SOMERSET COUNTY — The Somerville attorney nominated to become the next Somerset County Prosecutor cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today with a unanimous vote. Geoffrey Soriano’s name now goes to the full Senate for a final vote and confirmation, and Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset) said he doubts there would be any problems. Soriano had the backing of all...
View from above the Senate Chamber dais in this January 2010 file photo.SOMERSET COUNTY — The Somerville attorney nominated to become the next Somerset County Prosecutor cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today with a unanimous vote.
Geoffrey Soriano’s name now goes to the full Senate for a final vote and confirmation, and Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset) said he doubts there would be any problems. Soriano had the backing of all the senators who represent parts of Somerset County.
“He’s an extremely capable individual,” Bateman said of the man who will likely be Wayne Forrest’s successor. Forrest retired in May after holding the position for 12 years.
In addition to maintaining his own firm, Soriano, 46, is a municipal prosecutor in Branchburg and was the municipal prosecutor in North Plainfield from 1993 to 1998. He has been practicing law for 20 years and is a graduate of Seton Hall Law School.
Gov. Chris Christie nominated Soriano on Aug. 23, and if he clears the full Senate, he’s in.
Bateman said Soriano has the highest degree of integrity and ethics.
“I think he will lead the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office the way that it’s been run under Prosecutor Forrest,” Bateman said.
Bateman said he would ask Sen. President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) to put it up for a vote as early as next Sept. 30.
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• Somerville attorney is recommended to succeed retiring Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest
• Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest announces plans to retire