Latest news with #GoodThursday
Politico
5 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Spiller super PAC spent $8.3M just on canvassing
Presented by Good Thursday morning! The super PAC that's unofficially running NJEA President Sean Spiller's campaign for governor has spent as much just on canvassing as his rival candidates' actual campaigns are allowed to spend, period. Yesterday, NJEA critic Mike Lilley's group pointed out an odd-seeming $8.3 million in expenditures on the financial disclosure of the super PAC, Working New Jersey, which is funded with $40 million entirely by the union. All that money went to AP Consulting Firm in Newark, which as far as I can tell is a tiny company run by former Newark Board of Education member Ariagna Perello that specializes in tax prep. That's actually payment for Working New Jersey's field operation, according to the super PAC's spokesperson Eddie Vale. He said it's run by James Souder, who was briefly Newark's director of neighborhood and recreational services but stepped down amid an alleged nude photo incident and general dissatisfaction with his job performance, and later served as a legislative director for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, according to his LinkedIn page. Perello, he said, is administering it. Vale told me the canvassing operation is in all 21 counties. 'Working New Jersey's field program remains active in all of these counties as part of what is certainly the biggest GOTV operation, independent or otherwise, in the Democratic primary, especially now during early vote and the final six days of the campaign,' he said. 'Biggest GOTV operation' seems like an understatement. All five of Spiller's Democratic rivals are taking matching funds from the state, which basically limits them to spending $8.7 million. And while there are super PACs doing field work for some of Spiller's rivals, none of them approach $8.3 million. And that figure was with two weeks to go before the primary, so it will almost certainly be larger. By contrast, Ras Baraka's campaign has spent about $685,000 on canvassing through his brother Middy's consulting firm, and it broke down the expenses to include every person receiving the walking-around money. Or to make an even more stark comparison, Working New Jersey's field operation alone costs more than 24 times the roughly $342,058.84 Sean Spiller's campaign reported spending since he launched his campaign a year ago. Have I ever mentioned that our campaign finance system is absurd? FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — In Hoboken at 11 a.m. for a Unilever headquarters opening. In Newark at 1:15 p.m. for a 'ratepayer relief' announcement. And in Oceanport at 6:30 p.m. for a New Jersey Theatre Alliance gala. QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'The whole thing is looking like the three-way standoff in the movie Reservoir Dogs. And that shoot-out turned out poorly for everyone involved.' — Princeton's Sam Wang and FairVote's David Daley on the Democratic primary in a Philadelphia Inquirer op-ed advocating for ranked choice voting. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Kevin Peng, Shereef Elnahal, Dan Harris, Charles Rosen. WHAT TRENTON MADE HE'S LITERALLY PHONING IT IN — 'Even Offstage, Trump Is Everywhere in New Jersey's Governor's Race,' by The New York Times' Tracey Tully: 'President Trump has played a starring role throughout the race for governor of New Jersey, thanks to his stronger-than-expected showing last November in the Democrat-led state. But his influence on the Republican and Democratic primaries, set for Tuesday, was impossible to miss this week. On Monday night, just hours before the start of early voting, Trump held a dial-in telephone rally for the candidate he endorsed last month, a Republican former assemblyman named Jack Ciattarelli, who is making his third run for governor. Ciattarelli was at the front of a five-candidate G.O.P. pack long before he earned Trump's backing. Still, if Ciattarelli wins Tuesday's primary and beats the Democratic nominee in November, the president will rightly be able to claim some credit. Only New Jersey and Virginia are holding races for governor this year, and the contests will offer an early gauge of voter attitudes toward Trump, five months into his second term as president. He seemed to allude to that looming scorecard on the call, reminding listeners that the race was 'being watched, actually, all over the world.'' — 'New Jersey primary sets up the first major fight for the Democratic Party's future' EVERYBODY'S GONE SURVEYING. SURVEYUSA — It doesn't really tell us anything about the primary, but a new poll conducted by SurveyUSA for the advocacy group Education Reform Now has some numbers worth looking at considering the dearth of polling. The poll of 576 likely voters shows Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer with the highest net favorability ratings of seven candidates for governor: All six Democrats and Republican Jack Ciattarelli (it did not ask about Bill Spadea). Sherrill is at +12 and Gottheimer at +13. Ciattarelli is at +4, Ras Baraka +3 and Sean Spiller +3. The two Steves, Sweeney and Fulop, are just barely in the negative, at -2 and -1, respectively. The poll also asked voters' attitudes towards President Trump. He's 44 percent approve to 53 percent disapprove, a -9 net favorability rating. It's not apples to apples, but that's worse than the 47-47 approval rating split in a recent Emerson poll, but significantly better than the -21 approval rating he had in a May 2017 Quinnipiac poll. See the poll questions and results here. The poll's credibility interval is +/- 6.1 percentage points. POWER — 'Utilities plan to delay (but not decrease) electric rate hikes for New Jersey customers,' by The Press of Atlantic City's Wayne Parry: 'New Jersey's main utility companies plan to delay steep increases in the price of electricity until the fall, but customers will still pay every penny of the higher rates, just spread out over time. Three utility companies say they have requested permission from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to defer the significantly higher rates brought on by the most recent supplier auction held by PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator … The steps proposed by the power companies, in response to a request by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, will be but a reprieve for customers; unless they qualify for financial assistance, they will still pay the full amount of the increases, but the cost could be spread out over as many as six months.' SKINT TAG — 'Murphy plans to axe summer tuition aid for college students,' by NJ Spotlight News' Hannah Gross: 'For a growing number of low-income college students, summer does not necessarily mean time off from school. The expansion of the Tuition Aid Grant program to include summer classes has allowed students to continue toward their degree at a lower cost — but this could be the last summer the financial aid is available. Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed budget does not include funding for Summer TAG, which has helped around 24,000 students in its first two years. At budget hearings, college presidents called for the Legislature to add $30 million for summer tuition aid to the budget for next year so the program can continue in summer 2026. This is one of several requests from higher education leaders, who are raising alarm about potential cuts at the state and federal levels. 'It's a perfect storm of disinvestment,' said Eric Friedman, president of Bergen Community College.' GOTTHEIMER — 'Former Gaza hostage Edan Alexander and his family support Democrat in tight N.J. governor race,' by NJ Advance Media's Brent Johnson: 'Edan Alexander, the New Jersey native who was recently released after being held hostage for 19 months in Gaza, and his family wrote a letter supporting U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer as he runs in the state's tight Democratic primary for governor, now in its closing days, NJ Advance Media has learned. Alexander, a soldier for the Israeli army, on May 11 became the last living American hostage set free by Hamas. … The family wrote the letter a week after Alexander's release ... They said they were in Israel, 'embracing every moment of Edan's return to our lives.'' — 'Eleven towns that tell the story of New Jersey's Democratic brawl for governor' — Kean Sr.: 'We all lose without local news' — 'Goal of NJ school segregation suit is not to revoke home rule law, attorney says' — 'In school segregation case, New Jersey opposes appeal as think tank urges court to consider remedy' — 'New Jersey teachers bankroll the $40 million man' — 'New Jersey has given $37.5M in matching funds to governor hopefuls' — Pizarro: 'Critical Context on 'the Establishment' Candidacy of Mikie Sherrill' TRUMP ERA AN ADMINISTRATION COMMITTED TO FREE SPEECH — 'Surveilled, detained: Feds pursue Paterson woman a year after Gaza protest,' by The Record's Hannan Adely: 'Leqaa Kordia of Paterson said she soon found that the Department of Homeland Security was investigating nearly every aspect of her life. They interrogated her mother, uncle, a clothing store owner and tenants of an apartment that she briefly rented. … The scrutiny, described in a federal lawsuit, came nearly a year after her participation at a demonstration on April 30, 2024, outside the gates of Columbia University. New York City police arrested 119 protesters on and off campus that day, including Kordia, a Palestinian who had been in the United States since 2016. Although charges were dropped, the arrest put her on federal authorities' radar, the lawsuit shows. In March, the Department of Homeland Security announced Kordia had been arrested for overstaying her student visa. Kordia's mother had filed a family-based petition for her to become a permanent resident that she mistakenly thought gave her temporary legal status, her attorneys said. Today, she remains in Texas at the Prairieland Detention Facility, 1,500 miles away from her family, held in what her attorneys describe as 'inhumane conditions.'' — Testa: 'Don't let NJ Democrats distract you with their epic failures. Medicaid is safe' — 'CBO: Nearly 11 million people will be uninsured if GOP megabill becomes law' LOCAL FROM RENAISSANCE SCHOOLS TO A DARK AGE — 'Camden students bring concerns about budget cuts to New Jersey Department of Education,' by WHYY's P. Kenneth Burns: 'At least two dozen Camden students traveled Wednesday to Trenton to protest looming budget cuts being made to the state-run school district, voicing frustration and fear over what the reductions could mean for their education. And they didn't come alone. Community members and representatives from the Camden Education Association, New Jersey Education Association, NAACP New Jersey State Conference Youth and College Division and New Jersey Working Families Party also showed up to support the student-led rally outside of the New Jersey Department of Education building. … Several students spoke of their hurt that more than 100 people, including teachers and a cast of support staff, will be laid off to cover a $91 million budget deficit. The deficit was announced by state District Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs on April 30, along with a series of moves to balance the budget, including the layoffs. 'I am devastated,' said Kevin Duncan, a Camden High School student. 'There is no emotions and words that can describe this feeling that I'm feeling today.'' PATERSON — 'Paterson shootings down from 31 in 2024 to 20 this year,' by the Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: 'As summer approaches, Paterson has seen a significant decrease in gun violence in 2025, according to data released by the city police department on June 3. The city had 20 shooting incidents during the first five months of this year, compared to 31 over the same time period in 2024, a 35.5% reduction, the police department said. Meanwhile, the number of shooting victims in Paterson from January through May dropped by about 50% compared to the first five months of last year, when 41 people were killed or injured by gunfire in the city, officials said. The 2025 drop in gun violence has been unmatched over the past decade … Paterson PBA President Angel Jimenez attributed the drop in shootings to the violent crime suppression initiative, which uses overtime to assign extra officers to notorious trouble spots … As part of the state takeover, Gov. Phil Murphy's administration has allocated an extra $20 million for Paterson police operations, including millions spent on overtime to increase police presence on the streets.' 500-PERSON TOWN HAS ITS OWN POLICE FORCE, SCHOOL BOARD — 'West Wildwood could look to supplement cops, not disband,' by The Press of Atlantic City's Bill Barlow: 'The Board of Commissioners will consider contracting with an outside police department to cover overnight shifts for its understaffed and overstressed police … On Monday, a report from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police on West Wildwood became public, outlining multiple problems with the department. They included serious staffing woes, along with raising concerns about procedure for handling evidence, training officers for leadership and responsibilities for investigation … But the conclusion of the report was that the department should be disbanded, contracting with Wildwood for police service. A group of West Wildwood residents does not want to see that happen. More than 200, out of a year-round population of about 540, are part of a Facebook group called 'Save the West Wildwood Police Department.'' MR. GUYBACHEV, PUT UP THIS WALL BETWEEN UNION CITY AND NORTH BERGEN — 'Hudson County officials celebrate a piece of the Berlin Wall coming to Secaucus park,' by Hudson County View's Daniel Ulloa: 'Hudson County officials celebrated a piece of the Berlin Wall that separated West Berlin from East Germany during the Cold War was installed in Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus yesterday. 'It's a powerful symbol of a world once divided: It marked the triumph of the human spirit, that moment changed the world,' Hudson County Cultural and Heritage Affairs Director Gina Hulings said at the ceremony. ... Hudson County Executive Craig Guy also expressed enthusiasm about the unveiling. 'This is an historic event, right? We have a piece of the Berlin Wall that comes all the way across the pond, all the way to Hudson County … It finds itself in one of the best parks,' he stated.' MANALAPOLOGY — 'Mayor's wife wrote apology letter after stealing $5K at housekeeping job, police say,' by NJ Advance Media's Anthony G. Attrino: 'The wife of a mayor in Monmouth County wrote a letter of apology to a friend she worked for as a housekeeper after the friend allegedly caught her on a security camera stealing cash, according to police. Jennifer Nelson, 52, of Manalapan, was charged with third-degree theft on May 22 for an incident that allegedly occurred a week earlier at a home in Freehold, according to police. The victim is identified in court records as Nelson's friend, and someone whose home Nelson cleaned for eight years.' — 'New Jersey primary 2025: Here's what to know about Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen's reelection bid and City Council races' — 'Turnout so far: 9% for Demcorats, 5% for GOP' — 'Ex-[Mount Arlington] councilman who took an envelope of cash from a secret hotel meeting will avoid jail' — 'Democrat running for Wayne mayor: My primary opponent is a 'lifelong Republican'' — 'Jersey Shore firefighter wins court battle over growing beard on religious grounds' — '[Salem City] man says he's fighting for justice after beloved bulldog dies in animal control custody' — 'N.J. suspends license of [Penns Grove] department's top cop over licensing dispute involving other cops' — 'Jersey City Police Officer Freeman is 6th candidate to formally declare for mayor' EVERYTHING ELSE THE CRUCIFIX IS IN — Lawmakers threaten Seton Hall funding amid new scandal, by POLITICO's Dustin Racioppi: Seton Hall University could lose $1 million in state funding over its handling of sexual abuse scandals. Two influential state senators said in a statement that they are 'no longer confident that Seton Hall deserves funding from NJ taxpayers,' following new allegations of sexual abuse and hazing in the school's baseball program. Those claims, detailed in a new lawsuit, follow POLITICO's reporting that the university hired its new president despite recommendations he not hold leadership positions because he didn't properly report sexual abuse allegations as a seminary leader. And even though the Catholic university's church leader ordered an investigation into how the new president was hired, Seton Hall has blocked a key witness from testifying, setting up a power clash at the country's oldest diocesan university. State Sens. Joseph Vitale and Andrew Zwicker said they are 'particularly disturbed' by that decision and are now 'confronted with allegations that go to the heart of the university's culture and failure of leadership.' — 'Sailor returned from combat to find his beloved dog was given away; he wants Archie back' — 'Decorative helicopter mishap cost American Dream over $20M, developer says' — 'Cliffside Cube? A new style duplex is rising in northern NJ. And it's everywhere'
Politico
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
NJ Spotlight News' Fight Night
Presented by Good Thursday morning! NJ Spotlight News hosted a 'conversation' last night with the three debate-eligible Republican gubernatorial candidates: State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli and former radio host Bill Spadea. It was more of an hour-long argument, and a particularly bitter one during the exchanges between Ciattarelli and Spadea. Fairly early on, after Spadea criticized Ciattarelli as an 'insider,' Ciattarelli hit him over his fundraising practices. 'What do you call a person who fleeced seniors to give contributions? That's an insider,' Ciattarelli said. Spadea shot back that Ciattarelli was 'scared' and lying about him. 'It's all about character. You have none,' Ciattarelli told Spadea. 'You're sad and desperate,' Spadea responded. I could try go into the candidates' policy differences, but there's not much space at the top of this newsletter, and frankly the candidates broke little news on that front. But here are some things that really stuck out. On whether to maintain the Supreme Court's traditional partisan balance — in which no party has more than a one-seat advantage — Ciattarelli took the most radical position, saying he would discard it. Spadea was noncommittal, even though he's calling for executive orders on affordable housing and other issues with long Supreme Court precedents that would almost certainly be put in front of the justices. And Bramnick said he would keep the balance in place, because 'if you tell Democrats that's what we're going to do, they'll start doing it.' Ciattarelli said he would support whoever wins the primary, as did Bramnick. But Spadea did not commit, using his time to call Ciattarelli a 'two-time loser' who 'did not want my support or President Trump's support in 2021.' (Spadea did commit to do so in this January interview if the nominee supports Trump). And while Bramnick is by far the most 'establishment' of the three — a dirty word in either party's primary — he was the only one to express skepticism of authority. Asked about deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, Bramnick supported their right to due process, saying they're entitled 'to at least make sure you got the right guy.' 'Just because the government says 'that's a bad guy,' you believe whatever the government says?' he said. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY? No public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'It's like putting the hot dog on a hamburger bun.' — An unnamed Facebook user protesting the rumor that the Wildwood Boardwalk plans to replace its iconic tram car towing car with a yellow Ford pick-up truck. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Chris Megerian, Matt Greller, Sabeen Masih, Yale Hauptman, Miranda Peterson WHAT TRENTON MADE SCOTNJ — Republicans raise prospect of tilting balance of state Supreme Court, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: Republicans vying to flip the governorship this year are opening the door to altering the traditional partisan balance of the state Supreme Court. During a Wednesday debate among Republicans Jon Bramnick, Jack Ciattarelli and Bill Spadea, the candidates were asked if they would commit to maintaining the partisan balance of the state's highest court. Ciattarelli, who has previously stated he would prioritize 'qualifications, not partisanship' on the court, said he would not honor the balance because 'we need conservatives.' Bramnick disagreed with that approach, warning that it could open the door to Democrats stacking the court with liberal justices, and Spadea initially said that he didn't know. 'The way I look at the Supreme Court is that they have been a complete disaster over time, and we know that the chief justice will hit the retirement age and we're going to replace him,' Spadea said. ICE'S IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION TO BARAKA FOR GOVERNOR — 'Newark mayor confronted by armed ICE officers at private detention center,' by NJ Advance Media's Steve Strunsky: 'A line of armed ICE officers in combat fatigues greeted Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka Wednesday morning outside the gate of a privately run immigrant detention center that began housing detainees last week, despite the city's position that it was operating illegally. Baraka and other city officials were at the Delaney Hall detention center to try and serve a representative of its owner, the GEO Group of Boca Raton, Florida, with summonses that included refusing to grant access to the facility and failure to have an evacuation plan in place. … The peaceful standoff between the city's civilian delegation and the seven ICE officers in green military-style uniforms — with several Newark Police vehicles parked nearby — was one that Baraka and other city officials said they had never seen before. Baraka said it was clear that the ICE officers were meant to intimidate city inspectors, though he was not intimidated.' —'What to Know About the Newly Opened Immigration Detention Center in New Jersey's Biggest City' SH****NG ON THE BRIDGE OF THE BAY — 'Fulop says he'll repair Newark Bay Bridge, cancel new bridge project,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'The proposed $6 billion Newark Bay Bridge replacement received a permit from the U.S. Coast Guard – a major hurdle in the construction process set to commence early next year – but staff at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority this morning pushed back on the idea that a new governor could still call off the first step toward a controversial plan to widen the New Jersey Turnpike through parts of Hudson County. 'A new governor, or any governor, is going to have to reckon with the public safety issue,' said Tom Feeney, a spokesman for the authority. 'Just cancelling it is not going to be an option with public safety as the primary consideration.' But the answer doesn't satisfy one major gubernatorial contender, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a fervent opponent of the project. 'We need more mass transit and not more highways,' Fulop stated. 'As governor, we will complete safety improvements to the bridge and cancel the balance of this widening to reallocate the money to mass transit.' … Fulop said it was 'shameful' that Gov. Phil Murphy is backing the project.' —'The massive project to replace these N.J. Turnpike bridges gets a start date' WILL THE CUP CUP RUNNETH OVER BUDGET? — 'What has NJ spent — so far, at least — to fund the 2026 FIFA World Cup?' by The Record's Katie Sobko: 'Though the 2026 FIFA World Cup is still more than a year away, it's been costing New Jersey taxpayers money for a few years already. Trenton lawmakers have dispatched a total of $67.5 million to a New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority fund for 'International Events, Improvements & Attractions' over the last three state budgets. So far, the NJSEA has spent more than $32 million on the tournament. With another $32.4 million under contract, the NJSEA will spend as much as $64.4 million on the event, which will feature eight matches including the final at MetLife Stadium. Though they're not part of next year's tournament, another $4 million will be used to 'assist MetLife Stadium with securing and hosting upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches.'' —'Phil Murphy should not cozy up to the Saudis. 9/11 families need answers | Opinion' —'NJ Transit and its largest union reach a tentative agreement on a new contract' —'Trump is a felon. But N.J. extends his golf clubs' temporary liquor permits – again' —'Student details might get added protection' —'Is NJ's unemployment system recession ready?' —'Larry Hamm-led group endorses Baraka for governor' —'Nuclear New Jersey: Murphy embraces new reactors amid energy crisis' TRUMP ERA FEDERAL ANXIETY ADMINISTRATION — Newark's a symptom of the ailing air traffic system. Can Trump offer a cure?, by POLITICO's Oriana Pawlyk and Ry Rivard: Terrifying safety lapses at Newark Liberty International Airport are raising the stakes for the Trump administration's still-vague plan for upgrading the nation's aviation system — a multibillion-dollar blueprint whose debut is scheduled for Thursday. The plan, to be announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, comes on the heels of a series of unnerving aviation incidents in recent years, most seriously the midair collision near Washington that killed 67 people on Jan. 29. But more than a week of flight delays, cancellations and mechanical malfunctions at Newark has put an exclamation point on the demand for improvements in how the Federal Aviation Administration oversees the skies. The emerging plan will be one of the most challenging tests yet of the new Trump administration's ability to address years of flaws in an aging, but crucial government function meant to safeguard Americans' travel — even as it pursues spending and staffing cuts, including in the FAA. SALT IN THE WOUND — SALT Republicans leave critical meeting empty-handed, by POLITICO's Benjamin Guggenheim: House Republicans left a critical meeting of the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday saying that a fight over a key tax deduction is still far from resolved. 'It's one of, I think, the stickiest points of the entire [budget] reconciliation. But we're getting there,' said committee member Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) … Malliotakis said Wednesday's discussion centered on whether there should be an income limit for qualifying for the deduction, if second homes would qualify and doubling the deduction for married couples. 'GIVE HIM A BREAK, WILL YA? IT'S AN EMOTIONAL DAY' — Former Sen. Bob Menendez is asking for another delay before he begins his 11-year federal prison sentence in June. His attorneys asked for the delay Wednesday, citing the upcoming wedding of his stepdaughter, the only daughter of his wife, Nadine Menendez. 'Allowing Sen. Menendez to accompany his wife to their daughter's wedding would alleviate this hardship and permit the family to be together for a meaningful (and perhaps final) gathering before the commencement of Sen. Menendez's lengthy custodial sentence,' Menendez attorneys Adam Fee and Avi Weitzman wrote. If granted, Menendez would report to a federal prison in Pennsylvania on June 17 rather than June 6. – Ry Rivard —'Cancellations, delays continue at Newark airport as Real ID begins' HEALTH CARE — 'Federal Medicaid cuts: Health care execs offer bleak outcome for NJ patients,' by The Record's Scott Fallon: 'Some have argued that Medicaid has become bloated, has made too many Americans dependent on it and has been taken advantage of by those who can instead get insurance by working a full-time job. But those who testified at the state Assembly Health Committee's three-hour session Tuesday described Medicaid as a thin line separating a vibrant, healthy society from one that plunges into disarray. 'Without Medicaid, I simply have no life,' said Kevin Nunez, a New Jersey disability advocate who has cerebral palsy. 'Without Medicaid, I couldn't get out of bed.' ... Although the cuts have been discussed for months and a House resolution that passed would target $880 billion over 10 years, there is still little information on what eligibility requirements will be changed, how much reimbursements would be cut and what programs would be targeted. 'We don't know what they're going to look like,' Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, a Democrat from Mount Laurel who chaired the hearing, said of the cuts. 'We just have an estimate of what it may be.'' THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY AND HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE — 'Trump appoints former 'Real Housewives' star to Holocaust Museum board,' by The Washington Post's Herb Scribner: 'President Donald Trump named five new members to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council on Monday night, including a former 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' television star whose stepson was charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The appointments, and eight others Trump made last week, will replace members he fired April 29, all of whom had been named by President Joe Biden. The abrupt ouster and replacement of Biden appointees before their terms expired — a prerogative that no previous president had exercised regarding the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum — has sparked concerns from some supporters of the museum.' —'Van Drew: NJ's lawsuit against Trump over offshore wind ban 'a slap in the face' to taxpayers' —'Starvation, looting: NJ aid worker in Gaza describes the day that nearly broke him' LOCAL UNARRESTED DEVELOPMENT — 'Lakewood fire reveals illegal shack apartments; owner faces thousands in fines,' by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: 'Five shack-like apartments that were evacuated by a fire last month were illegally built and rented out, according to township officials who say the owner has been cited for numerous violations and faces thousands of dollars in fines. That owner is linked to a major local developer who just last year had received township approval to build nine new homes on the property. Township records indicate the property is owned by a limited liability corporation headed by the president of Diversified Capital, a Lakewood-based firm … Diversified President Joseph Rosenbaum is listed in documents as the registered agent of the LLC and signed an affidavit of ownership for the project with the planning board in 2024. The [planning] board granted approval in April 2024 for the planned homes, according to records. A March 18, 2024, engineers report completed for the project appears to mention the illegal units … Minutes from the April 4, 2024, Planning Board meeting where the project was considered indicated little discussion and a unanimous board approval.' YOUR EMINENCE DOMAIN — ''Egregious land grab': Church will fight Toms River plan to seize land, knock it down,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: 'Christ Episcopal Church is prepared for a legal fight to block the township from acquiring its downtown property, with the support of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. In a letter read to the Christ Church congregation on May 4, New Jersey Episcopal Bishop Sally French said, 'I am writing as your bishop to assure you of my support.' Rev. French added that she was 'shocked and deeply disappointed to learn of the unjust attempt by the mayor and township council to take away this beautiful church property.' The Township Council voted 4 to 3 April 30 to introduce an ordinance to acquire the nearly 11-acre church property at 415 Washington St., either through negotiation, or, if necessary, through eminent domain … Mayor Daniel Rodrick envisions the church property as part of a large waterfront park, including a soccer field on the site of the church building, eight pickleball courts, a skatepark and large playground … Rodrick has argued that the heavily populated downtown area has few recreation options for residents. But some speakers at the April 30 meeting claimed the mayor's move to acquire the church came in response to an ongoing effort by the church and the Affordable Housing Alliance to build a 17-bed overnight shelter for the homeless on the Christ Church property.' IRROLEVANT — 'U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna endorses former Jersey City BOE Pres. Mussab Ali for mayor,' by Hudson County View's John Heinis: 'U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) is endorsing former Jersey Board of Education President Mussab Ali for mayor, citing his record of community leadership and vision for progressive change. 'I'm proud to endorse Mussab Ali for Mayor of Jersey City. He represents exactly the kind of next-generation leadership we need—young, progressive, and deeply rooted in his community,' Khanna said in a statement … This is the second endorsement Ali has secured from outside New Jersey, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison supporting his mayoral ran back in February, as HCV first reported.' —'In South Jersey, school districts are raising property taxes and considering cuts' —'NJ threatens fines if Paterson budget isn't introduced by May 30' —'Paterson school board passes new budget with 4% tax hike, lowest in years' —'Sheriff's Office Det. Sarmiento rounds out McGreevey's Jersey City council slate' —'Atlantic City moves Caribbean music festival to placate high-rise residents' EVERYTHING ELSE LOSING MY RELIGION LAWSUIT — 'Learning about Islam in public schools isn't indoctrination, appeals court rules,' by NJ Advance Media's Colleen Murphy: 'A federal appeals court dismissed a parent's claim that her son's middle school curriculum violated the Constitution by teaching about Islam. The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit upheld the constitutionality of a social studies curriculum that included instructional videos about Islam. In its decision issued Monday, the court said that the Chatham School District's curriculum does not show any signs of promoting a specific religion. However, the attorney for the plaintiff, Chatham parent, Libby Hilsenrath, said he intends to appeal the ruling … Her complaint named the Chatham School District and several school officials and teachers. Hilsenrath argued that the inclusion of instructional videos about Islam in a World Cultures and Geography class violated the establishment clause of the first amendment, claiming it amounted to religious indoctrination and coercion.' — 'Survivor N.J.: This school has a one-of-a-kind wilderness survival class. Gen Z can't get enough' —'Meet the latest 'Jeopardy!' champ: Sarah Gillis, a loan processor from Asbury Park'
Politico
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Pritzker's tense call with Schumer
Presented by Good Thursday, Illinois. It's a somber day as we watch and pray for news out of Washington. BREAKING OVERNIGHT: 'Nothing short of a nightmare': Jet, helicopter collide near Reagan National Airport, by POLITICO's Oriana Pawlyk and Sam Ogozalek TOP TALKER FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Gov. JB Pritzker and a handful of fellow Democratic governors conferred with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last night, urging him to get his caucus in line to push back at President Donald Trump's actions and appointments, according to a person familiar with their call. Our story is here. What they talked about: The governors want Senate Democrats to be more forceful in responding to Trump on policy and appointments. The New York Times said the meeting was tense. And an aide to Schumer separately described the meeting as a conversation about the Trump administration's executive orders, 'his erratic policies' and the impacts that is having on states. Getting to the point: Pritzker and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey were most outspoken about Senate Democrats needing to step up and stay unified against some of Trump's Cabinet nominees, a few of which have seen bipartisan support. Easier said than done: Schumer said he can't force all Senate Democrats to oppose every Trump nominee but he could unite the caucus to oppose certain high-profile appointees, according to the Times story. Also on the call: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (chair of the Democratic Governors Association), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Feeling the brunt: The Democratic governors impressed on Schumer that their states are on the front lines feeling the greatest impact of Trump's executive orders, including plans for withholding federal funds, according to the person familiar with the call. Schumer, a New York Democrat, arranged the call, and Pritzker helped coordinate it. The governors weren't shy about expressing their thoughts. The New York senator credited the governors for helping force the hands of Trump and Russell Vought, who the president has tapped to run the White House Office of Management and Budget, to pull back the funding freeze memo. But it's just one win, and Schumer — and the governors — expect there will be more battles to wage. Trump has already said the memo was rescinded but not the plan for funding cuts. Pritzker also appeared on CNN, describing the funding freeze fiasco during the past 48 hours as being among 'the most bizarre and terrible since I took office.' Notable because Pritzker has often complained about Trump's handling of the Covid-19 crisis during Pritzker's first term. The big political question: Earlier Wednesday, Pritzker was asked by a reporter if he would seek a third term. The governor gave his usual talking points about enjoying the job. But he also revealed that running for office was a conversation he was having with his family. 'I have to make a decision over the next few months,' he said. The idea of lifting up the people of Illinois and putting us in a better position excites me, and should excite someone who will serve as governor. So, that's one that would keep me in the job. … But families of politicians go through a lot. They didn't necessarily choose to be in that life. So, that's part of the decision-making process.' THE BUZZ LINES DRAWN: Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has taken away some privileges of GOP members of the Freedom Caucus due to their recent actions. Denied: The five conservative House members have been denied spokesman positions, larger offices and communication services. Lines drawn: The Republican members say McCombie has essentially 'declared war' on their caucus in a 'blatant attempt' to silence conservative voices. 'She seems to be more interested in going after conservative members of her own caucus than she is in taking on the Democrats,' the caucus said in a statement. They missed McCombie's criticism of Democrats during the recent inauguration because they held their own separate inauguration. 'This decision was not made lightly and remains subject to further review,' McCombie said in a statement. 'Leadership resources are a privilege, not an entitlement, and they are allocated to those committed to advancing our caucus's priorities — not fueling distractions.' There's also a concern that the Freedom Caucus sometimes blurs the line of being a political organization. That's not allowed when doing work in the Capitol. Being denied services are state Reps. Adam Niemerg of Dieterich, Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville, Chris Miller of Hindsboro, Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City and Marty McLaughlin of Barrington Hills. McCombie isn't the first to take away some privileges. Former House GOP Leader Jim Durkin also pulled back the benefits. In other matters: A brick was thrown through window of state Rep. Severin and state Sen. Bryant's joint office building, by WSIL TV's Mike Mohundro If you are Chris Miller, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield to announce new college credit opportunities for Illinois State Police troopers WHERE's BRANDON On Kedzie Avenue for the Fifth City Commons ribbon-cutting Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ THE STATEWIDES — MADIGAN TRIAL: Jurors begin deliberating after prosecutor argues Madigan 'lost his way: 'Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is accused of leading a criminal enterprise over nearly a decade, designed to enhance his political power and financial well-being. Michael McClain, a former lawmaker and longtime lobbyist for ComEd, is also on trial and accused of acting as Madigan's agent,' by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel and Tina Sfondeles. — People were strapped to chairs for hours, days at Madison County Jail. Many were mentally ill or in withdrawal: 'Of all Illinois jails, Madison County has the most incidents of restraint lasting longer than 10 hours — the upper limit set by the chair manufacturer. The jail said they're not equipped to care for so many mentally ill detainees,' by Illinois Answers' Grace Hauck and Janelle O'Dea — Illinois' 8th graders outperform their peers in all but one state in national math and reading test, by the Tribune's Ikram Mohamed — Illinois' 4th grade NAEP scores drop in both reading and math, by Chalkbeat's Samantha Smylie — State lawmakers weigh TikTok's value, by Bridgette Fox and UIS Public Affairs Reporting — Legislators try again to create state board to review drug prices, George Wiebe for the Sun-Times — Lawmakers advance a bill aimed to protect warehouse workers amid complaints that demands for speed hinder safety, by the Tribune's Addison Wright CHICAGO — It's hemp day at City Hall. Two City Council panels are having a joint hearing to consider whether shops can sell hemp products. The move comes after state lawmakers were divided on the issue, with many seeing hemp products as a non-agriculture product that's dangerous to people (especially children). Others see it as an opportunity for tax revenue. Both sides will be on display at press briefings separate from the hearing. — Text from Johnson to firefighters' union president could ignite stalled contract talks: 'The apparent breakthrough started with a text message from Mayor Brandon Johnson to Pat Cleary, president of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 after Cleary's members responded to a Dec. 12 fire that started in a records storage area of Cook County Building,' by the Sun-Times' Fran Spielman. — Mayor Johnson's office blocked investigators from looking at valuable gifts he received, according to report: 'The Inspector General's office was denied access to the mayor's gift room with designer bags, cufflinks and shoes. The report calls for the mayor to end a practice where gifts accepted on behalf of the city are only logged at City Hall,' by the Block Club's Mack Liederman. — New CPS Board President Sean Harden says he took the volunteer job because 'I love this city': He defends his request for a CPS driver and a car and said the leak to news media about his request shows that at least some in CPS' administration don't support him. 'Harden says it is incumbent on him not to focus on that,' by WBEZ's Sarah Karp. — Historian Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas partners with DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, by the Sun-Times' Stefano Esposito — Man arrested during ICE sweep in Chicago ordered detained for allegedly selling 'ghost gun,' by the Sun-Times' Matthew Hendrickson COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — BIG NUMBER: Assessor Fritz Kaegi says Chicago properties worth a combined $50.8B in 2024, calls for bill relief in Springfield: 'Kaegi's estimate for the value of commercial buildings like warehouses, offices and big apartment buildings is a combined $25.8 billion, while his estimate for all of the homes and smaller apartment buildings in the city is $25 billion. The total is a 23 percent increase compared with the year before,' by the Tribune's A.D. Quig. — Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss launches campaign, tearing into White House and pledging 'bold experimentation': Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky introduced Biss who proclaimed Evanston as a 'leader in that fight' against federal policy, by the Daily Northwestern's Shun Graves and Hannah Webster. — Cicero Town President Larry Dominick has been endorsed by SEIU Local 73, which represents more than 350 workers in the town. — I got mine. Did you? Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has mailed nearly 1.8 million Tax Year 2023 First Installment property tax bills. Payments are due March 1. DAY IN COURT — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Four immigrant rights groups that filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over deportation efforts have pulled their temporary restraining order requisition, according to a new filing. That means there will be no emergency hearing and no temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction anytime soon. 'It is now critical that we monitor the ongoing immigration raids in Chicago, educate our community members on their rights, and continue organizing to strengthen the sanctuary movement,' said Brandon Lee of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, one of the four groups that filed the lawsuit in federal court. The suit claims the president's deportation efforts in Chicago violate their First Amendment rights to free speech and possibly Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizures. Reader Digest We asked about your unusual google searches. Mike Gascoigne: 'I found that in southwestern France, where my name originates, they have a nativity figure called the Christmas caganer. It's basically a peasant taking a poop on the ground outside the manger where Jesus is being born. Apparently, people in the region get upset when the Christmas caganer is removed. That makes me laugh.' Kathy Posner: 'I was in a conversation on Zoom with a politician who used the phrase, 'ear hustler.' I googled and found it was prison slang for a person who is a 'gossiper' or 'eavesdropper,' especially those seeking to leverage whatever information they overhear to their advantage. Great phrase I'll use in the future.' Next question: Do you wake up to an alarm or music? Email skapos@ THE NATIONAL TAKE — Trump went for shock and awe. Now he's mopping up, by POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky and Liz Crampton — RFK Jr.'s rocky rollout, by Joanne Kenen in POLITICO's Nightly — Trump order aims to end gender-affirming care for minors, by POLITICO's Daniel Payne — The senators who could stop Tulsi Gabbard, by POLITICO's Jordain Carney TRANSITIONS — Rich Rieger has joined consulting firm Berkeley Research Group's health analytics practice as a managing director in Chicago, where he'll advise pharma and biotech companies. He's had held positions at Baxter, Horizon Therapeutics and AbbVie. TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: Thomas Scorza withdrew his nomination as city clerk, dealing Mayor Richard M. Daley one of his biggest defeats. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the first Illinois governor to be born in Illinois? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Emily's List Midwest Finance Director Sarah Carrillo, career coach Eric Fridman, The Intelligence Group's Maze Jackson, Insider Regional Sales Director Arjun Kumar, Edelman Account Supervisor Sabiha Nur, former Ald. Ricardo Munoz, NBC News reporter and POLITICO alum Natasha Korecki and POLITICO Senior Editor Bob Hillman, who gets Illinois Playbook to your inboxes every morning. -30-
