WHO’S UP

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

The Trenton Councilwoman and Mercer County Democratic Chair defeated Mercer County Freeholder Tony Verrelli at a special convention of LD15 Democrats last Saturday in Ewing. The councilwoman assumed the oath of office on Thursday. But that apparently is where the inspirational storyline ends, as the new assemblywoman also landed a new gig as a grants administrator for Mercer County that pays her $94,049 on top of her $49K lawmakers’ salary.

Jim Johnson

Having amassed 100,000 progressive votes in losing to Phil Murphy in last year’s Democratic Primary for Governor, the former Treasury Secretary now takes on the job of eyeballing the state’s takeover of Atlantic City.

Tamara Harris

The Democratic Party may have deprived her of the line, and Time Magazine may have placed a picture of Mikie Sherrill on its cover, but the anti-establishment Democrat ($455.329 in the bank, according to the FEC) showed how it’s done in getting right out of the gate early with a condemnation of former Mendham Deputy Mayor Rick Flood (see below).

Jay Webber

And then there was one. The 26th District Assemblyman got through another week as the still-standing lone declared Republican candidate for Congress in the 11th District. Kate Whitman Annis decided against running, no one thinks Assemblyman Tony Bucco (R-25) is running, and the Essex and Passaic Republican organizations have been unable to dredge an alternative.

Tim Sullivan 

After choppy political weather early, the Board of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) unanimously signed off on Governor Phil Murphy’s choice to lead the powerful state agency.

Vinny Prieto

The former Speaker of the General Assembly cemented his legacy as a leader – like most in New Jersey politics – who looked out for the poor, the infirm and the oppressed, going to the Sports and Exposition Authority for a modest $280,000 payday, which the Board affirmed this week.

Gina LaPlaca and Katie Hartman

The two power attorneys became the municipal Democratic chairs in their respective Burlington County towns: LaPlaca in Lumberton and Hartman in Moorestown. Director of Government Affairs at Verizon, veteran Trenton hand LaPlaca said, “I’m honored to have this position and thank our previous chair Al Chackman for his many years of service to the party. Lumberton residents deserve a municipal government that represents our diversity and our values.”

WHO’S DOWN

Rick Flood

The former Deputy Mayor of Mendham apologized for comments he made comparing undocumented immigrants to raccoons and calling President Trump the ‘exterminator,’ then removed his Facebook post (which he said he copied from someone else) after receiving complaints. It was too late. The damage done, Flood resigned.

Anthony Verrelli 

The Mercer County Freeholder with the Carpenters Union behind him competed hard but in the end could not withstand Trenton, which came out at last Saturday’s special LD15 convention in support of Reynolds-Jackson to succeed Acting Treasurer Liz Muoio in the General Assembly.

Scott Salmon

In CD7, he was in to win. He lost, and is out.

Rich Pezzullo

He was all in. Then millionaire Bob Hugin rattled – and he was all out.

Clinton Calabrese

Newly sworn in to office, the LD36 Assemblyman from Cliffside Park – who’s never held elected office – didn’t exactly send pulses racing with his analysis of a $15 minimum wage. “This issue is not new to me,” Calabrese said at a Monday forum in Passaic, helmed by Governor Murphy. “I’ve read about it many times before. I know other states are going through the same issues. Personally, I need to further educate myself on what the benefits are going to be.

Katreecea Cline

The Elmwood Park woman pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree insurance fraud and one count of second-degree fraud by insolvency in a hearing before Superior Court Judge James J. Guida in Bergen County yesterday. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the State will recommend that Cline be sentenced to four years in state prison.