Political Maneuvering in Newark Sparks City Hall Near-Riot

Cory Booker voted to place an ally on the city council, sparking a union-goon eruption

A behind-the-scenes political maneuver by Newark Mayor Cory Booker to fill a vacant council seat with his choice led to a near-riot in city hall tonight, with dozens of residents rushing the council stage and police responding with pepper-spray.

After weeks of jockeying for Rep. Donald Payne's successor, Booker made an unprecedented personal appearance to cast the deciding vote with his council allies for Shanique Davis Speight, a longtime ally of power broker Stephen Adubato, over the angry objections of residents.

"In the absence of a quorum, I have an obligation to sit in," Booker said, though he was barely audible over the din.

(H/T Brett L)