Bernard Kenny

Bernard Kenny can have a cabinet post if he wants it, according to administration sources. But some Democrats close to the outgoing Senate Majority Leader say that Kenny may not care to be Commissioner of Community Affairs.

There are a few Democratic insiders who wouldn't mind Governor Jon Corzine naming a Republican DCA Commissioner -- if his choice is State Senator Nicholas Assleta. That would increase the already strong chance that Democrats would pick up the first district Senate seat. Both parties have internal polling that shows Democratic Assembyman Jefferson Van Drew with a double digit lead over Asselta -- a point that could make Asselta want Susan Bass Levin's job.

There's a new candidate for State Senate Majority Leader: Stephen Sweeney.  The two-term Gloucester County Democrat has begun seeking support for the post, according to South Jersey political leaders familiar with Sweeney's plans.

Sweeney could be formidable, especially if South Jersey expands the size of the Senate Democratic Caucus.  Polls conducted by both parties show Democratic challengers leading incumbent GOP Senators in the first and second districts.  There are currently four Southern Democratic Senators in Trenton.

KENNY BILL ADVANCES TO PURSUE CORRUPTION

TRENTON - A bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr., to increase the statute of limitations from five years to seven years for crimes involving political corruption was approved today (5-0) by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

With his re-election in the potentially competitive 36th district fairly secure -- Republicans don’t have a candidate and some party insiders doubt they can get the write-in campaign done -- Paul Sarlo is focusing on his bid for Senate Majority Leader.

The Bergen County Democrat, who has over $500,000 in his campaign warchest, is among several possible candidates to succeed Bernard Kenny, who is not seeking re-election this year. Senate Judiciary Chairman John Adler of Camden County and Senate Health Committee Chairman Joseph Vitale of Middlesex County have also expressed some interest in the race.

Hoboken Mayor David Roberts’ decision not to seek re-election to a third term in 2009 has created a war among candidates in six council races to be decided Tuesday, with all of the contestants either beating up the mayor -- or the mayor before him -- in a bid to ultimately be the next mayor or power player.

The vacuum at the top of the city is complicated by the impending retirement of District State Sen. Bernard Kenny, the Hudson County Democratic Chairman, who has been a long-time ally and go-to guy for Roberts.

Feeling the pressure from gadfly citizens who say the city has not completed important projects, a City Council presenting itself as equally outraged is pinning the blame on the mayor, who in turn is kicking himself for making the announcement last year that he wouldn’t be pursuing re-election.

TRENTON - The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will continue their hearings on Governor Corzine's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008 next Tuesday and Wednesday.

KENNY TO RETIRE FROM STATE SENATE

TRENTON - Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. today announced his decision to retire from the Senate when his current term is finished next January.

KENNY: GOVERNOR'S BUDGET FOCUSED ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

TRENTON - Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny Jr. today welcomed the Governor's Budget Address as "the first step towards a budget that provides an unprecedented amount of property tax relief for New Jersey families."

"The Governor's message today was loud and clear - our homeowners are desperate for property tax relief and this year we are going to provide that relief," said Senator Kenny, D-Hudson and Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

While there has been no formal announcement, Democratic leaders do not expect Wayne Bryant to seek re-election to his fifth district Senate seat. Bryant has reportedly been the center of a federal probe into legislative conflicts of interest involving the state budget. His law firm, through a newspaper ad, announced that their affiliation will end on March 1.

Senate President Richard Codey has no intention of restoring Bryant to his post as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Instead, Senate sources say, Majority Leader Bernard Kenny will run the budget process on the Senate side this year.

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE TO SEND $2.3 BILLION IN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF TO HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS

Bill Will Provide Long-Term Reform by Capping Local Levy Increases

TRENTON -- By a vote of 28 to 10, the full Senate today approved the centerpiece of the legislature's six-month long special session on property tax reform -- a measure that will provide $2.3 billion in property tax relief to homeowners and renters, while mandating a four percent cap on local tax levy increases. Bill S-20/A-1, sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex) and Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny, Jr. (D-Hudson), will provide homeowners with the largest level of relief in state history, while also helping to stem property tax growth in the years to come by providing one of the most far-reaching spending controls.