State Sen. Phil Haines (R-Springfield) finally got official word yesterday that Gov. Jon Corzine plans to nominate him as a superior court judge.
Corzine sent a notice of intent about Haines' nomination to the Secretary of the Senate yesterday, getting the ball rolling on a nomination that has been talked about since June.
Only now, Haines doesn't want it - at least not from Corzine.
In a letter he wrote today to Corzine and Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland), Haines politely declined the offer, holding that he did not want to be part of Corzine's controversial push through of over 180 lame duck appointees and nominees.
Wrote Haines:
"I am writing today to respectfully ask that you remove my name from consideration for a judgeship at this time. While I am humbled by this nomination to the bench and thank both of you for this high honor, I am concerned by the manner in which this and other last minute nominations and appointments are being handled in Trenton.
It has long been my strongly-held personal belief that the incoming governor should not be handcuffed with lame duck political appointments that are not his own. While it has always been and continues to be a lifelong dream of mine to become a judge, I cannot in good faith accept a nomination that conflicts with my beliefs."
Had Corzine nominated Haines before the election, it would have been uncontroversial and likely would have sailed through the senate confirmation vote. But Corzine's last minute appointments and nominations have angered Gov.-elect Chris Christie, and Republicans have threatened to hold them up when possible.
To hear Republicans tell it, Haines is sacrificing his "lifelong dream" on principle. But Democrats consider it political gamesmanship.
comments (0)
Paul Fishman is expected to take the oath of office as the new U.S. Attorney tomorrow morning. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Greenaway will administer the oath in a private ceremony attended by Fishman's family. A public ceremonial swearing in is likely to be held at a later date.
The 53-year-old Fishman was nominated by President Barack Obama earlier this year, and won U.S. Senate confirmation last week.