George Norcross

Assembly Democratic Executive Director Bill Castner is short listed for Rob Andrews' House seatSixteen Democrats are under consideration for the first district congressional seat that Rob Andrews is vacating to run for the U.S. Senate, including Camille Andrews, the Congressman’s wife, according to a list sent out today by South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross.

On the official Norcross short list:

Let’s not lose sight of the next campaigns: competition among South Jersey Democrats to replace Rob Andrews in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The traditional candidates for the post are Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and Assemblyman Louis Greenwald.  But insiders in Camden County have spent the last day suggesting that Sweeney is happy being in line to serve as Senate President, and Greenwald seems content with the idea that he would follow John Adler to the State Senate – if Adler win the District 3 House race.  Who will George Norcross pick?

Republican Joe Buckalew is a possible U.S. Senate candidateFormer New Jersey Highway Authority Chairman Joseph Buckalew, a longtime business associate of South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross, is giving serious consideration to a bid for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination, according to a statement made by Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore on a conference call of party leaders this afternoon. Buckalew serves on the Board of Directors of Commerce Bank and as Vice Chairman of Commerce Bank Insurance Services – where Norcross was Chairman.

If the New Jersey Democratic presidential primary had been held on next Tuesday -- after the endorsement of Barack Obama by South Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross and County Chairmen from three counties that gave large pluralities to Hillary Clinton -- would Clinton have still won?

George Norcross, one of New Jersey's most powerful Democratic insiders, has endorsed Barack ObamaBarack Obama today picked up the support of two super delegates from New Jersey as several major Democratic leaders in South Jersey announced that they would switch their endorsements from Hillary Clinton to Obama. Super delegates Donald Norcross, who had previously been uncommitted, and State Sen. Dana Redd, who had backed Clinton, are now for Obama. This is a net pickup of two super delegates for Obama and a loss of one for Clinton.

Obama also won the backing of one of the state’s most powerful political insiders, George Norcross, and was endorsed by Clinton backers, including Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney, Democratic County Chairmen James Beach (Camden), Rick Perr (Burlington) and Michael Angelini (Gloucester), Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison, State Sen. Frederick Madden, and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty

Three days before the New Jersey primary, Hillary Clinton's lead has gone from 34 points to just 6: Getty Images Photo
Hillary Clinton’s lead over Barack Obama in New Jersey has narrowed to 44%-38%, according to a private poll commissioned by one of the state’s most powerful Democratic leaders, George Norcross. The poll, conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner on January 30-31, was distributed to some Norcross allies earlier this morning and obtained by PolitickerNJ.com.

Click here to view Stanley Greenberg's polling memo.

Sonny McCullough said it best in his election night concession speech: “I’d like to congratulate George Norcross.”

Norcross had a very good year for two reasons: he won the two races he was most heavily invested in, and he made tens of millions through the sale of Commerce Bank. The first expands his political power, and the second gives him even greater financial security – something that, in New Jersey, will make him even more powerful.

The General of the South was one of the driving forces behind the elections of Democrats Jeff Van Drew and Jim Whelan to the State Senate. He showed that his money and manpower could oust incumbents – hardly pushovers – in tough races. His ability to raise money – quickly and in large denominations – can stop a team of oxen dead in their tracks. He doesn’t let people tell him no, and gets that few New Jersey politicians have the testicular fortitude to turn him down anyway.

Whelan’s victory, particularly, gives Norcross added clout with the Atlantic City gaming industry. And Asselta’s defeat showed that Norcross’ support is more important than the active endorsement of New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech.

After the election, Norcross quickly endorsed a longtime rival, Richard Codey, for Senate President, and then got his man, Steve Sweeney, elected Senate Majority Leader – evidence that the truly successful know how – and when – to use their power. His friendship with Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts gives him incredible sway in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature. His alliance with Senator Raymond Lesniak gives the Norcross machine an embassy in the north.

Norcross faces new challenges in 2008: he is positioning to pick up a congressional seat the Republicans have held since 1884 – maybe even a second one, if Jeff Van Drew runs— and if Frank Lautenberg changes his mind, is well positioned to help Rob Andrews win a U.S. Senate seat.

Dick Codey will stay on as Senate PresidentSouth Jersey Democratic leader George Norcross will support Richard Codey for re-election as State Senate President, according to several sources close to Norcross and Codey. There is also considerable speculation that South Jerseyan Stephen Sweeney will be the new Senate Majority Leader.

Voting at Seton Hall Preperatory School in West Orange, Senate President Dick Codey was the center of attention, drawing a small media contingent to watch him enter and leave the booth.  Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance, on the other hand, didn’t get much attention. 

It was a contrast in celebrity.

“Tell Senator Codey I’m envious,” joked Lance.

But the two have one thing in common – there’s been speculation that they could lose their leadership positions in the Senate.