Bowser reminded DiVincenzo about the consequences of opposing Codey
By Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ.com Reporter
Running for reelection this year in pursuit of a fourth term in what amounts to a walk-over Nov. 3rd election for him in his heavily Democratic city, East Orange Mayor Robert Bowser didn't rule out running again next year, for a different office, though - against Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo.
News today that DiVincenzo's county employee underlings - state Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) and state Sen. Nia Gill (D-Montclair) - plan to back South Jersey product, Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford), in his challenge of Codey, thereby swinging the balance of senate power to South Jersey, rankled Bowser.
"I think Joe DiVincenzo has his priorities twisted," said Bowser. "He should be supporting Dick Codey.
"Nothing against Sheila Oliver," Bowser added of the Assemblywoman who ran against him in a 1997 mayoral primary and lost by 51 votes, who now stands to be Speaker of the Assembly as an Essex County counterweight to Sweeney's upper house ascension.
"But Dick Codey has been good for all the Essex County towns," Bowser said. "They're trying to sell this as a trade-off, but I think the Senate Presidency is more important than Speaker. Look, it ain't over. But the idea of challenging Codey like that - I know what Sen. Codey can do, he's supportive of what we do. Given the help we've gotten from him in the senate, why shouldn't we be supportive? I'm frankly concerned that Steve Sweeney doesn't understand urban issues the way Dick Codey does."
Bowser stopped short of saying he would challenge DiVincenzo.
"I have a general election, it's not in my thought path right now," he said. "But I made Joe D. aware of the fact that if he went against Codey someone might run against him. His record is building parks. And by the way, who got him the money to build those parks? Dick Codey.
"This ain't over."
Contributors
Wally Edge
Michael Doherty. a West Point graduate and one of the state's most conservative legislators, will take his seat in the State Senate today. A ... >
Bob Torricelli
Everybody needs to start a new job with a list of priorities and Chris Christie is no exception. There might be a thousand things that need to get ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Political discourse in America contains much in the way of intellect or intellectual honesty. One considers the Federalist Papers with wistful awe: ... >
Jeff Michaels
As pundits and party leaders look to next year’s Congressional elections in NJ, it appears that freshman Democrat John Adler is the most vulnerable ... >
Richard LaRossa
When will NJ Republicans start acting like Republicans rather than Democrats. Time to stand up for your principles, assuming they have any left. >
Alan Steinberg
As in any transition, speculation is rampant as to whom Governor-elect Chris Christie will appoint as Chief of Staff, State Treasurer, and Attorney ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
Now that the dust has finally settled after the grueling campaign for governor, there are a number of lessons that we can draw from this ... >
Carla Katz
When he was growing up, Chris Christie's folks must have taught him that when he went to a new playground, he should pick a fight with the ... >
Joey Novick
I have a Blackberry device that I am not completely thrilled with. It’s clunky and not intuitive like an IPhone, which I would rather ... >
Murray Sabrin
New Jersey voters repudiated Governor Jon Corzine's policies of the past four years on November 3rd. Republican Chris Christie and Independent ... >
Poll
Hot Topics
Most Active Stories
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Dem leadership teams come together after emerging from caucus meetings
- Milgram charges GOP consultant over robocall impersonating Rumana staffer
- Hayden files Ferriero motion
- Gallery packed with Garden State Equality activists as Doherty assumes oath of office
- Goldstein leads 250 marriage equality activists for march on the Statehouse
- Wisniewski to make formal play for state party chair when Cryan makes departure official
- Senate Democrats back Sweeney for senate president, says Sarlo
- Quinnipiac: Christie leads 50%-40%
- Quinnipiac poll has Christie ahead by 4 points as Corzine gets closer
- Christie, in West New York, takes questions
- Gore makes his case for Corzine
- Potential LG rivals Allen and Weinberg ally for county committee reform legislation
- Final debate schedule
- Torricelli on making perfection the enemy of good
- Autistic man seeks Assembly seat in 37th
- Jeb Bush attends Christie fundraiser
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
“A lot of blood on the floor.” - Senate President Dick Codey (D-Roseland), emerging from the caucus room after losing his leadership position to Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford)
Recent Press Releases
Syndicate
how are any of these people
how are any of these people qualified?
South Jersey did Nothing for Obama
South Jersey Politicians Sweeney and
Political Machine Norcross
THESE ARE DEMOCRATS WHO AREN'T IN LOVE WITH BLACK PEOPLE THEY'RE IN LOVE WITH BLACK VOTES
Bowser...
So? All talk and no action... what are you going to do about it?
DiVincenzo needs to rethink his position
Bowser is right on target.
DiVincenzo used Codey to get tens of millions in grant monies to build and refurbish his beloved Essex County parks, courts, etc., but now slaps Codey in the face by plotting with Adubato to screw Codey. In reality, DiVincenzo is only screwing the citizens of Essex County.
If Bowser challenges DiVIncenzo next year for Essex County Executive, there will be many strong Essex leaders lining up behind him.
DiVincenzo had better rethink this Codey situation, otherwise he may regret it next June.
Get the popcorn folks - next year oughta be good.
Big Risk Big Reward for Joe D
Truth is Joe D was all over Codey ouster and took a big risk in doing so. Even as Oliver speakership will give him cover, He has gaurenteed a primary next year when he had a free ride. That being said, he will crush whoever runs against him but he has done a tremendous job as exec! (plus hand picked chair won't take him off the line)
What makes you sick is this guy norcross! he doesn't care about anyone but himself. Hope Joe D knows what he's getting into!!