U.S. Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J., is talking with Goldman Sachs about
going to work for the firm and, who knows, maybe in January he'll
report to 85 Broad Street -- assuming he doesn't change his mind and
run for governor in 2009.
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Congressional trade publication
Roll Call reports
that Andrews late last week informed the House ethics committee that he
is negotiating with Goldman and has recused himself from policy issues
that could pose a conflict of interest. One thing Andrews' job search
does make clear is that he's leaving
Capitol Hill despite uncertainty among Garden State Democrats about who
should take his place on the ballot in November.
The
South Jersey lawmaker surprised Democratic leaders by challenging Sen.
Frank Lautenberg in the primaries, a race Andrews subsequently lost by
a wide margin in June. Complicating matters, Andrews' wife Camille ran
for his congressional seat, but only as a placeholder to give party
honchos time to pick an experienced politician to succeed her husband.
Camille ended up winning big,
leading to calls that she run in November.
Although
Andrews has said he would not return to Congress if he lost to
Lautenberg, there was hope among Jersey Democrats that he'd change his
mind.
Even if he doesn't return to the Capitol, there is no guarantee
that Andrews will join Goldman Sachs next year, as much could
change between now and January. Should Democratic presidential
candidate Sen. Barack Obama win the election, there is
chatter in the Garden State
that Governor Jon Corzine, who happens to be a Goldman alum,
could be tapped for a cabinet position. If so, Andrews may seek
residence at Drumthwacket. -
Bill McConnell
See story from Roll Call (subscription required)
See story from The Newark Star-Ledger
See related story about Corzine from The Star-Ledger
See editorial about Camille Andrews from the Philadelphia Inquirer
