Political Power List for 2018, New Jersey Globe

WE BELIEVE THAT ARE ONE OF OUR ASSETS YOUNG PEOPLE GREATEST As a primary onramp for Newark’s highest-need young students, the Opportunity Youth Network has helped 2,500+ young people graduate with industry recognized certifications and high school diplomas. NEWARK-OYN.ORG THE STORY OF JOHN E. BEBOUT THERE’S A STORY I like to tell when talking about political power in New Jersey. It’s the story of John E. Bebout, who was for a few years one of the most powerful political insiders in Trenton. From 1941 to 1943, he served as executive secretary to the Governor of New Jersey, Charles Edison. In those days, governors had small staffs, and all of them were secretaries. The executive secretary was what is now known as the chief of staff to the governor. A college professor who had lost races for Morris County freeholder and assemblyman when he was still in his twenties, Bebout became an expert on state constitutions. He helped write the New Jersey State Constitution in 1947. For two years, Bebout had the ear of the governor. He was the gatekeeper for legislators, county chairmen, business and labor leaders and local elected officials who wanted to get to Edison. He touched virtually every piece of paper that moved through the governor’s office. John Bebout was a big deal. Under the old State Constitution, New Jersey Governors served one single three-year term and they were term-limited out. So, by the end of 1943, Edison and Bebout were gone. Edison got a nice portrait that hung in the statehouse until the recent renovations moved the governor down the street. For some time, it was sandwiched in between A. Harry Moore and Walter Edge. Bebout returned to academia and was largely unknown to New Jerseyans when he passed away in 2002 at age 98. Eleven governors had been elected since Bebout worked in Trenton and dozens of people held his old job. Most of them were powerful too, but they probably had never heard of John Bebout. He continued to have influence even years later, but he never again had the kind of power he enjoyed as a young gubernatorial staffer. The thing is, political power is fleeting. One year you’re on top, the next year people don’t remember who you used to be. It’s a valuable lesson for the 100 men and women on the 2018 New Jersey Globe Power List. – DAVID WILDSTEIN Editor Political power is fleeting. One year you’re on top, the next year people don’t remember who you used to be. In a state where influence is habitually temporary, George Norcross has made it permanent. George E. Norcross III Executive Chairman, Conner Strong & Buckelew THE MERE MENTION of George Norcross’ name often stops New Jersey’s political elite dead in their tracks. Some revere him as an almost godly superhuman with an ability to wield authority as if it were a recreational sport. Others simply view him as the epitome of evil. As the head of a political machine that he took over and built up starting in 1989, and as a businessman who has leveraged his influence to achieve enormous financial success, there is nobody in New Jersey with greater sustained and authentic power. In a state where influence is habitually temporary, George Norcross has made it permanent. The foundation of Norcross’ power began in Camden County, but his reach extends to the rest of the commonwealth realms of South Jersey and to the manifest destiny that has built key alliances throughout the state. He astutely recognized that while governors serve just four or eight year before the hanging of their portraits cast them into oblivion, control of the legislative branch is perpetual. It is through that separate but equal branch that Norcross continues to rule. Norcross and Gov. Phil Murphy don’t get along. Period. Full stop. It doesn’t matter. Indeed, the ability to be at the apex of power without a close relationship to the state’s chief executive is exactly how Norcross has sustained his clout through nine New Jersey governors. The George Norcross of today is different from the man who led South Jersey with an iron fist. He’s calmer and less intense than he used to be, although you need to have observed him for the last 30 years to fully appreciate that. Norcross’ own political bandwidth must now be shared with his philanthropic endeavors. He’s used his political skills to the benefit of Cooper University Hospital and to the revitalization of downtown Camden, although some critics (and admireres) note those efforts make him even more powerful. Senate President Steve Sweeney is certainly a Norcross loyalist, but he’s no puppet. The fact that Norcross has given Sweeney the independence to run the Senate is evidence of how he has changed. Where old Norcross would have micromanaged the Senate daily, new Norcross has found letting Sweeney be Sweeney works well for him. Norcross has overcome some political adversities. Camden County’s Jim Florio didn’t last long as governor – that came at the very start of Norcross’ tenure as county chairman. Other Democratic governors, like James E. McGreevey and Jon Corzine, disappointed him. It’s no secret that his greatest relationship was with a Republican governor, Chris Christie. Norcross failed to elect Rob Andrews as governor, and then eleven years later, to send him to the U.S. Senate. And while he barely speaks to Murphy, he enjoys a close relationship to Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and has his brother, Donald, in the U.S. Congress. For George Norcross, life is good. Tammy Murphy First Lady of New Jersey EVER NOTICE that the Governor of New Jersey rarely says I? It’s almost always we – as in “we did this” or “we’re doing that.” First Lady is the “we”. Phil and Tammy Murphy arrived in Trenton as a package deal. The governor views the First Lady as his professional partner and equal – people who know them say it’s 100% genuine – and the combination of her dual roles as advisor and spouse gives her unrivaled influence on State Street and on Blossom Cove Road. The bottom line is that there hasn’t been a single individual with as much independent influence over a Governor of New Jersey since Frank Hague installed A. Harry Moore in the post. With her own office, staff and issues portfolio, the First Lady enjoys the type of access to the governor top staffers and party bosses only dream off. Tammy Murphy is a smart politician in her own right, and she has figured out her role in governing New Jersey. It’s almost as if she read up on Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton and learned what not to do. She’s omnipresent in the governor’s life, but she does it in a way that makes her effective and productive without attracting too much attention. Simply put, she’s an asset. Matt Platkin Chief Counsel, Office of the Governor ANYONE WITH a complete understanding of how a governor’s office works knows that the Chief Counsel is institutionally one of the most influential people in New Jersey. Every bill goes across his desk; no legislation gets signed or vetoed without him weighing in. Judicial and prosecutorial nominations effectively require his sign off. In Murphyland, Matt Platkin is the staffer who is closest to Phil Murphy. That’s not uncommon: when Chris Christie was governor, chief counsel Jeff Chiesa had more influence than chief of staff Richard Bagger. The governor relies on Platkin’s advice and has a personal affinity for him. They genuinely like each other and Murphy trusts him. Platkin knows that his own future is closely tied to Murphy’s success. The fact that Platkin is just 32 years old drives some people a little bit crazy. He doesn’t have the easiest job for someone who has never been around state government before, especially since Murphy hasn’t either. There have been some rocky moments. But Platkin’s secret sauce is that he’s really smart, and very loyal to the governor. And just a reminder: when Tom Kean replaced a Trenton stalwart with a 33-year-old ex-reporter as his chief of staff, he was re-elected with 70% of the vote. Kevin McCabe Middlesex County Democratic Chairman MORE THAN 25 years after starting out as an intern in the Woodbridge mayor’s office, Kevin McCabe is now at the pinnacle of his political power. He heads a major county Democratic organization that controls just about everything, serves as a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and as president of the Carpenter’s Union Trust. In Middlesex County, McCabe leads a party that has four state senators – all committee chairs and seven seats in the assembly. More importantly, he has one of his closest political allies, Craig Coughlin, as Speaker of the State Assembly. His time as state labor commissioner and his work with a politically active union gives him a statewide political base. McCabe is well-liked, but nobody pushes him around. He gets how to close a deal as well as anyone in New Jersey. McCabe skillfully has gain access to both factions of the New Jersey Democratic party, although if push comes to shove, his alliance with the Senate President goes deeper than a good personal relationship with the governor. What McCabe has figured out, perhaps better than anyone in New Jersey, is how not to burn his relationships. And he knows how to win an election. THE POLITICAL VOICE OF NEW JERSEY WOMEN The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ), founded in 1972, is a chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus and is the authoritative voice for women in New Jersey politics. WPCNJ is a multi-partisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed positions in government, protecting reproductive freedom, and promoting equal rights for women. LeRoy Jones, Jr. Essex County Democratic Chairman THERE WAS A TIME when some thought LeRoy Jones might be the first Black governor of New Jersey. He was on a different career trajectory in those days, running for public office at a very young age and serving two terms as an Essex County Freeholder and four terms in the State Assembly. He was a rising star in Trenton, a serious legislator who was well-liked by everyone. Jones has been out of public office for seventeen years and he now enjoys influence that he might never have seen as a career legislator. He runs 1868 Public Affairs, a lobbying firm that has four county chairmen – two from each party – on his team. He played a key role in putting together a coalition that made Craig Coughlin Speaker, a move that resulted in Jones’ pick as chair of the powerful Assembly Budget Committee. Jones is immune to the friction inside the statehouse bubble, with strong ties to the governor and the legislative leadership. He’s been the East Orange Democratic Municipal Chairman since 2002, where he played a major role in electing ally Joseph DiVincenzo as county executive. Since 2013, Jones has been the Essex County Democratic Chairman; in Jones’ county, only Fairfield, North Caldwell and West Caldwell are controlled by Republicans. He’s also emerged as an effective peacemaker, with an impressive ability to unite Democrats. Earlier this year, he helped assemble a coalition of Essex Democrats to get behind Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s re-election, blocking any meaningful opposition. Julie Roginsky President, Optimus Communications IT’S BEEN 20 years since Julie Roginsky ran Frank Pallone’s campaign against Mike Ferguson, a race that essentially forced Ferguson to pick up and move 50 miles north to have a political future. She was a fiercely partisan defender of Jon Corzine and a wartime consigliere to Frank Lautenberg, built a successful political consulting and public affairs firm, and became a constant presence on national television. Today, Roginsky is more powerful than ever. She developed the strategy that propelled Phil Murphy from political obscurity to the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Now she is one of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s closest advisors and strategists, with a direct line to some of New Jersey’s most influential people, like George Norcross and Senate President Steve Sweeney. Roginsky is now in business with Phil Norcross and Jeff Michaels. And nobody in New Jersey has deeper and wider relationships with the media than Roginsky. Kevin O’Toole Managing Partner, O’Toole Scrivo AFTER 22 YEARS in the New Jersey Legislature, eleven in each house, Kevin O’Toole is now in a classic “Heads I win, Tails I win” position with incredibly strong relationships with both parties. In a blue state like New Jersey, that makes him the most powerful Republican. No longer encumbered by his Senate duties, he’s building a rapidly expanding North Jersey mega law firm. O’Toole’s influence keeps multiplying exponentially. As chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, he controls a budget that is larger than six U.S. governors. His alliance with the Senate President means job security and his ability to work with the New York side of his agency – something most of his predecessors have failed at – accords him the opportunity to get things done. Peter Cammarano Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor THIS IS Pete Cammarano’ s second stint as chief of staff to the Governor of New Jersey; he held the job for fourteen months in 2004-2005 when Richard Codey was governor. Murphy picked him because he knew his way around Trenton, even though they didn’t know each other well. It’s a little harder this time around, since Codey was also the Senate President at the time. The chief of staff is, by definition, on the inner circle of the inner circle. Cammarano has much influence with Murphy and has won some bloody internal skirmishes. He’s also settled some old grudges along the way. Cammarano helped mold the first year of the Murphy governorship, warts and all. Bottom line is that polls show New Jersey likes its new governor – the glitches within the Trenton insider bubble have not reached real voters — and it’s only fair that Cammarano take some of the credit for that. Brendan Gill President, BGill Group BRENDAN GILL HAS been around politics for a long time, starting out as an aide to two New Jersey congressmen and later running campaigns for two New Jersey U.S. Senators. Along the way, he was elected Essex County Freeholder; serving in public office usually disqualifies for the insider power list, but his clout has little to do with being a freeholder. He took a big personal gamble signing on as Phil Murphy’s campaign manager at a time when the former Ambassador was solidly in third place. The risk has paid off for Gill, who now has direct access to the governor and his top staffers as a political advisor who runs the non-profit group that advocates for Murphy’s agenda. With that relationship comes some detractors who now have Gill in their sights, something that comes with the territory. Kevin Drennan Executive Director, Senate Democrats THE GOVERNOR of New Jersey is the Nation’s most powerful governor, but the Senate President is also the most powerful legislative leader in the country. Kevin Drennan runs the New Jersey State Senate for Steve Sweeney, which puts him in the room for every important decision that faces the state. The reality is that Drennan is often in the room even when Sweeney is not. Drennan spent almost four years as Senate Democratic executive director before taking some time off to work for UnitedHealth Group. He returned in January, just in time for the new governor to take office. Sweeney trusts Drennan, who worked campaigns for a dozen years and has a talent for understanding the balance between the political needs of the 25 Democratic senators and the public policy needs of their individual constituencies. Drennan gets Sweeney and that makes him invaluable to the second most powerful person in New Jersey. Steve DeMicco & Brad Lawrence Partners, Message & Media AS A RULE, the New Jersey Globe Power List treats each personal individually. The exceptions are Steve DeMicco and Brad Lawrence, Democratic political consultants who have worked together for so long and complement the strengths and flaws of each other that it’s fair to group them as one. DeMicco and Lawrence have been at the epicenter of every major statewide campaign for the last two decades and are now top advisors to Gov. Phil Murphy. The governor often does political meetings at their New Brunswick office and he consults with his two consultants on major political decisions. Raymond Pocino Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager, Laborers’ International Union of North America THE HEAD OF a politically influential union and with seats on the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Ray Pocino wields power quietly and with great dignity. But his low-key demeanor ought not fool anyone. Pocino is smart, loyal, and will never hesitate to take on anyone who gets in the way of his members. Few people in New Jersey politics understand the rules of the game the way Pocino does, and for decades he has remained at the top of that game no matter who is in charge. Marie Blistan President, New Jersey Education Association AFTER EIGHT YEARS of Chris Christie and nine years of Steve Sweeney, Marie Blistan has seen it all and remains standing and fighting. She has a strong ally in Gov. Phil Murphy and her power, despite her fight with the Senate President, remains solid. He personal charisma, a deep warchest and a large union whose membership often votes in accordance with her suggestions makes her a force to be reckoned with throughout the state. Frank Spencer Second General Vice President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters IT SEEMS LIKE forever ago that he was a Camden County Freeholder, but his clout comes from decades of political activity with the Carpenters union, where he influences a huge number of votes and controls a massive warchest. Michael Soliman Partner, Mercury Public Affairs MICHAEL SOLIMAN SERVED as Bob Menendez’s state director and has run two statewide campaigns, but his contacts extend far beyond those of the senator he used to work for. He’s a guy who knows how to get things done and does so without making any enemies – an important (and rare) talent in New Jersey. Bill Mullen President, New Jersey Building & Construction Trades Council THE HEAD OF the umbrella group of 15 trade unions has enjoyed extraordinary clout and a wide reach for years. He’s a man of his word, politically skilled, and savvy about getting the best for his members while remaining welcome in political offices. Phil Norcross Managing Partner, Parker McCay Partner, Optimus Partners HE RUNS one of South Jersey’s most prominent law firms and has one of the top lobbying firms in New Jersey. Kevin Hagen Partner, Princeton Public Affairs Group THE SENATE PRESIDENT relies heavily on the advice of his former chief of staff, a longtime presence in state Democratic politics with the ability to influence the second most powerful elected official in New Jersey. Mickey Quinn Deputy Executive Director, Assembly Democrats HE’S CRAIG COUGHLIN’S inside political man, with one hand in making sure the Assembly Democratic Caucus takes the right policy stands, and the other hand to make sure his guys get re-elected. Hetty Rosenstein New Jersey Director, Communications Workers of America NOBODY WANTS to get on the bad side of the CWA’s top New Jersey official. One of Chris Christie’s fiercest critics, she’s now on the inside with Gov. Phil Murphy Modia Butler Partner, Mercury Public Affairs HE WAS Cory Booker’s chief of staff at Newark City Hall and state director in his Senate office. Now he’s crisscrossing the country helping Booker plot a 2020 presidential campaign. Bill Stepien White House Political Director HE’S MOVED ON from being a political insider in New Jersey to being a political insider in the White House as the man who runs Republican politics for the President of the United States. Chris Christie Former Governor LIKE AN unfinished American Dream, the former governor and presidential candidate will always be noticed in New Jersey, even on a train headed to Washington. Greg Lalevee Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 (Vice President, International Union of Operating Engineers Executive Board) THROUGH THE force of his personality, former crane operator has helped build Local 825 into a major force in New Jersey politics and is admired by leaders of both parties. George Helmy District Director, U.S. Senator Cory Booker HIGHLY RESPECTED and popular among New Jersey political leaders, he’s Cory Booker’s top New Jersey where he acts as the senator’s gatekeeper and trusted political advisor. Charles Wowkanech President, New Jersey AFL-CIO SINCE 1997, he has represented more than a million members of New Jersey labor unions as AFL-CIO president and strong advocate for working men and women. He’s now on his seventh governor. Maggie Moran Managing Partner Kivvit AFTER A CAREER as one of the state’s top Democratic operatives, she now heads a major public affairs firm with a blue-chip list of clients. Her clout extends across the Hudson after running Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s re-election campaign. Mike Muller President, Muller Public Strategies THE VETERAN political consultant won’t be satisfied until Democrats occupy all 80 Assembly seats, and even then, the architect of the lower house’s political success won’t be happy until all 80 get re-elected. Phil Alagia Chief of Staff, Essex County Executive HE’S BEEN Joe DiVincenzo’s principal partner in running Essex County for sixteen years. Nobody knows Essex better, and he has no rival when it comes to turning out votes and winning elections. Joe Kelley Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Growth, Office of the Governor THE MURPHY campaign finance director has a direct line to the governor and he’s got something else—mutual respect and loyalty. This guy would walk through fire for Phil Murphy Trish Mueller Founder/CEO, Groundwork Strategies AFTER 16 YEARS as political director of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters and being involved in nearly every major statewide campaign of the last twenty years, she now heads her own grassroots firm and continues to advise the Carpenters union. Al Barlas Vice President, Princeton Public Affairs Group THE ESSEX County Republican Chairman for the last seven years and a chief of staff to three state senators, the seasoned political strategist has tentacles everywhere and a reputation for delivering. Larry Weitzner CEO, Jamestown Associates ONCE A TOP local New Jersey political consultant, he’s become one of the most successful and influential GOP media strategists in the nation, with a string of statewide and national wins under his belt. Justin Braz Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs, Office of the Governor AFTER SERVING as chief of staff to two legislators, the wellliked Democratic operative with his own base of support among young Democrats has emerged as a key member of the governor’s staff and his influence continues to grow. Kevin Brown Vice President and State Director, 32NJ Service Employees International Union AN EFFECTIVE advocate for his members, he demonstrated the value of a strong relationship with the new Governor of New Jersey by delivering a pay raise to $19/hour at Newark Airport by 2023. Adam Alonso Consultant, New Jersey Democratic State Committee THE ENERGETIC and smart political director of the Murphy for Governor campaign and the governor’s deputy chief of staff for the first six months of the administration, he has a direct line to the governor. Mahen Gunaratna Communications Director, Office of the Governor THE SMART and focused former Clinton/Obama/ de Blasio spokesman has learned New Jersey quickly and become a valued member of the Murphy team. Bill Pascrell III Partner, Princeton Public Affairs, Passaic County Counsel WELL CONNECTED to political insiders across the state, he’s got a sharp political mind and a formidable North Jersey political machine at his disposal. John Currie Democratic State Chairman/ Passaic County Democratic Chairman AS HEAD OF the Passaic Democrats for 28 years, he flipped the freeholder board from 7-0 Republican to 7-0 Democrat. He’s now in his 5th year as Phil Murphy’s head of the state party. Michelle Coryell Chief of Staff, Third Legislative District ALL POLITICS is local and she’s the one who makes sure Senate President Steve Sweeney keeps getting re-elected to the State Senate. George Gilmore Partner, Gilmore & Monahan THE OCEAN COUNTY Republican Chairman runs New Jersey’s only real GOP machine, and while his part no longer controls the statehouse, he’s found new clout at the White House. Bill Tambussi Partner, Brown and Connery THE GO-TO power lawyer in South Jersey sits on the inner circle of some of the most powerful people in New Jersey Jeff Michaels Partner, Optimus Partners ONE OF THE smartest political minds in New Jersey, he’s served as chief of staff to a governor and knows exactly how to get things done in the state. Cardinal Joseph Tobin Archbishop of Newark THE FIRST Cardinal to head of New Jersey’s largest Catholic diocese has been navigating some controversial waters as the attorney general begins to focus on sex abuse scandals. Doug Steinhardt Republican State Chairman, Warren County Republican Chairman THE REPUBLICAN state chairman and partner in a powerful law firm has impressed friends and foes with his fierce partisanship on the field while maintaining personal relationships with both sides Elizabeth Gilbert Executive Director, New Jersey Democratic State Committe THE DEMOCRATIC operative from Florida came to New Jersey two years ago to work for family friend Phil Murphy and has helped the Murphys raise nearly $5 million for the state party Bill Castner Senior Advisor to the Governor on Firearms, Office of the Governor THE BRILLIANT former chief counsel to Gov. Jon Corine and executive director of the Assembly Democrats returned to state government in May to help the governor navigate a push to establish some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. Donald Scarinci Founding Partner, Scarinci Hollenbeck THE INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED Democratic power lawyer represents over 120 different government entities, controls a federal super PAC, and has relationships up and adown the state. Angelo Genova Partner, Genova Burns WHEN IT COMES to election law, there is nobody in New Jersey with more gravitas and institutional knowledge in New Jersey, and he’s leveraged that skill to build a supremely powerful North Jersey law firm. Ed Oatman Union County Manager ONE OF Nicholas Scutari’s top political lieutenants, the veteran operative and legislative staffer now runs Union County government day-to-day. Scott Rudder President, New Jersey CannaBusiness Association THE FORMER assemblyman heads a business trade group that is, right now, more powerful that the Chamber of Commerce. It is, to paraphrase Biden, a big $@#%’ing deal. The New Jersey Democratic State Committee is working with grassroots advocates and progressive voters to grow the Democratic Party. We are committed to electing Democrats who will fight to protect our values right here in New Jersey and in Washington. This year alone NJDSC has: Brought a record 2,000+ grassroots activists together for the NJDSC Conference and helped register more than 84,000 new Democratic voters Provided new tools to Democratic campaigns and voters to help get people to the polls on Election Day Trained hundreds of new candidates and operatives to build the next generation of Democratic leaders and added thousands of new emails to our database Provided financial and operational support to county parties and Democratic campaigns throughout the state Craig Guy Chief of Staff, Hudson County Executive WAS A war-time consigliere during a short-lived effort to end Tom DeGise’s career and is a big deal in Hudson County politics. Michael Ferguson Senior Advisor, Baker Hostetler THE FORMER congressman and Sports Authority chairman has strong ties to the White House, especially with Vice President Mike Pence, and is one of the most influential Republicans in New Jersey. Steve Ayscue President, Checkmate Advisors WELL-CONNECTED throughout the state, he’s the “hired gun” New Jerseyans want standing beside them in a foxhole. There’s nobody more thorough or more intense. Bill Maer Senior Partner, Public Strategies Impact THE VETERAN Democratic strategist has close ties to the Murphy administration and is a key player at the Democratic State Committee. Chris Russell Partner, Checkmate Strategies HE’S THE TOP Republican political consultant in New Jersey right now, with an impressive stable of clients for vwhom he fiercely advocates for. Louis Stellato Bergen County Democratic Chairman HE RUNS A political organization in the state’s largest county that has won every countywide election since he’s been there and has a direct pipeline to the Governor of New Jersey. Dan Bryan Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director, office of Governor PHIL MURPHY IS, so far, one of the most popular first-year governors ever, and his spokesman deserves some of the credit for dealing effectively and candidly with the media in a post-Christie world. Jose Lozano President and CEO of Choose NJ THE MURPHY transition chairman, now running Choose NJ, has become close to the governor and could wind up on his staff someday, unless his political career is derailed by a legislative investigation into the hiring of Al Alvarez. Patrick Murray Director, Monmouth University Polling Institute HE STARTED OUT as the number two man at the number one poll when he worked at RutgersEagleton. Now he’s become the number one man and the number one poll after almost singlehandedly building the Monmouth University poll into the gold standard in New Jersey and one of the top pollsters nationally. Fortunately for New Jersey, he loves state politics and won’t abandon the state even as his own career soars. Bill Spadea Radio/Tv Personality WITH JIM Gearhart’s old morning drive time slot on NJ 101.5 and his Chasing Jersey show on channel 9 in the evenings, the former Republican congressional candidate is a major player in the New Jersey media and one of the last vibrant conservative voices on local TV. Midi Baraka Chief of Staff, Mayor of Newark THE MAYOR’S brother is a force to be reckoned with in his own right as he runs Ras Baraka’s show every day. Brian Thompson Reporter, WNBC-TV THERE IS NO journalist in New Jersey with a bigger reach when he does a story, and his viewers reside entirely outside the statehouse political bubble. Jeff Carroll Minority Staff Director, House Energy & Commerce Committee FRANK PALLONE’S longtime top guy runs the Democratic end of one of the most powerful committees in Congress.a Skip Cimino Executive Director, Assembly Democrats THE FORMER assemblyman and cabinet member returned to Trenton to help make the trains run on time in the office of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. Sean Kennedy Director, General Majority PAC THE FORMER senior advisor to Senate President Steve Sweeney, he now runs a super PAC with close ties to Sweeny and George Norcross, Adam Kaufman Principal, Kaufman Zita Group NEARLY 30 YEARS after serving as chief of staff to the Assembly Speaker, he remains a solid political insider well-liked by just about everyone – not an easy achievement in New Jersey Matt Friedman Reporter, POLITICO New Jersey BESIDES BEING extraordinarily welltrained, his morning Playbook is widely read and it the first thing New Jersey politicians see when they wake up in the morning. MarK Longo Director of Government Affairs, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 HE’S SPENT the last 19 years as the guy who moves job creation bills through the New Jersey Legislature and he’s successful because he knows his way around politics. Nick Corasaniti Reporter, New York Times WHEN HE writes about New Jersey politics, a huge number of people read it. Sadly, he’s destined to be off the power list next year as he moves up within the NYT organization, as great reporters often do Kelly Ganges Chief of Staff, Mercer County Executive BRIAN HUGHES’ right-hand-man is in complete control of county government in Mercer and has the complete confidence of Brian Hughes. Joshua Henne President, White Horse Strategies THE DEMOCRATIC political consultant is well-connected to progressive leaders, labor unions, and influential independent expenditure groups Dale Florio Princeton Public Affairs Group AFTER MORE THAN 30 years in New Jersey politics, including an undefeated run as Somerset GOP chairman, he is widely respected on both sides of the aisle, and can get just about anybody on the phone. John Graham Founder, Fairview Insurance Agency Associates THE NORTH JERSEY insurance executive has leveraged his fundraising prowess into a position of political influence with friends on both sides of the aisle. Rabbi Shmuel Blech Lakewood Vaad leader ONLY THREE PEOPLE in New Jersey can, at the wave of their hand, produce more than 10,000 votes for a candidate of their choice: Brian Stack, Nicholas Sacco, and Blech. Gary Taffet Division President, Reliance Insurance Group ONCE THE CHIEF of staff to Gov. James E. McGreevey, he’s now part of Speaker Craig Coughlin’s kitchen cabinet. Idida Rodriguez Partner, 1868 Public Affairs THE HARDWORKING lobbyist has been working political campaigns in New Jersey for twenty years and has strong ties most of the state’s power players. Jeannine Frisby LaRue Senior Vice President, Kaufman Zita Group THE WIDELY respected public affairs executive has spent 40 years on the inside of New Jersey politics and government. She knows everybody BILL LAYTON Partner, CLB Partners THE BURLINGTON County Republican Chairman lost control of his freeholder board, but he still has a state senator, two assemblymen, a bunch of local officials, and an influential line. Joe kyrillos Senior Managing Director, Newmark Knight Frank AFTER 30 YEARS in the New Jersey Legislature and stint as GOP State Chairman, he gets an early start as a 58-year-old elder statesman, with close ties to Republicans, Steve Sweeney and Phil Murphy. Roger Bodman Managing Partner, Public Strategies Impact THE MODEL FOR gravitas after serving as Tom Kean’s campaign manager in 1981 and holding two cabinet posts, he’s built one of the highest grossing lobbying firms in state history. Joey Muniz Board Secretary/ Purchasing Agent, Hudson County Schools of Technology NICHOLAS SACCO, a state senator and mayor of North Bergen, is enormously powerful in Hudson County politics and Muniz is his top lieutenant, which gives him considerable influence in North Jersey. Sean Darcy President, Round World Consulting AFTER TWO decades in New Jersey politics, the talented Democratic political consultant know everybody and is a pit bull when it comes to advancing the message of his candidates and corporate clients. Gail Gordon Public Affairs Consultant/Attorney ONCE A POWER in Pennsylvania politics, she has transferred her fundraising and political skills to New Jersey where she has influence with Republicans (her native party) and Phil Swibinski Vice President, Vision Media IN 2018, the North Jersey political consultant has become the man with the golden touch, winning every race he puts his hands on. Now he’s helping the state party shape its message. Raj Parikh Partner, Genova Burns AS COUNSEL to the Democratic State Committee, he’s basically the governor’s election lawyer. Laurie McCabe Chief of Staff, State Sen. Joseph Vitale MORE THAN JUST a Middlesex County Democratic insider, she’s a policy wonk who works for a policy wonk, the chairman of powerful Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee. Frank Giantomosi Partner, Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi HE’S A BIG DEAL insider in North Jersey from a firm with ties to both parties. Trish Zita Principal, Kaufman Zita Group THE VETERAN lobbyist has strong relationships up and down the state and is highly regarded as a strong advocate for her clients. Dave Parano President/CEO, Parano & Associates IN THE YEAR of the ground game, he’s one of the top achievers at delivering voter turnout in New Jersey campaigns. Matt Rooney Editor, Save Jersey THERE IS NO conservative Republican activist in New Jersey with a greater ability to reach and influence the Republican wing of the state Republican party. Ed Donnelly President, Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association THE HEAD of the state firefighter’s union was an early supporter of Phil Murphy’s campaign and now has a direct line to the governor Michael DeCotiis Managing Partner, DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin THE HEAD of a major North Jersey law firm has played a key role in New Jersey politics for the last two decades as a powerbroker and fundraiser. Analilia Mejia Executive Director, New Jersey Working Families THE VETERAN union organizer and activist influences a big part of the Democratic party’s progressive base, and her star keeps rising. Erica Jedynak State Director, Americans for Prosperity THE FORMER Assembly aide has transformed Steve Lonegan’s old job into a solid policy and political shop that is probably the premier conservative operation in New Jersey today. Ed Farmer President, Millennium Strategies BILL PASCRELL’S chief of staff has built a mega firm specializing in grants funding for local govern – ments and non-profits while keeping his hand deeply entrenched in North Jersey politics. Saily Avelenda Executive Director, NJ 11th for Change THE ONETIME bank executive helped launch a movement that made the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee chicken out of a re-election campaign. Candy Straight Private Investor THE LONGTIME Republican fundraiser with an extended national reach, she’s found new success as a movie producer with an ability to attract investors from the state’s political elite. Arthur Cifelli Senior Partner, The Venn Group HE’S BEEN an insider’s insider for decades with an enormous reach within Middlesex County KATHERINE BRENNAN Chief of Staff, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency SHE COULD BE #1, it all depends on what she knows and what she says. WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS Mike DuHaime | Michael Soliman | Mo Butler WESTFIELD 1 Elm Street Suite 2 Westfield, NJ 07090 (908) 789-1380 TRENTON 222 West State Street Suite 301 Trenton, NJ 08608 (609) 393-1793 Public Strategy • Government Relations Public Relations • Advertising • Social Media • Polling NEW YORK CITY | WASHINGTON | LOS ANGELES | ALBANY | HARRISBURG | PHILADELPHIA | AUSTIN | SACRAMENTO FORT LAUDERDALE | COLUMBUS | NASHVILLE | DES MOINES | COLUMBIA | HELENA | TAMPA | LONDON | MEXICO CITY