Union County Democrats back Oliver for Speaker

Union County's four Democratic Assembly members formally backed Sheila Oliver (D-East Orange) for speaker today, including Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan (D-Union), who was in the running for the top spot.    

The move solidifies the a North-South Jersey deal connected to the senate leadership contest, where Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford) yesterday announced that he had the votes to topple Senate President Dick Codey (D-Roseland).

Cryan is said to be the leading contender for Majority Leader.

In addition to Cryan, who is also the state Democratic chairman, Assemblywomen Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth), Linda Stender (D-Fanwood) and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Gerald Green (D-Plainfield) said, through a statement released by Union County Democratic Chair Charlotte DeFilippo, that they would back Oliver.

"Sheila is an inspiring leader who will bring our Caucus together because she is respected by her peers. I'm calling on my colleagues throughout the state to get behind Assemblywoman Oliver so we can focus on re-electing Governor Corzine and passing an agenda that will make New Jersey affordable again for families," said Green.  "Sheila Oliver has been the voice for women, children and seniors in our state, and I have no doubt that she will be a commanding presence with the Governor and Senate President as we put New Jersey's economy back on track."

Two Democratic Senators from Union County, Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) and Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden), endorsed Sweeney.