor Elwell is chairman of the Secaucus Democratic Committee.

This development could be a blow to Mayor Elwell and the Democratic ticket during an election year.

Currently, the Town Council of often divided by a vote of 4-3, with the majority Democrats able to pass their agenda, while blocking measures supported by Elwell foe Councilman Michael Gonnelli and his allies, Councilmen Gary Jeffas and John Bueckner. Gonnelli, Jeffas, and Bueckner are all Independents.

Elwell will now need the votes of the Independents to replace Kane and the Gonnelli faction of the Council could choose to support the Democratic agenda and Kane's successor only if they get concessions on such issues as televised meeting, Gonnelli's alleged conflict of interest case, and other matters.

Check back for further updates.