Latest news with #SteveFulop
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'
Politico
4 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Crypto wants in on the NJ primary
Good Thursday morning! We haven't talked much about crypto in the gubernatorial primary, one exception being Steve Fulop pledging to invest a portion of Jersey City's pension into an exchange-traded fund. But the advocacy group Stand with Crypto is trying to change that. The group helped sponsor the last Democratic and Republican debates, and on Wednesday it announced a June 5 rally at Jersey City's White Eagle Hall featuring rappers Soulja Boy and 070 Shake, a Hudson County native. 'We are fighting for clear, sensible crypto policy that fosters innovation and empowers New Jersey's crypto entrepreneurs. Our investment in turning out the crypto voter in this election has elevated cryptocurrency policy as a key election issue that candidates must address in order to win,' said Carlos Ivan Merino, president of the group's New Jersey chapter, said in a statement. The group said all candidates are invited. But it is interesting that it chose Jersey City for this location. Fulop told Bloomberg that he'd also expose the state's pension fund to crypto investments. Still, I'm not sure the group's choice of entertainment is the best way to get candidates to line up to speak at its rally. A jury last month ordered Soulja Boy to pay $4 million to an ex-assistant who accused him of assault and sexual battery. Just days before a primary, it's hard to imagine most candidates would want to be seen in the same room. FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'People in your group dressed up in freakish costumes with signs, and you are cursing at people. I got the video. 'You f------ this. You are an f------ traitor. You f------ that.' You are the one disrupting businesses and causing havoc in the township.' — Galloway Councilmember Tom Bassford to Atlantic County Indivisible founder Kim Grieser, whose group he said protested a fundraiser for Rep. Jeff Van Drew at the mayor's business. Grieser had wanted the council to denounce the far-right Proud Boys, who she said were harassing them at other protests. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Mila Jasey, Chapman Vai WHAT TRENTON MADE HAPPENING TODAY — It's a weed day in Trenton, where the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on or discuss several weed-related measures, including a fast-tracked bill designed to clean up the intoxicating hemp law Gov. Murphy signed in September that was partially overturned in federal court. Up for discussion only is this controversial proposal by Senate President Nick Scutari to crack down on illegal weed sales, including by making it a crime to buy from an unlicensed source and up penalties for selling a small amount. The fact that it's discussion only, though, suggests to me this bill will change quite a bit before it's passed, if it ever is. The Senate State Government Committee has a long agenda. Also for discussion only is state Sen. Andrew Zwicker's legislation that would speed up the process of filling U.S. House vacancies. It was introduced after U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died but before U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell died. And it's only taken a year to get to this point. AND THEY'RE PLANNING TO MAKE MORE PEOPLE WALK TO THE STATEHOUSE. COINCIDENCE? — 'After NJ's deadliest year for pedestrians in decades, state plans to cut safety money,' by The Record's Colleen Wilson: 'After New Jersey recorded the deadliest year for pedestrians in 36 years, Gov. Phil Murphy has proposed a budget for the 2026 fiscal year that reduces funding for local pedestrian safety projects. The decision to cut this funding comes after Murphy emphasized in his State of the State address earlier this year that he was making road and pedestrian safety a priority … Francis O'Connor, commissioner of the state Department of Transportation, acknowledged the cuts at the annual budget hearings in May when asked about them by Assemblyman Michael Venezia. 'Yes, the grants were reduced, but I don't think it's going to affect our way of helping the cities and helping the safety of the pedestrians and the cyclists,' O'Connor said … Money for local aid and economic development grants — which fund Transit Villages, Safe Streets to Transit and Bikeways grant programs — would get slashed to just $8 million. Last year, the budget was $16 million, and the year before that it was $20 million.' —'New Jersey State Police report seven traffic deaths during Memorial Day weekend' SHERRILL VS. EVERYONE — 'Congresswoman running for N.J. governor is target of escalating attacks on campaign trail,' by New Jersey Monitor's Dana DiFilippo: 'With less than two weeks to go before the June 10 primary, Democrats vying to become New Jersey's next governor have stepped up their attacks on Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who election observers and pollsters consider to be the race's front-runner. In new television ads and mailers, Sherrill's rivals have bashed her wealth, her establishment ties, and past campaign contributions she accepted from a PAC associated with SpaceX, the spaceflight company helmed by Elon Musk. The grievances aren't new, but they're escalating as the primary approaches. And they're coming from candidates like Steve Fulop and Ras Baraka, who are running as anti-establishment insurgents, as well as party darlings like Steve Sweeney as they look to erode Sherrill's support among voters, many of whom remain undecided.' ANTI-MAGA AG AT DAGA — 'AG Matt Platkin's testimony regarding Democratic fundraising group prompts scrutiny,' by HudPOst's Michael Shurin: 'Questions related to the veracity of Attorney General Matt Platkin's testimony regarding his involvement with a multimillion-dollar Democratic fundraising group have gone unanswered by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. On April 3, 2025, state Sen. Doug Steinhardt (R-Warren) asked Platkin about his attendance at Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) events during a Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee hearing. 'No, I don't attend political events' Platkin testified. 'I attend conferences that are approved by the appropriate ethics officers.' … When questioned further by Steinhardt about DAGA conferences, Platkin stated 'there's multiple arms of that. I do not attend the political arm functions, if that makes sense.' … Sources that alerted HudPost to potential issues with Platkin's testimony allege the AG's statements about DAGA's activities were dishonest. … A government affairs professional that's attended numerous DAGA events, speaking under the condition of anonymity due to fear of retribution, told HudPost that Platkin attended political functions and meet-and-greets with the group's donors at separate events.' CASH INTO ME — How New Jersey's candidates for governor are raking in the cash, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez and Jessica Piper: Money doesn't mean everything. But how much cash candidates rake in can be a sign of momentum — especially when it's anyone's game, like in the Democratic primary for governor of New Jersey. Although Rep. Mikie Sherrill has a lot of establishment support and a narrow lead in the polls, the six-way competition is tight in the final stretch of the election. Some of her opponents have outraised her in a handful of counties where she has been endorsed for the Democratic nomination, according to a POLITICO analysis of campaign finance reports. It's a sign that party boss support doesn't necessarily mean local major donors are. It's a clearer picture on the Republican side, where Jack Ciattarelli has plenty of establishment support and a fundraising advantage over his primary opponents in a majority of counties. The analysis tracked where the prominent candidates for governor are getting their cash based on campaign reports submitted to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission' HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS — Oregon used to be the only other state that banned its residents from pumping their own gas, but it recently changed that, leaving New Jersey all alone. So now New Jersey is going for Oregon's nuts. A new bill introduced by Assemblymember Sterley Stanley would designate the hazelnut New Jersey's state nut. Oregon grows 99 percent of the hazelnuts in the U.S. But that's because, until recently, you couldn't grow them in New Jersey and the region because of Eastern Filbert Blight. But a Rutgers program has been working for decades to overcome the blight, and in 2020 released the first resistant cultivars to growers. Read more about that here. 'The Assemblyman has an incredible amount of pride that this truly groundbreaking and revolutionary work was achieved not only here in NJ, but here in the 18th Legislative district in East Brunswick, which is he so proud to call home,' Stanley Chief of Staff Alexander P. Krasutsky IV wrote in an email. 'Additionally, we believe that these new blight resistant hazelnut trees could be one of the most potent economic development tools for rural communities in decades.' —'In 35th District race, photos pop up showing Sen. Benjie Wimberly with every candidate' —'N.J. to pay siblings $19.5M for years of sexual abuse by foster parents decades ago' —'Ever-growing NJ budget draws scrutiny' —'How would N.J. governor candidates work with Trump? Here's what all 11 told us' —'NJ primary 2025: Dems dominate mail-in voting for governor' —'Stack asks AG's Office for election monitors in LD-33, which Hector welcomes' —McKeon: 'Trump's budget will gut healthcare in New Jersey. What's Ciattarelli's plan?' TRUMP ERA NO ADEEL — 'Trump says he'll nominate Bove to federal appeals court,' by The New York Times' Glenn Thrush and Charlie Savage: 'President Trump announced Wednesday that he would nominate Emil Bove III, the polarizing and widely feared top Justice Department official responsible for strong-arm tactics in enacting Mr. Trump's immigration agenda, to be a federal appeals judge. Mr. Bove, 44, is a former criminal defense lawyer for Mr. Trump. He would fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The lifetime appointment requires confirmation in the Senate, where he is expected to face the unanimous opposition of Democrats … A defining episode of his tenure so far was the battle he waged against his former colleagues in the U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York over the administration's request to drop bribery charges against the New York mayor, Mr. Adams … There are two vacancies in the Third Circuit — one based in New Jersey and one in Delaware. It is not clear which seat Mr. Bove is nominated for. He has a property in Pennsylvania, and some conservatives have called for moving the Delaware-based seat to Pennsylvania.' DON'T WORRY, BBB HAPPY — 'In New Jersey, the political battle over the 'Big Beautiful Bill' is just beginning,' by New Jersey Globe's Joey Fox: 'When Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) voted last week for his party's enormous tax and health care bill, he said he'd delivered 'a huge win for New Jersey – and his Democratic opponents crowed that he had cast the vote that would cost him his seat. The 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' as the GOP's legislative agenda has been dubbed, covers an extraordinarily large amount of different policy issues, ranging from Medicaid funding to tax deductions to border security funding to green energy to the debt ceiling. And as New Jersey gears up for a competitive 2026 election cycle – at least two districts, one of them Kean's, are likely to be heavily contested – both parties see major political upsides to the bill, which may still change quite a bit in the Senate before it becomes law. In other words, New Jersey Democrats and Republicans alike seem to think they've found a winning issue in the battle for control of Congress. They just have to make sure voters get the message' —'Dem group polling in NJ-2 as party looks to expand playing field' —'NJ disability rights watchdog gets federal funding reprieve after weeks of uncertainty' —'N.Y. Congress members visit Elizabeth detention center. No one was arrested' —'Five Amtrak employees plead guilty in health care fraud scheme' LOCAL THE SWAMP IN WASHINGTON — 'Washington Township school superintendent who was placed on leave files lawsuit against district,' by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Melanie Burney: 'Washington Township school Superintendent Eric Hibbs has filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging his suspension was in retaliation for raising questions about a district insurance contract. The lawsuit contends Hibbs was unlawfully placed on administrative leave by the school board in March following his objections to 'conduct that he believed to be both unlawful and unethical' by the board in awarding a contract in 2021, before he was hired by the district … The 35-page civil lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Superior Court in Gloucester County, names school board President Julie Kozempel, unnamed board members, and the district as defendants. Kozempel said she had not seen the lawsuit, but called the allegations ridiculous. '' SEASIDE LOWS — 'Jersey Shore town overrun by brawling teens has backup ready for next melee,' by NJ Advance Media's Eric Conklin: 'After a Memorial Day weekend that saw stabbings, arrests and the closing down of the boardwalk, Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz said he has spoken with Gov. Phil Murphy about having the State Police assist with violent crowds. 'We discussed the challenges of the last weekend and how, in my opinion, it was terrible,' Vaz said. 'I've never seen anything like this. 'I'm confident enough to know that if I request police reinforcement from the state police, I know they'll be there.' Vaz said the Borough Council is going to discuss additional enforcement measures to address unruly crowds.' —'Councilman charged with harassment, forgery for anonymous letters' —'The last time Clifton council members had a raise was 1962. Is it time for another?' R.I.P. — 'He loved his community': Former Lyndhurst mayor, teacher, coach dies at 94' R.I.P. — 'Jackson Councilman Scott Sargent dies after 'extremely risky' surgery' —'Racing to save Stone Harbor's Scotch Bonnet Island before it's swallowed by rising seas' —'Park Ridge man charged over election offenses, including attempted illegal vote' —'Bynum's girlfriend links him to weapon in Dwumfour murder case' EVERYTHING ELSE WATCH FOR FALLING EMPLOYMENT — 'Walmart to lay off 187 in North Jersey this summer after 481 in June cuts,' by The Record's Daniel Munoz: 'Walmart is laying off 187 corporate employees at its Hoboken offices this August, part of much broader cuts of 1,500 staffers nationwide that come as the retail giant grapples with price hikes from President Donald Trump's tariffs. The layoffs go into effect on Aug. 22, according to a May public notice filed with the New Jersey Department of Labor … The layoffs set for August will come on the heels of 481 employees in Hoboken being laid off or relocated by June 13 after the company began asking workers to move to the Arkansas headquarters or its offices in Sunnyvale, California.' SOUTH JERSEY GOP SENATOR TO CHANGE NAME TO MIKE TESLA — 'Oh Tesla, my Tesla! Elon Musk has N.J. drivers fearing for their safety — and their image,' by NJ Advance Media's Steven Rodas: 'The cultural in-fighting plaguing Democrats on the national and statewide stage is now playing out in parking lots and at charging ports up and down the Turnpike. And it's not just an identity crisis — it's turned violent and threatening. Own a now backward-minded Tesla? Watch out, your headlights or windows could be at risk, or worse. And all of the escalated (sometimes physical) feuding over Teslas between factions of liberals is seemingly at odds with the party's progressive values. For Jill — who dropped about $60,000 on a brand new Tesla in 2014, when it was cool to do so — she's left with an internal conflict, and a pricey investment sitting in her driveway every night.' —'Building boom: NJ hospitals plan $6.5B in expansion projects as care and costs rise'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Feds sue four New Jersey Dem mayors for policies blocking immigration enforcement
The Trump administration is suing, clockwise from top left, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, among others, in a complaint that targets the city's ordinances that protect undocumented immigrants from detention and deportation. (Photos by Andrew Harnik/Getty and Fran Baltzer, Danielle Richards, and Reena Rose Sibayan for New Jersey Monitor) TRENTON, N.J. – The U.S. government has sued Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Hoboken – and their elected officials – for city policies prosecutors say interfere with the Trump administration's immigration detention and deportation goals. Prosecutors want a judge to declare the policies an unconstitutional violation of the Constitution's supremacy clause, which holds that federal law prevails over state law. They also want an injunction to block the cities from protecting their residents and visitors from immigration enforcement. 'The United States is currently facing a crisis of illegal immigration, and the Federal Government is set to put a stop to it,' the lawsuit states. 'While states and local governments are free to stand aside as the United States performs this important work, they cannot stand in the way. And where inaction crosses into obstruction, local governments break federal law. That is what is happening across New Jersey right now. It is past time it ends.' The complaint, filed Thursday, names as defendants Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the cities' council presidents (all four mayors are Democrats). Baraka and Fulop are among six Democrats running to become New Jersey's next governor, and Baraka just two days ago beat another federal case against him over a contested immigration jail that recently opened in Newark. Baraka blasted the latest prosecution as 'absurd.' 'We are not standing in the way of public safety. We are upholding the Constitution, providing oversight, and following the laws and guidelines of the State of New Jersey,' he said in a statement. 'Nothing in our policies prevents law enforcement from doing their jobs. What we refuse to do is turn our city into an arm of federal immigration enforcement, which the courts have already ruled is not our role.' Fulop said he would not be 'bullied' and vowed to fight the feds. 'Jersey City gets sued for being a sanctuary city — I guess MAGA ran out of conspiracy theories for the week,' he said. 'Here is the truth: Jersey City's policies protect families, reflect our values and have led to record low crime rates.' And Sayegh dismissed the complaint as 'a frivolous lawsuit and a flagrant affront to the rule of law.' 'We will not be intimidated, and we will fight this egregious attempt to score political points at Paterson's expense,' Sayegh said. Bhalla also said his city 'will not back down.' 'The Trump administration's treatment of immigrants, lawful residents, and countless citizens is truly disgraceful and often, unconstitutional. Families have been senselessly torn apart, and legal residents who have not been proven to have committed any crimes have been deported to jails overseas without due process. These actions of the federal government are truly barbaric, and Hoboken will not aid this lawlessness,' he said. In the 24-page complaint, U.S. Justice Department prosecutors led by Yaakov M. Roth, acting assistant attorney general, accused the cities of denying federal immigration agents access to undocumented people in local jails, forbidding local police from delivering them to federal immigration agents, and barring 'otherwise willing local officers from providing mission-critical information to federal immigration authorities.' Prosecutors cite executive orders and police directives that the cities issued in 2017, 2018 and 2019 during President Trump's first term, but that remain in effect. Such policies prohibit 'even the most basic cooperation with federal officials' and undermine immigration enforcement work, prosecutors argue. 'These efforts to shield illegal aliens within the Garden State are unlawful,' the complaint states. The complaint also accuses city officials of discrimination, because they bar local police and municipal officials from cooperating only with federal immigration agents, not any other entity. Singling out one agency for unfavorable treatment constitutes discrimination, the lawsuit says. 'Such discriminatory targeting of the Federal Government is unlawful,' the complaint says. The complaint comes three weeks after federal authorities began detaining undocumented people at Delaney Hall, a 1,100-bed jail in Newark that has drawn protesters daily. Jail officials initially had barred city officials from inspecting the facility, which led to Baraka's arrest earlier this month when he visited the site seeking entry. Prosecutors on Monday dropped charges against Baraka but then charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10) with assaulting officers by acting as a human shield to protect Baraka from arrest. She denies the charges, and Congressional Democrats from around the country have denounced that arrest. Immigration advocates decried the lawsuit filed Friday as the feds' attempt strong-arm local governments into carrying out federal immigration enforcement. Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, said the cities' policies don't violate federal law but instead 'reflect a clear separation between local and federal responsibilities.' She urged the cities to resist caving to federal 'bullying.' 'Over the last few months, the Trump Administration's DOJ has made it clear that they want to make an example out of New Jersey — first by raiding our cities, then by expanding ICE jails in defiance of local law, and most recently by arresting elected officials and charging sitting members of Congress with felonies,' Torres said in a statement. 'It is clear that the DOJ remains hellbent on making a national example out of New Jersey. In return, NJAIJ calls upon the cities of Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Hoboken to be a national example of resistance, dissent, and champions for justice.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This report was first published by the New Jersey Monitor, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. It's supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. New Jersey Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Terrence T. McDonald for questions: info@
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who's running for NJ governor in 2025? These candidates are set to debate in May
With New Jersey's primary election less than two months away, many of the gubernatorial hopefuls from both parties will soon be squaring off in debates in the coming weeks. The first set of May debates will be sponsored by NJ PBS, NJ Spotlight News and WNYC with Republicans squaring off on Wednesday, May 7 and Democrats on Monday, May 12. The second set will be later in the month sponsored by NJ Globe, On New Jersey, Rider University and Essex County. The Republican debate will additionally feature Save Jersey as a sponsor. That will see the Democrats debate on Sunday, May 18 and Republicans debate on Tuesday May 20. More: Democratic candidates for NJ governor discuss issues of housing and justice reform The Democratic debates will feature five of the six candidates. Participants will include: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop Rep. Josh Gottheimer Rep. Mikie Sherrill Former state Senate President Steve Sweeney New Jersey Education Association president Sean Spiller did not qualify. Charlie Stile: What's the potent sleeper issue in this year's NJ governor's race? The Republican candidates participating will be: State Sen. Jon Bramnick Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli Radio personality Bill Spadea Former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac and Justin Barbera, a Burlington County contractor, did not qualify. Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@ This article originally appeared on Who's running for NJ governor 2025? Candidates set for debate
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Two Democrats vying for governor spar over antisemitism bill
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, left, and Rep. Josh Gottheimer are among the six Democrats vying to be our next governor. (Photos by Reena Rose Sibayan/Danielle Richards) TENAFLY — It was Tuesday night at Elks Lodge No. 2271 in this Bergen County borough, and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop was defending his views on antisemitism. With dozens on hand to hear from Fulop, who is one of two Democrats running to be New Jersey's first Jewish governor, the first person to raise their hand quizzed him about his opposition to a bill before the New Jersey Legislature that would codify a specific definition of antisemitism. The three-term mayor said a bill targeting hate crimes against the Jewish community but no other group plays into stereotypes that Jewish people 'think that they're better than others, or they're unique, or they're different, or they have a different set of standards.' 'Now I'm not going to say that that's true, but that's what people say about Jewish people,' he said, adding, 'And I do not think that is a productive place for the Jewish community to be. I don't think it's healthy. I think it encourages more antisemitism.' Tuesday's event was not the first time even this week that Fulop was confronted about the legislation, known as the IHRA bill, short for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Speaking to voters in Montclair Monday, Fulop told another voter that the measure would limit criticism of Israel. 'If you read the IHRA legislation — and I know most people in the Jewish community haven't read it, OK? — you get to the point where it speaks specifically about what you can and can't say with regards to Israel,' Fulop said. 'I feel that that is a dangerous place to be.' The bill would approve a state definition of antisemitism that mirrors the definition provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The measure cites what the group considers contemporary examples of antisemitism, like claiming the existence of Israel is a racist endeavor, drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis, and holding Jews collectively responsible for Israel's actions, among other things. Critics say this kind of language improperly conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The American Jewish Committee says as of August, 35 states plus D.C. are using or have recognized the IHRA definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition of antisemitism: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. One of the New Jersey bill's chief sponsors, Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), has expressed frustration that more than a year after its introduction, it has not moved in the Assembly, even though it has 56 sponsors, enough to guarantee its passage. The Senate version of the bill, with 16 sponsors, has not moved since it was approved by a committee in June following a four-hearing hearing. That version was amended to say the bill should not be construed 'to diminish or infringe upon any right to criticize the government of the State of Israel in a manner similar to that leveled against any other country.' Fulop noted in Tenafly Tuesday that the Assembly bill does not have that line. 'Whether you agree or disagree with what Israel does, you should be able to criticize Ukraine, to criticize Russia, to criticize the United States, and you should be able to criticize Israel,' he said. Fulop has painted himself as the progressive darling in the six-person race for the Democratic nomination for governor — he's anti-county line, pro-congestion pricing, and a favorite of college Dems — so his position on the antisemitism bill is not a surprise. Though codifying this definition of antisemitism has broad, bipartisan support in the Assembly, the idea is loathed by progressives. But not by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, the other Jewish Democrat running for governor. After hearing Fulop's comments about the IHRA bill, I asked Gottheimer, who is decidedly not a progressive darling, to weigh in. Gottheimer, a Tenafly resident, is on the opposite side of this divide. This should not be shocking. Not only is he a leading sponsor of a federal bill called the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 that would use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism to guide federal antidiscrimination enforcement, but Gottheimer has been staunch in his support of Israel. Gottheimer said Fulop's comments about the state bill display 'a deep sign of ignorance,' and he chided Fulop for repeating the 'deeply offensive and antisemitic trope' that Jewish people feel they should live by a different set of standards. 'For some reason, he's decided that he wants to proactively alienate the Jewish community. I don't understand,' Gottheimer told me. Gottheimer said the Holocaust alliance created a definition for antisemitism because governing bodies, schools, and other organizations asked for a clear explanation of what antisemitism is and isn't. He denied that the state or federal bill would limit First Amendment protections of people who want to criticize Israel. 'You can't say it may not exist, it should be eliminated. You can't call for the destruction or elimination of Israel, but, of course, you can criticize — it allows for criticism of Israel all day long if you'd like,' he said. Regarding Fulop's contention that the state legislation would bar some criticism of Israel, Gottheimer in a statement from his campaign said, 'Steve should get his eyes checked, because this bill clearly protects the Jewish community from record levels of antisemitism and upholds First Amendment rights.' Asked to comment on Gottheimer's characterization of Fulop as ignorant on the state bill, Fulop in a statement from his campaign said, 'I'm not going to attack Josh, but to say that I'm ignorant on this issue is laughable.' 'I give an honest and thoughtful response that doesn't pander to anyone but protects the Jewish community and is cognizant of how legislation works in Trenton, unlike Josh,' he said. The two Democrats' spat about the bill comes as their party remains split by the nation's response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. State Sen. Jon Bramnick — a Union County Republican who is also vying to become the state's first Jewish governor — thinks this split is the reason the Assembly version of the bill has yet to get a committee hearing, even with its long list of sponsors (Bramnick is sponsoring the bill on the Senate side). A spokeswoman for Assembly Democrats declined to comment. 'There must be a concern within the Democratic caucus, expressed somehow by Steve Fulop, that expanding the definition is not good for them politically,' Bramnick said. 'I don't think that policy-wise they have any problem with limiting antisemitism. I think their problem is they must have a political entity or political group that doesn't want them to move the bill.' I find the Fulop/Gottheimer debate on the IHRA bill fascinating because it represents just one of the divides in the Democratic Party, schisms that will become more dramatic as the crowded race for the party's gubernatorial nomination gets closer to June 10, the day of the primary. For Fulop, the bill is bad legislation, something that could end up harming Jews. For Gottheimer, the uptick in antisemitism following the Oct. 7 attacks is the reason the state needs to pass it. 'New Jersey needs a governor who is willing to take a strong stand, in my opinion, against hate and doing everything in their power to protect our communities from bigotry and hatred. And if there are other definitions that would be helpful to other communities that are discriminated against, and there's high rates of discrimination, I would, of course, be open to that,' he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
