Governor-elect Phil Murphy will name former Passaic County Freeholder Tahesa Way to serve as his Secretary of State.

Way is a close ally of Passaic County Democratic Chairman (and Democratic State Party Chairman) John Currie.

NJ.com has the story here.

The surfacing of Way – who flickered briefly as a potential 2009 LG pick for Jon Corzine on the strength of her alliance with Currie – likely diminishes the chances of Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35) for a cabinet position.

Sumter is Currie’s goddaughter.

Sources say Murphy’s support for Currie to again lead the party counted as a favor to the state party chairman.

Today he tapped Way for his cabinet.

The likelihood of him again going to Currie for a major position – in rough political weather – appeared unlikely.