Legislature Expert Alan Rosenthal Of Rutgers Dies

A Rutgers University professor who was an authority on state legislatures, and helped many improve how they work, has died.

The university says political science professor Alan Rosenthal died Wednesday at his Princeton home at the age of 81.

Rosenthal was a member of Rutgers' Eagleton Institute of Politics in New Brunswick from 1966 until his death, and was its director for nearly 20 years.

He also served on a number of state boards and commissions. Two years ago he cast the tie-breaking vote for the state legislative redistricting commission.

Gov. Chris Christie says New Jersey has lost "a great advocate" who committed much of his life to studying the state's political institutions.

Rosenthal's family is holding a private service. The Eagleton Institute will hold a celebration of his career in September.

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