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:
Democrats Make History on Election Night
- Chairman John Wisniewski on New Jersey’s Democratic victory: "New Jersey wants someone looking out for us; someone who represents New Jersey values and that’s not Governor Christie. It’s New Jersey’s Democrats. It’s our legislators, our Mayors and our county and local officials. And that’s why New Jersey’s Democrats have had a great victory."
- Philadelphia Inquirer: To hear Democrats tell the story of Tuesday's election, voters went to the polls to make sure Democratic legislators continue to keep a Republican governor and his attack-style politics under control. "Last night was a
clear indication that New Jersey has had enough with Gov. Christie and Republicans who march in lockstep with them," said the state Democratic chairman, Asm. John Wisniewski (D., Middlesex).
- The Record: Once seen as a possible GOP candidate for U.S. president — and still viewed as a force in national Republican politics — Christie was unable to persuade voters in New Jersey to ditch incumbent Democrats in most districts and make the Legislature measurably more Republican two years into his first term. Instead, in the 40-member Senate Democrats will retain the same 24-16 majority in 2012 that they had this year thanks to two incumbents — including Bergen County’s Robert Gordon — scoring victories against Christie-backed Republican challengers.
- NJ Spotlight: A Good Night for the Democrats.
- Dworkin: "It is Christie’s agenda that is being debated in these elections. The voters say unemployment and the economy are their primary concerns, but the debates between the candidates are effectively whether or not one agrees with the governor’s proposals to deal with unemployment and the economy. Christie also has spent at least a half-million dollars this week to put himself on network television in the New York and Philadelphia markets. He looks directly into the camera, outlines his accomplishments and asks voters to support him by voting Republican."
Gannett: Democrats needled Christie with an online advertisement putting the governor’s face on Mount Rushmore, congratulating him for making history — as Christie said his party would do, at one recent campaign event — and listing some contested races won by Democrats. “I’d change my tune, too, if I were Chris Christie,” Wisniewski said. “But we saw the enormous effort that the governor and his organization went through in the days leading up to the election in saying that if it was a status quo election, it would be historic. Those were his words. It’s not a status quo election.”
- Moran: Gov. Chris Christie, the bully on the playground, doesn’t have much of a punch after all. And for any bully, exposing that weakness creates grave dangers. Because people stop being scared. And then they start dreaming about how nice it would feel to punch back.
- The Record: Democrats refused to let Christie off the hook, noting he cut commercials for Republicans in several districts. “He clearly wanted to be a factor in this election by injecting himself in his TV commercials and personal appearances,” said Wisniewski. “The state of New Jersey is quickly increasing in its Christie fatigue index."
- Star Ledger: Michael Muller, executive director of the Democrats’ legislative campaign effort, said the issue of women’s health played heavily into the 2nd Legislative District, where state Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) fended off a challenge by Assemblyman Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) by a relatively comfortable margin. “We saw in 2010 Tom Goodwin go down against Linda Greenstein primarily over the issue of women’s health,” said Muller. “We saw it again with Vince Polistina. How many Republican legislators are going to have to go down before Chris Christie gets it on women’s health care."
- Mulshine: The map that matters here would be highly favorable to the Republicans if they ever addressed the issue head-on. If Christie really was the charismatic figure the national pundits make him out to be, he could quite easily have put together a
statewide campaign that put the Democrats on the defensive. They remain on the offensive, though. As a result, the next election is likely to look a whole lot like the last one – unless of course Christie takes that final trip out of state.
- New Jersey Spotlight: 2011 Post Election Review.
- Blue Jersey: Which one is it Governor?
- Patrick Murray: It turns out the governor’s definition of history is a bit underwhelming. Basically, if Republicans could hold on to the seats they already have, the election would be historic. To back this up, the state GOP put out a memo showing that the governor’s party has lost legislative seats in the first midterm elections of 7 of the past 8 governors. Putting aside numerous mathematical errors in the memo, the state GOP doesn’t take into account the fact that the governor’s party usually picks up seats as a coattail effect during the governor’s initial election. In this context, a loss of seats in the midterm can be viewed as something of a course correction. Analyzing these two-cycle changes in legislative seats (governor’s election year plus midterm), we find that 4 of the past 7 governors have actually seen their party experience a net gain of seats.
- The Top 10 Chris Christie Thoughts And Excuses Following His Election Night Failure.
- PolitickerNJ: Bergen County Democrats swept four county races, and helmed local victories in Paramus, River Edge, Oakland, Tenafly, New Milford, North Arlington, and a partial win in Fair Lawn.
- Jersey Journal: Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise and Democrats sweep county races.
- The Record:
Democrats keep control on Passaic County Freeholder board.
- PolitickerNJ: Gloucester County Democrats maintained control of the Freeholder board.
- Brendan Gill won his bid for Essex County District 5 Freeholder.
- Philadelphia Inquirer: In two of South Jersey's largest towns, Democratic newcomers won the mayoral seats, replacing two other Democrat mayors.
- Asbury Park Press: Democrats take Brick Township Council.
Democrats Announce New Leadership Team
- Press of Atlantic City: New Jersey Democrats pick legislative leaders who vow to take on Gov. Christie.
- Capitol Quickies: Dems announce new leadership team.
- Wall Street Journal: Members of the new Assembly and state Senate leadership caucus said Thursday that they intended to advance their own jobs and education bills and revive the “millionaire’s tax” that the governor opposes. Democratic leaders also pledged to come out swinging against Christie more than they had in the past two years.
- Post-election, N.J. Democratic leaders focus on jobs.
- Senate President Sweeney: "I can promise the people of New Jersey that our commitment to creating jobs, revitalizing the economy and fighting for working class people will not end. I look forward to accomplishing great things in this upcoming session."
- Senator Weinberg will serve as Majority Leader: “While we must work in a bipartisan manner to get things done for New Jersey, my colleagues and I will not yield an inch in our fight for the hard working families who have had their taxes go up under this governor, or the women who have had their health services decimated, or the folks who can't find work. I look forward to working closely with my fellow senators and achieving what is in the best interests of the people of New Jersey."
- Speaker Oliver: “The people have made it clear that they want Democrats leading this house, and we will never waiver from the commitment we’ve made to work together in unity to protect New Jersey’s middle-class and working poor.”
- Assemblyman Greenwald will serve as Majority Leader: “I can assure New Jersey residents that this team will be working tirelessly to continue protecting their priorities, whether it’s job creation, property tax relief or accessible health care. The voters have made clear that they want Democrats in charge legislatively, and we will get the job done for them.”
- NJDSC Chairman and Assembly Deputy Speaker Wisniewski: “We have assembled a leadership team dedicated to working together each and every day to do what’s right for working class families,” Wisniewski said. “With millionaires enjoying the Governor’s tax cuts, it’s more important than ever that we work together to protect New Jersey values and our middle and low income families struggling to make ends meet.”
- Assemblyman Prieto will serve as chairman of the Budget Committee: “We understand that living in New Jersey the last two years under the current administration has not been easy for the middle-class and poor, but this leadership team and this caucus will push forward with the constant goal of making New Jersey a more affordable place to live and work. The budget committee is where much of that work begins, and I’m committed to using my new position to be a strong advocate for our working class families.”
Condolences on the Passing of Assemblyman Pete Biondi
- Chairman Wisniewski offered condolences following the passing of Republican Assemblyman Pete Biondi: “When considering Assemblyman Biondi’s contribution to New Jersey, you must start by considering how his public service spanned the gamut from serving New Jersey’s youth to protecting residents from industrial pollution to 13 years of service in the People’s House. His loss will be felt heavily, and we send our prayers to his friends and family.”
- Senate President Sweeney: "It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of Assemblyman Biondi. Pete was a gentleman and a dedicated public servant who always acted in the best interests of the people he served. He will be truly missed. My condolences go out to his friends and family during this difficult time."
- Speaker Oliver: "Assemblyman Biondi was a great example of what it means to be a public servant. He always made helping others and good public policy his priority. He carried himself with dignity and integrity. He was a friend to all of New Jersey. On behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly, I express my prayers and condolences to Assemblyman Biondi's family, and my gratitude for his great public service. He will be sorely missed."
- Assemblyman Greenwald: “Assemblyman Biondi dedicated his life to public service, and it’s difficult to imagine sitting in the Assembly chamber and not seeing him there with us. He was a good man and a good friend who always put the public interest above partisanship. He was just a really nice man who always had a warm greeting and who will be missed, and our condolences go out to his family during their time of mourning.”
- Assemblyman Prieto: “This is a sad day for New Jersey. Assemblyman Biondi exemplified dedication to public service and putting good policy above politics. His knowledge and experience were valuable assets to the people of New Jersey, so his loss will be felt deeply. Our thoughts are with his family during their time of loss.”
- Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle: “My heartfelt sympathies go out to Assemblyman Biondi’s wife and children. He was a consummate public servant and dedicated family man with a fervent love for his country. Working together on the Assembly Human Services Committee, I saw the passion that drove his public service and the commitment he had to the residents of this state. His presence will sorely be missed in the Legislature. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family and all of those close to him during this difficult time.”
Voters Support Sports betting
- New Jersey voters approved a referendum Tuesday on sports gambling.
- Press of Atlantic City: New Jersey voters approve sports betting at casinos and race tracks by wide margin.
- Senator Lesniak spoke with Star Ledger editorial writer Linda Ocasio about the next steps to make it a reality.
- Assembly members Milam, Albano,Caputo, Wagner and Ramos, Jr. thanked voters for green-lighting a constitutional amendment that will allow the Legislature, when permitted by federal law, to legalize sports betting in New Jersey. Currently, federal law only permits this type of betting in Nevada, Delaware, Oregon and Montana. The constitutional amendment (ACR-167) approved by voters yesterday positions New Jersey to implement sports gaming at Atlantic City casinos and horse racing tracks in the state, if and when the federal law is overturned.
- Hoping to avert a costly legal battle over whether New Jerseyans should be able to bet on sports, Congressman Pallone Jr. said he would introduce a bill giving the state an exemption from a federal ban on sports betting. The Congressman said his bill would take effect immediately upon passage.
Honoring the Sacrifices of our Veterans
- Chairman Wisniewski: "On this Veterans Day, let us honor all the brave men and women, past and present, of our Armed Forces this Veterans Day and thank them for their service."
Senator Menendez tweeted: Happy #VeteransDay to all the brave men + women who have served & sacrificed for our country. Thank you!
- Congressman Rothman: Veterans Day is a Special Time to Honor the Sacrifice of America’s Fighting Men and Women and Their Families.
- Congressman Pallone: “As today’s veterans return from deployment it’s important we continue to fulfill the same promises to them as we have to past generations and that we also respond to the unique needs veterans face today as they reenter civilian life. If you have the opportunity, thank a veteran for fighting to protect freedom we enjoy every day,” Pallone said in a statement.”
- Congressman Andrews Tweeted: Thank you to all those in uniform this Veteran's Day.When they come home, let's make sure they can find jobs.
- Video from the Veterans Administration: Each year, Veterans Day falls during the month of November. On this Veterans Day, we are celebrating those who have served our country. VA is reaching out to explain the meaning of Veterans Day, and the fact that our gratitude reaches far beyond just one day out of the year.
- Gloucester County honored its veterans in a ceremony which saw speeches by several of the guests including Senator Madden and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty. Moriarty gave a heartfelt speech detailing the struggles that the US’s retired and currently serving veterans go through, thanking them for their service to their county. “And whether they serve on the front line or in the homefront, they have all made sacrifices,” said Moriarty.
Congressional Corner
Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $1.46 million to New Jersey Transit for improvements to the Camden Travel Management and Coordination Center (TMCC). The grant has been awarded through the Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative Program.
- Senator Lautenberg applauded the passage of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, a measure which combines key components of President Obama’s jobs bill with a related, bipartisan initiative to boost employment opportunities for veterans.
- Following remarks on the Senate floor in support of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, Senator Menendez applauded the defeat of a Republican led effort to repeal safeguards which protect down-wind states like New Jersey from toxic power plant pollution. The Senate defeated the Republican measure by a 56-41vote.
- Senator Lautenberg called on President Barack Obama to issue a veto threat of legislation that was approved in the House Judiciary Committee that would allow gun owners to carry a concealed firearm across state lines even if they weren’t issued a permit by that state.
- Senator Menendez introduced legislation to ensure Americans affected by oil spills that originate in foreign waters can hold these polluters accountable and seek full compensation for their damages. Repsol, a Spanish oil company, is currently sending a drilling rig to begin exploration in Cuban waters, less than 80 miles from the Florida Keys. An oil spill in these waters could be devastating to American fisherman, coastal communities, and tourism businesses.
- Senator Lautenberg announced the Senate unanimously approved a bill to collectively award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines of World War II, including five from New Jersey.
- Senator Menendez continued his fight to ensure funding for community policing efforts, this week calling on House and Senate members finalizing the Justice Department’s spending bill to include at least $200 million for the popular Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring (COPS) Program.
- Congressman Holt says he wrote to the Pentagon two months ago about a military mortuary's practice of dumping troops' cremated body parts in a landfill. The Congressman said he wrote directly to Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta about the Dover Air Force Base mortuary disposing of cremated portions of remains at the King George County, Va., landfill between 2003 and 2008, The Washington Post reported Friday.
- A delegation from Bahrain came to visit Congressman Rothman in his Washington, DC office.
- Senators Menendez and Lautenberg applauded the Administration’s decision not to drill off the East Coast. The Senators also remain skeptical about the five year plan’s potential lease sales off of Alaska, however.
- Congressman Pascrell holds his Annual Veterans fair.
- Congressman Andrews announced that his district will receive $968,320 in federal funds to help create and retain teaching jobs. These funds are in addition to the $30 million South Jersey received in 2010 and will help keep existing teachers, rehire teachers that have been laid off, and hire more new teachers. Overall, these additional funds will help to create or maintain another 20 teaching jobs on top of the almost 500 jobs that were created or saved by the initial package.
- Congressmen Payne and Sires are co-sponsoring the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan Act (PABI Plan Act). Also known as H.R. 2600, the act would enable the creation of a seamless, standardized, evidence-based system of care that will be universally accessible for the millions of American families affected by the life-altering changes and challenges associated with brain injury.
- Congressman Pallone wrote to National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis requesting more information about the difference in fees collected at other National Parks in Gateway National Recreation Area. Congressman Pallone reiterated his opposition to a proposed fee increase at Sandy Hook and also requested more information regarding a timeline for the park’s decision making process.
- Congressman Payne and colleagues held the first ever quarterly meeting with the African diplomatic corps to launch a working group on Trade and Investment In Africa.
Under the Dome
Legislation to permit county colleges and vocational school districts to establish green job certification programs has been signed into law.
- Senators Greenstein and Gordon introduced legislation to help low- and moderate-income families and business owners recoup property losses sustained from flooding following Hurricane Irene and subsequent tropical storms.
- Assemblyman Ramos has asked the state attorney general to deny Christ Hospital’s request that its pending sale to Prime Healthcare Services be expedited so the deal can be completed before the end of the year.
- A bill to bolster protections for domestic violence victims was officially signed into law on Thursday.
- Legislation to help create strong performing charter schools in failing school districts was officially signed into law on Thursday.
- Assemblyman O’Donnell praised the effectiveness of New Jersey’s first-in-the-nation, life-saving infant heart testing law, which was highlighted today when Governor Christie visited a Newton family whose newborn son was the first in the state saved by the law when he was born a day after it went into effect.
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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