Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-Westfield), left, and Sen. Robert Gordon (D-Paramus).

ATLANTIC CITY - The legislative leadership transmogrifications are evident at the Atlantic City Convention Center, even if the good government intentions are nowhere visible outside whatever sessions convene behind closed doors.

A lot of people are talking about Senate President Richard Codey's party last night.

"An Irish wake," is how Sierra Club Executive Director Jeff Tittel describes the event.

More than a few people note that Codey appeared unflappable - even merry.

"Personable is not personal," explains another insider. "You have to understand the Irish. Whatever he's feeling inside, however personal he's taking this, will not take away from his ability to be personable."

The Assembly Republican caucus this morning reelected Assembly Mniority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Parsippany) to a fourth consecutive term. 

Support was unanimous.

After threatening, Assembly Conference Leader Pete Biondi (R-Hillsborough) ended up not challenging DeCroce, who is rumored to be a short list candidate for the cabinet of Gov.-elect Chris Christie.

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) this morning received his caucus's backing to be conference leader and Assemblyman Dave Rible (R-Wall) moved up to become whip.

RIBLE & ANGELINI SAY THEIR OPPONENTS ARE MORE INTERESTED IN DISTORTING THEIR RECORD THAN DEBATING THE FACTS

DEMOCRATS LAUNCH $300,000 SMEAR CAMPAIGN WITH MONEY FROM CORRUPT POLITICAL MACHINES AND PARTY BOSSES

Republican Assembly candidates Dave Rible and Mary Pat Angelini today accused their opponents of hypocrisy by falsely accusing them of ducking debates while they are spending $300,000 on a late smear campaign that is distorting their public records and long-standing positions on key issues.

“We have debated our challengers several times, including a forum at the Asbury Park Press and another hosted by the AARP and a candidates’ forum in Ocean Grove,” Rible noted. “These events received widespread publicity and provided opportunities for both sides to make their stands known before a far-reaching audience. Every campaign receives more invitations to debate than their schedules can accommodate, and this was the case with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Forum. Regretfully, a scheduling conflict made acceptance of this invitation impossible.