June 26, 2009 - 1:17am
Inside Edge

Kean votes yes on Albin

Voting yes on the Senate confirmation of New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Barry Albin early this morning was the Republican leader of the State Senate, Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield).  Christopher Bateman (R-Branchburg) and Sean Kean (R-Wall) were also among a group of Republicans who voted to confirm Albin, who may now serve on the state's top court until he reaches the age of seventy in 2022.

The Senate began deliberation on Albin's nomination at around 12:30 this morning, after passing the state budget.  Just five Senators spoke in a floor debate that lasted a little less than thirty minutes. 

Kean may take some heat from Republicans for backing Albin, especially if he decides to run in another statewide GOP primary in three years.  His father, Gov. Thomas Kean, was also criticized by some fellow Republicans when he renominated Robert Wilentz as Chief Justice in 1986.

On S-1774, which prohibits individuals from purchasing more than one handgun a month, State Sen. Frederick Madden (D-Washington Twp.) became the 21st vote to pass the legislation.  Madden, a former Acting State Police Superintendent, has voted against gun control legislation in the past.

 

Wally Edge can be reached via email at politicsnj@aol.com.