Nelligan's Legacy

Book excerpt: Nelligans Legacy is a story of big time New Jersey politics and vicious treachery. The novel is written with such a firm grip on the way things really are in this hotbed of ambition and intrigue that it could only have been written by someone who has spent a great deal of time in those trenches. Tom Kistner is that man. Richard V. Nelligan, a retiring corporate big-shot, is asked to take the reins of the powerful, formerly boss controlled, Middlesex County Democratic Organization. He teams up with a young local political phenom, Thomas Jefferson Hobbs, who he hires as his executive director and right hand man and together they not only maintain the organizations strength but take it to new heights. The reader is given unfiltered access to a big time political headquarters and its daily workings. All communications go through Democratic headquarters or they go nowhere like personal checks big or small must go through a Federal Reserve clearing house, or they are not redeemed. These communications take many forms and are usually cryptic, slanted, vague and occasionally sinister but always obscure and ambiguous. *** I just want you and Dick to know Im not available for that Senate spot on the ticket next year. Id love to help you guys out but my law practice has just gotten too busy, I dont have the time. Dont worry, Ed, we wont call you. *** Hobbs, who is this Musso guy from your town? he keeps sending me resumes and pictures of his wife and kids. Wants to be an Assemblyman or Freeholder. Shouldnt he be going through the organization?" Yes, George, he should. Just throw the shit away. *** You know, we havent had a Freeholder from this end of the county for almost thirty years. Its been about that long since you gave us a Democratic plurality. *** Look, all Im saying is it would help if he wasnt Jewish, too many Hebes on the board now. *** Listen, its your town. We dont give a shit what you do................but some of the guys think it would be smart if you got rid of him hes trouble! thats off the record unofficial its your town you do whats best for your people....... *** Wed like you to come speak to our group. They need a lift to feel like they matter. We.......they sometimes feel left out. When and where? Pulaski Hall next Tuesday at eight. You got it Ill be there.