The indictment of political kingmaker George Norcross earlier this week was described as an “atomic bomb” given he is “one of the most formidable and fearsome operators in state history," according to Politico.
In a 13-count indictment, NJ’s Attorney General Matt Platkin charged the Democrat power broker with racketeering.
“The Norcross enterprise manipulated government programs and processes designed to attract development and investment to instead suit their own financial desires,” Platkin said at a press conference. “Instead of contributing to the successes of the city of Camden, through a series of criminal acts alleged in the state’s case, the Norcross enterprise took the Camden waterfront all for themselves.”
Following the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez, the indictment is a continuation of what some have argued is the “wildest year ever in New Jersey politics.”
But Politico’s Matt Friedman noticed that based on the muted reactions from NJ politicians, it’s evident “the indictment has done nothing to weaken Norcross’ grip on so much of New Jersey politics, even if it’s waned from its peak during Chris Christie’s administration.”
Take a look:
“The charges, the allegations are very serious. They are deeply disturbing. Let there be no doubt about that. Period,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “Secondly, as I said about Senator Menendez, as disturbing as the allegations might be, this is America. Folks are innocent until proven guilty. And that's the way it should be. And thirdly I will likely have nothing else to say about this given it's an active law enforcement matter.”
Murphy suggested, however, that nothing would stop him from continuing to help raise money for Dems in the state, which would include for Norcross’ super PAC.
Several other Democrats have commented, including 7th Congressional candidate Sue Altman, long a Norcross foe. Andy Kim did, without naming Norcross. Steve Fulop has been aggressively bringing it up, seeking to draw out his likely 2025 gubernatorial rivals Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer. Sherrill later issued a pretty careful statement on the indictment. Gottheimer, by contrast, issued an attack on Fulop for "flip-Fuloping" and in his own statement said "we must always respect the rule of law and hold people accountable" without mentioning Norcross by name. Sen. Cory Booker told POLITICO that “anytime you see public figures getting indicted it's a sad time for our state,” saying he hadn’t read the indictment yet and “this is something that should be concerning.” Not exactly scathing. […]
The lack of comment from prominent figures on the right over the indictment of one of the most powerful Democrats in the state shows that Norcross’ influence and reputation extend beyond the Democratic Party. State Sen. Vince Polistina, who’s been in a public spat with Norcross, was an exception when a caller asked him about it during a radio interview on WOND Wednesday. “They’re alleging that he weaponized government to facilitate private negotiations he was in for himself and his company,” Polistina said. “Everybody is innocent until proven guilty, but if they have tapes of all this stuff and he was trying to utilize the Camden city government to put pressure on developers to facilitate his private negotiations, that is not allowed, that is illegal, that is criminal and he’s going to suffer the consequences.” (Politico New Jersey Playbook)
Democrat Sue Altman, who's running to represent NJ's 7th Congressional District, explained the silence.
“When people have come up through a certain system, it becomes very difficult to criticize that system,”she told Politico. “You see it with Republicans. We see it with Democrats."
Patricia Campos-Medina, who unsuccessfully ran for Menendez’s seat, compared New Jersey politics to the "Game of Thrones."
“Norcross was the Night King of New Jersey politics, like in ‘Game of Thrones,’” Campos-Medina told the outlet. “You had to go to Norcross if you wanted to be in a statewide office. So he had a lot to say about elected officials."
She added: “Everyone is quiet because they don’t know how deep the tentacles are going to go on this one.”