Beck To Co-Sponsor Gay Marriage Bill
Monmouth County Senator asserting her independence from Christie’s party discipline
Senator Jennifer Beck, R-11, is set to co-sponsor a new gay marriage bill, according to the Star Ledger’s Auditor.
Beck, who was elected in her new 11th legislative district by a comfortable 13% margin earlier this month, made gay marriage an issue in the 11th district race when she told Jane Roh of the Courier Post that she would reverse her earlier party line vote against gay marriage and when she told Garden State Equality that she would vote to override Governor Christie’s anticipated veto of such a bill.
Beck, who was on the short list to be Christie’s Lt. Governor during the 2009 gubernatorial campaign, has also bucked the Governor’s legendary party discipline over Republicans in the legislature with her support of spending on womens’ healthcare.
In a fluff piece about Senate President Stephen Sweeney published in today’s Asbury Park Press, Beck had nice things to say about Christie’s potential 2013 rival:
Some are immune to what state Sen. Jennifer Beck, R-Monmouth, calls Sweeney’s “charisma.” Beck, though on the other side of the political aisle, is not one of his detractors.
“I trust him,” Beck says. “When he gives his word on an issue, you can rely on that. It’s easy for the Senate president to be dismissive. Steve is not.”
Christie’s success compromising with Democrats during his first two years in office was due in large measure to the fact that he didn’t have to compromise with compliant Republicans. Beck’s independence is worth watching. If other Republican legislators believe it is safe for them to stray from the Christie corral, the Governor may have a tougher time advancing his agenda in 2012 and 2013.
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O’Scanlon Reiterates His Support Of Gay Marriage
JUST TOW THE LINE OR DON’T
State senators get lesson in school overcrowding, underfunding in Freehold Borough
LaRossa and Gallagher:The Real Jersey Guys- Casagrande’s Cowardice
Jennifer Beck and same sex marriage
I knew there was a reason why I with held my Senate vote for her. I sincerely hope there is strong challenge to her next time around.
Looks like you were the only one.
Beck destroyed in the general while Casagrande and Angelini limped in behind her. The one thing Beck doesn’t do well is follow orders. Perhaps that’s why she’s gotten where she is…
Don’t worry your little heart HaHa. The Joke is on you.
I know plenty who refused to vote for both Beck and Angelini. Equally so, many held their noses voting for those two.
You will come to find that Beck is nothing more than a showboat, and will never be able to fill Sean Kean’s shoes in the area she picked up.
She’s gotten where she is because she says one thing to the electorate and then does another. That will catch up to her.
I’m sure she will not be on any Christie list in the future.
The one good thing about the last election is that her cycle is only two years.
Was there a change? Senators are elected for 4 years, I believe only the Assembly is up in a gubernatorial election.
Barry,
NJ Senators terms are 4-4-2. Two four year terms followed by a 2 year term. The election for the two year term occurs after the census/redistricting.
Not a recent change. Its been this way since 1968.
Fail!
I am a very active county committee member in numerous people have relayed to me a very simple and clear message, here’s a quote from someone relaying their concerns about Sen. Beck to me:
“Hey, tell Jennifer Beck to run as a Democrat next time since that is her true affiliation.”
Beck was a known quantity going in to the election. The best way to solve these kinds of problems is to circulate fresh candidates in at every election, not to re-elect the “same old same old”. The challenge in NJ is to get good candidates to challenge incumbents in primary elections.