Is Ciesla ready to leave?
By Wally EdgeThere is considerable speculation in Ocean County that Andrew Ciesla, a six-term Republican State Senator from Brick, will not seek re-election in 2011 – and some GOP sources say they wouldn’t be surprised if Ciesla stepped down before the expiration of his current term. Apparently Ciesla, who turns 55 next week, is burnt out after nearly seventeen years in the Senate.
If Ciesla retires, look for a bit of competition for the seat between the two tenth district Assemblymen, David Wolfe and James Holzapfel. Wolfe, who also comes from Brick, was elected to the Assembly in 1991, and Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor, joined him there in 1994. There are other possible candidates, including longtime Freeholder Joseph Vicari, and Republican National Committeewoman Virginia Haines, a former Assemblywoman and state Lottery Director. None of these candidates are especially young.
Still, in Ocean County, competition is a relative term. Potential Senate candidates have a constituency of one: GOP County Chairman George Gilmore will decide who gets the Senate seat.
Contributors
Wally Edge
If Paul Sarlo becomes the new Senate Judiciary Chairman when John Adler leaves for Washington in January, Senate President Richard Codey will ... >
Bob Torricelli
There's nothing more difficult to see than the history before your eyes. It sometimes takes generations to understand the significance of ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
OK, he didn't say precisely that, but when the Chairman of the Budget Committee informs us that governmental spending is the key to prosperity, ... >
Debbie Holtz
The Star Ledger got it right last April when it gave a thumb's-up to the NJN management plan to wean “the state's only public ... >
Steve Lonegan
The sub prime mortgage melt down and its ensuing financial “crisis” has tested the mettle of all of us who believe in and support the free ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
I am pleased to report the results from the first national poll conducted by Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
The media, which loves headlines and knows little history, is trying to sell President Elect Obama as another Franklin Delano Roosevelt. But that ... >
Joey Novick
Whenever I get the chance to visit my parents in Florida when working a comedy gig down there, it’s like living in a “Seinfeld” episode. They ... >
Juan Melli
In an election year driven by a hemorrhaging economy and an electorate hungry for an end to divisive politics, 7th Congressional District candidate ... >
Carla Katz
A couple of weeks ago, my mother, Angelina Katz, did her second debate on behalf of Barack Obama. A debate? My mother? If you knew her, you’d be ... >
Patricia Quattrocchi
Former State Senator Wayne Bryant got a smack on the back of the head from a jury of his peers today when they found him guilty of all eleven charges ... >
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win See how Obama got to the magic number |
Most Active Stories
- Bryant guilty on all counts
- Lonegan gubernatorial announcement coming next month
- Wilson not certain whether he’ll stay on as GOP State Chairman after June
- Merkt calls for Wilson's resignation
- Governor reacts to Christie news
- Quinnipiac: Corzine 42%, Christie 36%
- After running as a local Obama, Hawkins runs early into the hard edge of Orange
- Obama bundler says he lost $25 billion of N.J. pension funds
- If it's Corzine v. Christie, both sides get ready for the worst
- Mallet defeats Curley, Monmouth Freeholder Board becomes Democratic-controlled
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
- Torricelli on COAH
- Two N.J. super delegates go to Obama; Norcross backs Obama; key Clinton supporters endorse Obama
- At energy policy meeting, Rose fights with cabinet and walks away
- Sixteen Democrats are on Norcross' short list for Andrews House seat
- Roughneen in court today on signature challenge
- Jackson will be Corzine's new Chief of Staff
- New Jersey's Most Powerful Law Firms
- Jersey City councilman makes it rain in Washington
- Torricelli on deer hunting
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
"What's been happening in the markets has brought out so many emotions. ... We are feeling it too. Our job is to be level-headed and cool and to run the portfolio. I think we are going to turn this around." -- An optimistic William Clark, the director of the state division of investment, after losing $25 billion in pension funds since July.
Recent Press Releases
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
Christie's legcy― THE BERGEN RECORD
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It.― WASHINGTON POST
Immigrants still in New Jersey― THE BERGEN RECORD
Now it's the Dems' chance to be dumb― PAUL MULSHINE
Corzine likely to go nowhere― THE DAILY RECORD
SILENT ON CHARGE; LIPSKI TELLS OF ALCOHOL BATTLE― STEVEN LIPSKI
Reclaiming the narrative of an enlightened nation ― CORY BOOKER
Syndicate
Kelly?
how about a consolation prize for Kelly?
Its called the Assembly Mr. Dem
JK would fill either Dave or Jim's seat.
It won't be Kelly
He lives in District 9, Eagleswood to be exact. District 10 is furth north in Ocean County.
Luna for Senate or Assembly!!
Everyone should join together and promote Frank Luna for Senate or Assembly if/when Ciesla retires.
If Wolfe or Holzapfel step up to the Senate than Frank could run for Assembly.
He's young, hard-working, dedicated, and will certainly campaign his ass off.
Only thing is I'm not sure if he lives in LD 10..
Nope
He also lives in 9. Waretown is again out of District. In all likelihood it would be someone from Brick or Toms River unless one of the coastal towns such as Point or Seaside really wanted a representative.
Besides Eric
Luna can't be a Senator so you're first idea is bunk. The State Constitution requires that you be 30 to be a state senator. You can only be an Assembly member at his age.