Just days after Republican Scott Brown notched an improbable victory in Massachusetts by declaring that the U.S. Senate seat he sought did not belong to the late Teddy Kennedy, newly sworn-in Assemblyman Gilbert "Whip" Wilson (D-Camden) used similar language in defending Donald Norcross's move up to claim the 5th District seat vacated by Camden Mayor Dana Redd. 

"I don't think anybody can claim any seat," said Wilson, when asked about the South Jersey Democratic Organization's decision to back labor leader Donald Norcross, brother of Democratic Party power broker George Norcross III, as the replacement for Redd, in a district dominated by the City of Camden, where over half the residents are black.

"If you give the 5th District senate seat to an African American, you're eliminating Latinos and everyone else," Wilson said. "I think what you're getting here now with this team is balance, as you have a Latino (Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D-Camden), an African American (Wilson), and a European American (Norcross). The bottom line is that senate seat should go to a person who wants the job."  

Sworn into office today, Wilson, who retired as a lieutenant in 1995 from the Camden Police Department after 26 years, described the last couple of months as a whirlwind.

TRENTON - A little over an hour before they get sworn-in and Assembly Speaker-elect Sheila Oliver (D-East Orange) takes over from retired Speaker Joe Roberts (D-Camden), the incoming legislative leadership teams of both parties promise to strive for a rancor-free relationship going forward.

"I do not believe in stark, adversarial combativeness," says Oliver. "I don't believe that accomplishes anything."

Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Parsippany), the veteran among the bipartisan foursome and GOP lower house leader since 2003, chimes, "We have an opportunity to show the people of New Jersey that we can work together."

Arguably encumbered by the political carcass of lame duck Gov. Jon Corzine, who lost last year after a bloody contest with Gov.-elect Chris Christie, Assemblyman Joe Cryan (D-Union Twp.), the incoming majority leader, is brief.

"It's a great day today and we're going to have a great couple of years too," he says.

SPEAKER ROBERTS’ ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO HELP N.J. COMBAT NATION’S HIGHEST AUTISM RATE RECEIVE FINAL LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

Two New Bills Meant to Help Adults with Autism, Developmental Disabilities

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. is sponsoring to further help New Jersey combat its highest-in-the-nation autism prevalence received final legislative approval on Monday.

One bill (A-4225) would permit adults with autism to voluntarily place their names on a new state registry that will help New Jersey improve its planning and services for those with autism. It was approved by the Assembly in December and 38-0 Monday by the Senate.

The other (A-4226) would revise the state’s Law Against Discrimination to specifically prohibit discriminatory acts against people with autism. It also was approved by the Assembly in December and 38-0 by the Senate on Monday.

SPEAKER ROBERTS STATEMENT ON SENATE MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOTE

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) released the following statement Thursday after the Senate vote on marriage equality legislation:

“As a supporter of marriage equality, this is a disappointment, as I know it is to the committed same-sex couples and their families who want their unions recognized for what they truly are - marriage.

SPEAKER ROBERTS: RUTGERS NOMINATION A GREAT HONOR & A CHANCE TO HELP SHAPE UNIVERSITY’S FUTURE

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) released the following statement on Thursday on his appointment by Gov. Jon S. Corzine to the Rutgers University Board of Governors:

“It’s a great honor to be nominated by Gov. Corzine to serve Rutgers University in this volunteer capacity. Rutgers is a school that I have loved dearly for a long, long time..."

SPEAKER ROBERTS STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) released the following statement on Tuesday:

SPEAKER ROBERTS STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) released the following statement on Thursday:

State Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic City) doesn't publicly digest Jon Corzine's loss as much more than the cycles of politics.

The real pain is upcoming - and will affect just about everyone, says the former mayor of Atlantic City; for although Corzine's a few day from gone, the same budget deficit craters in the consciousness of everyone in and around the purse strings of Trenton. 

"The sense I have from (Gov.-elect Chris Christie) is that he recognizes the dire financial straits the state is in," Whelan told PolitickerNJ.com. "He's not going to raise taxes, so there's going to be a lot of pain. Certainly we're hearing more aggressive rhetoric than Corzine, but regardless of who's governor, you're looking at an $8 billion structural shortfall, or over 25% of the state budget. Everything across the board is likely to see reductions. Folks in my district are very worried and very nervous about the impact on charity care and pre-k monies. I wish I was in a position to tell them it won't be that bad."

Whelan said he's relieved that Atlantic City - historically left out of economic stimulus bills because of the impact of the gaming casinos - can partake of the state's neighborhood revitalization and rail hub programs as a consequence of this legislative session; significant measures, he says, in an environment in which casino intake is down 20%.

SPEAKER ROBERTS STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) released the following statement on Wednesday:

SPEAKER ROBERTS’ ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO HELP N.J. COMBAT NATION’S HIGHEST AUTISM RATE APPROVED BY ASSEMBLY

Two New Bills Meant to Help Adults with Autism, Developmental Disabilities

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. is sponsoring to further help New Jersey combat its highest-in-the-nation autism prevalence was approved Monday by the Assembly.