December 3, 2007 - 6:57pm
Donovan may be tapped for judgeship
By Matt FriedmanIn Bergen County, Republicans only have one county-wide elected official: Kathleen Donovan, the County Clerk since 1988.
That could soon change.
Multiple sources from both parties say that Donovan’s name has been suggested to Gov. Corzine for a nomination to a Superior Court judgeship by Democratic state Sen. Paul Sarlo.
Donovan, a former GOP State Chairwoman and one-term Assemblywoman, would not confirm or deny the prospect of her taking a judicial post.
“I’m running for my re-election, but if that was an opportunity I would seriously consider it,” said Donovan. “It would be an honor to serve the people in New Jersey in that position.”
A spokesman for Sarlo refused comment. Some sources speculated that Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero decided to try to have Donovan nominated in order to avoid an expensive campaign against her.
Donovan has not filed any reports with the Election Law Enforcement Commission since the 2006 County Executive primary, which she narrowly lost.
A source close to state Sen. Gerald Cardinale said that he was not likely to sign off on a Donovan nomination, however. It is also unclear whether state Sen. Henry McNamara will, although he’s set to retire next month.
If Donovan did go to the bench, Corzine would appoint an Acting County Clerk with the advise and consent of the Senate.
Contributors
Wally Edge
Marcellus Jackson, who resigned his seat as a Passaic City Councilman after admitting that he took $26,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent, ... >
Bob Torricelli
The financial debacle on Wall Street may change many things. Our international power, standard of living and individual security might all ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Joe Biden promises to impose Catholic dogma upon the country, and calls it "patriotic". >
Debbie Holtz
The NJ 101.5 radio debate scheduled later this month was one Frank Lautenberg quickly agreed to - in fact his campaign was the first to confirm its ... >
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
For the past few weeks, I've watched with fascination as politician after politician have appeared on a beach or a boardwalk and declared their ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
Senator John McCain insisted that he and Senator Barak Obama should go on the road for a host of town hall meetings to discuss the issues in a ... >
Joey Novick
According to a Fairleigh Dickinson poll, Senator Frank Lautenberg leads Lobbyist Dick Zimmer by 16 points, 50-34 percent. Fourteen percent say ... >
Juan Melli
While New Jersey suffered from a crippling structural deficit, politicians created a slush fund to dole out tax dollars for their own personal gain.
... >
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
The Pindell Report Keep up with the races in your state |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win Predict the road to the White House |
Most Active Stories
- The Codey Cop-Out
- Is Palin wrong for America? You betcha.
- McCain's NJ campaign: 'We're here and plan to stay'
- Republicans link Adler, Stender to budget slush fund
- Poll: Dead heat in 3rd district House race
- Adler got money from account GOP calls a 'slush fund'
- Catholic Bishop bars Whitman from speaking to students
- Worth watching
- Don't mess with Lautenberg: 84-year-old Senator is ready for fist fight with labor leader
- McCain's New Jersey Democrats
- Dr. Bones goes to Washington
- PoliticsNJ.com Power List 2007
- DOHERTY: NEW SCIENTIFIC DATA JUSTIFIES REPEALING GLOBAL WARMING RESPONSE ACT
- Eleven arrested in bribery scandal
- Lyndhurst GOP, nearly all of them, switching parties
- Lobbyist arrested
- Governor Paralysis
- Who is the best State Party Chairman in New Jersey
- KYRILLOS, BECK, KEAN & HANDLIN VOW WORK TO KEEP SEASTREAK FERRY UP AND RUNNING
- Torricelli on COAH
Quote of the Day
October 10, 2008
"(Governor Jon) Corzine understands that his initial plan went too far, and he is now doing everything he can to hold down the increase the Turnpike Authority proposed to the lowest level possible in order to guarantee safe roads and enhance bridge safety." -- Corzine's "best positioning" on toll hikes, according to his pollster, Doug Schoen.
-Star-Ledger, 10/10/08
Recent Press Releases
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
TOO MANY WANT TO FLY THE COOP AT STAR-LEDGER― MUST READ
The Drivers of the Star-Ledger Crisis― NEW YORK OBSERVER
Colts Neck couple to host president today― Juan and Marta Gutierrez
Public purchase benefited Democratic Party donors ― JOSEPH FERRIERO
PolitickerNJ.com Jobs
Syndicate
If you can't beat them, appoint them
to a lifetime appointment with a six-figure income...
They can't beat her, and won't beat her in 2008 with Hillary on the ticket.
The Republicans will win freeholder seats in 2008 if she runs again. Even if she doesn't, they still should win with Romney or Giuliani leading the way.
I pray Senator Cardinale blocks her.
Donovan has been lobbying for this appointment by doing the bidding of the Democrats since 2003 with challenges to any real Republcian's petitions and dividing the BCRO for the Democrats.
I pray she is not rewarded for selling out our party. It is up to Senator Cardinale only to stop her. She owns the only other Senator with an R who can stop her. O'Toole owes her big time from last years sabotagage of BCRO Republcan ticket to give him the Senate seat. That puts the burden of stopping her on Cardinale alone.
If Senator Cardinale does not stop her, Donovan will use her appointment to screw up the justice syestem worse than it already has been.
You might remember that I have complained for years about her working for a judgship by serving the Democrats. Now, I am proven correct.
"Sometimes it looks as if the Democrats are out to win at all costs, while the Republicans are out to compromise at all costs." Thomas Sowell, September 8, 2007 - Random Thoughts.
Another bad politician
Kathleen Donovan should not be allowed anywhere near the bench. We have enough problems with judicial restraint and activism in this state. Whats next, Karen Brown for the next open seat on the state supreme court?
Break out the Republican Pepto Bismal
enough already ...send her and her pal Carbone packing
" ITS KELLY KIRK FOR COUNTY CLERK "
Is she qualified?
On a list of quality candidates for a judgeahip she would not be at the top. I am sure there are many more qualifies, more competent, and more intelligent woman lawyers who would take priority oin the list.