Murphy picks a fight with Joe D

Gov. Phil Murphy’s nomination of a sharp critic of Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo to the state Parole Board is likely to increase tensions between the governor and Essex Democrats and left some insiders wondering why Murphy has picked a fight he probably can’t win.

Murphy submitted the nomination of Rev. Ronald Slaughter, the pastor at the St. James A.M.E. Church in Newark, to the Senate last week.  He would replace Morris County Republican State Committeewoman Christina Ramirez, who was named to the $116,305 positon by Chris Christie.

Slaughter has been a leading critic of DiVincenzo’s leadership at Essex County College, calling for the resignation of some trustees for financial improprieties.  He also accused DiVincenzo of political interference.

DiVincenzo was reportedly angry last fall when Murphy named Slaughter, who backed the governor in his candidate, to his transition team.

The reality is that DiVincenzo has the ability to stop Slaughter from being confirmed by the Senate.  Senate President Pro-Tempore Teresa Ruiz, who is the county executive’s deputy chief of staff, must sign off on Slaughter’s nomination.  And Senate President Steve Sweeney, a close political ally of DiVincenzo, must send Slaughter’s nomination to the Judiciary Committee – and then schedule a vote on the Senate floor.