Middlesex Assemblyman John Wisniewski to lead N.J. Democratic Party
January 28, 2010
Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski D-Middlesex, was elected chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at a committee meeting Wednesday night.
"I am grateful that members of the committee have expressed their confidence in me to lead New Jersey′s Democrats," said Wisniewski.
"This is a period of time in which we as a party need to focus on our grass roots, and addressing the way we communicate our message to voters," he said.
"I wish him luck in a very difficult job," said State Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex. "It is a difficult job under average circumstances."
The circumstances now, Vitale said, involve heading a party while a Republican is serving as governor at a time when the state is wrestling with difficult budget woes.
"As a party it′s important that we continue to identify ourselves, and work together for a resolution of important issues," Vitale said.
Wisniewski will begin his role as head of the party at the state level at a time when Democrats have been suffering defeats at the national level, losing gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, and the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts once held by Ted Kennedy.
Wisniewski interpreted those results as expressions of discontent. "What′s happening now is that folks are anxious, and concerned about a lot of different things. Votes for Barack Obama (in 2008) were votes for change. Votes for (Gov.) Chris Christie were votes for change," he said.
"Our challenge is to address (the voters) frustrations and concerns," said Wisniewski.
His task this November will be to assist Democratic candidates for Congress In November 2011 Wisniewski′s task will be to help Democrats maintain control of the state Senate and Assembly.
The possibility of Wisniewski becoming party chairman surfaced in October when Democratic members of the Assembly from Middlesex County formed a united front, supporting Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, D-Essex, as Assembly speaker.
Wisniewski, who had been mentioned as a possible speaker, withdrew his name from consideration when the county delegation announced its support of Oliver.
Wisniewski then emerged as a leading candidate for party chairman.
Wisniewski explained that the role of party chairman is to increase the party base, be a spokesman for issues important to the party and, he said, "attend a lot of chicken dinners."
