Politicker NJ 2010 Power List

8/8/2019 Politicker NJ 2010 Power List

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2 PolitickerNJ.coms Power List 2010

We wish Wally Edge a fond farewell (New Jerseypolitics will never be the same without you), and we

extend a warm welcome and our heartfelt best wishesto Darryl Isherwood and Zach Silber.We look forward to peeking into The Back Roommore frequently than Cory Booker appears on Oprah,and we wish continued success to Max Pizarro and

Timothy Carroll.

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Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot maneuver their forces.

Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground.

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Nancy McCarthy Steven Hanlon

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Inside these pages youll nd

PolitickerNJs 2010 Power List

o the 100 most politically

inuential people in the state.

In compiling this years

list, we used some tried and

tested rules rom the past, including the

elimination o elected ocials, sitting

judges, past governors and ormer U.S.

senators. Most anyone else was air

game.

To nd our Power 100, the editorial

staf o PolitickerNJ combed through

the ranks o government stafers,

political appointees, attorneys,

lobbyists, media, labor unions, party

leaders and anyone else who moves

and shakes in the Garden State. We

hope youll see some amiliar names as

well as some surprises.

Much has changed in the last year

and New Jersey has ound itsel under

the glare o the national spotlight. In

the span o less than a year, the new

governor has drastically altered the

dynamics o power in Trenton and in

doing so has become the darling o

the national GOP. And with the new

administration comes a new set o

players who have risen into the ranks o

the power elite.

The coming year promises to be

one o the most exciting in the states

political history, with redistricting, mid-

term elections in all o the states 40

legislative districts and the beginning o

a presidential campaign in which New

Jersey and its governor may nd itsel

in a pivotal role. We look orward to

watching how the names that populate

this list impact the agenda over the

next 12 months.

Like the state house, there is a new

administration at PolitickerNJ. And

while the same rules applied to the

making o this list as in years past, the

list as always is subjective. Thereore,

we discourage you rom making

comparisons to past lists and as

youll notice we decided to orgo the

traditional stock ticker column which

shows rises and alls rom prior years.

With that, we invite you to grab a cup

o cofee and enjoy.

Welcome to the

2010 PolItIckerNJ Power lIst


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PolitickerNJ.coms Power List 2010 5

PolitickerNJ.com

Power lIst 2010

1Bill PalatucciSVP/General Counsel or PublicAairs, Community Education

Centers, Inc.Gov. Chris Christies ormer law part-

ner serves as a chie advisor and condante

to the reshman governor. Hes the man

behind the man and serves as a sounding

board on major decisions. But this power

broker is no lackey to the ront oce. Hes

been a player in his own right since the

1980s when he was the go-to guy or major

GOP campaigns. His clout was extended

this year with his election to the Republican

National Committee.

The 100 Most Inuential Personalities in New Jersey Politics

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PrevIous #1


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PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

2Mary Pat ChristieFirst Lady

No shrinking violet, this rst lady plays a ar more active role in advising thegovernor than other rst spouses o recent vintage. She is keyed into the big

ront oce decisions, raises money or both her own and her husbands causes and

continues to increase her public prole independent o her husband.

3Je ChiesaChie Counsel to the GovernorNow chie counsel, Chiesa once served as executive director o the governors

transition team. He came to the administration rom the law rm ounded by No.

6, but beore that he was part o Christies U.S. Attorneys Oce where served as executive

assistant U.S. Attorney. Chiesa and Christie have known each other and worked together or

years, and insiders say the two have an almost telepathic connection on policy issues.

4Steve Adubato Sr.Executive Director o the North Ward Cultural CenterFounder o the Blue Ribbon charter school, the Robert Treat Academy, and

a dedicated advocate o urban schools reorm, Adubato serves as more

than just a symbolic political mentor to the GOP governor, despite his membership

in the Democratic Party. Remember, a day ater he won the gubernatorial contest,

Christie made his rst public appearance at Adubatos North Ward Center. Adubato

also wields tremendous inuence with Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, a key

Christie ally. I The Power List is a snapshot in time, then Newarks recent win over

South Jersey on arbitration reorm gave a boost to this Essex power player.

5Rich BaggerChie o Sta to the GovernerThe ormer assemblyman knows the issues. More importantly, he arguably has

better rst-hand knowledge o the Trenton mechanics necessary to drive the

governors agenda than anyone else in the administration. Respected on both sides o

the aisle, Bagger is on some short lists or a U.S. Senate run.

6David SamsonAttorneyHe served as chairman o the governors transition team and remains a ront-

line player. The ormer attorney general would have been a top-tier Power-

Lister even without his recent appointment as chairman o the Port Authority o New

York and New Jersey, which awaits conrmation. That nod vaulted him into the top

ten. Samsons law rm has never been stronger and a lot o top level GOP power

huddle-ups continue to take place at Samsons.

7Mike DuHaimePolitical StrategistThe chie consultant to Gov. Chris Christies campaign is the architect o the

governors national stump tour and would run a Christie-or-President cam-

paign i it materializes. As the veteran engineer o the 2008 Rudy Giuliani presidential

campaign, the likeable DuHaime built a countrywide network which is still intact and

expandable or Christie.

PolitickerNJ.com


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Roger A. BodmanHarold L. Hodes

William J. MaerJoseph A. Simonetta

Joseph DeSanctisTracie A. DeSarnoMatthew S. HalpinEdward J. Mount

Patrick A. Stewart

414 River View Plaza, Trenton, New Jersey 08611-3420 Phone: 609.393.7799 Fax: 609.393.9891 www.njpsi.com

Over two decades of excellence.

PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

8

Todd ChristieBrother o the GovernorThe governors brother has a seat at the table o inner circle advisors. As

does Mary Pat Christie, the rst brother wields tremendous inuence with the

governor as a consequence o their close amily bond. The governors loudest cheer-leader, younger brother Todd also runs the amily oundation. His deep pockets dont

hurt his standing in the Republican Party either.

10Michael Critchley Sr.AttorneyFirst the Luccheses and now Anthony Suarez. This attorneys high-pro-

le win last month not only broke a streak o more than 200 wins by the

U.S. Attorneys Oce, but also helped discredit inormant Solomon Dwek or uture

prosecutions. A question or the rest o the power elite: I the U.S. attorney trains his

sights on you, who are you going to call now?

9Mark ZuckerbergFacebook FounderThe billionaire Facebook ounders $100 million git to Newark schools has

put a national spotlight on the troubled city. The git also moved Booker into

the role o school overseer and representative o Gov. Chris Christie. Zuckerbergs o-

ering has also reignited debate over charter schools, o which Booker is a supporter.


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PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

11George GilmoreOcean County Republican ChairmanThe veteran Ocean County Republican Committee chairman has enjoyed

close relations with Christie or as long as the ormer U.S. attorney has been

in the broader public eye. While Christies overwhelming 2009 numbers in Ocean

were less a unction o Gilmores political machine and more an anti-Corzine tidalwave, Gilmores operation remains ormidable. Among non-elected ocials who are

also county chairs, Gilmore wields the most inuence with the governor.

12George Norcross IIISouth Jersey Democratic LeaderHe reaches everywhere. There is no Democrat who is not an elected ocial

right now who wields more inuence over the legislature than the power-

ul South Jersey boss. Nothing gets done in the majority Democratic caucuses o both

houses without rst passing muster in the South Jersey amily o which Norcross is

the undisputed political patriarch. He enjoys roots in the building and trades unions, an

overarching network through his insurance business, and a lielong riendship with Senate

President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptord). He also has ortied strong ties to the Essex

County Democratic organization, state Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-Union City), state Sen. Kevin

OToole (R-Cedar Grove), and o course, the governors oce. His standing took a ding

this week with the loss o the 3rd District congressional seat.

13Bill StepienGovernors Deputy Chie o StaThe political bulldog who served as Christies campaign manager, Stepien

continues now as the governors trusted inner-circle ally. I there is an

issue that has a political dimension to it, it gets dropped in Stepiens box. O course,

there arent too many o those in New Jersey. Stepien answers directly to either

Palatucci or Christie.

15

Kevin ODowdDeputy Counsel to the GovernorThe deputy counsel to the governor has assumed an increasingly power-

ul role within the administration, especially on the legislative coordinat-

ing side. He was instrumental in orchestrating the budget talks last summer, playing

an enorcer role when GOP lawmakers balked.

16Roger BodmanLobbyistThe Public Strategies Impact co-ounder enjoys a New Jersey lobbyists

prized privilege: very close ties to the governor, in this case an especially

powerul governor. The veteran Bodman also has great reach across the aisle in the

orm o rm players Harold Hodes and Bill Maer.

PolitickerNJ.com

14Josh MargolinStar-Ledger Statehouse ReporterThe guy doesnt pick up a pen unless he can throw it at a bullseye, which

he does nearly every week, much to the mortication o media col-

leagues. Even as he nishes his orthcoming book, The Jersey Sting, with ellow Led-

ger reporter Ted Sherman, the veteran, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter

continues to break big stories.


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State Sales Tax Generated: $4.8 Billion

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PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

18Paul FishmanU.S. AttorneyWhile not yet as high-prole as his predecessor, who now calls the state

house home, he is still the most powerul law enorcement ocial in a

state where political perp walks have become common theater. Fishman could have

been higher on the list, but the recent acquittal o Anthony Suarez is the rst loss or

his oce ater a streak o 200 wins.

17Jon HansonChair o the Hanson CommissionThe chairman o the governors commission on gaming stands at the

torque point o New Jerseys gaming and entertainment uture. The com-

mission he chairs wields exceptional power, so much so that it was named or him

instead o the governor who called it.

19Donald TrumpDeveloper and TV PersonalityThe sel-proessed an o Gov. Chris Christie is in requent contact with

the governor as Christie begins his Atlantic City overhaul. Trump now

only owns a ten percent share o Trump Entertainment, but his name is still on the

product at a time when the governor is committed to making AC the center o New

Jerseys entertainment universe.


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Power lIst 2010

21Mike SolimanState Director or U.S. Sen. Bob MenendezTwo years in ront o his bosss re-election bid, the state director or U.S.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-Hoboken) remains a solid, intelligent on-the-

ground presence. Soliman is THE point o contact or the most powerul Democratic

elected ocial in the state.

23Wayne HasenbalgDeputy Chie o Sta or Policy and PlanningHasenbalg is very well respected and a key resource or both the admin-

istration and the kitchen cabinet. He has deep ties in key places, having

worked as a partner in the powerul Teaneck law rm o DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick & Cole, LLP.

He is a ormer member o the Kean administration, as well as chie o staf or the late at-

torney general o New Jersey, Cary Edwards.

24Andrew HendrySenate Democratic Ofce Executive DirectorHes the last person Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Dept-

ord) gut-checks beore he goes live with a policy decision in the

trenches o Trenton. Hendry preers a behind-the-scenes role more than some o his

colleagues, but that doesnt mean hes not a player.

22Michele Brown

Governors Appointments CounselNo one lands in the Christie administration without going through the gov-ernors appointments counsel, a key ront-line player in the ongoing orma-

tion o the governors team. A ormer deputy at the U.S. Attorneys Oce, Brown resigned

rom the Department o Justice amid 2009 campaign trail headlines that she accepted a

$46,000 loan rom Christie. Insiders say she is one o the core players that keep Team Chris-

tie moving.

25

Michael DrewniakGovernors Chie SpokesmanNo one can tap his inner Chris Christie like the govs press secretary.

Drewniak goes back to the U.S. attorney years and is the man mostadept at replicating Christies thoughts and words in real time, usually on media dead-

line. Forget about the panic-stricken spokesman who has to gut-check every i-dot

and t-cross with the boss. Drewniak is the rare authoritative voice who seemingly has

carte blanche to speak or the gov.

26Maria ComellaDeputy Chie o Sta or CommunicationsShe heads up the behind-the-scenes communications eforts o the

governors oce and crats the message. She was the communications

director or the campaign and kept the uture governor on message. She is Drewniaks

boss and could have been higher on the list, but Drewniak has a higher public prole.

PolitickerNJ.com

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PolitickerNJ.com

20Bill BaroniDeputy Executive Director o the Port Authority oNew York and New JerseyAlways politically savvy, the ormer Mercer County Republican sena-

tor, in his new role as deputy director o the Port Authority o New York and New

Jersey, is part o the governors rontline efort to create jobs and reorm a decayedinrastructure at this key authority. Baroni boarded the Christie-or-governor train early

as the ormer U.S. Attorney began dipping toes into a potential run or higher oce.


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PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

27Je MichaelsPolitical ConsultantThe ormer chie o staf to Gov. Donald DiFrancesco has his own top-

ight consulting rm in New Jerseys power nexus. Michaels, who grew

up in Livingston, has close ties to Gov. Chris Christie and through his partner, PhilNorcross, to South Jersey power broker George Norcross III.

28Je VanderbeekOwner o the New Jersey DevilsWith the Hanson Commissions recommendation to sell the Izod Cen-

ter, the Prudential Center potentially becomes the best concert and

indoor sports venue in the state. With the addition o the Nets, the Rock now eatures

two top-ight sports teams.

29Jim Gearhart

Radio PersonalityI you dont think the 101.5 FM talk show host wields inuence, you

probably dont believe ex-Department o Education Commissioner

Bret Schundlers testimony under oath that Gov. Chris Christie retted about the beat-

ing Gearhart was giving him over Schundlers rst Race to the Top application.

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31Robert GradyChairman o the State Investment CouncilThe ormer budget advisor to then Governor-elect Christie was named

to the governors panel o economic advisors in January. Last month he

solidied his spot as a key economic orce when he took over as the chairman o the

State Investment Council.

PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

33Ray Pocino

National Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager o the Labor-

ers International Union o North America (LIUNA)

The labor boss represents 40,000 construction workers in the region

who routinely provide GOTV muscle at election time. He was a voluble critic o Gov.

Christies decision to kill the Access to the Regions Core (ARC) project. He also serves

as a Commissioner o the Port Authority o New York and New Jersey, where he has a

say in billions o dollars spent on the regions inrastructure. His inuence got a boost

by the addition o ormer Corzine campaign manager Maggie Moran to his staf.

30Glenn PaulsenAttorneyBehind the scenes, the ormer chairman o the Burlington County

Republican organization remains a powerul gure. In the words o

one Republican player, Theres no question he still runs Burlington. Mostly under-

ground since his riend and protg Bill Layton took over the party three years ago,

Paulsen will play a role in the upcoming redistricting battle

PolitickerNJ.com

32

Dennis BonePresident o Verizon New JerseyResponsible or all o Verizons corporate interests in New Jersey and boss

o 18,000 employees, Bone additionally serves as trustee or numerous in-

uential groups, including the New Jersey Chamber o Commerce. He was also a member

o Gov. Chris Christies transition team.


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Power lIst 2010

35James SimpsonCommissioner o the Department o TransportationThe ormer Bush appointee was at the center o the governors deci-

sion to kill the Access to the Regions Core (ARC) project and gures

to be a key player going orward as New Jersey attempts to address the insolvent

Transportation Trust Fund.

39Rev. John MyersArchbishop o Newark

The leader o the largest archdiocese in New Jersey is a close riend oNew Jerseys rst pro-lie governor. His constituency is huge should he

choose to tap it, which adds to his power.

37Anthony CosciaChairman o the Port Authority o New York and New JerseyThough his replacement has been named (see No. 6 ), Coscia still car-

ries a big stick in New Jersey. When he leaves the port, hes still a part-

ner in Windels Marx Lane & Mittendor, one o the regions oldest law rms. Hes also

been appointed by President Obama to the board o Amtrak, though his nomination

has so ar been held up.

38Phil AlagiaChie o Sta to the Essex County ExecutiveHes a player in the county and has the juice o both the Essex County

Executive and No. 4 behind him. Hes also the man called on or the

GOTV eforts in Essex.

36Steven Goldstein

Chairman o Garden State EqualityWith the same-sex marriage deeat, Goldsteins clout took a hit, but hestill runs the largest civil rights organization in New Jersey. His troops

will mobilize when and where he tells them and with the introduction o anti-bullying

legislation last month he showed he still has the power to push his agenda.

40Dan KatzChie o Sta to U.S. Sen. Frank LautenbergThis chie o staf still wields considerable clout in the state as his octo-

genarian boss beat cancer and shows no signs o slowing. Lautenberg

sits on the appropriations committee, which gives Katz a say on where the money goes.

PolitickerNJ.com

34Lou Goetting

Cabinet Secretary

The governors cabinet secretary sits outside the governors o-

ce and has minute-to-minute contact with Chie o Staf Rich-

ard Bagger. Several insiders pointed to him as a comer in the governors oce

and say his spot should rise in years to come.


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PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

41

Bill Castner

Attorney

This ormer chie counsel to Gov. Jon Corzine may have lost a step

with Corzines deeat, but his position as an attorney or a top rm

with heavy lobbying muscle, and his likely spot on the Democrats redistricting

committee, keeps him as a top 50 player.

43Patrick Murray

Monmouth University Pollster

Murray has released all o the head-turning polls this election sea-

son. His polls in the 6th and 3rd Districts had journalists and politicos

scrambling. The pollster is also a go-to pundit helping to explain the races hes polling.

44Elnardo Webster

Attorney

The legal brains behind the Booker operation, Webster sufered

a hit when the mayors municipal utilities authority (MUA) ailed

this summer, but he remains Bookers close condante and counsel. Jersey City

Mayor Jerry Healy listens to him as well, which gives the ex-NFL linebacker asolid one-two punch o political might.

46Tom Moran

Star-Ledger Columnist and Editorial Page Editor

Moran is the editorial page editor o the states largest and most inu-

ential newspaper. His editorials serve as a rallying point or progres-

sives in the Chris Christie era, when no clear Democratic leader has emerged. Moran is

arguably the only let-leaning critic with the ability to get under Christies skin.

47Paula Dow

AttorneyGeneral

The attorney general was Christies nod to a bi-partisan cabinet

and showed his continued commitment to corruption-busting.

The ormer Essex County prosecutor also served two years in the U.S. Attorneys

Oce and is one o many ormer colleagues to nd spots in the Christie circle.

45Ed DeutschAttorneyA heavy hitter on two ronts, Deutsch served on the governors tran-

sition team as the chairman o banking and heads up the third largest

law rm in the state.

42Deborah GramiccioniDirector o the State Authorities UnitThis ormer criminal investigations chie or the state Attorney Gen-

erals Oce is a key part o the governors efort to reorm the New

Jersey authorities. It is a major efort, which has already resulted in embarrassing early

headlines or the Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority and Burlington County Bridge

Commission.


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16 PolitickerNJ.coms Power List 2010Newark New York Trenton Philadelphia Wilmington

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Newark, New Jersey 071

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www.gibbonslaw.com

Congratulations to the 2010 Power List

PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

50Alred Doblin

Record Columnist and Editorial Page Editor

As editorial page editor and a columnist or the states second largest pa-

per, Doblin wields considerable political clout within the state. His Record

columns are widely read and more times than not cut to the heart o the issue o the day.

48

Eric ScottNews Director, 101.5 FM RadioNot only does Scott oversee the states most inuential radio station,

but he has made a name or himsel as a debate moderator extraor-

dinaire. Last year he reereed the gubernatorial square-of and this year stood be-tween candidates in two congressional battlegrounds, the 12th and 3rd Districts.

49Michael Kempner

Public Aairs Executive

He runs a top lobbying rm and his Democratic connections would

be enough to put him on the list, but last month, the President dined

at his home, which solidied his status as a top-50 power broker.


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PlckNJ.cm

Power lIst 2010

51Bill Caruso

Executive Director o the Assembly Majority Ofce

The executive director o the Assembly Majority Oce emerged rom

the South Jersey Democratic Organization to become an inside player

in Trenton politics as the Democrats go-to guy. Hes in constant contact with Gov.

Chris Christies oce as the Assembly Democrats lead negotiator on key legislation.

53

John Inglesino

Attorney

The ormer Morris County reeholder has been riends with the gov-

ernor going back to the early 1990s, when they both served on the

board. Signiying his eagerness to be in the statewide game, Inglesino upped his Tren-

ton cred over the summer when he joined Michael Murphys lobbying rm, Impact NJ.

He remains close personal riends with the governor.

52Dale Florio

Lobbyist

The head o Princeton Public Afairs, Inc., Florio remains one o the

most powerul lobbyists in the state with reach that extends into both

parties. The ormer Somerset County Republican chairmans partners include Bill Pas-

crell III, son o the U.S. congressman.

54Ralph Izzo

President and CEO o PSE&G

Chie o the states largest utility, Izzo has political ties on both sides

o the aisle. In June, he was elected chairman o the Board o Gover-

nors o Rutgers.

55Bari Mattes

Senior Advisor to Newark MayorCory Booker trusts her and she has provided a stabilizing inuence,

even has Booker has aced some turmoil in the Brick City.

56Angelo Genova

Attorney

He sufered a case o heartbreak last year when he lost his protg,

Peter Cammarano, to corruption charges, but Genova remains the

oremost election law attorney in the state.

57Bob Yudin

Bergen County Republican ChairmanThe Republican chairman in New Jerseys most populous county,

Yudins stock rose with the Republican reeholder wins this election season.

58Brian Thompson

NBC Reporter

The aggressive newsman has a veterans sense o the political terrain

and wide audience reach. Thompson can reach more voters than any

other New Jersey reporter and hes a good guy to boot.


18/30


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Power lIst 2010

60Mike Murphy and Raj Mukherji

Lobbyists

Murphy is a ormer Morris County prosecutor and sources say

Mukherji has been tapped to be the new deputy mayor o Jersey

City. Together the pair is a driving orce behind Jersey City Mayor Jerry Healy and

Newark Mayor Cory Booker. Their stock could have slipped when Christie took oce,

but they went out and got themselves a riend o the new governor, Inglesino, No. 53,

to join their staf.

61Brendan Gill

Director o State Operations or U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-

Cliside Park)

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenbergs highly regarded director o state operations

gets the politics and the inside game. The veteran Essex County political operative

who worked or both U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell and U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman successully

managed Lautenbergs 2008 primary and general election campaigns to earn his

keep as a statewide orce or Lautenberg.

PolitickerNJ.com

59Ken Kurson

Political Strategist and Author

This partner at Jamestown Associates has a strong brand within Re-

publican circles and his rm helped elect the current governor.

Jamestown had a strong showing nationally on Election Day.


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Power lIst 2010

62

Albert Porroni

Executive Director o the Ofce o Legislative Services

Porronis veteran status at the ground zero o state government gives

him a special seat o power. The non-partisan OLS has tremendous

sway over what gets passed and what doesnt.

65Bob DeCotiis and Al DeCotiis

Attorneys

Bob is managing partner at the legal heavyweight that carries the am-

ily name and Al is a ormer ambassador and Democratic national com-

mitteeman. The DeCotiis rm is nearly a household name and still carries tremendous

political juice, despite a Corzine loss and the indictment o a ormer senior partner.

66Joe Hayden

Deense Attorney

He remains one o the most sought ater deense attorneys in recent

memory. With his handling o Joe Ferrieros conviction and the over-

turning o the law behind the charges against him, Hayden might be the name you

call i Critchley is busy on your court date.

67

William Mullen

President, New Jersey State Building and ConstructionsTrades

Council

Insiders say he is one o the ew union heads on the right side o

the governor at this moment and Christie attended the trades convention at Mullens

request. Hes also said to have a good relationship with Christie Deputy Chie o Staf

Bill Stepien.

PolitickerNJ.com

68Mary McDermott Noonan

Chie o Sta to U.S. Rep. Chris Smith

The veteran Smith butted heads with ormer Speaker o the House

Tom Delay, but has a good working relationship with U.S. Rep. John

Boehner, who stands to be the next speaker. The ercely loyal Noonan has been with

him or years and serves as his point o contact and bufer.

PolitickerNJ.com

63Steve DeMicco and Brad Lawrence

Political Consultants

Though Corzines deeat was a blow, the veteran consultants still

count several ront-line Democrats as clients, including Sen. Frank

Lautenberg and Sen. Bob Menendez.

64Wayne Forrest

Director, Passaic Valley Sewerage Authority

By all accounts, the ormer Somerset County prosecutor and Christieally applies the same no-nonsense attitude in his new job. Forrest has al-

ready shaken up the establishment inrastructure and worried long time hangers-on with

his aggressive cooperation in an ongoing Attorney Generals investigation o the huge

North Jersey authority.

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Power lIst 2010

69

Paul Josephson

Attorney

Though no longer the attorney or the state Democrats, Dems who

nd themselves in need o legal advice still turn to the veteran lawyer.The ormer chie counsel to Gov. Jim McGreevey, Josephson also served as presiden-

tial candidate Barack Obamas lawyer in 2008. He is still the main man or lobbying at

powerul Hill Wallack.

71Charlotte DeFilippo

Union County Democratic Chair

Legal troubles that dogged DeFilippo or two years, and the combina-

tion o a hometown loss o the mayors seat and a less than stellar Union

County turnout or Corzine, have hurt her, but she is still on the short list o most pow-

erul county chairs.

70Nancy Fox

Chie o Sta or U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen

Her boss sits on the House Appropriations Committee, which gives him

and his chie o staf a say in how the pie is sliced and diced. Like No

68, with the GOP takeover o the House, senior Republicans will be on the move.

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Power lIst 2010

72Mo Butler

Newark Mayor Cory Bookers Chie o Sta

Butler came in as the harbinger o a new regime at City Hall. The idea

with Butler, ater the departure o Pablo Fonseca, was more policy o-

cus and less old school deal-making.

74

Jim Harkness

Senate Republican Executive Director

Another member o Gov. Chris Christies transition team, Harknesscame in ater the departure o U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance with the advent

o Senate Minority Leader Tom Keans regime.

75Bill Layton

Burlington County Republican Chairman

It looked like lights out or Layton in 2008, but the GOP chair pushed

hard or Gov. Chris Christie, helped persuade at least two key Demo-

crats to become Republicans and celebrated Jon Runyans 3rd District win on

Election Day, though Runyan ailed to carry Burlington.

76Harold Hodes and Bill Maer

Lobbyists

The veteran lobbyists have shown tremendous staying power in a busi-

ness known or turnover.

77Chris Russell

Campaign Consultant

This consultant ran two congressional campaigns this year and went

1-and-1. Granted he won the easier o the two, guiding Republican Jon

Runyan to victory in the 3rd District, but the strong showing by Republican Scott

Sipprelle in the 12th was arguably as impressive.

PolitickerNJ.com

73Je Carroll

Chie o Sta to U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch)

The chie political strategist or Pallone, Carroll was a key component

in Pallones re-election bid. Though Pallone didnt win by his usual mar-

gins, a win is a win. GOP control o the House means his boss will slip on the depth

chart, but Carroll remains his go-to guy.

PolitickerNJ.com

78Keith Davis

Atlantic County Republican Party Chairman

The Atlantic County Republican Party chairman became chair o the

chairs this year, ollowing veteran power players Gilmore and state Sen.

Kevin OToole (R-Cedar Grove) respectively. The position is mostly ceremonial on its

ace, but as the South Jersey GOP prepares to go to war with George Norcross and

the Democrats in 2011, Davis is a key player or the Republicans.


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Power lIst 2010

82

Angela Delli Santi

Associated Press Statehouse Reporter

The veteran Statehouse reporter was a player in the last gubernatorial

campaign, breaking several ront-line stories. As the media world shits

and shakes, the AP remains a steady presence.

81Donald Scarinci

Attorney

The Union City kid made good has slipped on the list in the era o Gov.

Chris Christie, but Scarinci remains close to U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-

Hoboken) and state Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-Union City) and his rm still has over 110

public accounts, which account or less than 25 percent o its revenue.

84Michael Aron

NJN News Director

No one puts together an interview like Aron, the perennial dean oTrenton media.

83Bob Master

Political Director o CWA Region 1

The largest public employees union in the state still holds some political

sway despite the battles with Christie. Master has some decisions to make

on how the union will handle the governor come contract negotiation time and his power

could rise and all accordingly. With all 120 seats in both houses up next year, look or labor

to play a big role.

85Charles Wowkanech

President o the New Jersey AFL-CIO

Labor has taken a beating this year under Gov. Chris Christie who has

pulled of several coups that were unthinkable under the previous ad-

ministration, including the killing o the ARC tunnel, which labor had hoped would create

thousands o jobs. Wowkanech has issues inside his own constituency as the two halves

battle over the message. Still, New J ersey is a blue state and Wowkanech leads the million-

member group capable o huge ground eforts in the upcoming legislative races.

80Ron Gravino

Consultant and GOP Campaign Treasurer

One way to know i youre an establishment backed Republican is to

check the ne print on your campaign ads. Practically every mean-

ingul Republican campaign in the state enlists this nancial guru, including the gover-

nor, who tapped Gravino as his campaign treasurer.

PolitickerNJ.com

79Adam Geller

Republican Pollster

Gov. Chris Christies pollster upped his prole during the 2009 guber-

natorial election when his work predicted almost exactly the outcome

o the Christie-Corzine race. He remains a key contact not only or the governor, but

or state Sen. Joe Kyrillos (D-Middletown) and other Republican elected ocials whowant a polling read on the terrain. His 6th District poll showing Republican Anna

Little down by just a point with two weeks to go was way of the mark, or he might

have been higher on the list.


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Congratulations

State Senator-ElectLinda Greenstein

As she becomes the frst Democratic

Senator to represent the Fourteenth

Legislative District in nearly twenty years

and the frst woman ever!

Contact Ino: Michael C. MullerTelephone: 609-332-8503E-mail: [email protected]


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Power lIst 2010

87Carl Shari

Newark South Ward Operative

The political master builder may have allen out o avor with the inner circle

o Mayor Cory Booker, but no matter. He crated a stunning Central Ward

campaign to get his son, Darrin, elected as Central Ward councilman against the odds.

88Barbara Keshishian

New Jersey Education Association President

The teachers union president amously went toe-to-toe with the gov-

ernor over education cuts and has come out on the short end time and

time again. But she still leads a union with nearly 200,000 members and is capable

o unneling a lot o money to her campaign o choice. The NJEA promises to be a

player in next years legislative ree-or-all.

90Robert Grin

New CEO o Trump Entertainment Resorts

The new CEO will move in at a time when Atlantic Citys uture is din-

nertime conversation in political circles. He will likely be instrumental

in hashing out the blueprint or the seaside gambling Mecca. Grins recent appoint-

ment as president o the Casino Association o New Jersey ups his juice. Look or him

to rise on the list in coming years.

91Steve Ayscue

Political Strategist

The right hand o No.12, Ayscue is one o the best political strategists in

the state. The ultimate under the radar yer, insiders say the problem

with his alleged plan to plant a Tea Partier in the 3rd District was not the concept but

the too-public execution.

PolitickerNJ.com

86

Nick Acocella

Editor, Politiax

No, hes still not the mayor o Hoboken, and even i we still think he

should be, his take on state politics more than satises a weekly crav-

ing or Acocella insight.

PolitickerNJ.com

89Dave PringleDirector o the New Jersey Environmental Federation

The smart enviro wields inuence with Gov. Chris Christie (he and his

group endorsed Christie last year) and he remains a solid contact on

environmental matters statewide.


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Zach Silber, General Manager, previously played a major role in

Politicker.coms national expansion. A lie-long political junkie with a passion

or all things New Jersey, Zach spent time working with political strategists

James Carville and Mary Matalin and served as a State-Federal Relations

Fellow in the State o New Jersey Washington Ofce. He is a graduate o the

George Washington Universitys School o Media and Public Aairs.

Darryl iSherwooD,Editor, is an award winning journali

who covered state and local politcs or more than eight years a

a reporter or the Times o Trenton and The Morning Call, i

Allentown, PA. Most recently he served as a senior reporter o

Fox Business Network.

Max PiZarro, Deputy Editor, a three year veteran o PolitickerNJ,

scours the state or the best in local politcal news. Max has 12 years

experience as a politcal reporter in NJ, Washington, D.C., Georgia and

Wyoming. He is a graduate o Catholic University and won NJ Press

Association Awards or news and eature writing in 1998 and 2006.

TiMoThy carroll, Staff Writer, an award winning journali

who comes to PolitickerNJ rom the Hoboken Reporter, wher

he covered government and politics. Hell be spending a lot o

time at the state house as PolitickerNJ boosts its coverage ther

PolitickerNJ

Meet the New Administration


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Power lIst 2010

92Ben RichChie o Sta, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell

Though this stafer alls into the same category as other congressional

Democrats, Pascrell had a big night on Election Day with the

Democratic sweep o Passaic County.

93Tom Wilson

LobbyistThe ormer state Republican chairman is now at Kauman Zita Group, a

top ight lobbying rm. With the GOP on the move, Wilson is a player.

94

Charlie Stile

Record Columnist

There may be others who have greater reach with their explication o

Trenton politics, but no one else goes to the same level o detail, or

with the same old school combination o wit, eloquence and verve, as the veteranstatehouse reporter.

96Jay Lassiter

Progressive Activist

The Blue Jersey blogger is an iconoclast, tech savvy media artiste,

street warrior or marriage equality, and un-intimidated presence in the

halls o Trenton power as he aggressively pursues liberal causes. He squeaked out

the readers choice poll but would have made this years list either way.

95Richard McCormick

President o Rutgers University

The Scarlet Knight academic routinely exes his political muscle as he

continues to expand The State University o New Jersey.

PolitickerNJ.com

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Power lIst 2010

97John Currie

Passaic County Democratic Party Chairman

Currie might not have survived had he lost the county-wide raceson Election Day, but a Democratic sweep that included a substi-

tute candidate or sherif keeps him in charge.

100Oprah Winrey

Media mogul

Oprah has directed millions in recent years to Newark

Schools and charities including a $100 million windall

rom Facebook ounder Mark Zuckerberg. She remains a an and riend o New-

ark Mayor Cory Booker and would be a high prole backer should Booker seek

higher oce. She helped make Obama in Iowa, and now Booker wants next.

99Harry Hurley

Radio Personality

The voice o South Jersey still has the inside track on politics in

Atlantic County and beyond.

98Diane Gooch

Publisher Two River Times

This ormer congressional candidate makes the list not or her

ront-line political prowess, but or her behind-the-scenes und-

raising. She and her husband, Michael, are among the largest donors to Republi-

can candidates in New Jersey. They weighed into the 6th District race with an adbuy o more than $100,000.

PolitickerNJ.com


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Politicker NJ 2010 Power List

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