Garden State Times

New Jersey's Senate Republican Leader, Anthony M. Bucco, has raised concerns regarding the actions of Attorney General Matt Platkin. Bucco questioned Platkin's recent letter to U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quarashi, suggesting that the Attorney General may be pursuing his own political agenda rather than upholding the duties of his office.

In the letter addressed to Judge Quarashi, Attorney General Platkin unilaterally deemed the use of "the county line" on New Jersey ballots as unconstitutional and expressed his decision to abstain from defending the state statutes related to this practice.

Bucco emphasized that the primary responsibilities of the Attorney General revolve around ensuring public safety and enforcing the laws of the state. He stated, "The Attorney General’s role is to enforce and defend the law, not to make or repeal it. That is clearly the responsibility of the legislature."

The issue at hand pertains to the defense of the constitutionality of state statutes, which Bucco believes should not be swayed by personal opinions or political motives. The Senate Republican Leader highlighted the importance of upholding the law impartially and leaving legislative decisions to the appropriate governing bodies.

The debate surrounding "the county line" practice on New Jersey ballots continues, with Bucco advocating for a distinction between the duties of law enforcement officials and the responsibilities of lawmakers in shaping and amending statutes.