Andrew Seidman covers politics in the Philadelphia region, focusing on power brokers. Previously, he covered New Jersey state government and politics.

Latest Stories
Gov. Murphy decries ‘rigged system’, says he’d veto legislation extending controversial tax programs

Gov. Murphy decries ‘rigged system’, says he’d veto legislation extending controversial tax programs

2:28 PM
“We are not just dealing with a broken system; this is a rigged system,” Murphy, a Democrat, said at a Trenton news conference. “This was designed by special interests to benefit special interests.”
N.J. task force: Norcross-linked firms benefited from behind-the-scenes lobbying

Norcross-linked firms benefited from behind-the-scenes lobbying on tax breaks, N.J. task force reports

June 17
A task force investigating New Jersey's multibillion-dollar tax-credit programs released a report Monday that said two powerful brothers – lawyer Philip Norcross and power broker George E. Norcross III – enjoyed outsize influence over the tax legislation and its financial benefits.
N.J. judge rejects George Norcross bid to stop Gov. Phil Murphy’s investigation into tax incentives

N.J. judge rejects George Norcross bid to stop Gov. Phil Murphy’s investigation into tax incentives

June 17
Norcross is asking Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson to halt an inquiry by a Murphy-appointed task force, which for months has been examining the state Economic Development Authority's administration of multibillion-dollar incentive programs.
South Jersey firm disputes labor union allegation that it lied on application for $79 million tax break

South Jersey firm disputes labor union allegation that it lied on application for $79 million tax break

June 14
“We have fully complied with all of the requirements” of the application process for Grow New Jersey tax credits, NFI spokesperson T.J. Lynch said.
South Jersey trucking firm omitted criminal violation in application for $79 million tax break, labor union says

South Jersey trucking firm omitted criminal violation in application for $79 million tax break, labor union says

June 13
A spokesperson said the company was in the process of investigating the allegations: “While we are confident in the veracity of our application, we take all accusations seriously."
N.J. task force will delay hearing following George Norcross’ request for injunction

N.J. task force will delay hearing following George Norcross’ request for injunction

June 7
The New Jersey task force investigating the state’s tax incentives programs said Friday it has complied with a judge’s request to postpone its proceedings until the court can review a legal challenge brought by South Jersey Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III.
George Norcross asks judge to block hearing on probe into N.J. tax incentives

George Norcross asks judge to block hearing on probe into N.J. tax incentives

June 6
South Jersey power broker George E. Norcross III asked a judge on Thursday to stop a task force appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy from holding a public hearing next week on New Jersey’s tax incentive programs, saying his reputation would be “wrongfully damaged.”
Two shot on subway train near City Hall, police say

Two shot on subway train near City Hall, police say

June 5
Two people were shot near the SEPTA City Hall station Wednesday night, a spokesman for the transit agency said.
EDA received grand jury subpoena amid New Jersey tax-credit probe, source confirms

Grand jury investigating New Jersey’s controversial tax-break programs

June 2
A state grand jury is investigating New Jersey’s tax-break programs for businesses.
If you thought Mayor Jim Kenney was disengaged in the primary ... | Clout
Philly Clout

If you thought Mayor Jim Kenney was disengaged in the primary ... | Clout

May 31
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney drew criticism for a low-key approach to the 2018 Democratic primary election. He appears ready to expend even less effort on his bid for a second term in the Nov. 5 general election.