Christie nominated Cerf more than a year ago, but state Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex) invoked the unwritten rule of senatorial courtesy, which allows lawmakers to block appointments from their home districts. Cerf has owned a home in Rice’s district since...

It was defeated 20-14 in the Senate with three abstaining, including Sweeney, who later said he made a mistake in not voting. It needed 21 votes for approval. Two Republican senators, Diane Allen of Burlington and Jennifer Beck of Red Bank, voted for...

Cardinale noted that incest negatively affects society, a comment that drew groans and snickers from the gay marriage advocates. The Senate would need three more votes to override a veto. Two Democrats voted against the bill: Sen. Ronald Rice of Essex...

In a surprise move today, the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a scheduled Thursday confirmation hearing for Cerf, who was nominated by Christie in December of 2010 to become the state’s Education Commissioner. Cerf has retained the...

It needed 21 votes for approval. Two Republican lawmakers, Diane Allen and Jennifer Beck, voted for the bill today, while two Democratic senators, Ronald Rice and Jeff Van Drew, voted against it. “I respect the opinions and views of all my colleagues,...

Senate voted 24-16 Monday afternoon to legalize gay marriage, a measure Gov. Chris Christie has vowed to veto. The (Newark) Star-Ledger said the state Assembly is expected to take up the bill Thursday. Two Republicans -- Sen. Jennifer Beck of Monmouth...