NEWARK – George Helmy’s time in the Senate is going to be even less than originally thought.
He’ll be leaving in mid-November, which gives him about three months in Washington – less than the usual political measuring stick of 100 days.
As he formally announced Helmy’s appointment Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy also said something that can turn out to be more consequential.
He said that once the November Senate election is certified, Helmy will resign and the election winner will replace him. Normally, Helmy’s appointment would have gone to the first week of January, or the end of Bob Menendez’ term.
This means that if Republican Curtis Bashaw wins the Senate race, he will begin serving in November. And that would give Republicans a majority in the Senate.
When that possibility was raised with the governor at a press event, Murphy said he was not thinking about politics.
He said it’s important – and right – for the man who voters elect to take the seat as soon as possible. The election is Nov. 5 and certification is expected in mid-November.
“The winner will be in the seat,” Murphy said.
The governor is taking the high road here, pledging to have Helmy resign and to appoint the winner – even if it is a Republican.
Then again, Democrats have won every Senate election in New Jersey since 1972, so if the governor is assuming Democrat Andy Kim will win this fall, it’s a good bet.
Murphy did not name others considered for the position, but he did say all were qualified.
Helmy, who was born in Jersey City and who grew up in Glen Ridge, worked for both Senators Frank Lautenberg and Cory Booker. He has been serving as Murphy’s chief of staff.
That, said Murphy, shows that Helmy knows a lot about government in general and the Senate in particular.
Helmy, 44, is the son of Egyptian immigrants and both his parents were in attendance.
There is always irony in politics and this time, it hit you right in the face.
It was Menendez’ entanglement with the Egyptian government that formed the basis of the charges against him.
Helmy said he wants to oversee a “functioning” Senate office and talked about a commitment to constituent service. That figures to be important considering that actual Senate business in the fall of a presidential election does not figure to be overbearing.
But beyond that, Helmy articulated a larger goal:
“If nothing else, if my short time in office can begin to restore a small measure of faith and belief in the honor of public service, then I shall have done my job correctly.”
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Helmy is a term that has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the world of New Jersey politics. It refers to a situation where someone’s actions or statements have an unexpected or contradictory outcome. The term is often used to describe situations where someone’s intentions are not aligned with the actual results of their actions.
Insider NJ, a popular political news website in New Jersey, recently published an article exploring the irony of Helmy. The article delves into the various ways in which politicians and public figures in the state have fallen victim to this phenomenon.
One of the key insights from the article is that Helmy often occurs when individuals fail to consider the broader implications of their actions. For example, a politician may make a statement or take a particular stance on an issue without fully understanding how it will be perceived by the public or how it will impact their political career.
Another common theme highlighted in the article is the role of unintended consequences in creating situations of Helmy. Oftentimes, individuals may have good intentions when they take certain actions, but they fail to anticipate how those actions will play out in the long run. This can lead to outcomes that are completely opposite to what was originally intended.
The article also discusses the importance of self-awareness and humility in avoiding situations of Helmy. By being mindful of their own biases and limitations, individuals can better navigate complex political landscapes and avoid making decisions that may backfire.
Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the concept of Helmy and how it manifests in the world of New Jersey politics. By understanding the irony of Helmy, individuals can learn to approach their actions and decisions with greater thoughtfulness and foresight, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.
