Councilman Rice, left, and Sen. Codey

Never a stranger to straddling polar opposites in Newark's urban imbroglio, West Ward Councilman Ronald C. Rice now finds himself up against the countywide Codey-DiVincenzo political taffy pull, which may result in the former backing a challenger to the two-term county executive up for re-election next year.

The political forces of Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo say the county committee support he commands in the party smothers any potential state Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland) may have for a counter offensive, but Codey's people all along have argued their best shot - if they take it - against the organization-driven DiVincenzo would mostly infuse independent Democrats.

Now just days in front of DiVincenzo's Dec. 11th campaign kickoff with Codey forces still stinging in the wake of a formal vote that ousted their man from his chair of power in the senate, Rice gave a nod toward those similar contradictions that have always informed his local alliances, where he serves as one of Mayor Cory Booker's closest confidantes while remaining the loyal son of dedicated Booker antagonist state Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Newark).

Codey's and DiVincenzo's cross purposes originated years ago, but were most forcefully reconceived this fall when DiVincenzo's two closest Essex County allies (and employees) in the state Senate announced their support for South Jersey senate president candidate (and eventual winner) Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford) over local product Codey.

"Do I think everyone in Essex County should have supported Dick Codey for senate president? Absolutely," says Rice. "Do I think Joe D's done a good job as county executive? Yes, I do."

The councilman wants to talk to Codey and his father, the elder Rice - who also serves as the municipal party chairman in the West Ward - before deciding on a formal course of action.  

A staunch ally of Codey's, Senator Rice last night did not attend a meeting at Nanina's in the Park in which the bulk of other municipal chair people affirmed a resolution backing DiVincenzo's re-election.

"Dick Codey has been a supporter of mine, and Dick Codey has helped me to raise money," Rice said. "Joe D. has been a good county executive, although I may disagree with him politically. I have to talk to my chairman - my father, and Senator Codey."