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:
Weekend Watching
- Chairman Wisniewski will appear on News 12's Power and Politics this weekend. Check your local listings for viewing times in your area.
After Traveling the Country Playing Politics, Christie Decides Not To Abandon New Jersey
- Chairman Wisniewski responded to the Governor's announcement that he will not abandon New Jersey to run for President: "Chris Christie finally realized that to run for President, it helps to have been an effective Governor. On Christie's watch, our bond rating has been downgraded by two of the bond rating agencies, our unemployment rate remains above the national average and middle class residents and seniors continue to be squeezed by higher taxes, higher tolls and higher health care costs. It's clear the Governor enjoys the national spotlight and attention. No one has milked not running for President more than Christie has, making sure to include a fundraiser at the Beverly Hills Hotel on his most recent trip. He is the Brett Favre of presidential politics. People will believe he really means it this time if he just stays home and does his job."
- Senate President Sweeney: "Thankfully, we can now move ahead and focus on the real issues that are (affecting) the people of this state."
- Speaker Oliver: "A governor who has presided over painful property-tax hikes, paid little attention to job creation, opposed new job training, showed no regard for health care for women and the poor, made college more expensive, and ignored the needs of impoverished cities had no business even considering running for president..."
- Majority Leader Cryan: "As the majority leader of the Democratic caucus, I've been focused on retaining our majorities, not the governor's sideshow. In my view, he has fleeced the national Republican Party in order to raise money for his local races."
- On Face the Nation, Democratic Governor's Association Chairman O'Malley said that if Christie would have run, he would have brought entertainment, not value to the GOP race. (Video)
- "The idea of Chris Christie is much more powerful than the reality of Chris Christie," said Rutgers University political scientist Ross Baker.
- Chris Christie's Cheap shot at Obama: He ducked the biggest leadership opportunity of all -- and then accused the president of not leading.
The Chairman's Team Heads to LD38 for Gordon, Wagner and Eustace
- Chairman Wisniewski and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee launched the "Chairman's Team" on Saturday October 1, a grassroots initiative to provide statewide support to Democratic legislative candidates in districts across the state.The initial blitz provided volunteer support for Senator Robert Gordon, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner and Maywood Mayor Tim Eustace, the Democratic legislative candidates in the 38th Legislative District. The volunteers spent Saturday calling and knocking on the doors of Lodi voters to discuss the importance of supporting the Democratic legislative candidates. You can view photos from the day here.
- You can join the next Chairman's team bus trip to keep Democrats in control of the Legislature on Saturday October 15 to support Senate Candidate Gail Cook, Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assembly Candidate Troy Singleton.
Where was NJTV?
- Media Bistro: NJTV Criticized For Not Airing Christie Statement
- NJToday.net: Assemblyman Diegnan blasted NJTV for failing to cover Governor Christie's press conference this afternoon. While the governor was announcing that he would not run for president, the successor to NJN followed its regular broadcast schedule and showed a children's cartoon. "I myself turned to NJTV to view their live coverage, but you know what I got – the 'Angelina Ballerina' cartoon. This station has been an embarrassment, and was supposed to be improved by now. It remains inept. Clearly, this experiment has been a failure."
- Assemblyman Burzichelli also criticized the station's lack of coverage: "Once again they've dropped the ball and it's the people of New Jersey who end up on the losing end.
- New Jersey Newsroom: NJTV is devoid of genuine news reporting.
- Star Ledger Editorial: NJTV erred by airing Angelina Ballerina instead of Chris Christie decision.
- Gloucester County Times: NJTV still MIA for the big story - "It's one thing to skip Christie's short-notice Irene updates, which were available on every commercial New York and Philadelphia TV station. It's quite another for NJTV not to have a live feed from the seat of state government with several hours notice. Either NJTV is technically deficient, or its personnel are asleep at the switch."
Christie's canceled ARC tunnel project cost N.J. $95 Million (And That Doesn't Count The GOP Lawyers)
- New Jersey Newsroom: The state of New Jersey will pay the federal government $95 million to settle a financial dispute stemming from Governor Christie's decision to cancel the Hudson River commuter rail tunnel between North Bergen and Manhattan.
- Chairman Wisniewski said of the settlement: "While the governor may tout his settlement as a win for New Jersey, the fact is the cancellation of the commuter tunnel project cost New Jersey billions in federal funds and tens of thousands of jobs. Every commuter stuck in the tunnel or delayed on their way to and from work knows how important this project was to our economy and quality of life. The governor can brag all he wants but there is no getting around the fact that New Jersey lost when the governor canceled the tunnel."
Christie's Cuts and Myths
- In the third part of a periodic series, the Asbury Park Press looks at Christie's cuts in mental health care: "Christie and other state officials have called for the 2013 closure of the Vineland center, which houses more than 300 women with developmental disabilities and employs more than 1,000 people. Deletion of that one budget line rippled like an earthquake..."
- New Jersey Newsroom: N.J. public education funding myths repeated by Christie.
On the Trail
- If you're not yet registered to vote, visit this link to make sure you get your application in before the October 18th deadline. Election Day in New Jersey this year is Tuesday, November 8 for state, county, and local offices.
- In LD-2, Vince Polistina is at it again... This time at the expense of kids.
- Republican Chris Brown in the wrong: Conduct committee rules Curcio violated Judicial ethical code.
- From mentoring our youth to assisting veterans returning home, Troy Singleton is dedicated to keeping the American dream alive in South Jersey.
- Video: For Senator Greenstein, putting New Jersey back to work is Job #1.
Video: With Wayne DeAngelo leading the charge, New Jersey is becoming America's leader in solar energy and clearing the way for real economic growth.
- In this video, you see Assemblyman Benson talking about how he believes in an open door policy with his constituents and is committed to faithfully serving the needs of the community.
- NJ Spotlight looks at Legislative District 14.
- NJ Spotlight looks at Legislative District 19.
- NJ Spotlight looks at Legislative District 28.
- NJ Spotlight looks at Legislative District 29.
- When Marcela's insurance company was standing in the way of her son, Brandon, and the critical care he needed, she turned to Senator Gordon. Bob stepped in and got the insurance company to act so Brandon could get the care he needed. See Marcela talk about the Senator's work in this video.
- Release: Being lectured by Richard Goldberg on property taxes is like asking Bernie Madoff for investment advice.
- As a former counselor, Assemblywoman Wagner explains that bipartisan cooperation and brokering compromises is more than a possibility for her, but something that she's been doing her whole career. (Video)
Congressional Corner
Senator Lautenberg applauded President Obama for nominating U.S. Magistrate Judge Patty Shwartz to serve as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
- Senator Menendez spoke to Al Sharpton on MSNBC's Politics Nation about creating jobs and boosting the economy. (Video)
- Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced that they have recommended Magistrate Judge Michel Shipp and attorney Kevin McNulty to President Obama for seats on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
- Senator Lautenberg called on Libya's transitional government to share information with the U.S. concerning the bombing of Pan Am 103 and other terrorist attacks committed against U.S. citizens. Libya's Transitional National Council (TNC) has stated it will cooperate with Scotland's ongoing investigation into the bombing of Pan Am 103.
- Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced Essex County will receive a $750,000 Department of Justice grant to continue the fight against domestic violence. The grant will allow a partnership led by Essex County and the Family Justice Center to hire a new law enforcement officer and other personnel to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.
- Congresman Sires special to Roll Call: Strong Model Building Codes Equal Disaster Defense.
- At a meeting held at his behest, Congressman Pallone told the National Park Service that a proposal to raise beach fees at Sandy Hook would deprive many people of access to beaches and national parks.
- Congressman Rothman spoke strongly in favor of solutions now before the Congress to address the postal service's financial problems at a rally hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the Mailhandler's Union, and the Rural Carriers Association.
- Calling it a proactive approach to better ensuring Paterson students' future success, Congressman Pascrell applauded $47.9 million in federal and state grants to 58 New Jersey schools, including six in Paterson. The funds, administered through the federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) program, will be used to improve students chances of getting into college.
- Congressman Andrews appeared on the Bill Press radio show w/ host David Shuster, talking about how with 9% unemployment, the GOP is depriving President Obama a forum for his ideas on jobs. The Congressman said it is both disrespectful to the President and the American people. (Audio)
- Congressman Pallone took the pulse of local business people about the $447 billion jobs bill proposed by President Barack Obama. His stop outside the Broadway Diner in Red Bank, wasn't the first such session and won't be the last, as Pallone swung through the 12th congressional district talking to small business owners, something that will happen in other towns in the future.
- Congressman Holt on Dueling Visions for Research & Development: A clash is underway in Washington, D.C. between two starkly different visions for the U.S. government's role in research and development. The outcome of this debate will shape the nation's economic landscape for years to come.
- Congressman Rothman was thanked by South Korean business leaders for the Congressman's support of the U.S. - South Korea Free Trade Agreement and a strong relationship between America and South Korea.
- Congressman Payne wrote to the UNESCO executive director, Irina Bokova, to ask her to reject the UNESCO-Obiang International Prize for Life Sciences, which would award $300,000 prizes to scientists who develop innovations that improve living standards in Africa.
- Congressman Pascrell reminded residents affected by Hurricane Irene that the Oct. 31 deadline to register for fed aid is 3 weeks away.
- Congressman Pallone on why he supports the American Jobs Act. (Video)
Under the Dome
- Chairman Wisniewski asked the state comptroller to examine the Christie Administration's handling of New Jersey's weatherization program. The Chairman's letter focused on the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, which received $29 million but has only finished work on a fraction of the nearly 3,900 homes it is responsible for. The deadline to finish the work is March 31, and the state will be required to return any unspent money to the federal government. "I am disturbed to learn about the slow progress given the positive impact this program could have on our economy and job creation during a very difficult economy, and its benefits for our environment,"
- Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle on the importance of combating bullying: "Today, we're so afraid to report things. If you don't report it, it'll get way out of hand and lead to the kind of harassment and intimidation we want to stomp out."
- Assemblyman Schaer said he will review complaints raised at an Assembly hearing on personal injury insurance policies & submit a letter to Christie administration.
- Chairman Wisniewski joined state, county and local officials to announce the expansion of the already successful Middlesex County Community Shuttle Program into the South Amboy-Sayreville area.
- Assemblywoman Riley will be honored by Salem County's Women's Services (SCWS) for her continued legislative efforts on behalf of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Assemblywoman Wagner touted legislation she sponsored to protect New Jersey residents from contaminated wastewater produced by hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
- Assemblywoman Jasey talked about her bill that would require voter approval in order for a district to be established as a charter school district or for a charter school to expand.
- Assemblyman DeAngelo on his plan to help flooding victims: "While the storms may have passed, the damage left behind has had a permanent effect on thousands of New Jersey families. FEMA assistance is extremely helpful, but, in many cases, it simply isn't enough to get a home or small business fully operational again. Many working families do not have the financial assets to make the necessary repairs to their homes in this current economy..."
- Assemblyman Diegnan Opinion in the Star Ledger: CDC decision to study student athlete concussions is wonderful news, "Last year, a Government Accountability Office study found that, between the 2005 and 2008 school years, an estimated 400,000 concussions occurred in high school sports across the country."
- Senator Gordon and Assemblywoman Wagner joined federal, state and local officials at a fundraiser to help the Lodi Boys & Girls Club recover after significant damages from Hurricane Irene.
- October 9
11th Annual LGBT Hudson Pride Festival
Parade, 10:00 am, City Hall, Jersey City
Festival, Noon - 7pm , One Exchange Place, Jersey City
- October 10
Hope Chamber of Commerce Meet the 24th District Candidates Night
6:00-9:00 PM
Mediterranean Diner and Pizzeria, 484 Hope-Blairstown Rd, Route 521, Hope
Contact: Chris Maier at 908-459-5100 or maierc@hotmail.com
Atlantic County Democrats Rally for Victory
7:00-10:00 PM
UAW Hall, 470 North Albany Ave, Atlantic City
- October 11
Golf Outing with Assemblyman Wisniewski
Sea Oaks Golf Club, 99 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor
RSVP: Mary Lou McCormick at 732-525-1400 or mmccormick4@aim.com
John A Girgenti Civic League
Guest Speaker: Asst Commisioner, NJDOT, Anthony Attanasio
7:30 PM
The San Giusepee Hall, Hawthorne
- October 12
Assembly Candidate Benjie E. Wimberly and Team H.O.P.E. Support Democratic Candidate for Passaic County Freeholder T.J. Best, Jr. at a Networking Reception
6:00 pm,
The Bonfire, 999 Market St., Paterson, N.J.
Assembly Candidate Shavonda Sumter
6:00pm-9:00pm
Home of Dr. Juan Riestra, 9 High Mountain Trail, Lincoln Park
$100pp
Ice Cream Social for the 18th LD Candidates
7:00-9:00 PM
Former Gap Shopping Center, 253 Route 18, East Brunswick
Info: Bill Neary at 732-672-6524
Union County Victory 2011 Fundraiser
6:00-9:00 PM
Rio Rodizio of Union, 2185 US Highway 22, Union
$300/pp
RSVP: Joe Bodek at 908-693-8056
Jerry Green for Assembly Fundraiser
6:00-8:00 PM
The Spain Inn, 1707 West 7th Street, Piscataway
$500/pp
RSVP: Renee Tyler at (917) 386-534
- October 13
Forum on the Future of Legislative District 35
Hear Candidate Wimberly's Platform on Business, Industry and the Private Sector
6:30pm-9:30pm
Bonfire Restaurant - 999 Market Street - Paterson
Contribution: $250
Victory 2011 Wine Tasting with Nicholas and Jennifer Netta
7:00-9:00 PM
Mosaico 22, 1072 Route 22 West, Mountainside
Suggested Ticket Price: $500
RSVP: Maria McKenna at (973) 379-000
- October 14
Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Fund Raiser Comedy Show
7:00 PM
The Old York Cellars, 80 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ 08551.
Price $30.00 per person or $50.00 Per Couple.
The price includes a glass of wine and the Show. Snacks will be served..
Contact Lois Zarish at lzarish@hcdems.com or 908-782-3940. RSVP by Oct. 12.
Make checks to HCDC and Mail to PO Box 473, Flemington, NJ 08822
- October 15
Chairman's Team Travels to LD7 to Help Gail Cook, Herb Conaway and Troy Singleton
Meet at 9:00 am at the Sayreville Shop Rite Plaza, 2909 Washington Rd, Sayreville
Bus Will Return at 3:00 pm
For More Information Contact Matt Bonasia: mbonasia@njdems.org or 609-392-3367
Reception Honoring 38th Legislative District Democrats Senator Bob Gordon, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, and Mayor Tim Eustace
5:30-7:30 PM
Home of Dr. Kevin Slavin and William Koumas, 642 Lincoln Avenue, Hawthorne
Suggested Contribution: $200 patron/$75 supporter
RSVP: Jeff Gardner at 973-951-7081
Gala Dinner for the Democratic 24th Campaign Team
6PM - dinner at 7PM
Suggested Donation $40
Ballroom Magic, 4 Franklin Lane, Vernon, NJ 07461
RSVP to Lisa Murphy
(973) 459-2374
Donate or line at http://democratic24.org/
Or send your check, with the notation "Gala" to: Democratic 24th, 12 Saddle Ridge Road, Sparta, NJ 07871
- October 16
Brunch and Coffee with Kathy Horgan, 11th District Assembly Candidate
Featuring Special Guest Senator Ray Lesniak
12:00-2:00 PM
Home of Jeannette and George Mardinly, 3 Indian Terrace, Locust
Host: $1000; Sponsor: $500; Supporter: $250; Friend: $150
RSVP: Rafi Jafri at rafijafri@gmail.com or 973-368-3264
40th District Candidate Sandi Lazzara Event
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Home of Christine Ordway, 102 Evergreen Court, Franklin Lakes
$100pp
- October 17
2011 League of Women Voters of the Princeton Area
NJ 16th District Political Debate
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Debate time: 60 minutes)
The Princeton Township Municipal Building Main Meeting Room
Evening of HOPE Awards Dinner With Assembly Candidate Benjie Wimberly
Honoring: Senator John Girgenti, Assemblywoman Elease Evans,
Former Councilwoman Maria Magda,
Former Councilman Rev. Dr. Albert P. Rowe/Pastor Calvary Baptist Church - Paterson, NJ
6:00-10:00 PM
The Brownstone - 351 Broadway – Paterson
$100/pp, $1,500 Gold Table, $2,000 Platinum Table
- October 18
Fundraiser for Senator Nicholas P. Scutari
6:30-8:30 PM
Amici Restaurant, 1700 W. Elizabeth Avenue, Linden
$500/pp
RSVP: Jim Huff at (908) 418-247
2011 Fall MCDO Breakfast Fundraiser
8:00-10:00 AM
Skylark Fine Diner and Lounge, 17 Wooding Ave, Edison
$1000/pp
RSVP: Dana Korbman at 732-906-3680 or dkorbman@mcdonj.org
The Passaic County Central Labor Council 1st Annual Beefsteak
Jason D'Errico, President
6:00-9:00 PM
Barnyard & Carriage Carriage House, 754 Totowa Road, Totowa
$70/pp
24th District Candidates Night Debate
Sponsored by the Ogdensburg Historical Society
7:00 PM
Ogdensburg Firehouse, 14 Highland Ave, Ogdensburg
- October 19
The 4th Annual Senator Raymond J. Lesniak Golf Outing
10:00 AM-2:30 PM
Metedeconk National Golf Club, 50 Hannah Road, Jackson
Times: Registration: 10am; Lunch: 11am; Shotgun Start: 12:30pm
Ticket Price: $1,250 Golf Package/pp; $250 Lunch only; $500 Dinner only
Sponsorships: Lunch, Dinner, Hole in One, Tee
RSVP: Stephanie Wohlrab at (732) 674-419
- October 23
Women's Rally "We Will No Longer Tolerate Governor Christie's Assault on Women"
IBEW 164 Hall, 65 W. Century Road, Paramus
Contact Jan Bidwell, 201-236-0046 / 201-749-3824
- October 24
Cocktail Reception for Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo
6:00-8:00 PM
Tir Na Nog, 1324 Hamilton Ave, Trenton
$100/pp
RSVP: 609-571-8302 or deangelofornj@gmail.com
An Evening Honoring Senator John A. Girgenti
Cocktail Reception
Brownstone, Paterson
Contact: jillshortway@aol.com $75pp, food, open bar, entertainment, gift
Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee
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
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