Senate, Assembly Democrats Meet for Strategy Session

When Craig Coughlin began his campaign for Assembly Speaker last year, he promised colleagues he would improve internal communications within his caucus and develop a stronger relationship with the Senate Democratic leadership.  Senate and Assembly Democrats are meeting in New Brunswick this morning to make good on that promise and to discuss how to move forward in a new political environment. One legislator told me that this joint caucus to discuss strategy contrasts with the four years of Speaker Vincent Prieto.  The Hudson County Democrat was criticized for weak communication within his caucus and for a toxic relationship with Senate President Steve Sweeney.  This presents the opportunity for a united front from the legislative branch at a time when Democrats also have a new governor.