WHO’S UP
Matt Platkin
The Attorney General of New Jersey (pictured, above) proved himself a consequential public servant this week as he unsealed a 13-count indictment against South Jersey Democratic Party Powerbroker George Norcross III and Norcross’ associates. According to the indictment, “the Norcross Enterprise obtained property and property rights on the Camden Waterfront for itself and others, collected millions of dollars in government-issued tax credits, and controlled and influenced government officials to further the interests of the enterprise.” We knew we had a problem at least going back to when Kevin Sheehan, an attorney at Parker McCay, the law firm of Norcross’ brother Philip, and not a registered lobbyist, lobbied the legislature to award tax incentives for Norcross-connected Camden-based entities. The real question in a corruption dumping ground like New Jersey was going to be whether law enforcement gave a damn. Norcross had very close ties with the last administration and prosecutor-turned-governor Chris Christie. Political appearances suggested Norcross and company had also cozied up to the current administration after rocky beginnings. None of that affected Platkin, who this week walked up to a podium and demonstrated hard-nosed competency and justice commitment on behalf of New Jerseyans long besieged by a sulfuric acid bath of state corruption. Platkin also did the right thing in advance of the primary when he sent Judge Zahid N. Quraishi a letter notifying him that his office will not defend the three state statutes that prescribe how New Jersey designs its primary ballots. That was gutsy. But his indictment of Norcross – innocent until proved guilty – broke through a two decades-old (and maybe longer) specific stranglehold of collective cowardice and complicity by the political power structure of New Jersey. A lady approaching 80, with no connection to New Jersey insiders, but a voter and a patriot, absorbed the news of Norcross’ indictment with a deep sense of gratitude. “There’s hope for my state,” she said. “Finally.” Credit Platkin for doing more than sitting on a perch polishing a title to protect the mildewed remains of men who counted on his protection, and going for broke, with the state’s back to the wall, for the people who really count.
WHO’S DOWN
George Norcross
Innocent until proved guilty, the South Jersey Democratic Party powerbroker looked unsophisticated at the Attorney General’s press conference, showing up and sitting in the front row as if counting on his history of bullying people. It didn’t work with Platkin, who professionally forged ahead with the indictment. Norcross’ attempt to label Platkin “a coward” carried the same desperate Orwellian vibe summoned by his operatives, who a few years back tried to call then-Assemblyman Ryan Peters – a Navy SEAL – a coward. That one word alone showed the level of disengagement from reality and lack of preparation for something more than brute pushing and shoving and bull ring stare-downs. For years, “the Norcross Enterprise” has run campaigns by taking an opponent’s chief strength and blitzing glossy mail out there that presents that strength as weakness, preposterous in its dislocation from the truth. Most people stopped paying attention, but for those connected to the public trough. It worked for a while, but to hear Norcross going to that feeble playbook to combat Platkin shows once again the political establishment’s complacency and an alarming comfort level with the opposite not only of what ought to be, but – even more troubling – of what is. Say what you want about Platkin, but in a political insider universe made up of Republicans in a cold sweat around a maniac like Donald Trump for fear of a temper tantrum, and Democrats trembling in their chairs around Norcross lest he get upset, the attorney general not only showed blind guts, but public service commitment – in damned short supply in these parts, where justice too often looks fearfully bug-eyed.
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The recent indictment of George Norcross, a powerful political figure in New Jersey, has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape. Norcross, a longtime Democratic power broker and ally of Governor Phil Murphy, was charged with conspiracy and bribery in connection with a controversial tax incentive program.
The impact of Norcross’s indictment on other political figures in the state cannot be understated. Insider NJ’s weekly update provides a comprehensive analysis of how this development is reshaping the political landscape in New Jersey.
One immediate effect of the indictment is the strain it has put on Governor Murphy’s relationship with Norcross. The two men have been close allies in the past, but the charges against Norcross have created a rift between them. Murphy has been forced to distance himself from Norcross and his political machine, which could have significant implications for his reelection campaign.
Furthermore, the indictment has raised questions about the future of other political figures who have been associated with Norcross. Many lawmakers and officials in New Jersey have relied on Norcross’s support and influence to advance their own political careers. With Norcross now facing criminal charges, these individuals may find themselves in a difficult position as they try to distance themselves from him while also maintaining their own political standing.
The fallout from Norcross’s indictment is likely to be felt for months, if not years, to come. The scandal has already dominated headlines in New Jersey and has cast a shadow over the upcoming election cycle. As more details about the case emerge, it is likely that additional political figures will be implicated and that the full extent of Norcross’s influence will be revealed.
In conclusion, the Norcross indictment has had a significant impact on political figures in New Jersey. The fallout from this scandal is likely to reshape the state’s political landscape and could have far-reaching implications for years to come. Insider NJ will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
