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State prepares to operate with GOP governor and Democratic Legislature
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TRENTON - When Republican Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office in January, it will mark the first time an incoming governor has faced a Legislature controlled by the opposite party since 1982.
Democrats have controlled the legislative and executive branches since 2004;
Republicans last held the state's top job in 2002.
Republicans, long frozen out of many discussions, will have a greater role in Trenton now. But that could open the door to battles, especially since state analysts expect at least an $8 billion budget deficit next year.
Christie said on Friday that he thought his convincing win, a more than 100,000 vote plurality against an incumbent that outspent him 3-1 while holding a party registration advantage, would equip him for future arguments.
"In the areas where we'll have to fight, we'll fight and see who wins," Christie said. "But I think the overwhelming majority will be areas where we will be able to find compromise and get things done for people."
Julie Roginsky, a Democratic consultant, said she thought it was a hopeful sign that Christie's first stops were to Newark and Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County - two traditionally Democratic towns.
"The time for politics is over and the time for governing is here and what's good for Chris Christie is what's good for New Jersey," she said, in interpreting his moves.
In Newark on Wednesday, Christie visited the Robert Treat Academy, a model charter school of the kind he spoke about on the campaign trail. It is run by Steve Adubato, Sr., a prominent Democratic leader there.
In Woodbridge the following day, Christie walked the streets of a town that served as a base for former Democratic Gov. Jim McGreevey, who served as mayor. But this year, Woodbridge supported Christie.
Former Gov. Thomas Kean, Sr. took office in 1982 after winning the narrowest election in state history. Democrats held the legislative majorities throughout his eight years in offce. "I didn't have one single accomplishment in my administration that wasn't bipartisan," he said on Friday. "None."
He said Christie, having not come from the Legislature, will have to develop relationships there, finding people in both parties willing to put interests of the state over party.
Invite lawmakers over to Drumthwacket, the governor's mansion. Get to know them outside of Trenton, Kean said. Visit their district and praise them.
"Make sure credit is given when it is deserved - and even some times when it is not," Kean said.
Lawmakers in both parties said they expected the relationship to be smooth - if for no other reason than simple practicality.
Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney, D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester, said he knew Christie personally and agreed on many fiscal issues. "There is no need to have an adversarial relationship," he said, "nor do I expect it to be one."
Senate Minority Leader Thomas Kean, Jr., R-Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union, said that he was very optimistic. "My hope is in many instances the priorities will overlap and they are not at cross purposes," Kean Jr. said. "I anticipate a very good working relationship between the executive branch and the legislative branch."
Locally, Republican Assemblyman Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic and Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, each said he was optimistic about a bipartisan consensus.
"I think absolutely, when you don't have all branches controlled by the same party, you will have to build consensus as opposed to jamming things through like they have in the last few years," Polistina said.
One of Christie's biggest challenges, with the greatest potential for drawn-out battles, will be balancing the state's budget.
The governor proposes the state budget during the winter, and it reflects his or her desires and priorities. But it has to be approved by the Legislature by June 30, the end of the state fiscal year.
Christie did not reveal much of his plans on the campaign trail, generally saying he would cut spending and restore rebates.
Visiting the Republican stronghold of Toms River on Friday, he drew a line in the sand over taxes.
"Here are the principals upon which I will not compromise: If they try to raise taxes, I will veto it. I mean, that's it. We are not raising taxes on the people of the State of New Jersey. So if they try to raise taxes, I will veto it."
While lawmakers signed off on a $28.9 billion spending plan in this June, the recession has led Gov. Jon S. Corzine to cut or defer $205 million in October. On Thursday, he ordered cabinet members to find $400 million in savings by Dec. 1.
In July the nonpartisan state Office of Legislative Services estimated next year's budget would face an $8 billion structural deficit.
On election night, Senate President Richard Codey said he expected next year's agenda to be full of negotiation.
"It's going to be a hodge-podge of what Gov. Christie wants and what the Democratic Legislature wants," Codey, D-Essex, said. "So, somebody's going to be doing a lot of impersonations of Monty Hall," television host of Let's Make a Deal.
On the trail, Christie frequently talked about standing up to the Democratic majority Legislature, contrasting himself with what he said was a too-accommodating Corzine.
Kean Jr. discounted that, saying policy differences do not harm a working relationship. He said he wished, in fact, that Corzine had used the governor's line-item veto more frequently.
Sweeney also downplayed that, saying people move on.
"Campaigns are campaigns - know what I mean? No one should ever take the campaign rhetoric to heart. We need to do the business of the people," Sweeney said. "Campaigns are an opportunity to call each other names and beat each other up."
Posted in Breaking on Saturday, November 7, 2009 3:05 pm Updated: 6:16 pm.
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