Within the context of bad blood going back and forth between the front office and the Senate Majority Office, legislative lieutenants poring over Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed budget were irked – or at least confused – when they found a proposed $7 million cut to the legislature.

It amounted to an 8.5% cut, or an additional two and a half million over what Gov. Chris Christie the $5 million had sliced out of the budget before he left.

A source said he doesn’t know where the cuts are, doesn’t know the consequence to staff, and didn’t comment on the likely bartering going forward, but admitted to being puzzled by the perceived drop kick, not knowing if the intent was malicious or simply negotiating leverage.