Christie's Senate Choice Gets High Marks All Around

What They Are Saying About Jeff Chiesa:

“Admirable Choice,” “Extremely Well-Qualified,” “Proven Leader,” A Long History Of Protecting The People Of New Jersey”

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The Star-Ledger: “Chiesa is a good choice. As attorney general, he showed a welcome eagerness to prosecute public corruption cases, most notably indicting Birdsall Services Group for making illegal political contributions. The State Police, which fall under his supervision, remain a challenge, but Chiesa has made progress in bringing greater diversity to the ranks.” (Editorial, “Jeff Chiesa a good choice for U.S. Senate,” The Star-Ledger, 6/7/13)

The Bergen Record: “…Chiesa is a smart choice. He represents the kind of Republican who could win in a blue state — at least on paper. He has not held elected office, and there is no way of knowing how well he will fare inside the Senate chamber … The governor should be commended for selecting a qualified candidate who will be removed from the political circus that will begin in earnest next week as Democrats and Republicans announce their intentions for the vacant Senate seat. We wish our interim senator, Jeffrey Chiesa, well.” (Editorial, “Senator Chiesa,” The Record, 6/7/13)

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th Dist.): “Jeff Chiesa has a long history of protecting the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and as attorney general, making him an admirable choice to serve in the U.S. Senate until the special election…” (Jenna Portnoy, “Christie turns to N.J. attorney general Jeffrey Chiesa to fill Lautenberg's seat,” The Star-Ledger, 6/7/13)

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.): “I applaud Governor Christie’s selection of Attorney General Chiesa to serve in the United States Senate. Mr. Chiesa is a fine public servant who will proudly represent New Jersey. Mr. Chiesa is extremely well-qualified, a good friend and I look forward to working with him in Congress on the issues important to New Jersey and our Nation.” (“Lance Statement Regarding Attorney General Jeff Chiesa’s Appointment to the United States Senate,” Press Release, 6/6/13)

Executive Director of the Newark-based National Institute for Islamic Civic Engagement Amin Nathari: “He [Chiesa] seemed to function with total honesty and transparency, and those are qualities we certainly expect from our public officials, but it doesn’t always happen…” (Christopher Baxter, “Jeffrey Chiesa, N.J. attorney general, heads to U.S. Senate after busy 18 months,” The Star-Ledger, 6/7/13)

Professor of Political Science at Montclair State University Brigid Harrison: “‘Smart and safe pick’ for Christie.” (David Levinsky, “Christie picks state attorney general to serve in Lautenberg's seat,” Burlington County Times, 6/6/13)

State Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union, Morris): “As state Attorney General, Chiesa has served admirably and honorably to protect children and stop public corruption. He is the right man for the job and will be a dignified voice in Washington to serve the people of New Jersey.” (“Kean Lauds Christie’s U.S. Senate Pick, Chiesa,” Press Release, 6/6/13)

State Senate Republican Whip Kevin O’Toole (R-Bergen): “Mr. Chiesa is a venerable public servant, devoted to protecting people from corruption and violence…He is a smart, deliberative individual who will represent this state in Washington with honor and distinction.” (“O’Toole Praises Christie’s ‘Outstanding’ U.S. Senate Pick,” Press Release, 6/6/13)

Assemblyman Jack M. Ciattarelli (R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex): “Governor Christie made an excellent choice for the people of New Jersey. Jeff Chiesa has distinguished himself in the U.S. Attorney’s office and as Attorney General.” (“Ciattarelli & Simon Statement On The Next United States Senator From Branchburg,” Press Relase, 6/6/13)

Assemblywoman Donna Simon (R-Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer and Middlesex): “I commend Governor Christie for choosing Jeff Chiesa to serve as New Jersey's next United States Senator. In his tenure as Attorney General, Jeff has successfully taken on child pornography, human trafficking, gangs and public corruption. Like Governor Christie, Jeff makes decisions on the merits, not on politics.” (“Ciattarelli & Simon Statement On The Next United States Senator From Branchburg,” Press Relase, 6/6/13)

Assembly Republican Whip Scott Rumana (R-Passaic, Bergen, Essex and Morris): “Jeff Chiesa is a man of tremendous integrity who will serve the people well as New Jersey’s Senator in Washington. His outstanding record of public service, coupled with his extensive private practice experience, makes him an excellent choice to represent the Garden State on a federal level.” (“Rumana: Chiesa an Excellent Choice,” Press Release, 6/6/13)

Assembly Republican Conference Leader Dave Rible (R-Monmouth and Ocean): “Attorney General Chiesa’s extensive background and experience makes him fully capable of carrying out the responsibilities of a United States Senator. Jeff is a proven leader and problem solver who has fought for the people of New Jersey for more than a decade.” (“Rible Lauds Appointment of Chiesa to Fill U.S. Senate Seat,” Press Release, 6/6/13)

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick (R- Union, Morris): “Attorney General Chiesa is a sincere, compassionate and kind human being. I am confident that he will continue to be a dedicated advocate and articulate voice for all New Jerseyans.” (“Bramnick Statement on Naming of AG Jeff Chiesa to Fill U.S. Senate Seat,” Press Release, 6/6/13)

Dughi, Hewit & Domalewski Founding Partner John Dughi Jr.: “…. ‘If anybody can work both sides of the aisle, it's Jeff Chiesa … He's a practical guy. He's a smart guy and he knows how to make friends … He's his own man, and that's that…’” (Jared Kaltwasser, “Chiesa's first boss at law firm fondly recalls Senate appointee, says he 'can work both sides of the aisle,'” NJBIZ, 6/6/13)