UP

Josh Gottheimer

The national Republicans’ shop away at Obamacare gives the 2018 Democratic incumbent running in a classically GOP district a leg up on re-election. In the words of one Democratic Party insider, “Had Hillary Clinton won the presidency, Josh wouldn’t have been able to survive reelection, now – let’s see.”

Steve Sweeney

After Joe Cryan endorsed him last week, the sitting senate president demonstrated the backing he requires for another term on the throne of upper house power.

Sam Thompson

Locked in an ugly GOP Primary in Ld12, the state senator came out swinging in a courtroom appearance in New Brunswick earlier this week, and convinced a judge to disallow his opponent from appropriating the slogan of the Middlesex County Republican Organization.

Marques-Aquil Lewis

Following last week’s citywide elections, the Newark schools Advisory Board member summoned a majority of votes to become chairman of the board.

Tave Padilla

The North Ward center-trained former sports shoe store business owner this week landed the vice chairmanship of the Newark Schools Advisory Board.

Jeff Nash

On the strength of the Camden County Freeholder’s college days friendship with Alec Baldwin (George Washington University), Nash pulled the SNL star (and Glengarry Glen Ross actor) into New Jersey to headline a Democratic Party fundraiser.

DOWN

Vincent Prieto

The deal to make Sweeney senate president includes Middlesex County landing Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19) in the speakers seat, so Sweeney’s victory equates to Prieto’s loss.

Art Haney

The tough Republican LD12 senate challenger from Old Bridge (chair of the local GOP committee) ate the rebuke of a judge’s order following his attempt to use without permission the slogan of the Middlesex County Republican Organization.

Chris Christie

A poll this week showed the Republican Governor sagging into political oblivion with an 18% job approval rating.

Hirsh Singh

An appellate court this week denied Republican gubernatorial candidate Singh’s request to be a participant in the primary debates.

Salomon Melgen

A court found Senator Bob Menendez’s (D-NJ) pal guilty on 67 counts of Medicare fraud.