The New Jersey Senate Democratic Caucus as ousted long-time Senate President and former Governor Richard Codey and handed the top leadership post to Senator Steve Sweeney.

• Position: People & Politics - Brief article

The New Jersey Senate Democratic Caucus as ousted long-time Senate President and former Governor Richard Codey and handed the top leadership post to Senator Steve Sweeney. The sometimes contentious contest pitted two of the Senate's most powerful men. Codey had been Senate president since 2004, and, because of a quirk in the New Jersey constitution, governor from November 2004 to January 2006. Sweeney had been Senate majority leader since 2008. Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts retired in the summer, which set in motion leadership races in both houses. New Jersey has a tradition of splitting leadership posts along geographic lines. Roberts and Sweeney are from south Jersey, Codey from the north. As Sweeney's challenge gained support, politicos looked to find a...