Dan Smith named partner of major N.J. lobbying firm

A former top aide to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin has been promoted to partner at 1868 Public Affairs, one of New Jersey’s most influential lobbying firms.

Dan Smith becomes a partner after spending five years at the firm as a senior policy advisor.

Other partners at the firm include Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr., former Hunterdon County Republican Chairman Patrick Torpey, and Idida Rodriguez, a political power player in New Jersey for the last thirty years and the firm’s managing partner.

“We are excited to welcome Dan as a Partner. He has been an exceptional part of 1868’s team and through his hard work, expertise, and relationship building, has earned this promotion,” said Rodriquez.

Smith said he was grateful for the chance Rodriguez, Jones, and Torpey gave him.

“Their mentorship has been crucial to my professional development, and look forward to being part of the team for years to come,” Smith said.

The firm’s name comes from the year the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment was ratified, viewing the Equal Protection Clauses as “the basis for ending legal discrimination and have become the foundation of individual liberty” after the conclusion of the Civil War.”