New Jersey Democrats Meet in Atlantic City with Eye to November

"Don't take anything for granted."

That was a recurring theme voiced by hundreds of party loyalists attending the New Jersey Democratic State Committee Conference in Atlantic City.

After eight years under the Republican leadership of Gov. Chris Christie — and Donald Trump's unexpected victory — New Jersey Democrats turned their attention towards a strategy for winning the state elections in November. They discussed the importance of targeting issues that impact women, developing ways to expand voting rights, and promoting a social justice agenda.

Phil Murphy — a former Goldman Sachs executive and ambassador to Germany under the Obama administration — was the star of the convention. He is running with Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver. Polls show Murphy ahead of Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, but he told fellow Democrats he is not taking the numbers for granted.

Meanwhile, there appeared to be serious movement to remove Assemblyman Vincent Prieto as Speaker of the Democratic Assembly. Party members said Assemblyman Craig Coughlin had secured enough support to replace Prieto. But the outcome of that contest won't be known until after the November election. Prieto's fate rests on who is elected, and whether they choose to support him.