Editor Wally Edge's real identity is ...
A screen grab of PolitickerNJ.com.
The mystery is over. Wally Edge can now be unmasked.
The influential and anonymous editor of PolitickerNJ confirmed by e-mail this week that he is hanging it up. But before he does, The Star-Ledger can report that Wally Edge is actually former Livingston Mayor David Wildstein, according to four sources with direct knowledge of his identity.
Wally Edge, who took his pen name from former New Jersey Gov. Walter Edge, has started a new job — using his true identity, of course. He is now an executive at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. His new post pays $215,000 a year.
Wildstein was hired by former Sen. Bill Baroni, now the No. 2 executive at the agency. The hire was approved by Gov. Chris Christie's office.
The announcement of Wally Edge's retirement is planned for Monday morning at PolitickerNJ.com. Late Thursday, he wrote to The Star-Ledger: "After more than ten years covering New Jersey politics, it's time for me to retire. Founding PolitickerNJ.com has been a tremendous journey, spanning six governors and seven statewide elections. New Jersey has an amazing political history, many talented (political) operatives, and a huge number of very good people."
Wildstein did not respond to calls or e-mails seeking comment. His new job was confirmed by Port Authority spokesman Steve Sigmund, though Sigmund declined to comment on any connection between Wildstein and Edge.
Edge said he will be replaced by former Trenton Times reporter Darryl Isherwood, who will not be anonymous.
Wildstein has known Christie since they both lived in Livingston three decades ago. Baroni brought him on after leaving the state Senate for the agency.
Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak declined to discuss Edge's retirement or identity. He stressed that Wildstein was hired by the Port Authority directly.
"We assume that his qualifications are a given," Drewniak said.