Conservative Principles Now

Her early critics quietly grumble that she's a political neophyte - the preferred Essex County term of art for someone who rises too quickly in politics. But Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver (D-East Orange), a veteran of East Orange local politics, said she is more than ready to assume the lead role in the lower house come Nov. 23rd, when both the Assemby and the senate are scheduled to vote on leadership.  Her rapid ascent coincides with the fast dimming political career of lame duck Gov. Jon Corzine. "He genuinely wanted to effectuate glaring social issues of interest to a broad cross section to advocay groups, but did not understand the complexity of navigating the shark and barracuda filled waters of New Jersey politics," said Oliver when asked to reflect on Corzine's legacy.   Poised with a sufficient number of caucus votes to become the Assembly's first African American woman speaker as succesor to Speaker Joe Roberts (D-Camden), Oliver said she received a phone call yesterday from Gov.-elect Chris Christie but was unavailable. She said she intends to return his call today.

Tags: African American Woman, Barracuda, Caucus, Christie, Cross Section, East Orange, Essex County, Gov Jon Corzine, Jersey Politics, Joe Roberts, Jon Corzine, Lame Duck, Lead Role, Marriage Equality, New Jersey Politics, Political Career, Rapid Ascent, Sheila Oliver, Social Issues, Succesor, Woman Speaker