Governor Chris Christie today nominated Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe to serve as a member of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – the replacement for John Degnan.

Chairman of the Middlesex Democrats since 2013, McCabe was a driving political force behind putting Speaker-elect Craig Coughlin (D-19) in position to succeed sitting Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32).

He is a veteran Democratic player who has worked for the Carpenters since 2005.

Prior to that, McCabe worked for the New Jersey Department of Labor from 2002-2004. McCabe received his Bachelor’s Degree in political science from Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers.

Sources do not expect any trouble for McCabe, one of the most powerful Democrats in the state, who is expected to receive affirmation for the port position from the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full senate.