"Corzine Is Said to Have Picked a Replacement "

[dajoki]

NYT
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/08/politics/08senate.html?ex=1291698000&en=c14c7b1edcd88e9f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Corzine Is Said to Have Picked a Replacement


By DAVID W. CHEN
Published: December 8, 2005

TRENTON, Dec. 7 - Governor-elect Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey has selected Representative Robert Menendez as his replacement in the United States Senate, ending months of speculation and aggressive campaigning by several congressmen seeking the job, according to a close ally of the congressman and other Democrats.

Robert Menendez is said to be Jon S. Corzine's Senate replacement.
Mr. Menendez, a Cuban-American from Hudson County who is as familiar with the bruising nature of local politics as he is with the intricacies of public policy, would be New Jersey's first Latino senator and one of three Latinos in the Senate.

Representative Steven R. Rothman of Bergen County, an ally of the congressman who had advocated his appointment for nearly a year, said on Wednesday that Democrats with direct knowledge had told him that Mr. Corzine had chosen Mr. Menendez. He called the decision "the culmination of years of hard work on Bob's behalf and those who have supported him."

Two other knowledgeable Democrats, speaking on the condition of anonymity so as not to overshadow Mr. Corzine and Mr. Menendez, said on Wednesday that they had been told by Corzine aides that the selection of the seven-term congressman was complete, and that a formal announcement would come in the next day or two.

Top aides to Mr. Corzine and Mr. Menendez declined to comment.