WOODBURY Sen. Fred Madden was unanimously named chairman of the county's Democratic Committee Tuesday night after more than 300 Democrats attended and voted at the party's regular meeting.

The vote came almost a week after former Chairman Michael Angelini announced plans not to seek another term. He held his post for 12 years.

Last week, Gloucester County Freeholder Director Stephen M. Sweeney endorsed the Fourth District senator to take over Angelini's position and echoed his own sentiments Tuesday.

"Fred is a strong leader that people really like," Sweeney said. "We're so excited he was willing to step up and take the job."

Madden Ð who's been a state senator since 2004 Ð used to serve as superintendent of the State Police.

"When he ran it, he ran it extremely well," Sweeney said. "His organization and his talent will help this party go a long way."

Angelini announced he was stepping aside as chairman to concentrate on his law practice and to spend time with his family. Madden said Angelini shows that he has been doing what he loves, and saw it was time for him to step down.

"You know when it's time," Madden said of Angelini's departure. "He's had such a profound commitment to the chairman's role."

Madden said recently he's excited to set a direction for the Democratic Party.

"I believe that my experiences and leadership and past managerial experiences I've had has really established a strong foundation for me to complement the position," Madden said.

Madden's appointment comes a week after a primary in Gloucester County where eight Republican candidates vied for two open freeholder positions this November. Party-backed Republicans Larry Wallace and Vincent Nestore will face Democratic freeholder newcomers Heather Simmons and Robert Zimmerman.

"It's going to be a very competitive year," Madden said last week of the race.

The rest of the Gloucester County Democratic Party stayed intact. Vicki Antonini was renamed vice chair, Ted Bamford was renamed treasurer and Melissa Hoffman was renamed secretary.

Sweeney said one of the largest crowds he's ever seen attended Tuesday's meeting.

"There was a lot of energy in the room," Sweeney said. "We've got a really charged party right now. We're ready."