New Jersey Senator Chris Brown Poised To Step Down For State Role

NOTE: THIS IS NOW OFFICIAL. WE’VE ADDED ADDITIONAL NEW CONTENT, LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS REPORT.

HARRY HURLEY “INSIDER” SPECULATION

We reported several months ago that reliable New Jersey state sources advised us that New Jersey State Senator Chris Brown, R-2 may leave his Senate seat early to take a position within state government.

Specifically, the proposed position would involve Brown working directly with the City of Atlantic City.

Some call this position informally, “Atlantic City Czar.”

I interviewed Brown at the time of our first article on this subject.

Brown would not confirm or deny interest in the position. Brown did make it clear to me that “if I take a position, it will not be as a Czar.”

Brown conveyed that he strongly dislikes the “Czar” label. It’s actually anathema to everything that Brown stands for as a good man.

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Two very well placed state sources have confirmed to me that the Brown switching of roles may take place as early as this week.

Should Brown resign his State Senate seat, the Atlantic County Republican Committee will promptly meet and select former New Jersey Assemblyman Vince Polistina to be the interim Senator.

Polistina is the current Republican Nominee for the New Jersey State Senate in District 2.

This is where it gets a little murky. There are those who believe that the New Jersey State Senate must be in session for Polistina to be formally seated as one of New Jersey’s 40 State Senators.

The word “on the street” is that Sweeney does not intend to reconvene the New Jersey State Senate into session prior to the November 2, 2021 general election.

Conversely, there are others who believe that all that Polistina would have to do is take his appointment to a judge and that he will be promptly seated.

I fall into this second opinion. The reasoning, it would be unjust to leave District 2 residents and taxpayers without their representative seated in the upper chamber for more than 3 or more months.

Additionally, Sweeney is a very good man and always tries to do the right thing.

Of interest, the last two times the District 2 Senate seat was filled by an interim appointment; that appointed Senator went on to lose the very next election a short while later.

James J. “Sonny” McCullough lost to Jim Whelan and Colin Bell lost to Chris Brown.

Vince Polistina will look to reverse this recent pattern versus Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo.

State sources have also confirmed to us that should the Brown hiring go down, he will work with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Developing.

ADDENDUM:

It’s now official. Our breaking news story has held up so well to the official announcement that took place hours after our report.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the following about Senator Chris Brown and why he (the Governor) made this decision.

"Chris is deeply committed to improving the lives of those who call Atlantic City home, and he will be a tremendous asset - as we further strengthen the Atlantic City economy and improve quality of life,” said Governor Murphy said.

I have also spoken with Senator Brown. He strongly believes that he can help make a positive difference.

Additionally, (soon-to-be) Senator Vince Polistina will be our on-air guest tomorrow, Tuesday, July 20, 2021) for the 7:00 a.m hour on WPG Talk Radio 95.5’s “Hurley in the Morning.”

This will be Polistina’s first interview since this big move has been officially formalized.

I reached out to Polistina and asked if he would make a public statement about this important development. This is Polistina’s first public comment as follows:

“Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver have made an excellent choice to continue Atlantic City’s progress and help our Atlantic County region succeed. Senator Brown’s experience in local government, service in the legislature, record of bipartisan achievements and unwavering commitment in helping Atlantic County’s working families make him the best choice to lead the state’s efforts in Atlantic City,” said Polistina.