Rutgers Professor Alan Rosenthal Dies at Age 81

The Rutgers University professor who played the role of tiebreaker on the legislative redistricting commission two years ago has died, according to northjersey.com.

Alan Rosenthal, 81, a Princeton native, was battling cancer, according to the report.

was a member of the Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics since 1966. He was the director of the institute from 1974-1993, according to the report. 

He cast the deciding vote in  the legislative redistricting process in 2011, approving the Democratically-favored map. He was also the tiebreaker in  1991 and 2001. 

“Alan was a true New Jerseyan. He loved our state and committed much of his life to the study of its political institutions,” Gov. Chris Christie said in a prepared statement issued Thursday morning. “He also leaves a legacy of thousands of students who studied under him at Rutgers and consider him a mentor and friend. New Jersey has lost a great advocate and, on behalf of the people of our state, I offer condolences to the Rosenthal family.”

Sen. Barbara Buono (D-NJ) also issued a statement of condolence to Rosenthal's family. 

“The passing of Alan Rosenthal is a great loss for New Jersey. Alan was a brilliant man, deeply passionate about New Jersey and perfecting its political systems," Buono said.  "He was a dedicated teacher and mentor to thousands of Rutgers students, and his influence will live on here in the Garden State. My thoughts and prayers are with Alan’s friends and family at this time.”