Menendez can't get a speaking slot, but he could be the #2 man in the U.S. Senate by January 2011
By Wally EdgeU.S. Sen. Bob Menendez might not have received a speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, but apparently he’s still poised to enhance his clout in the Senate over the next few years. As Vice Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Menendez is expected to move up to the chairmanship next year when incumbent Charles Schumer moves on after two cycles on the job. That puts the junior Senator from New Jersey into a nationally visible role for the 2010 elections – when (based on historical precedent) Menendez will either be defending seats in Barack Obama’s mid-term election, or looking to pick some up in John McCain’s.
If Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid retires in 2010 or loses his re-election bid (independent polls in Nevada have shown Reid to be struggling for positive job approval ratings), Menendez could try to move up in the Senate leadership – especially if Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) takes over for Reid. No minority has ever served as leader or whip in the Senate.
By the way, the race to succeed Reid could be interesting: Durbin is a close political ally of Obama, and some Democrats have suggested that Hillary Clinton might seek the Majority Leader post, should Reid not return. Durbin vs. Clinton would be 2008 all over again.
Contributors
Wally Edge
New Jersey Network reporter Zachary Fink was named on Friday as the new statehouse correspondent for NJN News. Fink replaces Jim Hooker, who ... >
Bob Torricelli
There's nothing more difficult to see than the history before your eyes. It sometimes takes generations to understand the significance of ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
OK, he didn't say precisely that, but when the Chairman of the Budget Committee informs us that governmental spending is the key to prosperity, ... >
Debbie Holtz
Score one for the Governor’s public relations team. For the last few weeks, they have been working overtime to fuel speculation Corzine was being ... >
Steve Lonegan
The sub prime mortgage melt down and its ensuing financial “crisis” has tested the mettle of all of us who believe in and support the free ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
I am pleased to report the results from the first national poll conducted by Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
The media, which loves headlines and knows little history, is trying to sell President Elect Obama as another Franklin Delano Roosevelt. But that ... >
Joey Novick
Whenever I get the chance to visit my parents in Florida when working a comedy gig down there, it’s like living in a “Seinfeld” episode. They ... >
Juan Melli
In an election year driven by a hemorrhaging economy and an electorate hungry for an end to divisive politics, 7th Congressional District candidate ... >
Carla Katz
A couple of weeks ago, my mother, Angelina Katz, did her second debate on behalf of Barack Obama. A debate? My mother? If you knew her, you’d be ... >
Patricia Quattrocchi
Former State Senator Wayne Bryant got a smack on the back of the head from a jury of his peers today when they found him guilty of all eleven charges ... >
Poll
PolitickerNJ Partners
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win See how Obama got to the magic number |
Most Active Stories
- Bryant guilty on all counts
- Obama bundler says he lost $25 billion of N.J. pension funds
- After running as a local Obama, Hawkins runs early into the hard edge of Orange
- Merkt calls for Wilson's resignation
- If it's Corzine v. Christie, both sides get ready for the worst
- Quinnipiac: Corzine 42%, Christie 36%
- Karrow announces state senate bid
- Mallet defeats Curley, Monmouth Freeholder Board becomes Democratic-controlled
- Dredden would serve as RSC chairman if asked
- When it comes to Corzine re-election, Democrats trust Team Obama
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
- Torricelli on COAH
- Two N.J. super delegates go to Obama; Norcross backs Obama; key Clinton supporters endorse Obama
- At energy policy meeting, Rose fights with cabinet and walks away
- Sixteen Democrats are on Norcross' short list for Andrews House seat
- Roughneen in court today on signature challenge
- Jackson will be Corzine's new Chief of Staff
- New Jersey's Most Powerful Law Firms
- Jersey City councilman makes it rain in Washington
- Torricelli on deer hunting
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
“For a guy who’s got nothing but adoring press for seven years, and is unknown to 70 percent of the public, it’s not easy to win if you’re a single-issue candidate. Our feeling is, bring him on.” -- Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan, on Republican Chris Christie, who is resigning as U.S. Attorney to run for Governor.
Recent Press Releases
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
Christie Gives Notice, and G.O.P. Gains Hope ― DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
Christie's legcy― THE BERGEN RECORD
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It.― WASHINGTON POST
Immigrants still in New Jersey― THE BERGEN RECORD
Now it's the Dems' chance to be dumb― PAUL MULSHINE
Corzine likely to go nowhere― THE DAILY RECORD
SILENT ON CHARGE; LIPSKI TELLS OF ALCOHOL BATTLE― STEVEN LIPSKI
Syndicate
Menendez will not be there in 2011.
I hate to break it to Bob, but he will not be reelected. By 2011, there will be an uprising of taxpayers in NJ, if not earlier.
So, we all know Menendez is a "Number 2" Man already!
"Study the Constitution, Let it be preached fom the pulpit, proclaimed in the legislatures,and enforced in courts of justice." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Think again
of the three state-wide officials in NJ, Menendez is by far the brightest, talented, and conspicuous. He will win re-election in 2010 easily-he will be a powerhouse in the Senate
It must be the new math
He'll be there in 2011 unless he leaves his seat early for some reason. He's not up for reelection until 2012.
such great heights
SJBlue is right that Menendez is the most talented among Corzine, Lautenberg, and himself. Menendez has been a courageous voice in speaking out on the Iraq War and against anti-earned citizenship immigration policies. He impresses almost every time he speaks, with his vast understanding of arcane federal policy -- I'm convinced he can be a genuine impetus for health care expansion and reform in the next few years, for example.
Menendez is a star in his party who is just getting to be known by the American people, outside of New Jersey and Florida. It is entirely possible that he rises to the No. 2 position in the senate in upcoming years.
My mistake
Menendez will be there after 2012 for sure
DSCC
Schumer should keep that job forever, as far as I'm concerned.
He's damn good at it (as even Republicans would have to acknowledge, he's a great campaign strategist).
Menendez for the win
There has been a few corruption scheme linked to Menendez, but he's innocent until proven guilty. As a Senator though, I think he does an excellent job. He's also become a powerful for NJ in and out of the country.
Menedez is for losers
"I think he does an excellent job"
Name 3 things that this "affirmative action senator" has done to make NJ or the US a better place for LEGAL law abiding citizens?
And the answer from the Dumbocrat is
1. "Ummmm"
2. "Duhhhh"
3. "Ahhhhhh"