2011 Power List and Year in Review - PolitickerNJ.com

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Power list 2011
2
David
Samson
Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
As chairman of the Port Authority, Samson wields tremendous power and has the ears of governors in two states.
The multi-billion dollar bi-state behemoth has taken its share of dings in the past few months, but through it
all Samson has stayed out of the fray, in the process shepherding through an unpopular toll hike that will mean
billions in additional revenue to the agency. The former attorney general also helms one of the state’s top law
firms and acted as a confidante and advisor to the governor even before he took on his role at the Port Authority.
3
George Norcross
South Jersey Democratic Leader
In November elections, the state’s most powerful Democratic boss maintained control over his South Jersey
legislative empire and picked up a seat in the assembly. Not only will his close ally, state Senate President Steve
Sweeney (D-3), remain in power for another two-year term, but Norcross cut a deal with state Sen. Nick Sacco
(D-32) that increases South Jersey’s power in the Assembly, ushering in South Jersey Assemblyman Lou
Greenwald as majority leader of the lower house. Norcross remains one head in the state’s three-headed hydra of
power, alongside Gov. Chris Christie and number 10.
4
Kevin O’Dowd
Chief of Staff-Designate
5
Mary
6
Bill
7
Mike
In an 11th hour 2011 shake-up, Gov. Chris Christie promoted this loyal consigliere to chief of staff, which
caused a huge shakeup at Power List central. O’Dowd, who in the span of a week rose from deputy counsel to
chief counsel to chief of staff, has huge shoes to fill as he takes over the role vacated by Rich Bagger, who some
called the “glue” holding the administration together.
Pat Christie
Governor’s wife
Much was made over the first lady’s hesitance to see her husband run for president, a story-line Gov. Chris
Christie dismissed, telling reporters she had given him the green light. Still the governor made clear that it was
his wife’s counsel he sought in the end before finally shutting the door on a potential presidential bid.
Palatucci
SVP/General Counsel for Public Affairs, Community Education Centers, Inc.
This advisor and former law partner of the governor graced our pages in the premier spot last year, by virtue of
his relationship with Gov. Chris Christie and his national GOP connections. While his credit side of the ledger
remains the same, Palatucci, who was the governor’s man on the redistricting committee, drops five spots by
virtue of the vote cast by number 1.
DuHaime
Political Strategist
When the Chris Christie for president boomlet was in full gear, this political advisor, who engineered the
governor’s ascension to the statehouse, was the man all eyes turned to. If President Obama wins a second term,
Christie will automatically become the front-runner for a 2016 run and DuHaime will be the man in charge of
getting him to the White House.
8
Todd Christie
Brother of the Governor
When the aforementioned Christie for President buzz was spinning out of control, the governor’s younger
brother was the man in charge of slowing it down. When the Star Ledger reported that Todd was throwing
cold water on his brother’s presidential aspirations, the sound of reporters slamming on the breaks was audible
throughout the country. Todd remains an advisor to his brother and has the deep pockets to remain a player in
his own right should Christie decide that’s where he’s headed.
9
Jeff
Chiesa
Attorney General-Designate
One of the many among Christie’s inner circle who followed him from the U.S. Attorney’s office, Chiesa’s voice
is heard when all major decisions are made. Chiesa was a go-to advisor as chief counsel and will remain a
player when he moves to attorney general.
6 PolitickerNJ