By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
The Kean-Christie rift doesn’t manifest itself in a “hot” war, Save Jerseyans, but it’s clear enough to legislative Republicans that the 2013 election signaled the beginning of a new era in state GOP politics.
Governor Christie is in damage control mode, fighting lame duck status and a weary national GOP electorate. Legislative Republican leaders, on the other hand, are increasingly looking forward and making independent decisions.
The latest?
Senate Majority Leader Tom Kean Jr. announced his new leadership team today which conspicuously did not include State Sens. Kevin O’Toole (the whip) and Christopher “Kip” Bateman (the Deputy Conference Leader), both veterans of the leadership going back to 2008.
Sen. O’Toole is a firm Christie ally, and Sen. Bateman sided with O’Toole during last year’s unsuccessful leadership challenge.
The whip spot is presently vacant; Bateman has been replaced by Jennifer Beck of Monmouth County. Rounding out the rest of the team: Deputy Leader Diane Allen; Conference Leader Robert Singer; Assistant Leader Joe Pennacchio, and Budget Officer Anthony Bucco.
O’Toole’s supporters – Sens. Addiego, Bateman, Oroho, Doherty, and Kyrillos – were all excluded from the leadership.
Some are calling it “payback.” That’s a bit strong. For better or for worse, legislative leaders usually reward their backers and demote (if not ostracize) their bested opponents. Dick Codey knows all about it…
Another example of His Arrogances waning power.
Christie is a Republican?! Who would have thought…