Sen. Stephen Sweeney was sworn in as Senate president today, making him the second most powerful leader in New Jersey government and the highest-ranking official in the Democratic party. Sweeney, 50, replaces Sen. Richard Codey, 63, who he ousted in a sweeping political power play. In his first remarks after taking the oath of office, Sweeney vowed to prioritize fiscal responsibility and economic growth. “The state needs a total makeover,” he said. The Senate president, responsible for steering legislation and enforcing party discipline, controls which bills and appointments reach the chamber for a vote. Codey (D-Essex) lost control of the Senate presidency in the fall when Democrats, including key senators from North Jersey, backed Sweeney (D-Gloucester).
The leadership switch was put in motion following the retirement announcement of Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden). Sweeney secured support by working with Codey opponents and Essex County political leaders such as county executive Joseph DiVincenzo and power broker Stephen Adubato Sr. In return, Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) was backed to become the next Assembly speaker.
Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) was one of the lawmakers who backed Sweeney.
“He’s an aggressive agent for change,” he said. “We need that.”
Sweeney was officially nominated by a vote of the 23-member Democratic caucus in November, while all 17 Republican senators backed Sen. Tom Kean (R-Union).
Today senators confirmed Sweeney as Senate president by a unanimous vote, 36-0.
When the vote was announced, Sweeney’s daughter wrapped her arms around him and planted a kiss on his cheek while senators gave him a standing ovation. Star Ledger.
what was his vote on toeiva bill?
Sweeney abstained on the toeiva bill, that’s dangerous news.
Welcome aboard and gd luck
nice red tie, steph
It was better then Codey that voted yes! By the way the whole toavah bill was put to a vote by Codey as a revenge at sweeney for kicking him out by putting sweeney (&his old friends/the dems.)in a that he has to take a position on a bill that for years no one wanted have to vote/take a position on as to not anger any side!
The move was looked at by the pundits as a ‘last licks’ because when Codey put it for a vote he know it not going to pass but did it anyway to embarrass the dems. Sweeney didn’t vote as not to anger any side knowing his vote#15 will not make a difference
keep up the good work tls