Wisniewski on Lottery deal: It stinks
Democratic State Party Chairman John Wisniewski was critical of Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to enlist a private company to run the state lottery system. PolitickerNJ
http://www.politickernj.com/64654/wisniewski-lottery-deal-it-stinks
Senate Dems unveil gun control package
A day after Gov. Chris Christie released the results of a task force study on violence, Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senator Donald Norcross and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg announced what they say is a comprehensive plan to protect against gun violence, including a new electronic system for instant background checks that will be a national model for gun safety. The multi-bill package will be introduced in the Senate on Monday. PolitickerNJ
http://www.politickernj.com/64649/senate-dems-unveil-plan-control-gun-violence
From the Back Room
The state chair back wars
Essex County Democratic sources threw out the names of Essex County Democratic Chairman Phil Thigpen and state Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) as potential state party chairs. PolitickerNJ
http://www.politickernj.com/back_room/state-chair-back-wars
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Fear of weaker fracking rules
Environmentalists fear the oil and gas industry has the Obama administration’s ear as the government prepares to release a new draft rule to govern fracking on federal lands. Politico
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/04/fracking-energy-environmentalists-green-90040.html?hp=l5
Gun suicide at NRA-sponsored NASCAR race
A Texas man used a gun to commit suicide in the infield of a National Rifle Association-sponsored NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth late on Saturday, local authorities said. Reuters
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/14/nra-500-suicide_n_3082119.html
Rifts in both parties complicate odds for gun measures
WASHINGTON — Deep divisions within both parties over a bipartisan measure to extend background checks for gun buyers are threatening its chances as the Senate this week begins debating the first broad gun control legislation in nearly 20 years. N.Y. Times
Christie to announce plans for tax cut
Governor Christie has been quiet in recent months on the idea of a tax cut in New Jersey but today he will announce plans for a new middle class tax cut. 101.5 FM
http://nj1015.com/christie-to-announce-middle-classtax-cut/
Atlantic City casinos’ freebies enticing players to spin more
Sitting at a Monopoly penny slot machine in the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, Karen Johnson pulled down on her hand, mimicking the movement of a locomotive chugging across the screen in front of her. Atlantic City Press
Weighing Weiner’s impact in New York mayoral race
Anthony Weiner’s possible entry into the mayoral race is being thoroughly mocked by the New York Post and late-night comedians, but for the candidates already in the field, it’s not necessarily a light-hearted affair. Mr. Weiner, once the leading mayoral contender, tumbled out of the spotlight in 2011 thanks to a digital sex scandal and the ensuing cover-up. But as the former congressman still has a full campaign war chest and strong name recognition–and the fact that electoral politics is a zero-sum game–the question rises: which of his hypothetical rivals would be most impacted by his decision? PolitickerNY
http://politicker.com/2013/04/weighing-weiners-impact-in-new-yorks-mayoral-race/
Double dippers see salaries rise
There are fewer double dippers — government employees who hold more than one job — but their salaries are on the rise, according to a report from NJ Press Media. Star-Ledger
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/new_jerseys_double-dippers_see.html
Who is to blame for ethics inaction?
TRENTON – The federal prosecutor who busted more than 130 corrupt politicians became governor based in part on New Jerseyans’ belief, and hope, that he could clean up government. Inquirer
Former Gov. Kean wants Christie to protect more open space
New Jersey lawmakers and Governor Christie should back a dedicated funding source to preserve open land, now that the popular Green Acres fund has run dry, former Gov. Thomas H. Kean said Sunday at an event in honor of Earth Day. Record
NTU president blasts superintendent on district finances
Six months since Newark and its teachers union agreed to a historic new contract, the president of the NTU has publicly blasted Superintendent Cami Anderson over the district’s finances. NJ Spotlight
Challenge to Hoboken housing director’s candidacy leads to halt in ballot printing
HOBOKEN – A Superior Court judge has ordered the Hudson County Clerk to hold off printing Democratic primary election ballots in the 33rd Legislative District. Hoboken Now
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2013/04/superior_court_judge_issues_te.html
Rutgers dealing with riot-like behavior following student party
NEW BRUNSWICK — Rutgers officials are expected to release a statement Monday addressing out-of-control student behavior Saturday evening at parties dubbed “Delafest” that led to police donning riot gear and employing pepper spray. Asbury Park Press
Christie, Buono keeping some donors’ names secret
For the first time in at least 30 years, neither candidate in the race for governor intends to disclose the names of every person who contributes money to their campaigns, The Star-Ledger has learned. Star-Ledger
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/04/christie_buono_governor_secret.html
Opinion
Christie courting urban voters in Passaic County
Gov. Christie has been pretty clear on this point — he will need to attract more votes in urban, minority-dominated Democratic strongholds if he is to become the first Republican in 25 years to win a statewide campaign by more than 50 percent of the vote. Stile, Record
Don’t give up on open space funds
Although New Jersey has made admirable strides in preserving open space in recent years, this is not the time to stop acquiring land or to stop setting aside funds for future purchases. South Jersey Times
http://www.nj.com/south-jersey-voices/index.ssf/2013/04/editorial_dont_give_up_on_open.html
