Chiesa Immigration Courtship Occupies New Jersey Senator
This article is for subscribers only.
Jeff Chiesa had been a U.S. senator for little more than 24 hours when he strode into the chamber to cast his first vote on an immigration bill that ranks as President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority.
Standing in an aisle among his new colleagues, the senator appointed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie got a parade of handshakes, plus some unsolicited counsel, from colleagues on both sides of the contested bill. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a leading proponent, leaned in for a chat, quickly followed by Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the bill’s top foe, offering his advice.