Joseph Roberts' decision to give up N.J. Assembly Speakership sparks intrigue

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Joseph Roberts' decision to give up N.J. Assembly Speakership sparks intrigue
by Claire Heininger/Statehouse Bureau
Wednesday September 02, 2009, 11:28 AM

CHERRY HILL -- Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts told colleagues this morning that he will not seek re-election this fall, ending a 22-year career in the Legislature.

Roberts (D-Camden), the most powerful figure in the lower house, told fellow South Jersey Democrats at an 8 a.m. breakfast meeting in Camden County. Roberts left the gathering shortly after 8:40 a.m. and declined to elaborate his reasons for ending a 22 -year Assembly career.


Patti Sapone/The Star-Ledger
Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts leaves the Camden County Democratic Committee headquarters in Cherry Hill this morning.Asked about the possibility that he might seek a different office, including the 5th district Senate seat of state Senator Dana Redd, who is running for mayor of Camden, Roberts said "I wouldn't rule anything out, but I will address that specifically this afternoon."

New Jersey political insiders had long speculated Roberts, 57, was getting ready to wind down his career as Speaker. But it was unclear the decision would come before the November election, when Democrats will try to preserve a 48-32 majority in the Assembly.

Democrats leaving the meeting heaped praised on Roberts for his 30 years of public service.

"It's bittersweet. He's absolutely been the leader in South Jersey and had such an impact on the state," said Sen. Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester). "You hate to see your friend leave, but he's leaving on his terms. It's his decision and I support Joe."

Sweeney said Roberts did not endorse a successor for the speakership during the Cherry Hill meeting but "there's a lot of qualified people in the Assembly and I'm sure there's going to be several who will be interested."

Camden County Freeholder Jeff Nash said he had heard rumors Roberts was resigning, and wasn't surprised to see the announcement. He praised Roberts as a dedicated public servant.

"He is an outstanding official," he said. "He will be missed in this jurisdiction and the state."

Nash said Roberts was a primary proponent of $175 million in development money for the city of Camden authorized in 2002, which he described as a "catalyst" for growth in the impoverished city.

Other South Jersey Democrats said it will be up to Roberts what to do next, but they believe he will be engaged in public policy.

Roberts' career has been marked by pushes for property tax reform, affordable housing and health care. This year, he sponsored a law requiring many insurance companies to cover the screening and therapeutic treatment for children up to age 21 who are diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Roberts became speaker in 2006, after serving as majority leader since 2002. He was elected to the Assembly in 1987 and won re-election 11 times

As Assembly speaker, Roberts is part of a powerful triumvirate that also includes the governor and senate president. It was not immediately clear which sitting legislator would replace Roberts atop the Assembly or whether he would endorse a successor.

His departure also has implications for the upper house, where a leadership battle is brewing between Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester). Traditionally when Democrats are in power, if one leadership position is filled by a North Jersey Democrat, the other is filled by one from South Jersey.

Political experts have said that with Roberts leaving, a North Jersey Democrat could ascend to the speakership and boost Sweeney's chances of wresting power from Codey.

One prominent Democratic legislator said Roberts' motives are straightforward.

"There is a desire for all regions of the state to be represented," said state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), who said he had known Roberts was preparing to leave, but did not know the announcement would come today. "But I don't believe that this announcement has anything to do with the Senate presidency, I think it has to do with the fact that Joe's had a great career and wants to move on."

Roberts' successor on the fall ballot is expected to be Donald Norcross, co-chairman of the Camden County Democratic Committee and brother of South Jersey political boss George Norcross, the Democrats said.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/nj_assembly_speaker_joseph_rob_1.html