Latest news with #Fulop
Politico
3 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Who's the boss?
Good Friday morning! Who's the boss? Steve Fulop, according to George Norcross' super PAC. American Representative Majority this month began blanketing South Jersey with mailers. The group is targeting Fulop-aligned South Jersey Assembly candidates challenging mostly incumbents backed by the South Jersey Democratic machine. 'A North Jersey party boss is funding his own candidates in South Jersey elections,' reads one of them, which shows a stream of money flowing across the state from roughly the location of Jersey City to the 4th Legislative District, where Fulop-backed candidates Brian Everett and Vonetta Hawkins are challenging incumbent Democrats Cody Miller and Dan Hutchison. The PAC is also sending out positive mailers about Miller and Hutchison. I've also seen mailers attacking Evesham Councilmember Eddie Freeman, who's challenging the Democratic party-backed candidates in the 8th District, including Assemblymember Andrea Katz. They include a big red arrow pointing to a photo of Steve Fulop that says 'Now he's running with a North Jersey Party Boss backing him.' Meanwhile, the Camden City Democratic Committee, which of course is not permitted to coordinate with super PACs, sent out a mailer going after a Fulop-backed slate of Camden council candidates for 'supporting North Jersey Party Boss Steve Fulop for Governor.' Just like the mailer going after the 8th District Fulop candidates, the Camden mailer not only used the same language about Fulop but even needlessly capitalized the words 'party boss.' You can see how strong the law is that bars super PACs from coordinating with campaigns. None of the mailers I've seen are aimed at helping longtime Norcross ally Steve Sweeney, a Fulop rival for governor. Sweeney has his own super PAC. Interestingly, the one funded by the Camden Democrats actually criticizes the Assembly candidates for being 'against Mayor Vic Carstarphen and Ras Baraka for Governor.' (Carstarphen endorsed Baraka.) I don't know how much money American Representative Majority is putting into this effort. The good news is that the 11-day preelection reports for PACs are due today. So far, super PACs backing almost every gubernatorial candidate in both primaries have spent tens of millions combined in the election, but today is the first time we'll get solid info about who's funding them. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — In Lakewood at 11 a.m. to talk about Medicaid QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'Josh is too short to be governor.' — Teaneck Councilmember Mike Pagan, on Josh Gottheimer, supposedly joking HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Owen Henry, Jeanne Fox, Sue Nemeth. Saturday for Amy Pfeiffer. Sunday for Phil Angarone, Muhammed Akil WHAT TRENTON MADE FORTRESS OF SQUALORTUDE — 'From 'fortress' to palace, work on N.Y.C.'s massive new Port Authority Bus Terminal begins,' by NJ Advance Media's Larry Higgs: 'Long suffering bus commuters who've trudged through the dreary, aging Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan had reasons to be cheerful Thursday with the ceremonial tossing of dirt to build a $10 billion replacement. The ground breaking, presided over by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, concludes an 11-year process to build a $10 billion replacement for the aging bus terminal on the same site while continuing to serve commuters and travelers. At the ceremony held on a lot near the existing terminal on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, officials spoke about their high expectations for the new bus terminal. 'When you take the bus in, I want everyone to have a wow factor when they come in,' Hochul said.' STOP. GOTTHAMMER TIME — 'Money talks: A legendary N.J. fundraiser never lost an election. But will his superpower be enough this time?' by NJ Advance Media's AJ McDougall: 'Even his fiercest critics will admit: Josh Gottheimer knows how to work a room. It's arguably the skill that has bestowed upon him perhaps his greatest asset as a New Jersey congressman: his staggeringly large war chest. The one that put him heads and shoulders above the other 434 members of the House of Representatives last year with the most cash on hand ($20.7 million — $3 million more than the next richest legislator). The one that has scared off any would-be primary challengers in his district for the past four years. The one that earned him the nickname 'The Human Fundraising Machine.' Fundraising dominance is not the flashiest political weapon, nor does it make you bulletproof. … It can even be a liability — particularly in a gubernatorial race where your Democratic opponents are hinting you might be beholden to Wall Street. But fundraising is still a superpower, and one that has worked for the 50-year-old Gottheimer.' THE BLUDGEOT — 'Gov. Phil Murphy is proposing 'unexpected and devastating' cuts to a major South Jersey health center that treats abused children, advocates warn,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Alfred Lubrano: 'A major South Jersey health center that treats children who are the victims of neglect or abuse will have its funding eliminated in Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed 2026 budget, which advocates say will threaten the mental and physical well-being of young people in seven counties. At a time when Medicaid as well as national public health and research programs face spending reductions under President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, New Jersey's Democratic governor's proposed cuts to the Rowan-Virtua CARES Institute further jeopardize the social safety net for children and families, according to its director Rachel Silliman Cohen.' SOULJA VOID — 'Stand With Crypto removes Soulja Boy from NJ governor rally after discovering sexual assault fine,' by Coindesk's Nikhilesh De: 'Rapper Soulja Boy will no longer perform at Stand With Crypto's 'get out the vote' event in Jersey City next week due to a court finding him liable for sexual battery and assault, a spokesperson told CoinDesk on Thursday … An external spokesperson for Stand With Crypto said in a statement that the organization was 'not aware of the recent legal developments involving Soulja Boy.' 'Given this information, we have removed him from our event lineup. 070 Shake will still perform at our June 5th rally and we look forward to bringing together New Jersey's crypto community to demonstrate the political power of crypto voters ahead of the gubernatorial primary,' according to the statement.' YOU GO, GURAL — 'What will it take for New Jersey racetracks to get the go-ahead to add casinos?' by Casino Reports' John Brennan: 'A New Jersey bill that is designed to allow the construction of casinos at the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park was introduced this month by two Democrat state senators, Paul Sarlo and Vin Gopal. But the language of the proposal could change greatly between now and the targeted statewide referendum that could be on the ballot in November 2026. 'This bill is designed to allow us to start the conversation,' said Monmouth Park racetrack operator Dennis Drazin … Drazin said that while [Meadowlands Racetrack owner Jeff] Gural is determined to have a full-fledged casino at the Meadowlands, one possible compromise — if necessary — would be to feature only slot machines at his Monmouth County site. Yonkers Raceway and Aqueduct are called 'racinos' because they currently follow that model of offering slot machine play but not traditional table games. Gural — who personally spent $5 million on the ill-fated 2016 casino effort — remains convinced that a question regarding opening a casino at his track in East Rutherford would be approved.' — AP: 'Wrangling in New Jersey primaries tests messaging on Trump for November and beyond' — WAPO: 'This state swung toward Trump. But now Democrats want a governor to fight him' — 'How do N.J. governor candidates stand on immigration enforcement? Here's what all 11 told us' — 'Here's how the Democrats running to be governor say they'll make New Jersey more affordable' — 'Teens are brawling at malls, carnivals and the Shore. These N.J. laws would combat it' TRUMP ERA NEVERMIND — 'Ocean County commissioners walk back concerns over proposed Medicaid cuts,' by the Asbury Park Press' Erik Larsen: 'Ocean County commissioners on Wednesday softened their previous criticism of planned changes to Medicaid in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' a week after the GOP-led legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Residents packed a public meeting of the Board of Commissioners on May 21 to complain about proposed cuts to Medicaid in the bill … Commissioner Jack Kelly, board director, even said he would introduce a resolution to formalize the board's opposition to Medicaid cuts, which is still expected to be adopted at its next regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4 … Over the past week, two commissioners said their concerns about Medicaid cuts in the bill had been assuaged by the county's two congressmen — Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, both Republicans who voted for the legislation. In conversations with the congressmen after their votes, Commissioners Jennifier Bacchione and Virginia E. Haines said they were assured that the Medicaid changes would target only waste, abuse and fraud — not anyone who addressed the county commission meeting last week.' — 'Northfield Democrat will run to take on Jeff Van Drew' — 'NJ in thick of fight against Trump's efforts to end birthright citizenship' — 'Pride, and prejudice: What happens to marriage equality now in NJ and nation?' LOCAL NOW STREAMING: LUIS VELEZ — 'Why was the body cam video muted at the scene of a Paterson councilman's car crash?' by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: 'The police body camera video from the scene of Councilman Luis Velez's May 12 auto crash contained 27 minutes of footage for which the audio was muted, including at least one instance in which Velez was speaking in the police officer's presence. Neither Paterson police nor City Hall officials provided an explanation for the extensive muting of the crash scene recording, which ran for 33 minutes and 49 seconds. The portion that was muted amounted to about 80% of the footage from the scene of the collision involving Velez. The other driver, Knolaisha Washington of Paterson, has said she believes Velez was drunk at the time of the 1:43 a.m. crash, which she asserted was caused by the councilman going through a red light at the intersection of Madison and 12th avenues … The video from the crash scene begins with the audio on as Velez is describing the crash to the officer. The fact that the video provided by city officials begins with the sound turned on is highly unusual.' McCOMBING THE COUNTRY — 'Camden school district announces plans to search for new superintendent,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Melanie Burney: 'The Camden school district plans to conduct a national search for a new schools chief to replace outgoing Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs. The search is scheduled to begin in June and take months, the district said in an announcement. A new superintendent is expected to start in November. State Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer will select the new superintendent with approval from the state Board of Education. The Camden school advisory board has no say. For the first time since the state took control of Camden schools in 2013, there will be a search for a superintendent, and it will include a survey and community forums for residents to give input.' SILENCED BY THE LAMB — 'No tax increase in Toms River budget; mayor slams rival as 'far left liberal socialist',' by the Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: 'Councilimember Justin Lamb called for a five-minute recess in the middle of the meeting after Deacon Ted Foley, archdeacon in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, began questioning the council and mayor about an ordinance introduced last month that would allow the township to acquire — or seize via eminent domain — three private marinas, a plot of vacant land, and the 11-acre Christ Episcopal Church property. The mayor envisions a downtown park on the church land, including a soccer field, pickleball courts, a skatepark and a playground. [Councilmember Tom] Nivison said that [Mayor Dan] Rodrick was attempting to seize the church because he was upset about a proposal to build a 17-bed overnight shelter for the homeless on the church property … When Foley tried to continue his questioning, Lamb told him his time was up and asked for the next speaker to come up. Speakers at council meetings are allowed three minutes to ask questions or make comments to the council. When Foley did not sit down, Lamb at first asked that police officers in the crowd remove him, and then instead called for a recess.' — 'Chaos erupts at Toms River council meeting, as the fight to save church continues' — 'Governor backs Jimmy Davis for Hudson sheriff over incumbent' — 'Girlfriend of NJ councilwoman's accused killer testifies: He gave me gun' — 'Solomon announces citywide plan to combat homelessness in Jersey City' EVERYTHING ELSE SETON HELL — 'Alleged 'severe hazing, abuse and misconduct': Seton Hall hit with lawsuit over baseball program,' by the Asbury Park Press' Jerry Carino: 'Seton Hall University, already embroiled in two lawsuits involving its previous president and an archdiocese-ordered investigation into its current one, was hit with another lawsuit Wednesday — this by a former baseball player who filed a complaint in federal court alleging 'severe hazing, abuse and misconduct' endured as a freshman in the program during August and September of 2024. The lawsuit by plaintiff 'John Doe,' obtained by Gannett New Jersey, names the Seton Hall University, its head baseball coach Rob Sheppard, and three former teammates.' I SURVIVED THE JELLY ESCAPE OF 2025 — 'Black bear escapes enclosure at Turtle Back Zoo, but didn't get far,' by NJ Advance Media's Stephanie Loder: 'A Turtle Back Zoo's black bear named 'Jelly' temporarily escaped her enclosure on Thursday morning through an unlocked gate before the zoo opened to the public. The 20-year-old bear walked through an unlocked gate at the West Orange zoo and was discovered by staff in less than five minutes, according to a statement issued zoo official. Jelly didn't get far. The black bear was just a few feet from her enclosure in an area that is not accessible to the public, zoo officials said.' MURPHY PLEDGES TOUGH NEW LINEN CONTROL MEASURES — 'Improperly secured linens at Bergen hotel caused guest injury in fall from bed, suit says,' by The Record's Kaitlyn Kanzler: 'A guest at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe is accusing the hotel of improperly securing sheets, causing the mattress to shift and her to fall on the floor and injure herself. Michigan residents Carol Rosenberg and her husband, David Ellison, filed a lawsuit saying that during their May 2023 stay, Rosenberg slid out of bed and was injured while sleeping in a 'handicap accessible' room. The lawsuit says the mattress shifted off the box spring or base and Rosenberg fell, hitting her nightstand with her head, face and neck before landing on the floor, hitting her back, legs and arms. The suit alleges that the hotel was neglectful and improperly maintained the room by failing to place the sheets properly or by using sheets that weren't the correct size.' — '[Hackensack-Meridian] nurse alleges in lawsuit he was fired for pro-Palestinian speech' — 'New Jersey's largest nurses union warns of a possible strike if hospitals don't provide safe staffing ratios' — 'Rutgers-Newark's new chancellor is a cyber tech expert'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Candidates for governor say how they would revamp NJ Transit
The candidates running to be our next governor say they would dedicate more funding to NJ Transit, monetize the agency's assets, and push Amtrak to improve infrastructure. (Photo by Edwin J. Torres/N.J. Governor's Office) The candidates running to become our next governor are making big promises to reform NJ Transit. The six Democrats seeking their party's nomination for governor on June 10 and the three Republican front-runners agree that the embattled public transit agency is broken, but they differ on what they'd do to address spotty service and funding problems. Eight years ago, Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, began his first term pledging to fix NJ Transit even 'if it kills me.' Since then, he has touted new, modern train cars and buses and a dedicated funding source via a new tax hike on businesses, but major delays, rising fares and a recent, four-day strike by train engineers have caused headaches for commuters. Most candidates hoping to succeed Murphy said their top priority for NJ Transit is finding a financial fix. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat, criticized the new funding source — called the corporate transit fee — saying the 'system and current structure from Phil Murphy's not working.' Fulop said he would make that fee permanent. 'They only implemented it for five years, and you can't capitalize or bond on five-year revenue, so you need to change that into perpetuity. It's got to be in perpetuity,' said Fulop. Former state Sen. Steve Sweeney, a Democrat, said he would also make the fee permanent and would constitutionally dedicate the revenue from it to NJ Transit (the agency is expected to receive about $800 million from the fee in the next fiscal year). If that doesn't happen, Sweeney said, lawmakers can take some of the revenue to plug holes in the state's budget. 'That would be first and foremost because … you will see that money gone in three years if it's not dedicated, and New Jersey Transit needs funding,' he said. Sean Spiller, a Democrat and president of the statewide teachers union, said he also would stop transit funding from getting pulled into the state's budget and repurposed for other projects. That would be key to funding improvements that make service better, he said. 'We've got to dedicate those dollars and use them to make the step-by-step improvements that we can map out then when we have that plan, and own that and live by that plan and keep people updated,' he said. Republican state Sen. Jon Bramnick said he would turn to the federal government for funding help. 'We actually have infrastructure problems, and the major reform is you've got to get federal money on infrastructure. Otherwise, you're going to continue to have serious problems. That's the reform,' he said. Candidates on both sides of the aisle hammered Amtrak for failing to maintain the tracks along the northeast corridor that are used by NJ Transit. Sagging catenary cables and aging signals on Amtrak's lines are often assigned blame for NJ Transit's delays, especially last summer. NJ Transit gives Amtrak $200 million annually to rent the tracks, money Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat, said he would stop paying until the infrastructure problems are fixed. Gottheimer also said he would 'immediately replace' NJ Transit's aging trains and buses. 'The broader point is to keep people safe … that's why we need to fix these things,' Gottheimer said. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, said she would 'hold Amtrak accountable' for infrastructure upkeep but said her chief priority would be to spur more housing construction around transit stations. 'The long-term fix I would apply is transit-oriented development, which we're doing to some extent, but really use that as a long-term funding mechanism so that we have a dedicated source of revenue for New Jersey Transit,' Sherrill said. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat, said NJ Transit is too focused on the commuters who travel between New Jersey and New York and Philadelphia. Baraka said he would require the agency to pay more attention to New Jerseyans who use its trains and buses to get around the Garden State. 'I think that's important for us to do. Whether it's the light rail in Hudson/Bergen or buses in Glassboro/Camden or from Atlantic City to Newark, we begin to focus on moving people up and down and around the state of New Jersey, and using some of the capital dollars that we have to do that, as opposed to widening these roads,' he said. Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for governor in 2021, said he would make NJ Transit part of a new Garden State Transportation Authority along with the Atlantic City Expressway, the Parkway, and the Turnpike, to bring the agency under more state control. 'It'd be better for accountability and transparency and a better management structure,' Ciattarelli said. Bill Spadea, a Republican radio talk show host, said he'd monetize NJ Transit's assets by giving the properties they own 'back to the town' to be used as rateables. Spadea also said he'd 'close the system' by requiring riders to show their tickets before boarding trains. 'That should be processed like they do at the MTA and others, where you can't get on the platform until you show your ticket. That's going to cut down on millions of dollars in lost revenue,' Spadea said. Nikita Biryukov and Dana DiFilippo contributed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Unpredictable' New Jersey primary hits final stretch with Mikie Sherrill atop a bunched-up field
New Jersey Democrats' primary for governor is coming down to the final month. And while the race is still hotly contested, some candidates are signaling that they view Rep. Mikie Sherrill as the one to beat. Five of the six Democratic contenders will face off in a two-and-a-half-hour debate on Sunday, following a heated encounter earlier this week that offered a preview of the attacks that could be coming at Sherrill. Both Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka aimed barbs at the congresswoman and cast her as inexperienced and moderate, implying that they view her as an obstacle. But the race remains very fluid. Limited public polling has shown Sherrill leading the pack, with the candidates largely clustered together and within the surveys' margins of error. 'It is the most unsettled race in the 30 years that I've been working in New Jersey,' said Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky. The race is difficult to gauge because such a hotly contested primary is unusual in the state, where party bosses have wielded their power to anoint their preferred candidates. But the county parties lost the ability to give their preferred candidates advantageous positions on primary ballots when the state changed its ballot design last year, following a lawsuit from now-Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J. 'It is extremely unpredictable,' said Fulop, one of the top contenders, who later added, 'We've never been here before.' The county parties could still impact the race, leveraging their turnout operations to boost their endorsed candidates. While Fulop and Rep. Josh Gottheimer did not seek most county endorsements, Sherrill racked up support from the most counties, including key Democratic strongholds like Essex and Middlesex. 'She's the machine candidate and perceived as the front-runner,' Fulop told NBC News. 'I don't think that's a secret.' Sherrill campaign spokesperson Sean Higgins said Fulop's characterization of the congresswoman as the political machine's candidate was 'remarkably lazy and inaccurate.' 'If you look at her track record of running races, her campaign in 2018 was harnessing and leading a wave of grassroots enthusiasm,' Higgins said in a statement, referencing Sherrill's first run for political office when she won her House seat. During their Monday debate, hosted by NJ Spotlight News, NJ PBS and WNYC, both Fulop and Baraka targeted Sherrill, accusing her of issuing vague 'platitudes' and of being too moderate. Fulop said he targeted Sherrill on Monday because he did not feel she had been adequately scrutinized, particularly as the perceived front-runner. According to video of a news conference provided by Baraka's campaign, the Newark mayor told reporters after Monday's debate, 'I don't agree that she's a progressive. I think her record shows that clearly.' Baraka also clashed with Gottheimer during the debate, who the mayor cast as too conservative. Sherrill, for her part, said during Monday's debate that she has pushed back on leaders of both parties, noting that she pushed for Trump's first impeachment and would take on Trump as governor. 'In New Jersey, [it is] making sure that we are taking him to court, pushing back against these Medicaid cuts, clawing back federal funding back to New Jersey,' she said. State Sen. John McKeon, a Sherrill supporter, suggested that attacks on Sherrill's lack of executive experience were 'people looking for soundbites.' 'It doesn't stick,' McKeon said, pointing to her experience as a Navy pilot and prosecutor as proof that she can lead the state government. 'Trenton's not an easy place to navigate, but compared to what she's done in her life, I think it will be a piece of cake.' McKeon said he welcomed any attacks on her in Sunday's debate, noting, 'She's at her best when she's challenged.' Although some Democrats view Sherrill as the top candidate in the race, it's all relative. The Democratic primary polls have shown relatively little separation between the contenders, especially compared to repeat candidate Jack Ciatterelli's advantage in the GOP primary. The Democratic race is still wide open, with a crowded field and millions of dollars blanketing the Garden State airwaves with ads ahead of the June 10 primary. 'Every one of them has a pathway to win,' said Roginsky, the Democratic strategist. Sherrill's campaign has focused on expanding her appeal to a broad coalition of voters from her House district to a statewide campaign, and she could leverage her position as the only woman in the primary. She has stressed her background and her record flipping a Republican district in 2018 and cast herself as the candidate best equipped to take on Trump. 'Voters really want someone who can beat a Republican in November,' said Higgins, the Sherrill campaign spokesperson. 'If people are looking for a winner, and we know they are, I think they'll land at the logical choice, the person who's actually done that. And that's Mikie,' Higgins later added. Fulop, who described his typical supporter as a 'pragmatic progressive,' said the party should reject establishment candidates to win in November and shouldn't be afraid to criticize Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who cannot run for re-election due to term limits. While Democrats may want to make the race about President Donald Trump, Fulop predicted the eventual GOP nominee will make it a referendum on Murphy. He suggested the governor has not adequately combatted the state's high cost of living, transportation woes and culture of political corruption. 'The reality is that if you are, again, the establishment candidate that is defending Phil Murphy and you think you're going to get to the general election and talk about Trump and you're gonna win, you're gonna get blown out,' said Fulop, noting that Trump made gains in New Jersey last November. He lost the state by 6 points, a 10-point improvement from his margin in 2020. Fulop and Baraka have both made appeals to the party's progressive voters, and Baraka may get a boost among voters who want the party to fight Trump following his arrest last week at a federal immigration detention facility. Gottheimer, meanwhile, could run up the middle as more of a moderate candidate who has focused his messaging on affordability and lowering taxes. He has also pitched himself as a candidate with crossover appeal, defeating a Republican congressman in 2016 even as Trump narrowly carried his district. 'While the same old status quo candidates in this race take shots at each other, Josh is focused on the two biggest fights facing Jersey: fighting Donald Trump and fighting to get our costs and taxes down,' said Gottheimer campaign spokesperson Peter Optiz. 'Josh is the only candidate with a plan to cut taxes and a record of getting tough things done—that's what he'll do for Jersey families as Governor.' Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, who has leaned on his experience in state government and lagged behind the other candidates in some public polls, could have a path as the only candidate from South Jersey, with support from some key county parties with strong turnout operations. 'Steve is kind of the person that represents that steady hand at the wheel that I think a lot of people in New Jersey would like to see, especially with so much chaos in Washington,' said Sweeney spokesperson Kerry Lyons. A sixth candidate, former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, did not meet the fundraising threshold that would have qualified him to accept public campaign funds and participate in the debates. But Spiller, the former head of the state's teacher's union, has benefitted from more than $8 million in ads from Working New Jersey, a super PAC tied to the New Jersey Education Association, and he could get a boost from the state's educators. Gottheimer and super PACs supporting his campaign have spent $19.4 million combined on ads so far this year, followed by Fulop and his aligned super PAC, which have spent $15 million combined, according to ad-tracking firm AdImpact. Sherrill and her aligned super PAC have spent significantly less so far, $2.9 million. Baraka and his super PAC have spent $2.7 million, and Sweeney and his super PAC have spent $2.5 million Sherrill's lower spending so far was a strategic decision by the campaign, which opted to hold its money until the final weeks, when it believed voters would be tuning into the race. Fundraising reports filed earlier this week showed Sherrill's campaign had $4.7 million in its account as of May 9, more than twice as much as the next-closest candidate. From Friday through the June 10 primary, Sherrill has reserved the most airtime of any candidate so far, nearly $1.8 million. Her allied super PAC, One Giant Leap PAC, has reserved $922,000. Even with the millions of dollars already spent, candidates have mostly stuck to positive messaging — though Sweeney did launch a TV ad last month that knocked 'weak' Democrats and showed images of Sherrill, Gottheimer and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., without mentioning them by name. It remains to be seen exactly how, when or even if the attacks will ramp up. But each of the candidates is looking for a way to break away from the pack with just a few weeks to go. This article was originally published on
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Steven Fulop on Medicaid Plans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop told Newsweek he would use the state's budget surplus to offset potential Medicaid cuts if elected governor. Why It Matters House Republicans have proposed legislation with $880 billion in cuts, largely to Medicaid, in order to approve $4.5 trillion in tax breaks, despite pushback from some conservatives. If passed, this could have implications for the 80 million Americans on Medicaid if states don't increase funding. Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City, said protecting against these cuts would be a priority if he is elected governor later this year. He is facing several other candidates in the June 10 Democratic primary, with no candidate having a major polling lead four weeks out. Election forecasters consider the general election in November competitive. What To Know In a phone interview with Newsweek on Tuesday, Fulop cast himself as the strongest candidate to reform the state government and oppose the policies of President Donald Trump and national Republicans. He said his message on the campaign trail that differentiates him from other candidates includes his plan to use the state's $6.3 billion budget surplus to address these potential Medicaid cuts. "I speak about drawing down on the state's surplus to offset some of the cuts that would be coming to Medicaid and to the Department of Education," he said. "That way we can make sure that we can get through a crisis situation by using that state surplus different from anybody else." Jersey City Mayor and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop speaks during a press conference on April 11, 2025. Jersey City Mayor and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop speaks during a press conference on April 11, 2025. Kena Betancur/VIEWpress Medicaid cuts have drawn criticism from other Democrats running for governor in New Jersey. Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer have opposed GOP budget proposals over concerns about Medicaid cuts. In a Monday post on X (formerly Twitter), Sherrill described the plan as "devastating for New Jersey families." Fulop said his top priorities for New Jersey would also include improving the state of its transit, restructuring the tax code to address affordability and implementing government reforms such as ranked choice voting and reinstating the Open Public Records Act. He predicted that a more "institutional" Democrat would be at risk of losing to a Republican in the November general election. "The talking point from Republicans is going to be 'Four more years of Phil Murphy,'" he said. "So I think that we're unique in a situation that we're coming from a place where we're saying, 'Yeah, the Democratic Party in New Jersey has been broken, and we need to rebuild the Democratic Party.'" Polls suggest that many voters are still undecided about who they'll support in next month's primary. Sherrill has held a consistent yet narrow lead in recent surveys. New Jersey, once a safely Democratic state, shifted toward Republicans in last year's election. Former Vice President Kamala Harris carried it by only about six points, a much closer margin than former President Joe Biden's 16-point win in the state four years earlier. What People Are Saying Dan Cassino, professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, previously told Newsweek: "The Democratic race is a toss-up. It's been very tight between Sherrill, Fulop and Baraka throughout, and it's still tight." New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill wrote in a February press release: "Washington Republicans may tell you they are not cutting Medicaid — but don't be fooled. They are cutting $880 billion from Medicaid. And let me be clear about what that actually means: there are nearly two million New Jerseyans — including 800,000 children — who rely on Medicaid for health care coverage. With these cuts, New Jerseyans won't be able to go to the doctor when they are sick, hospitals will close their doors, seniors will lose nursing home care, and Community Health Centers will no longer be able to serve our most vulnerable communities." Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, also running for governor, posted on X in March: "We are at a defining moment in this nation. Republicans have made it clear that they are willing to gut Medicare and Medicaid, strip away fundamental protections for our most vulnerable, and allow the disastrous policies of the Trump/Musk administration to continue unchecked." What Happens Next After the June 10 primary, voters will head to the polls for the general election on November 4. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the race as leaning Democrat, meaning it is "considered competitive" but Democrats have an "advantage."
Politico
09-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Fulop takes it to the limit
Presented by Good Friday morning! There's one month left in the gubernatorial primary, and Steven Fulop says he's not going to bust the $8.7 million spending cap for publicly-financed candidates. But he's cutting it really close. Fulop has spent about $8 million just on TV and digital advertising, according to AdImpact. That's not including various other campaign expenses, like staff, polling and event space rental that aren't among the few exceptions to the spending cap. And he had already spent about $530,000 on those costs as of January. . That leaves Fulop very little wiggle room on how to spend through next month, even with a skeleton campaign staff of four. 'Our campaign has been structured differently from the beginning,' Fulop said in a statement. 'Unlike the others, we don't have paid consultants, we don't have a campaign manager or field director or finance director or social media advisors or offices, and instead we have more than 1,500 volunteers that pitch in on every aspect of the campaign. This unique ground up structure that is based on volunteers impacted our spending decisions to front load TV.' Fulop's burn rate had been raised as a concern in 2023, when he kicked off his campaign more than two years before the primary. But of course, it doesn't mean the same as it used to. He's also got two super PACs behind him, one of which has already spent millions on his campaign but likely has millions more in the bank. But I don't want to constantly repeat myself about how super PACs have made so many campaign finance rules obsolete. So I won't. I didn't just then. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? In Newark at 10 a.m. for a park ribbon cutting ceremony QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'If I was trying to bribe someone, do you think I would put that (out) into the public? Do you think I would openly make that suggestion?' — Developer and former professional football player Kevin Johnson on offering $1 million to Bordentown schools if the town expedites approvals on two of his development projects HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Cassandra Gatelein, Barry Kaufman, Tom Wilson. Saturday for Ravi Bhalla, Nicole Sutterley, Jeremy Julis. Sunday for Brian Rumpf, Shannon Natale. WHAT TRENTON MADE TRUMP'S EARLY BUMP — President Donald Trump on Thursday gave his 'Complete and Total Endorsement' of Tom Kean Jr. for reelection. Kean represents New Jersey's only competitive district, the 7th, which also includes Trump's Bedminster golf club. Already a handful of Democrats have lined up to challenge Kean. On Truth Social, Trump called Kean a 'Tremendous Advocate of our America First Agenda' who 'is working tirelessly to Secure the Border, Stop Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Champion Small Business, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military and Veterans, and Protect and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.' On X, Kean thanked Trump:'I am working every day to build a stronger America and a stronger New Jersey. We are making life more affordable for every family, safeguarding our communities, and working to achieve peace across the world. Thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. I will continue to deliver for a better future.' — Dustin Racioppi PAINTING A PICTURE FOR THE CANVASS — New Jersey's gov hopefuls signal for outside help in final weeks of primary, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: Democrats running for governor of New Jersey are posting guidance for voter outreach on their campaign websites — an increasingly common campaign tactic that can serve as a signal to outside groups of how to spend their resources in the leadup to the June primary. In a Thursday memo to 'interested parties,' Rep. Mikie Sherrill campaign manager Alex Ball wrote that the 'key factor down the stretch of this race will be face-to-face contact with voters' and outlined who the campaign views as its 'top targets.' That includes Hispanic and Asian voters, as well as white women, on the vote-by-mail list who voted in at least three of the last four Democratic primary elections. The Sherrill campaign's 'next targets' are Asian and white voters who haven't voted or voted one or two times out of the last four Democratic primary elections. The campaign even lists where these voters could be found, broken down by county and municipality. These public instructions come from a page accessed on Sherrill's campaign website found by clicking a tab at the bottom of the site called 'media.' … . Super PACs have an outsized role in the race for governor, giving candidates who have spending limits due to the state's public matching funds program an edge. Any outreach is critical in the closing days of the election, especially considering a large swath of the electorate has not even tuned in. A Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on Friday found that when respondents were asked when the next election in New Jersey will take place, 4 percent answered the June 10 primary, 20 percent said some time in June, while more than one-third said November. SOCKET TO ME — Speaker Coughlin on the 'real fight' over energy rates, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin has been paying a lot of attention to energy issues ahead of summer rate increases that will cause skyrocketing bills. 'It's a real fight because it's a big deal for so many people,' he said in an interview this week with POLITICO. To the Democratic speaker, the energy issues are the same kinds of affordability challenges he's been trying to solve by helping boost funding for senior property tax cuts and passing ANCHOR rebates for homeowners and renters. The rate hikes themselves are the result of a 'pretty simple economic problem,' Coughlin said. There's more demand for energy than supply. The solution isn't so easy. He said the state can't instantly create more supply. Instead, his immediate focus is on various kinds of rate relief, including money that Gov. Phil Murphy has set aside for rate assistance and plans the Board of Public Utilities asked utilities to come up with to help defer some of the higher prices. —'New Jersey taking a new look at nuclear power as electric rates soar and voters grumble' HE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH IN HIS CAMPAIGN FUND — 'Gottheimer spent more than 10% of public-funded office budget on ads days after announcing run for New Jersey governor,' by Will Bredderman for The Jersey Vindicator: 'U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer followed up his New Jersey gubernatorial campaign launch last fall with a massive digital ad buy from his congressional office — a payment to a vendor linked to his political operation that Washington watchdogs say looks like a flagrant use of public funds to advance the Democrat's political ambitions. Days after Gottheimer kicked off his bid for Drumthwacket on Nov. 15, his House office paid $180,225.92 for 'advertisements' to an Iowa-based firm called Pinpoint Digital LLC, congressional disbursement records show. The figure vastly outstrips the amount any other representative spent on ads in the same period — and exceeds even the combined advertising expenditures of all 11 other members of the New Jersey delegation.' MON SOLO AND THE REBEL ALLIANCE — 'James Solomon backs Bhalla and Brennan for Assembly,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'James Soloman, the downtown Jersey City councilman and mayoral candidate who wields considerable influence among progressive voters, is taking sides in the 32nd district Democratic primary and endorsing Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and former Murphy administration official Katie Brennan for State Assembly. 'Katie and Ravi are proven leaders who will shake up Trenton. They're running to serve the people, not the party bosses,' Soliman stated … With the Jersey City non-partisan election not until November, Solomon pledged to put his own political organization behind the two Assembly candidates in the June 10 Democratic primary. That allows him to test his grassroots group five months before he needs them to perform. Solomon said that Bhalla's eight years as mayor of Hoboken is a model for a mayor who's not part of the Hudson Democratic clubhouse.' TEENS BEHAVING BADLY — 'Governor sends bill targeting pop-up parties back to lawmakers, citing constitutional concerns,' by New Jersey Monitor's Nikita Biryukov: 'Gov. Phil Murphy, citing First Amendment concerns, has conditionally vetoed legislation intended to deter disruptive pop-up parties that have harried shore towns in recent summers. Murphy on Thursday said he supports the bill's intent but worries its language could chill free speech and peaceful protest, and he warned provisions could criminalize lawful mask wearing. Civil rights advocates had urged Murphy to veto the bill … The bill, which won unanimous votes in both legislative chambers in March, would have created new criminal charges of inciting a public brawl for those who 'engage' or 'promote' at least four others to engage in disorderly conduct. Murphy's conditional veto suggests lawmakers change the bill to say those who 'incite' or attempt to incite at least four others to such conduct could be charged with inciting a public brawl … The bill's chief Senate sponsor [Paul Moriarty] said legislators would take up the changes, which he viewed as largely technical.' —'As primary for governor's race nears, candidates share details of their finances' —'How would New Jersey's candidates for governor tackle affordability?' —'New Jersey may prohibit sweepstakes casinos, saying they are illegal gambling' TRUMP ERA KUSHNER IS QUALIFIED TO SEE FRANCE BECAUSE A HIDDEN CAMERA HELPED HIM SEE UNDERPANTS — 'Acknowledging 'very serious mistake,' Charles Kushner greenlit for ambassadorship by Senate committee,' by New Jersey Globe's Joey Fox: 'Charles Kushner – a New Jersey real estate titan whose conviction on federal charges in 2005 became an enduring New Jersey political scandal and helped facilitate Chris Christie's rise to prominence – is one step closer to a U.S. ambassadorship. Kushner, who is also the father of President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today to be U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco after being nominated by Trump for the role last year. He and several other ambassador nominees cleared the committee on a 12-0 vote, with only Republicans in attendance; every committee Democrat, among them Senator Cory Booker, skipped the meeting for reasons that weren't immediately clear.' —Trump ramps up plans for 2026 World Cup amid friction with neighbors: 'Tensions are a good thing' —'Trump cuts hit Morris County: Children's theater loses $10,000 federal grant' —'Trump's DEI cuts spark concern among students, faculty at N.J. universities' —'SALT caucus rejects tax-writing panel's offer of $30,000 deduction cap' —"Donald Norcross released from rehab facility' LOCAL TOMS RIVEN — 'This feud between Ocean County GOP boss, Toms River mayor is roiling local politics,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: 'Nine candidates are competing for four Township Council seats in Toms River's GOP primary, but the biggest fight in this election is between Mayor Daniel Rodrick and his former ally — but current rival — Ocean County Republican Chairman George R. Gilmore. To hear Rodrick tell it, the dispute centers on Gilmore's attempts to exert control over Toms River, New Jersey's largest municipality where Republicans hold all positions on the governing body. Gilmore instead says that Rodrick 'follows a slash-and-burn response,' attacking other Republicans when he does not get his way. Since taking over as mayor, Rodrick has engaged in public disputes with the police chief, closed the township animal shelter, and most recently proposed using eminent domain to knock down a church applying to add a homeless shelter and replace it with a park.' BOXER'S BRIEFS — 'Lakewood Schools paid its attorney $6 million. Plus hundreds of thousands more to outside firms,' by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: 'While the Lakewood Board of Education has paid board attorney Michael Inzelbuch more than $6 million since 2017, the district has also shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional legal work during the same period, an Asbury Park Press investigation has revealed. More than $600,000 of added legal work was farmed out to seven other attorneys, according to a review of documents and invoices obtained by the Press through an Open Public Records Act request. Among those lawyers is the high-profile criminal investigative attorney Matthew Boxer of Lowenstein Sadler, who charged $880 per hour for a stint in 2022. Boxer, a former federal prosecutor and, coincidentally a Lakewood High School graduate … It is unclear why Lakewood Schools required the expertise of such a high-priced lawyer, or what work he performed for the total cost of $47,656 over several weeks. Boxer and Lakewood School officials did not respond to repeated requests for comment and clarification.' SLAPP HAPPY KRANJAC — 'This N.J. town has to pay more than $200,000 for suing its own lawyers,' by The Record's Colleen Murphy: 'The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that municipalities are not exempt from sanctions for frivolous litigation, ordering Englewood Cliffs to pay over $200,000 in penalties. This decision comes after the court agreed with lower court rulings that Englewood Cliffs acted in bad faith when it filed a lawsuit against its former attorneys. Englewood Cliffs hired Thomas J. Trautner, Albert Wunsch, and Jeffrey R. Surenian to handle a legal matter related to affordable housing requirements. Despite the fact that the attorneys advised the town to settle due to the weaknesses in their case, Englewood Cliffs chose to go to trial and ultimately lost, according to court documents. A builder, 800 Sylvan Avenue, disagreed and wanted to build more. After losing that case, the borough settled with the builder. However, after political control of the borough changed hands, Englewood Cliffs filed a second lawsuit against their former attorneys and the builder. The court found that the borough had no valid reason for filing the lawsuit, determining that it was filed with malicious intent.' —''Serious event': Expect road closures during Mahwah Sheraton Crossroads hotel demolition' —'Wayne school district outsources after care program. Families to pay higher fees' —'N.J. student set Chromebook on fire for viral TikTok challenge, cops say' —'6 former students claim they were sexually abused by [Cherry Hill] teacher, and district didn't stop it' —'Andrew Washington's family rallies over no charges for [Jersey City] cop who fatally shot him' —'[Jersey City] school bus crash sends 4 students to hospital with minor injuries, officials say' EVERYTHING ELSE THE SECOND SEE — ''We never expected an American': NJ Catholics joyful for Pope Leo XIV's election,' by The Record's Deena Yellin: 'Shock and excitement reverberated around New Jersey and the country Thursday afternoon with the news that the cardinals had chosen an American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected by the college of cardinals on Thursday in Vatican City. A native of Chicago whose ministry took him to Peru and then to the Vatican, Prevost is a 1977 graduate of Villanova University … When Prevost came out on the balcony, Yates was overjoyed. Prevost, she knew, was born in Chicago, although he spent much of his career overseas. But his name wasn't on any short list. 'We never expected an American — we assumed that was out of the picture,' she said, adding that everyone she knows is thrilled with the choice .. Dugan McGinley, a professor of religion at Rutgers University said it's significant that the new pope chose the name Leo, because the last pontiff to take that name, Leo XIII, who was pope from 1878 to 1903, is considered one of the main figures in the modern Catholic social justice movement.' HUGIN'S HEROES — 'The price of remission,' by ProPublica's David Armstrong: 'A few hours after arriving at the emergency room, I heard my name. A doctor asked me to follow him to a private area, where he told me a scan had uncovered something 'concerning.' There were lesions, areas of bone destruction, on top of both of my hip bones and on my sternum. These were hallmarks of multiple myeloma. 'Cancer,' he said … That drug I take is called Revlimid. It is a derivative of thalidomide, a slightly tweaked version of the parent compound. Revlimid is now one of the bestselling pharmaceutical products of all time, with total sales of more than $100 billion. It has extended tens of thousands of lives — including my own. But Revlimid is also, I soon learned, extraordinarily expensive, costing nearly $1,000 for each daily pill. (Although, I later discovered, a capsule costs just 25 cents to make.) … I wanted to know how this drug came to cost so much — and why the price keeps going up. The price of Revlimid has been hiked 26 times since it launched. Some of what happened was reported at the time. But no one has pieced together the full account of what the drugmaker Celgene did, how federal regulators failed to rein it in and what the story reveals about unrestrained drug pricing in America. What I discovered astonished even me.' —'Here's where the Atlantic City casinos' money comes from (and half of it's not from gambling)'
