Dow
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - Approximately three weeks after a nomination from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a state Senate panel will reportedly consider confirming Jeff Chiesa as the next state attorney general on Thursday.
Chiesa would replace retired Attorney General Paula Dow. The Senate Judiciary Committee will first interview Chiesa. Dow's last day was Tuesday, NJ.com reports.
Dow has been nominated to the Superior Court in Essex County, but a political fight between Democratic senators from the county and Christie may delay her confirmation, the paper reports. Dow will take a temporary post in the counsel's office at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to aid in recommending financial reforms. According to Christie, the Port Authority has had a history of mismanaging its finances and Dow will be in a position to monitor an upcoming audit.
"Paula Dow has been one of my most trusted and effective cabinet members which is why she is needed to help keep the Port Authority accountable," Christie said, according to New Jersey Newsroom.
"It is clear that the Port Authority has struggled to meet its fiscal and transparency demands which is why Paula will bring much needed on the ground, day to day oversight to ensure past mistakes are not repeated."
Chiesa worked for Christie in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark from 2002-2009, last serving as the executive assistant U.S. attorney before becoming a partner at Wolff & Samson. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned a degree in business administration in accounting. He received his law degree from Catholic University of America.