Lawmakers returned to Trenton today along with lawmakers-to-be, those elected who haven’t been sworn in yet. Remember the first day of school? It is like that at the State House. Staffers from the Republican and Democratic offices of the State Senate and Assembly were standing at the rear entrance waiting for the new members to arrive and it wasn’t because they were part of a welcoming committee. It was because the new members literally didn’t know where they were going, where they were supposed to be or how to get there. Seeing wide-eyed Senators and Assembly members-elect is kind of refreshing and we in the press always wonder how long it will take before they become cynical and jaded. Usually not very long. The State House is like a maze and aides will be guiding the new legislators for weeks. One of the best ways for reporters and lobbyists to get to know the new members is to spot the ones who are lost and then walk with them as we show them how to get to where they need to be.
It is not just the newly-elected legislators who get lost. Members of the Assembly who were just elected to the Senate aren’t always sure where they’re supposed to be on the first day back. There is no reason for them to be in the closed-door Assembly caucus meetings to elect or re-elect the leaders of party because they’re moving up to the Upper House and their votes don’t count. They were expected to attend the Senate caucus meeting and more than a handful didn’t know where that room is. For these members we just point because we already know them.
Ever wonder what kind of important talk takes place in the caucus rooms? Probably not, but here’s something anyway. The lawmakers with seniority try to get better seats in the Senate and Assembly chambers. One wanted a spot closer to the aisle. He said, “I have to go to the bathroom a lot.” One wanted a spot near the back of the chamber. He said, “I don’t like stairs.” Another asked for a seat nearest the exit. She said, “I just want get out of here after a voting session.”
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2 comments:
One group that did not appear lost were the members from South Jersey.They came with a resolve to form coalitions that would take power away from a chosen few in North Jersey and open up the Legislature , especially the Senate, to a new type of leader.
Say what you want about Sweeney and his connection to Norcross, the truth is that he is an effective and open representative. His classic battle with the now dysfunctional CWA leadership showed the people of the State that he will take on those who are greedy and selfserving. The CWA leadership can't stand him because he stood up to them, but the averge state worker understands that he is in their corner on most issues and that he is fair.
This new dynamic will make for some interesting watching.
GOD ' PLEASE HELP SHOW US THE WAY INTO EXILE FROM THIS STATE I'M WILLING TO STAY IN THE DESERT IF NEED BE. KIRSH
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