Sweeney says he has the votes for Senate President

Anyone from outside south Jersey (0.00 / 0)

who supports Sweeney is dead in my book.  I'd never support, or vote for them, for statewide office.  Nia Gill should be ashamed of herself, I don't care if she cut a deal to get Oliver the speaker's chair.  Ray Lesniask is a slimeball, so that's no surprise.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 18:13:14 PM UTC

hard to see Oliver becoming Speaker (4.00 / 1)

I don't know what Gill got for her vote, but I doubt it was the Speakership for Sheila Oliver.  I think that it is more likely that Lesniak snagged the Majority Leadership for himself and the Speakership for Joe Cryan.

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by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 03:07:55 AM UTC

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The Point Is That There's Dirty Dealing n/t (0.00 / 0)

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by: Nick Lento @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 16:09:41 PM UTC

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Maybe Speaker seems a stretch (0.00 / 0)

But Shiela is more than just a survivor. She seems to be a fighter and with good instincts and a team player. A teacher, she seems to be well prepared.

The power of Essex?

"Discrimination caused by ignorance and fear is a tax on human progress" - Barbra Casbar Siperstein

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by: Babs NJSD @ Tue Oct 06, 2009 at 04:51:02 AM UTC

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So Who's The Liar? Codey or Sweney? (4.00 / 1)

It's a shame that Steve Sweeney has insisted on running his divisive and distractive campaign to enhance the power of the Norcross machine throughout the state.

Doing this in the midst of a tight and nationally critical gubernatorial campaign is petty Bush league bullshit.  

You really do have to wonder if George Norcross is trying to sabotage Jon Corzine's chances of winning?   There's no way Sweeney would dare pull this crap on his own.  No doubt he is operating with Norcross's "blessing" or on his orders.

So, what do I mean by the "Who's lying" question.   You have to read Max Pizarro's story on politicker to understand that question....and my own comment in that thread.

Codey claims that Sweeney signed a pledge specifically promising to NOT run against him in 2009.

Sweeney confesses that he signed something along those lines, but he seems to also be claiming that his "promise" only applied to the date upon which the agreement was signed!  LOL

Now, if Codey is telling the truth about the existence of such an explicit and detailed agreement; then should make the agreement fully available to the press and to the people.   My money says Codey is telling the truth.....but if he's not willing to PROVE it, then it won't carry much weight.

Obviously such a document can't be legally binding; but it IS morally binding....and the bullshit line that Sweeney is using to get himself off the hook is downright ridiculous.

Frankly, IF Codey IS telling the truth (which I believe he is) then Sweeney is a pretty awful character.....and deserves to lose his seat all together, let alone be promoted.

And if Codey IS telling the truth why the **** would ANY Democrat want to vote against him?   Are honest decent Democrats out of fashion in Trenton?

One wonders, if this is this the result of the "machine power vacuum" created by Ferriero's departure?   Boss Joe might have counterbalanced Boss George in the old days, eh?

Meanwhile, at this rate, y'all can look forward to a state run by the Norcross machine and Chris Christie....very imperfect together.

Ideally, Jon Corzine would have stepped in at the beginning and put an end to this internecine nonsense.  Better late than never, eh?

Or,  maybe we have to turn into California before people wake up?

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by: Nick Lento @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 18:17:55 PM UTC

Norcross (4.00 / 1)

Of course Sweeney's doing it with Norcorss's blessing.  This is a classic power play.  No doubt Lensniak was involved, as he pulled his support from Codey effectively stabbing him in the back.  It's clear that no matter how many state senate Democrats get trotted off to jail, the bosses still rule.

At least now we'll have a LG.  It's frightening to think that this sleazeball Sweeney could be one step from the governorship.  Codey is 100 times the public official Sweeny is, and a 1000 times the human being.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 18:24:28 PM UTC

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Sweeney announces he has union endorsement (0.00 / 0)

Why would anyone care that a union is endorsing for Senate President? Clue me in.  Anyway, Sweeney is putting out this statement:

A prominent New Jersey labor organization announced their support today for State Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney (D-3) to be the next President of the State Senate. William T. Mullen, President of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council, said we are supporting Sweeney because he would bring new, dynamic leadership to the Senate and be a strong voice for working men and women across the state.

"Steve Sweeney stands among the very best that New Jersey has to offer in these times of unparalleled economic hardship for so many of our working families," said Mullen, whose organization represents 150,000 members and their families throughout the state. "He is not a typical Trenton politician. He looks out for the average New Jerseyan who struggles every day to make ends meet - not the special interests. Mullen added that Sweeney, as a longtime labor leader, "knows firsthand the problems that working people face - increased costs, rising taxes record unemployment. And as an experienced legislator, he knows how to get results for us on those and other workerrelated issues in Trenton."

Mullen said Sweeney, who represents Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland Counties and is the Senate Majority Leader, has been a leader on key pocketbook issues that affect workers. He said Sweeney has been a leading advocate for slashing wasteful government spending, making state department heads accountable for every taxpayer dollar they want to spend, and holding the line on taxes. Mullen also said Sweeney knows what it takes to create jobs and will be a leader on that front in Trenton. Sweeney said he was gratified to receive the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Councils support for the Senate leadership position and vowed to put the issues of working families at the top of the agenda in Trenton. "I will make it my priority to fight to create jobs for the thousands of men and women who are unemployed in this state and to help make New Jersey more affordable for those who live and work here."

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

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by: Hopeful @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 20:02:39 PM UTC

GREAT DAY FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY! (0.00 / 0)

Corzine is getting closer and new ,vibrant, caring leadership is being installed in the State Senate.

With both Corzine and Sweeney at the top the working men and women will have fighters and friends.

The Democratic Party has shown that it is vibrant and willing to fight for the hard working people of this State.

Maybe the Norcross haters on this Site can be quiet and give Sweeney a chance. Your rant is getting old .

CONGRATS TO STATE SENATOR SWEENEY!    

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by: firstamend07 @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 20:16:11 PM UTC

ROTFLMAO (4.00 / 2)

Your "congrats" are way premature.....

Has it even occurred to you how much of a Norcross/Sweeney brown noser/booster you are?

Hell, it's your boy who is viciously trying to throw Senator Codey under the bus.  And doing it IN THE MIDDLE of an attempt to have a seriously important election.  

Norcross's attempted power grab could have waited, why now, eh?

No one is buying your line of bs.

If Norcross/Sweeney "wins" using those ugly tactics it will eventually cost him and his "wing" of the Democratic party dearly....and any Senator that votes for Sweeney will forever be tainted with the stink of skunk.

Corruption/pay to play is not a sustainable model for any kind of progress, political or commercial.

So answer my question, who's LYING Sweeney or Codey???

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by: Nick Lento @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 22:42:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sweeney is campaigning /where is Codey? (2.50 / 2)

While Codey is getting inside information from his connections inside the Office of Legislative Services and worrying about every shadow in the street,StateSenator Sweeney is out campaigning everyday for The Governor .

Codey is worried about Codey. Why do you think so many State Senators have had enough of him? He resents Corzine because he thinks he should be Governor.

Sweeney represents the new "realistic" Democratic Party.

Time for you to get on board. Get over your Norcross hating that is polluting your thinking.

Even you have to admit that you favor the overwhelming majority of policy issues that Sweeney has backed.

A Corzine / Sweeney team will be much better for NJ .

I am leaving room on the bus for you..........  

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by: firstamend07 @ Thu Oct 01, 2009 at 00:18:16 AM UTC

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LOL (4.00 / 3)

No, Codey only saved the party's bacon when McGreevey had to leave in disgrace.  And then he stepped aside for Corzine even though his poll numbers were, and still are, great.  And how is he repaid?  By being stabbed in the back in a pure political power play between Ray Lesniak and Donald Norcorss.  An agreement to put a novice in as speaker and a knuckle dragger in as senate president.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Thu Oct 01, 2009 at 11:23:14 AM UTC

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"vibrant, caring leadership" (3.50 / 4)

Paging George Orwell.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 23:14:57 PM UTC

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Political Bosses..... (4.00 / 2)

Maybe Senators Ruiz and Gill should stop taking marching orders from DiVincenzo and Norcross and start listening to Mayors in their legislative districts.

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by: Matthew Jordan @ Thu Oct 01, 2009 at 16:00:31 PM UTC

I am really upset about this. (4.00 / 4)

Richard Codey is a fine man who has come through for his state.

He's pure New Jersey.

It stinks.

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by: NNadir @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 04:10:47 AM UTC

Get over it (1.00 / 5)

Codey is history. Teh Democratic party is becoming younger and more vibrant. Working men and women will do better.

Codey was no saint and quite frankly he has been "mailing it in "since he came back from sitting in the Governors chair.

Sweeney and Oliver will do great jobs.

This is the reality so get used to it.  

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by: firstamend07 @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 10:20:09 AM UTC

Welcome to Sweeney's World (4.00 / 3)

Anyone who disagrees with the bosses and their representatives (i.e. Sweeney) will be ignored and told to get over it. Their PR spokespeople like firstamend07 will mindlessly fill up the airways/blogosphere with the same comments as they are told what to write.

It's going to be a long, sad period for the Democrats.  I'm just ecstatic that none of my representatives have been involved in all of this boss politics.

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by: princetonblue @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 14:57:46 PM UTC

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If This Was My Blog..... (4.00 / 2)

...someone like "First" would have been banned a long time ago.  He fits the definition of "concern troll" to a T.

His (her/their???) comments are 100% consistent and predictable PR spin in the direction of supporting the Norcross machine.

It's pure total PRopagnda.

I would let the Norcross machine have their PR spinner say anything they wanted...IF they had the courage to at least use their own name.

Someone with a clear agenda in service to a political machine like this doesn't deserve to be anonymous.

If anyone thinks that professional PR whores aren't trolling the web for money, I have a bridge in Bayonne to sell you.

 

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by: Nick Lento @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 16:22:44 PM UTC

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You're 100% Wrong....Again.... (4.00 / 1)

.....and your robo-boosterism for Norcross is truly disgusting.

NNadir is right and I hope that we see more comments from decent smart people like NNadir.

Sweeney is a loser.  Codey isn't a saint.  No one in elected office in NJ is a saint.

The problem with Sweeney is that he's totally sold his soul to Norcross.  It's not complicated......and for Norcross, it's all about the power and the money.  He'll throw a few bones out here and there to the suckers....so long as he can control the cashflow.    

 

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by: Nick Lento @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 16:15:41 PM UTC

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Know what firstamend? (4.00 / 2)

If this is how you rep the Sweeney, or South Jersey, or labor, or whatever the hell point of view you're representing, you just jumped the shark big-time with me. Have your opinions and you're welcome to express them here. We'll duke it out in cyberspace.

But if NNadir is disappointed then s/he gets to express it here. Slap down another fellow reader with that tone and we'll start remembering you fondly.

Meanwhile, this is the first time NNadir's been here in more than a year. Maybe somebody here wants to issue a nicer Welcome Back....  

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Fri Oct 02, 2009 at 16:38:31 PM UTC

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