The NJDSC Week In Review For April 15, 2011

Welcome to the latest installment of the NJDSC's week in review.  Here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and toward the end, some of the upcoming events around the state next week: The Public thinks Christie is Arrogant, Self Centered and Stubborn Eagleton Poll - Arrogant, Self Centered, Stubborn: “Stubborn” is the adjective voters agree best describes Gov. Christie with 62 percent saying it describes him “very well,” up 20 points from August 2010. David Redlawsk of Eagleton discusses the opinions of Chris Christie on NJN News. (VIDEO) Nearly half of N.J. residents say their financial situation has worsened in past year under Governor Christie. Bloomberg News said that Governor Christie is insuring that NJ is an inferior performer in the bond market because “Investors respond to more quiet efficiency." Blue Jersey Video: Words Matter. Christie says "Take a bat" to Senator Weinberg Star Ledger: Democrats say Gov. Christie went too far with remark about N.J. Sen. Loretta Weinberg. New Jersey Newsroom: Sen. Weinberg accuses Gov. Christie of insensitivity toward battered women. Senator Weinberg responded to Governor Christie's "Take the bat out" tantrum on the Ed Show. She said that the governor’s admonition to the press to “Take the Bat Out” on her shows his continued insensitivity to plight of battered women. Senate President Sweeney says Governor Christie needs to start acting like a 'grown-up.' In addition, he said: “In the past, the governor’s rhetoric has been silly, disrespectful and generally unhelpful.  But his comment that the press should ‘take the bat out” on Senator Loretta Weinberg goes beyond any sort of decency or common sense." You can hear audio of Sweeney's response here. Speaker Oliver said “Gov. Christie has sadly found a new low in public discourse. Assemblywoman Stender: "It was a despicable choice of words that shows how clueless this governor truly is and continues to show just how little he values women as equal members of society." Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle and Wagner sent letters to every New Jersey legislator asking them to publicly denounce Gov. Chris Christie’s threatening language toward Sen. Loretta Weinberg. Assemblyman Johnson said the Governor has taken public discourse to a new low. PolitickerNJ named the Governor a Loser of the Week: We get it, governor, the Sopranos fan in the midwest somewhere who dreams of coming east someday to visit Ray Liotta's birthplace and Neil Cavuto think you're a tough guy. But the sound bite and the fury act is getting old. Philadelphia Inquirer: Does Christie REALLY want press to beat female senator? Rich Lee: The line between being outspoken and unacceptable is a thin one, and the list of people whose careers ended abruptly because they crossed that line — even just once –  is a long one. The Record Columnist Al Doblin called on Chris Christie to apologize for his comments. Blue Jersey: Pots and Kettles. Paul Aronsohn said this time the Governor crossed the line with his language. Reporters Roundtable discussed Christie saying to take the bat out. Asbury Park Press Editorial: A Swing and A Miss. 2012 New Jersey Delegate Selection Plan Draft  The NJDSC has released its Draft Delegate Selection Plan for the 2012 Democratic National Convention for public comment. The 30-day public comment period will last from April 14-May 13, 2011. The draft "Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan" is now available to the public for review in accordance with Rule 1.C of the DNC Delegate Selection Rules. The draft plan is available here. The New Jersey Democratic State Committee encourages full participation in the delegate selection process and welcomes your thought and comments. Please send any feedback to delegateselection@njdems.org. Under one Month until the NJDSC Conference We're under one month remaining until the 16th annual New Jersey Democratic State Conference. This year’s conference will focus on Paving the Way to Victory in 2011 and will feature trainings, social events and an opportunity to connect with Democrats from around the state. The convention will be May 12th – 14th  at the Tropicana Casino and Resort. You can sign up and register to attend the conference here. Freedom of Speech is Not a License To Hate Chairman Wisniewski offered the following comments on the neo-nazi rally held in Trenton: "Our constitutional right to free speech is tempered by our moral obligation to our fellow men and women; to treat one another with dignity and respect," said Wisniewski. “The ignorance of the few spewing hate in our capital represents the opinion of an extreme minority and does not reflect the strength and diversity of our state. While I support their right to assemble, I condemn the hate filled rhetoric they are hiding behind.”  Speaker Oliver: "Free speech rights may give people the right to spout ignorance, but that doesn’t mean we have to listen to it. New Jerseyans of good will should spend their Saturday – and each and every day for that matter - embracing our great diversity. The strong bond between us and that has helped make this a great state cannot be broken by horrible hate speech.” The Consequences of Christie's Proposed Budget Cuts becoming Crystal Clear Assemblyman Greenwald on Governor Christie's nursing home cuts: "first thing they have to do is recognize this is a mistake,"  More from Assemblyman Greenwald: “Governor Christie's $1 billion school aid cut drove up property taxes across the state to record high levels and led to new school activity taxes, and taxpayers still won’t be better off under the governor’s new plan." Senator Sarlo: "When we talk about helping the middle class, the taxpayers of New Jersey who are struggling to make ends meet, this budget falls short." Assemblywoman Pou: Now more than ever women need affordable access to critical health services. Senate Majority Leader Buono said that the New Normal is inadequate for N.J. schools. Assemblyman Burzichelli: "We need to stop this concerted effort to disinvest in our public education system." In addition, he expressed his concerns over the public school activity taxes parents must now pay for their children to participate in sports and clubs. The new taxes resulted from Gov. Christie's $1 billion in school cuts in last year's budget that also delivered the highest property tax increase since 2007. Star Ledger: N.J. senator proposes restoring earned income tax credit for working poor to previous level. In this video press release, Assemblywoman Watson Coleman criticized Gov. Christie and Republican's proposed FY 2012 budget for disproportionately attacking programs and funding that benefits working class families. Assemblywoman Lampitt: “Recently, the Governor announced he has appointed higher education advisers, yet he continues to ignore state law requiring him to appoint a Secretary of Higher Education in New Jersey.  His ongoing failure to enforce a law he swore to uphold is troubling and calls into question his level of commitment to higher education in our state. Assemblyman Schaer on Christie cuts to school breakfast and lunch programs: "If you haven't eaten breakfast and you haven't eaten lunch, it's going to affect your performance." Assemblyman Johnson: Chris Christie's New Jersey means tax cuts for the rich and no healthcare for women. Assemblywoman Quigley: "Gov. Christie's budget would once again leave behind adults looking to become more productive citizens, stagnating their hopes and dreams and our economic development. This is the wrong direction for New Jersey and one that will cost taxpayers down the road."  Congressional Corner Senator Lautenberg introduced the "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011" and launched a new chemical safety reform push. (VIDEO) Senator Menendez said that Democrats must seize the Energy debate. Senator Lautenberg posted over at the Moms Rising blog and said women deserve equal pay for equal work. He said it's time to pass the Paycheck Fairness Legislation. Senator Menendez: Equal Pay Day – Protect equal pay for equal work. ‎Senators Lautenberg & Menendez announced that Teterboro Airport will get more than $6.9 million in fed funds for runway rehab. Senator Menendez outlined an 11-point plan he said will control the "skyrocketing price of gas at the pump." Senators Menendez and Lautenberg joined with colleagues and introduced a bill to establish a national autism strategy. Senator Lautenberg, Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone announced that the federal government has agreed to pay for half of the state's Medicaid program for low-income, childless adults through 2013, saving New Jersey more than $300 million. All NJ Republicans in Congress voted to privatize Medicare. Congressman Andrews spoke on the floor of the House in opposition to the GOP budget that ends Medicare while cutting taxes for wealthiest. Congressman Pascrell spoke on the floor of the House talking about the differences between the priorities of Republicans and Democrats with the budget. The DCCC noted that it's been 100 Days since Republicans took control of the House and there are still no jobs bills from the GOP. Even Congressional Republicans rejected Congressman Garrett's budget, but Congressman Lance offered his support. Congressman Holt attempted to protect coasts from oil spills and ban drilling in sensitive waters near coastal areas. He opposed efforts to increase offshore drilling and said "the environmental impact statement should reflect reality as we best know it today, not as we imagined it four years ago. We should not be deeming something we know is wrong as right." Under the Dome Sara's Law, legislation that would implement a next-of-kin registry that will be used to notify families when a member is involved or injured in a motor vehicle accident was signed into law. Senate President Sweeney fired back at the Governor saying the real culprit for property taxes going up is the governor’s decision to slice state aid to towns and schools last year. The fifth district legislators & local community leaders announced new legislation to combat crime. Legislation that would promote car-sharing initiatives in New Jersey has cleared a hurdle in the state Assembly. Chairman Wisniewski said the Turnpike Authority's push to privatize toll collection in the face of worker's concessions is baffling. A letter to the editor applauding the work of Assemblyman O'Donnell. Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D., met with President Obama at the White House to discuss plans to reform and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid by reducing waste and improving quality of care. An Interview with Assemblyman Gary Schaer. Legislation to help New Jersey’s horse racing industry continue to create jobs and economic development was signed into law. The 14th District Legislators have teamed with local domestic violence advocates and Verizon Wireless to promote a cell phone donation program underscoring the importance of protecting victims during sexual assault awareness month. Upcoming Events April 20: 6pm Middlesex County Young Democrats Career Development and Networking Night Mike’s Courtside Tavern, 1 Elm Row, New Brunswick 6-8pm Nellie Pou for Senate and Bernice Toledo for Passaic County Surrogate Campaign Kickoff Bonfire, Paterson April 21: Bernice Toledo for Passaic County Surrogate Cocktail Reception Fundraiser Brownstone, Paterson $100/person Follow us Are you following us on Social Media yet? If not, you're missing out on the latest news as it happens.    We will continue to have updates about news from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend. Sincerely, John Wisniewski, Chairman New Jersey Democratic State Committee Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Click here to unsubscribe