This Non-Elected Ivy Leaguer Will Shape NJ's Future

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You're looking at the man who today will play a huge role in determining New Jersey's future.
Do you recognize him? . . . . . No?
If you don't remember him running for office or asking for your vote, it's because he never did.
Well, maybe if I tell you his name, it will help.
He's Dr. Alan Rosenthal.
No, he's not your local family practitioner. In fact, he's not even a medical doctor. His degree is in public policy or somesuch.
A graduate of Harvard and Princeton, he's a professor of public policy at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at the Edward J. Bloustein School of  Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University (whew!).  His research and teaching interests are state legislatures and state politics.
According to public records available at DataUniverse, he rakes in more than $160,000 a year as a full professor at Rutgers.
And he now holds the tie-breaking vote on the11-member commission that will determine the makeup of New Jersey's legislative districts in the aftermath of the 2010 census. The commission is made up of five Democrats and five Republicans, plus Rosenthal, who was appointed by New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner. And, wouldn't you know -- Rabner is himself a graduate of  Harvard and Princeton. And Rabner was appointed to his post by liberal Democrat Governor Jon Corzine who was thrown out of office by New Jersey voters in November '09.  

Dr. Rosenthal has been holed up with the politico members of the redistricting commission at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick which bills itself as "a sophisticated, central gathering place for successful meetings as well as leisurely getaways." The hotel says it is "designed to offer the discerning guest, attentive service, and an environment conducive to both focused meetings and memorable celebrations."Part of the chic Benchmark Hotel chain, The Heldrich says it follows a "formula that creates the signature of unparalleled excellence in quality and service." Hmmm . . . .

So, very shortly we will know how the commission (with Rosenthal holding the all-important, tie-breaking vote) decides to slice and dice New Jersey's legislative districts.

Will the new legislative map favor the Democrats or the Republicans?

Don't hold your breath on this.

Because just yesterday, Rosenthal sided with the Democrat redistricting plan. And now it looks like any final vote will be a mere formality.

You're not surprised, are you?