The South Jersey political boss’ forced retreat raises questions about the future of his machine but also the direction of the Democratic Party throughout the state.
After a generation of unrivaled influence in Trenton, George Norcross is right where a lot of his fellow Democrats want him.
“Everybody in the North and Central Jersey right now don’t want George to control the next governor,” said one North Jersey Democratic operative and veteran political adviser, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. “The Roman Empire ruled for years as a dominant power in the world,” said Democratic State Committee Chair LeRoy Jones, who several years ago had his own feud with Norcross involving his elevation to the chairmanship. “l’m not trying to equate South Jersey with the Roman Empire, but you go through your highs, you go through your lows, and it becomes cyclical, it becomes generational, and change is evident. This is perhaps one of those cyclical, generational changes.
George Norcross' political influence reached its zenith after he formed an alliance with GOP Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney . | Mel Evans/AP Photo Van Drew’s political career as a conservative Democratic state lawmaker flowered under the Norcross machine, which funded his campaigns and helped steamroll progressive opposition to his rise to Congress. But Van Drew chafed at pressure from South Jersey Democrats to vote for then-President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, leading Van Drew to switch parties and declare fealty to Trump. Now, Van Drew has arguably become New Jersey’s most prominent MAGA spokesperson.
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