On May 9, 1992, N.J. Superior Court Judge Lee Solomon -- whom Gov. Christie nominated this week to the state Supreme Court -- went boldly where many of his fellow Republicans feared to tread.
Then a member of the state Assembly, Solomon made an appearance at 'Dancing with Dolphins,' a fundraiser sponsored by the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey. Several prominent Democrats, including the governor, Jim Florio, publicly endorsed the gala or were in the crowd at the Camden Aquarium, but I can't recall seeing any elected Republicans save for Solomon.
It's worth remembering that in 1992, great numbers of gay men were dead or dying of AIDS. The first lifesaving treatment was more than three years away, and same-sex marriage was as far-fetched a notion as gays serving openly in the military.
As for the GOP, let's be charitable and say the party's attitude toward anything involving homosexuals was somewhere between discomfort and distaste. But the affable Republican legislator from Haddon Heights was a welcome exception.
I'm not surprised the Solomon nomination would draw praise from both sides of the aisle-- although some Democratic accolades surely have to do with Christie's move to retain liberal Justice Stuart Rabner. But Solomon is as well-qualified as he is well-regarded.
Twenty-two years ago, the man who will in all likelihood be confirmed by the state Senate as the newest member of the N.J. Supreme Court made a gutsy decision. The ability to do so will serve him, and us, well when he takes his seat on the state's highest bench.
--KEVIN RIORDAN