Sweeney gives himself 341 days

by: Rosi Efthim

Sun Jan 24, 2010 at 02:01:31 PM EST

I gave myself a deadline of 2010 and I will not go beyond that," said the West Deptford Democrat, "but when in 2010, I can't say.

Here's the way it works: If Sweeney gives up his seat before early September, the party can appoint to fill his seat, but that person would have to stand for office in November, if they want to keep the seat. After that date, the Dems can fill the seat with someone who can keep it until Sweeney's term expires the end of 2011. So, if Sweeney holds on long enough, the decision who to replace him with goes out of the voters' hands, and stays in the Democratic Party's hands.

It's not illegal. But Sweeney's decision stinks of calculation and party protectionism. Sweeney claims "unfinished business" (declining, of course, to say what), but pollster Patrick Murray sees right through that:

"Voters can ask, "Why are you the only person who can finish that business?,' Murray said. Murray said every elected official leaves office -- some unwillingly -- with unfinished business. Murray suspects that the unfinished business Sweeney is referring to is "How do we keep this seat Democratic?"

The Democrats have squandered too much reputation on corruption hijinks, tone-deaf campaigns and the base-alienating marriage equality vote.  
If we want to repair the party's reputation with voters and deserve our power, then please can we stop treating voters like they're stupid? Like they can't figure out that Sweeney's timing is more about Democratic positioning and less about their choices?

I don't care that Sweeney doesn't take his county salary or benefits. The point isn't payment, but power. And his statement - "If I don't take pay, how can you criticize me for serving as a volunteer? - hits my ear as arrogant.

The truth is Gloucester just sent a brand-new GOP assemblyman - Dominick DiCicco - to Trenton and the party's hold on the county may be slipping. But if Sweeney feels the pulse of Gloucester's voters in his hands (which I think he does), there's no earthly reason why he can't step down now from a job he can't possibly still do and use his skills to help another Democrat make an honest try for the seat he's held for 13 years.

Sure would look better from where I sit.