Anibal Ramos

NEWARK – Among Newark elected officials, the election of Barack Obama last week sparked hope for healthcare reform, more federal aid, a re-invigorated sense of American leadership - and a special place on the president’s to-do list for the Brick City.

Inevitably, the Democratic victory also opened up questions about the future of Mayor Cory Booker, a supporter of Obama’s from the beginning of his campaign, who now serves on the president-elect’s transition team as it relates specifically to urban affairs.

As mayor of one of New Jersey’s biggest and one of America’s oldest cities with a battered infrastructure, Booker will join over 20 other New Jersey mayors in New Brunswick on Wednesday for a conference to redefine urban needs for the new administration.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson in Newark: Obama campaign photo

The Obama campaign organized two big events over the weekend, including a Friday fundraising party in Middletown with the Democratic presidential candidate, that netted his campaign $4.1 million in one night, according to party fundraiser Al DeCotiis.

"The tremendous enthusiasm and support of Jon Corzine helped make this the most successful fundraising event ever," said DeCotiis, who along with fellow former Clinton fundraisers Bill Harla, Michael Kempner, and John Graham, organized the Obama event with the governor.

New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi sponsored the bash at his home.

A day later, Gov. Bill Richardson stumped for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) at the Flamboyan Manor in Newark's North Ward, making the Democratic Party’s case for an end to the Iraq War.

Councilman Anibal Ramos: Politicker photo 

DENVER- Looking ahead to a rally with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson when he returns to Newark’s North Ward after the convention, Councilman Anibal Ramos said he is prepared to do everything he can to help Democrats deliver a plurality of votes for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Il.).

The mostly Puerto Rican ward went for Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) over Obama in the Democratic Primary, but Ramos said the Democrats’ message of economic justice and Obama’s own story of prevailing over tough odds would help drive voters.

It won’t hurt, of course, that Newark’s best-oiled machine, the North Ward Democratic Organization, is behind Obama.

Barrett and Kerry synchronize their BlackBerrys.: Politicker photo  

DENVER - Essex County operative Tom Barrett didn’t really have a horse in the race at this point. But Essex County Freeholder Linda Lordi Cavanaugh and party diehard Erica Vargas-Garrison did.

This would be Sen. Hillary Clinton’s (D-NY) "Don’t Cry for me Argentina" moment, and consummate party insider Barrett wanted to make sure his old party gal pals got there for the coming Clinton catharsis.

He settled up with the waiter at the Palms and high-stepped it for Lawrence Avenue where Cavanaugh and Vargas-Garrison were already hobbling double-time on high heels on their way out to hail a cab.

"Come on, Tom, we’re late," cried Lordi Cavanaugh.

As the women piled in, Barrett caught sight of Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) emerging from one, and soft-shoeing after a high-class-looking brunette.

NEWARK - Former Councilwoman Dana Rone stood in the rotunda of City Hall today with her colleagues and in front of cheering supporters, thrilled by the actions of the Newark City Council.

"I'm grateful for the support of my colleagues," said Rone in a brief statement.

How far the council would go to support her was not clear on Tuesday.

The lower courts have made their appeal, said West Ward Councilman Ronald Rice, but the Council intends to support the former Councilwoman Rone as she continues to pursue the appeals process in the state Supreme Court.

Flanked by Rone, and fellow council people, who this morning in council chambers helped Rice pass a resolution in favor of standing beside the former Central Ward councilwoman, Rice said the penalty in Rone's case is too severe.

She's called a special meeting, but will Council President Mildred Crump and the council take substantive action tomorrow?: Politicker photo 

NEWARK - They could end up coming out of their offices tomorrow and standing unified behind their fallen colleague with a statement of support, but a prospective City Council vote on whether or not to replace embattled former Councilwoman Dana Rone summons an inevitable question.

Who would vote to replace Rone, and who would replace her?

The fact that Council President Mildred Crump called a special meeting tomorrow at a time when East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador is on vacation may indicate that Mayor Cory Booker - an ally of Crump’s - wants the council to move on the vote as quickly as possible.

Some Newark sources say Crump - not Booker - has more of a stake in would-be replacement Nikea White; and that is was Crump acting alone, not the mayor, who pushed for tomorrow’s vote.

NEWARK - Although its members can choose to leave the seat Newark Mayor Cory Booker: Politicker file photovacant, the City Council has the statutory power to appoint an interim replacement for Central Ward Councilwoman Dana Rone.

At the moment there are no obvious candidates to replace her.

The street buzz all week in Newark was that Essex County Prosecutor Paula Dow would back off from her recommendation that the book be thrown at Rone, who was convicted of obstructing justice and under the law had to renounce her council seat.

Dow did back off, issuing a letter to Essex County Judge Patricia Costello to waive forfeiture in Rone’s case.

North Ward Democratic leader Steve Adubato: Politicker file photoBut Costello didn’t see leniency as an option here, and barred Rone from serving on the council - and from serving elected office, period.

If Rone’s abrupt exit leaves the field of individuals open - and sources say former Central Ward Councilman Charles Bell may be interested in running for the vacant seat - there are two obvious machines with a stake in Newark’s second largest ward.