Bramnick Interested if Minority Leader Post Becomes Available

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) has confirmed speculation that he is interested in becoming the Assembly's minority leader if the post's current occupant, Alex DeCroce (R-Morris County) joins Gov.-Elect Chris Christie's cabinet.

Bramnick, who last week was elected to the Assembly Republicans' number two position of conference leader, said that should DeCroce be tapped by Christie for a cabinet post, he will look at making the race for the conference's top post. PolitickerNJ has reported that DeCroce is a potential contender for a slot in the governor-elect's cabinet. Published reports indicate that DeCroce was considered in 2001 for state transportation commissioner by former Gov. James McGreevey.

"If Alex were to leave, I would consider running for leader," Bramnick said. "As of now Alex has not been asked to join the administration, so the question is not on the table."

Bramnick is considered one of two likely candidates for minority leader according to published reports. Assemblyman Peter Biondi (R-Somerset County), the outgoing conference leader, is also considered a contender if DeCroce departs. Assemblywoman Allison Littell McHose (R-Sussex County) has been mentioned as a darkhorse candidate for the minority leader's post. DeCroce, who has lead Assembly Republicans since 2004, was reelected to a fourth term in his post last week.

If Bramnick were to become minority leader, it would concentrate the top Republican legislative positions in the hands of two legislators from the north side of Westfield. Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr., a resident of the Wychwood neighborhood, serves as his chamber's top Republican. Bramnick lives in the Gardens.

Bramnick forsees the issue of him and Kean living in the same town, and representing the same legislative district, as coming up in an election for minority leader, but he does not think it will hurt his candidacy.

"One thing that they think about Tom Kean and myself is we are independent," Bramnick said. "There is no political boss and we do what is in the best interest of our state. They know there is no conspiracy to help out our district. It goes to the character of the individuals running."

Bramnick and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Summit) are the only Republican legislators from Union County, with Kean being the only Republican senator. Other Republican legislators reside throughout the state. Kean has also declared his candidacy for the presidency of the Senate, hoping to use a Democratic split to form a coalition government.

Bramnick said he would base a minority leader's campaign on what he has done in the Assembly Republican leadership to date. He has served the past two years as the minority whip, the caucus' number three position, and will ascend the conference leader's post in January when the next Legislature convenes. He has also served as Republican policy committee chairman, holding a series of statewide public hearings on issues for the caucus. He is known for fundraising, raising a hefty warchest in a district where he faces minimal Democratic opposition.

Bramnick has also been noted as a rising star in state GOP circles, including considering a U.S. Senate candidacy for 2008. He was considered by Christie for lieutenant governor before Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno got the nod.

Bramnick believes this will help him should he decide to run for the minority leader's post, in the event that DeCroce moves up.

"No one perceives Tom Kean or Jon Bramnick as power hungary," he said. "They will view Jon Bramnick on what I've done in the caucus."