Murphy can repair relationship with legislature, Ruiz says

State Sen. Teresa Ruiz on Thursday said it’s possible for Gov. Phil Murphy to repair fractures with the state’s Democratic legislature.

“I think we’re all capable of developing stronger relationships if we continue having conversations with each other,” Ruiz said, adding later: “There are always going to be differences of opinion. Whenever you’re looking at something the key there is to continue to have discussions to see if you can reach some common ground.”

The governor has spent much of his first term feuding with Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, particularly over the millionaire’s tax, which the legislative leaders oppose.

The conflict came to a head recently when lawmakers came close to passing the first veto override in more than two decades over Murphy’s conditional veto to a dark money disclosure bill that won broad support in the legislature.

Despite the feuds, Democrats aren’t ready to start pulling support for Murphy’s re-election.

“What a random question,” Ruiz said when asked if she’d back Murphy for a second term. “Sure, yea.”