Good Thursday morning, where most political junkies in New Jersey are recovering after watching another three-hour marathon GOP debate. Even with the debate, there was lots of political news in the state, including vows to clean up the Port Authority, an assemblyman’s opposition to registering guns and victims of Hurricane Sandy saying their fight to recover is still ongoing.
Quote of the Day: “The government has lied to you and they have stolen from you. They told you that your social security is in a trust fund. All that’s in that trust fund is a pile of IOUs for money they’ve spent on something else a long time ago.” — Chris Christie on social security.
‘Nothing Better Than an Unregistered Gun’ Says GOP Assemblyman
At a Tuesday candidate forum in LD24, Assemblyman Parker Space, who is up for reelection this year, declared: “There is nothing better than an unregistered gun, believe me.”
Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Colligan Calls for Boycott of Quentin Tarantino Remarks
The New Jersey State PBA (NJSPBA) today announced a boycott of the movies of Quentin Tarantino, the irreverent, violence-loving Blockbuster store clerk turned award-winning director of Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained.
Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Pallone and Vitale Furious Over Vito Corleone Invocation in Sayreville
Somebody cue the Nino Rota soundtrack.
Or was it Ennio Morricone?
In any event, Italian American lawmakers are fuming over mail pieces in Sayreville that invoke what they say are offensive ethnic stereotypes.
Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Carroll: Trump and Carson are Just ‘Flavor of the Day’ Candidates
Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll (R-25), a movement conservative from Morris County, has weighed in on the still-crowded GOP presidential field. Though he has yet to officially endorse a candidate in the 2016 presidential race, he thinks that the field is starting to “narrow itself down.”
Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
As LD1 and LD2 Near Election Day, A Steady Stream of Attacks
With next Tuesday’s Assembly elections fast approaching, the attacks from each side in competitive districts one and two are mounting. In the final days, all four candidates are betting on attacking voting records and drawing out guilt by association in the unique partisan climates of Atlantic City and South-East Jersey.
JT Aregood, PolitickerNJ Read more
Operatives Spar Over LD1 and LD2 Attacks
Following a rash of attack ads and a heated debate during which a Republican assemblyman accused his opponent of being dovish on illegal immigration, party representatives are rushing into the fray.
JT Aregood, PolitickerNJ Read more
In Old Bridge, Mailer Attacks Dem Mayoral Challenger’s Pension
A mailer from the Republican slate for Mayor and council in Old Bridge hit mailboxes in the town this week, calling out Democratic mayoral Challenger Bill Cerra for the pension he receives from the police department where he was formerly captain.
Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Trying to Boost a Scandal-Addled Authority, Degnan Talks up Reform Measures at PANYNJ
Appearing this morning before the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman John Degnan – the replacement for Bridgegate-scarred David Samson – told lawmakers that he has implemented numerous best practices aimed at reversing the authority’s status as a scandal-plagued spill-zone.
Max Pizarro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Christie struggles to stand out at GOP debate
Before an audience of television viewers expected to number in the millions, Governor Christie made his pitch to the Republican electorate: Pick me and I will keep Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton from winning the White House.
Salvador Rizzo, The Record Read more
Sweeney: Now isn’t time for Christie to take ‘victory lap’ on Sandy recovery
As Gov. Chris Christie and his administration prepare to mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Sandy this week with events throughout the state, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney on Wednesday said that “now is not the time to take a victory lap.”
Erin O’Neill, NJ.com Read more
Most Sandy victims still unhappy with N.J.’s recovery effort, poll shows
A greater share of residents participating in New Jersey’s largest Hurricane Sandy home rebuilding program now report they are satisfied with the state’s recovery effort, with a sharp uptick among those who have finished construction, according to a new poll.
Erin O’Neill, NJ.com Read more
Christie camp complained about greenroom at GOP debate, report says
Gov. Chris Christie’s campaign was reportedly peeved a day before the third Republican presidential debate.
Brent Johnson, NJ.com Read more
Trump defends his Atlantic City tenure again at GOP debate
Donald Trump defended his 25-year tenure in Atlantic City for the third straight Republican presidential debate Wednesday night, saying the four bankruptcies his casino companies there filed in that time are not a sign that he can’t run the U.S. economy.
Brent Johnson, NJ.com Read more
Jersey City council expands paid sick leave law
Almost everyone working in Jersey City will be able to accrue paid sick leave, thanks to a measure adopted by the City Council tonight.
Terrence T. McDonald, The Jersey Journal Read more
32 Assembly members get perfect score, 8 flunk ACLU social justice report card
Drawing attention to the barely-recognized election of the entire state Assembly next Tuesday, the ACLU Wednesday released a report card measuring how all 80 members voted on physician-assisted suicide, ending solitary confinement for juvenile offenders and other social justice issues.
Susan K. Livio, NJ.com Read more
Port Authority Chairman Has Easy Time at Committee Hearing, But Disagreements Remain
What was a much-anticipated appearance by Port Authority chairman John Degnan had some of the wind taken out of its sails when the Port Authority recently announced plans to replace the Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Senators Weinberg and Gordon – who represent Bergen County – had recently toured the bus terminal and led the charge for the agency to replace the aged facility. This morning they were full of praise for the chairman.
David Cruz, NJTV News Read more
Why did Christie pick now to replace Bergen County prosecutor?
It was no secret that Governor Christie wanted someone else leading the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. The question at hand is: Why now?
Dustin Racioppi, The Record Read more
Will Red Bank switch from Dems to GOP?
Will Republicans win a majority on the Red Bank council?
Four candidates, two Republicans and two Democrats, are vying for two seats available on the Red Bank council.
Devin Loring, Asbury Park Press Read more
Body found on Cape May County beach ID’d as former Glouco mayor
The body of a man found on a Cape May County beach was identified Wednesday as the former mayor of a Gloucester County borough.
Robert Moran, Philadelphia Inquirer Read more
State lawmaker wants action on North Jersey casinos this year
State Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, a proponent of North Jersey casinos, has found a longer but easier path to push for the expansion of casino gambling outside Atlantic City.
Christian Hetrick, The Press of Atlantic City Read more
Greens Vow To Fight Back Against DEP Rollbacks
Saying the drinking
Tom Johnson, NJSpotlight Read more
