It’s Monday, and after a long holiday weekend, it’s time to take a look at last week’s winners and losers in state politics.
Quote of the Day: “I think a lot of the reason Republicans don’t do better is because they don’t provide enough of a contrast to the Democrats,” – State Senator Mike Doherty, arguing that state GOP voters are more conservative than most people think.
State of the Takeover: Christie, Guardian, Brown and NJ’s Fractured GOP
As the state takeover of Atlantic City goes to an Assembly vote, where it is expected to pass, three of New Jersey’s most prominent Republicans couldn’t be further from one another on the issue. Governor Chris Christie and Atlantic City mayor Don Guardian have been at war in the press over the effort to reshape the city’s finances, while Assemblyman Chris Brown (R-2) has come out not only against the takeover, but its comparatively uncontroversial companion bill.
JT Aregood, PolitickerNJ Read more
Will Doherty’s Early Trump Endorsement Help Potential Guv Chances?
State Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) endorsed Donald Trump for president in October of 2015, back when pundits and many in the Republican establishment imagined that his candidacy was nothing more than just a passing fad, a trend that would come to an end before the presidential contest got serious. But now, five months after that endorsement, Trump’s flame is anything but extinguished as he continues to dominate the Republican field as the frontrunner. Polls have him far surpassing the only other Republican candidates left in the race: Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Ohio Governor John Kasich. He is earning endorsements left and right in New Jersey, but Doherty will always be able to claim he was first.
Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
How many casinos will be left standing in Atlantic City?
The opening of the $2.4 billion Revel casino in Atlantic City in May 2012 raised expectations among gambling analysts that the struggling seaside resort city could not sustain a dozen gambling properties.
John Brennan, The Record Read more
Wyckoff chief’s email raises new concerns in N.J.’s struggle to eliminate profiling
An email sent by the Wyckoff police chief defending the use of racial profiling is the latest sign that some minorities continue to face bias in New Jersey, legal advocates say, pointing to a recent history of profiling episodes involving blacks and Muslims.
Salvador Rizzo, The Record Read more
In Wyckoff, delicate words about profiling
It was Friday afternoon, Dec. 5, 2014. Just after 3 p.m., the police chief in the mostly quiet town of Wyckoff in northern Bergen County sent an email to three dozen officers in his department.
Mike Kelly, The Record Read more
See which N.J. lawmaker is the go-to source for Washington’s Spanish-language media
En vivo desde el Capitolio, Bob Menéndez.
When big things happen in U.S. Senate, the banks of microphones are usually set up waiting for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.
Jonathan D. Salant, NJ.com Read more
You won’t believe what someone just paid for what was billed as Christie’s shorts
Dedicated readers will remember of The Auditor telling everyone just a few days ago that you could buy a piece of history in the form of Chris Christie’s autographed gym shorts.
The Auditor, NJ.com Read more
When traveling with Fulop, buckle your seat belt tighter
I spent another day following Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who is also known as an unofficial Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate hopeful. The last road trip was on Three Kings Day and, in keeping with the religious holiday theme, I started the latest trek on Spy Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the back of a black Ford Explorer.
Agustin C. Torres, The Jersey Journal Read more
High Stakes: Atlantic City mayor stares ’em down
What has happened to Mayor Don Guardian, 62, the big-bow-tied, bicycle-riding, Boy Scout booster of America’s favorite broke resort, not counting Puerto Rico?
Amy Rosenberg, The Inquirer Read more
Lawmakers face tough choices on state budget
New Jersey lawmakers frequently say crafting the annual state budget is about setting priorities and making tough choices, with special interests such as education, farming, environment and business all vying for limited state funding.
David Levinsky, Burlington County Times Read more
State bills to allow fantasy sports could hurt smaller firms
Smaller companies in the exploding fantasy sports industry say they could be shut out of doing business in some states by legislation that is actually intended to recognize the games’ legality.
Associated Press Read more
Millions in ads over ballot issues on horizon in New Jersey
Gov. Chris Christie’s endorsement of Donald Trump for president has grabbed most of the political attention in New Jersey recently, but voters are likely to be barraged soon with advertising surrounding pensions, casinos, and the fund for road and bridge work.
Michael Catalini, Associated Press Read more
