Election night was a big night for incumbents and an even bigger night for Democrats, who picked up a handful of key seats in the assembly. It’s three, possible four, seats but enough to shift the balance of power in Trenton. To look at what it means for a state hobbled by high property taxes, crumbling roads and heavy debt, and even what it means for the Governor’s presidential bid and those vying to replace him anchors Mary Alice Williams and Michael Hill, are joined by Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto and Assembly Republican leader Jon Bramnick.
The Assemblymen discussed the spending from outside groups in the election, particularly in hotly contested districts 1, 2 and 11. Ultimately, the Republicans, who in places were drastically outspent by Democrats, said money had a hand in determining the election through the purchasing of negative ads.
“I don’t have a problem with outside money, but I need the people in the media to point out why the money is there,” said Bramnick.
However, District 2 Republican incumbent Chris Brown held on to his seat despite what he said was $4 million in negative ads against him. “My dog was growing against me after some of the campaign ads they were running and the things they were saying,” Brown said. “People saw through it and they took that belief in me and they cast their vote for me, and it truly is humbling.”
“He won, so what was the problem in 11?” Priteo asked. “It depends who your candidates are, and our candidates were candidates that knocked on doors that for years said people haven’t been there.”
Bramnick congratulated the Democrats saying, “We need to make serious reforms. The question is will the Democratic leadership accept the kind of reforms that we need with changing the school funding formula and saving the pensions by making certain changes.
They discussed key issues in New Jersey such as property taxes, the gas tax, the Transportation Trust Fund, jobs and education.
“I’m always willing to compromise,” Prieto said. “You need to negotiate to get things done.” He says while they have the majority in the Assermbly, he”doesn’t want to pass a bill that’s not going to go anywhere, so of course I want to work with them” speaking of the executive branch headed by Republicans.
Despite arguing over hotly contested districts, Bramnick summarized saying, “We have different opinions on certain issues, but that has nothing to do with our goal as two elected officials to work together.”
Watch the full interview above for more insights on the election.