When One New Jersey Senator Decides To Do Another Senator Dirty

New Jersey Senator Vince Polistina, NJ-R-2,  was in Ireland, about 3,200 miles away from home and never saw it coming.

This is Where New Jersey Senator Michael Testa, NJ-R-1 Enters The Scene

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy had previously nominated former Atlantic County Assistant Prosecutor Mario Formica for a seat on the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.

It’s a highly coveted six-figure, plus fringe benefits job.

The “Home” district Senator, Vince Polistina had not signed off on Formica’s nomination. Therefore, it had stalled and the State Senate advice and consent process could not proceed.

Senatorial Courtesy

Is a long-standing privilege in New Jersey. If the home district Senator does not sign-off on a nominee, it goes no further.

The Scheme To Overcome Senator Polistina

Senator Testa decided to participate in a dirty political trick and purposely led an end around Senator Polistina.

The scheme was a simple and effective political hijinks. Formica owns a home in Absecon, with a nice waterfront view.

Recently, Formica decided to move from his primary residence to a one bedroom apartment in Cape May County … allegedly located on a dead end street, next to a fence company.

The small rental property is in Testa’s district. This is the key component of the political scheme.

Senator Testa Knew …

… We have confirmed that Senator Testa knew that his direct neighboring colleague, Senator Polistina had not approved Formica’s nomination.

Despite this, Senator Testa decided to become a major political villain and he signed off on Formica’s nomination, which then sailed through New Jersey Senate confirmation.

Testa and Atlantic County Chairman Don Purdy Have Face-To-Face Encounter

Purdy and Polistina are life-long friends and political confidants.

Purdy is not pleased with this Testa political circus stunt.

Purdy confirmed to me yesterday that Senator Testa told him that, “He (Testa) has been telling everybody, including Senator (Anthony) Bucco and me the other night that he did it on purpose,” said Purdy.

Senator Polistina Declares Formica Appointment “Illegitimate”

… Yesterday, in our live on-air interview, Senator Polistina stated that “Mario Formica’s time on the New Jersey Casino Control Commission will forever be illegitimate,” said Polistina.

Senator Polistina said that no New Jersey Senator has ever done this to another.

Polistina also said that Testa only has the support of one Republican County Chairman in New Jersey … “a Republican Chairman from Cumberland County,” said Polistina.

Testa is the Republican Chairman from Cumberland County. Senator Polistina’s dry sense of humor regarding Testa was not lost on anyone.

I also interviewed Senator Polistina live (on-air) from Ireland right after Testa signed-off on the Mario Formica nomination.

Lasting Damage From This Stunt

Senator Polistina confirmed that any relationship with Testa has now crossed the Rubicon … However, without hesitation, Polistina stated that he will always work in the best interests of both districts and the entire state of New Jersey.

Below, are great places in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, along with wonderful food opportunities.