Source: Politics<\/p>\n
Senate President Steve Sweeney said on Tuesday that he is considering starting a think tank, offering a peek into his plans after he leaves office in January.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to be working on a lot of policy things, I\u2019m not going away, I still know a lot of smart people, I think I can continue to be a voice to try to move the state forward,\u201d he told reporters after an event in Woodbridge hosted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.<\/p>\n
When asked what form that could take, Sweeney said: \u201cI\u2019m talking to some people about a public policy think tank.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can be right where I want to be, which is in the middle, and find solutions which will benefit the state,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Context: Sweeney, New Jersey\u2019s most powerful lawmaker, lost in a stunning upset this month to Edward Durr, a little-known Republican who spent hardly any money on his campaign. The unexpected loss by Sweeney, a moderate Democrat from Gloucester County whose firm grip on his caucus allowed him to remain as leader of the upper house for a record 12 years, is one of the most seismic political events to hit Trenton in decades.<\/p>\n
Swipe at progressives: Sweeney took a shot at progressive Democrats who celebrated his defeat, saying that he\u2019s championed issues ranging from offshore wind to paid family leave.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s kind of bizarre to cheer a Trump candidate, regardless of what they say about me,\u201d he said. \u201cLook at the body of work that I’ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sweeney hasn\u2019t ruled out another run for state Senate, and he reiterated that on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don’t know if I’m running again, I could run for Senate again, who knows,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n