New Jerseyans aren’t always civil, but it’s still possible for a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican to have a rational and pleasant conversation about politics in the state. Dan Bryan is a former senior advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy and is now the owner of his own public affairs firm, and Alex Wilkes is an attorney and former executive director of America Rising PAC who advises Republican candidates in New Jersey and across the nation. Dan and Alex are both experienced strategists who are currently in the room where high-level decisions are made. They will get together weekly with New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein to discuss politics and issues.
New Jersey Globe: New Jerseyans are mourning the loss of the state’s lieutenant governor, Sheila Oliver, who died this week. What will Lt. Governor Oliver’s legacy be?
Alex Wilkes: Lieutenant Governor Oliver had a storied career in state leadership that spanned many decades, so as a relatively new New Jerseyan, I won’t pretend I can do justice to remembering her many causes and achievements. What does stick out to me, however, was the Lieutenant Governor’s debate in 2021, which felt like a pleasant throwback to a different era in American politics.
The debate was substantive and serious, to be sure, but there was a warmth and graciousness to the conversation that you just don’t see anymore. Instead of the typical phony, bitter handshake, it ended in a genuine hug – a hug we probably all needed in those final days. I think the legacy of anyone in our soundbite-driven culture who can elevate a discussion with grace and dignity speaks for itself.
Dan Bryan: This is not an easy question to answer, both in terms of the emotions of the Lieutenant Governor’s passing and in articulating the legacy she leaves behind. Sheila was a titan in New Jersey – someone who broke barriers, relished a fight, stuck to her principles, and served her constituents with integrity and joy. Working with her was an honor I will never forget.
Over the past six years I was continuously impressed with Sheila’s knowledge of government at every level – local, county, and state. Her career truly culminated in her job as Lieutenant Governor and DCA Commissioner, where she brought a lifetime of experience and knowledge to what may be the toughest job in the Cabinet.
Sheila was fun on the campaign trail. Her debate prep sessions were a joy – she was so excited to spar with us, and we were blown away by her ability to take sharp jabs and punch back with a smart, succinct, and unrehearsed answer.
Personally, I will remember Sheila for the warmth and kindness that she showed me and my family. She always seemed happy to see me (a rare quality in the State House, if not anywhere), and she always met me with a warm smile and hug. She had an air of grace, dignity, and joy about her regardless of the circumstances.
Most of all, I’ll remember her legacy of standing up for the right thing, regardless of the politics. She stood up to a powerful Governor while many in her party acquiesced, and it cost her the Speakership. Many have also pointed out her floor speech arguing for marriage equality back when such a thing was scary for many Democrats. Sheila leaves behind a powerful legacy that we all are now called to carry on.
NJ Globe: What factors should Governor Murphy consider as he decides who will become the next lieutenant governor?
Dan: First and foremost, Governor Murphy will likely look to appoint a Lieutenant Governor that can step into the Governorship at a moment’s notice and serve the people of New Jersey thoroughly and competently.
Too often when discussing the position, talk centers around the politics of the pick – what support they bring, what boxes they tick, etc. But a Lieutenant Governor needs to be able to do what Sheila Oliver did while the Governor was recovering from cancer surgery during the early days of Covid: seamlessly step in to provide leadership and assume a position of command and control in an emergency. That is job #1, and it is the most important part of the Governor’s upcoming decision.
It is also important to ensure that our government reflects the diversity of our state – Governor Murphy should appoint someone that ensures his administration represents the most diverse state in the country. Representation matters, and Governor Murphy has put that at the forefront in building and rebuilding his cabinet over the past six years.
Alex: Given our Lieutenant Governor’s ability to serve in a cabinet-level role, I would hope that Governor Murphy would consider selecting someone who understands the economic hardships of many New Jerseyans right now. Whether that’s a person who can help make it easier for businesses to start and create jobs in our state (such as it is) or someone who can help the average citizen navigate some of our more cumbersome institutions, Governor Murphy should look for a leader who can truly serve the people of this state in the ways they need it most.
NJ Globe: With the 2025 governor’s race already underway, does Governor Murphy need to pick someone who won’t become a candidate, or does that not matter?
Alex: Only if there was someone he really didn’t like. I think it would be terribly cruel to bury a hot 2025 prospect in all that ceremony and the baggage of his outgoing administration.
Dan: I don’t think the 2025 election will play into his thought process at all. Again: first and foremost, he will look to appoint the best person possible, regardless of the politics. I highly doubt he uses the pick to put his thumb on the scale for the upcoming election.
NJ Globe: The practice of transferring power to an acting governor when the governor leaves the state began during a time when people traveled by horseback and stagecoach? Since times have changed, is it time for New Jersey to reconsider this?
Dan: In many cases, yes. To me, it is absurd to have the Governor transfer power every time he travels a manageable distance to places like Washington, DC or Boston. If our Governor can get home easily in a matter of a few hours, I see no reason as to why he or she would need to transfer the power of the Governorship.
I do think transferring power makes sense in some cases; if the Governor is overseas on a trade mission, for example, it makes sense. In cases like that, having an Acting Governor ready to take command and control in case of an emergency is prudent.
But I think we do need to update these protocols for the 21st century. If the Governor is within a reasonable distance of New Jersey, there is no reason for them to relinquish power.
Alex: No. It’s not too much to ask for the hard working people of our state to have a Governor physically present here and not phoning it in on Zoom from wherever it’s convenient. Tell the Governor to fire up the carbon-emitting aircraft of his choice from the Italian countryside if he doesn’t like acting Governor Scutari undermining his twisted policies back here at home.