Jeff Van Drew

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.

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CONNERS/VAN DREW MILITARY MEDALS BILL CLEARS FINAL LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Jack Conners and Jeff Van Drew sponsored to honor more New Jersey veterans for their military service by refining eligibility for the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal passed today in the General Assembly. Read More >

LEGISLATION REFOCUSING STATE'S EFFORTS TO ATTRACT, RETAIN BUSINESS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
Law Codifies Reform of Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission,
Transfer Division of Travel and Tourism to Department of State

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen John J. Burzichelli, Jeff Van Drew, Joseph Vas, and Upendra J. Chivukula sponsored to codify the recent overhaul of two key state agencies to better promote New Jersey's business community, potential for economic growth, and travel and tourism opportunities was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

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SENATE PASSES BILL TO ESTABLISH 15-MEMBER WOMEN'S VETERANS COMMISSION

(TRENTON) - The Senate today approved legislation Assembly members Jack Conners, Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Linda R. Greenstein, Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Jeff Van Drew sponsored to establish a 15-member Commission on Women Veterans.

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VAS/CHIVUKULA/VAN DREW MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

(TRENTON) - Legislation Assemblymen Joseph Vas, Upendra Chivukula and Jeff Van Drew sponsored to protect enlisted military personal from losing employment when called to active military duty during a time of war or domestic emergency was signed into law today by Governor Jon S. Corzine.

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The new class of legislators isn’t even seated yet, but that won’t stop us from speculating about the Assembly election in 2009.

Granted, two years is a political eternity, and which party will hold an advantage in that time depends most heavily on who’s at the top of the ticket. But when the new Assemblymen and women take their places in Trenton early next year, there will be 25 freshmen – several from competitive districts. Those represent the best opportunity for each party to knock off some incumbents.

Right now, however, from this great distance, it doesn’t appear as though any new districts will come into the fold, or that control of either legislative body is likely to shift. Indeed, it’s more likely that 2009 will see a smaller number of districts in play.

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Insiders from both parties seem to agree on one thing: the only candidate who can beat Frank LoBiondo is Jeff Van Drew.  If Van Drew runs, he’ll have strong party support in a race that will still be difficult – and if he doesn’t, it is possible that the Democrats don’t have anyone else who can beat LoBiondo.

It’s no secret that Van Drew wants to be a Congressman: he went to Washington earlier this year to talk to the DCCC about a race, even when his election to the State Senate was not yet locked in.  But now he’s having some second thoughts – perhaps realizing that taking on LoBiondo isn’t the same as a race against Nicholas Asselta.

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VAN DREW/JOHNSON/EGAN PLANT CLOSING BILL
 CLEARS SENATE
Measure Would Create Safeguards Against Mass Layoffs

(TRENTON) - The Senate today gave final legislative to legislation Assemblymen Jeff Van Drew, Gordon M. Johnson, and Joseph Egan sponsored to combat "take-the-money-and-run" plant closings by major corporate employers in New Jersey.

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SENATE PANEL CLEARS VAN DREW BILL AUTHORIZING COUNTY CORRECTIONS OFFICERS TO CARRY FIREARMS

Measure Would Establish Uniform Rule So Corrections Professionals Are Never Placed in Jeopardy

(TRENTON) - The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today released legislation Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew sponsored to give county corrections officers the authority to carry firearms at all times while in New Jersey.

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LEGISLATION REFOCUSING STATE'S EFFORTS
TO ATTRACT, RETAIN BUSINESS CLEARS ASSEMBLY
Measure Would Codify Reform of Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission, Transfer Division of Travel and Tourism to Department of State

(TRENTON) - The Assembly today passed legislation Assemblymen John J. Burzichelli, Jeff Van Drew, Joseph Vas, and Upendra J. Chivukula sponsored to formalize in state law the recent overhaul of two key state agencies to better promote New Jersey's business community, potential for economic growth, and travel and tourism opportunities.

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