Latest news with #StolenValorAct
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Embattled Sussex commissioner won't seek GOP nod for re-election. Who else is running?
Ogdensburg and Stanhope will have the only contested races in Sussex County on June 10 when voters go to the polls for party nominations for the November general elections. The candidate list that followed last month's filing deadline was also notable for a high-profile omission: County Commissioner William Hayden, under fire for two years for allegedly fabricating his military record, will not appear on the Republican primary ballot. Hayden, first elected in 2022, was not endorsed by the county Republican committee and failed to get enough signatures to run in the primary, he told the New Jersey Herald. In a text message Tuesday, Hayden said he may nonetheless mount a campaign to stay on the county board. "I have been asked to run again," he said, adding that he hasn't decided "whether it be as a write-in candidate, or as an independent. But I have people that asked me to and are willing to fund me." Hayden, one of five members of the all-Republican board, has faced calls to resign ever since accusations surfaced that he falsely claimed in his campaign to be a wounded veteran who served in the Navy SEALs. In some retellings, he allegedly claimed to have been injured in action against a drug cartel in Africa.. The Frankford resident has denied any wrongdoing, but in February 2024, he was formally censured by the rest of the board. That censure cited his allegations, which have proven to be false, that there was money missing from the accounts of the county's Food Pantry. Last May, a former donor to Hayden's campaign filed a complaint with the New Jersey State Police, alleging the Republican violated the state's Stolen Valor Act, which makes it illegal to benefit financially from false claims of a military record. Separately, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat whose district includes most of Sussex County, wrote to the state Attorney General last April asking for an investigation into whether Hayden violated New Jersey tax laws by claiming a veteran's exemption. Both the AG's Office and State Police have declined to comment on any possible investigation. Hayden's three-year term ends in December. A defamation lawsuit filed by Hayden against Sussex County Democratic leaders was dismissed a year ago after he missed a court filing deadline. He also filed a notice of claim last year accusing several Republican officials of slandering him, but the threatened lawsuit was never filed. In the primary for county commissioner, there are two nominations open. Instead of her former running mate Hayden, Commissioner Jill Space is running on the Republican line with David J. Silverthorne, a member of the Frankford Township Committee who currently serves as mayor. Philip DeStefano was the only Democrat to file for commissioner. Sheriff Michael Strada is running unopposed for re-election as a Republican, with no declared candidate on the Democratic side. In Stanhope, long-time council member Diana Kuncken and fellow councilman Scott Wachterhauser are being challenged for the Republican line by Najib Iftikhar, an assistant business professor at the County College of Morris. Wachterhauser was appointed to fill an unexpired term in April 2023 and elected that November to serve the remainder of the term. Daniel Smith is running for the Democrat line for Stanhope council, where two seats will be on the ballott. In Ogdensburg, there is a four-way race for a pair of Republican nominations for two borough council seats. Running are Incumbents Brenda Cowdrick and Caren Ruitenberg. They are being challenged by Kristopher Gordon and Michael Nardini. Just two Democrats − Smith and DeStefano − have filed to run in the 21 county and municipal races this year, though others could attempt to mount write-in campaigns. In addition to those races, there will also be primaries for governor and General Assembly races, which are held in odd-numbered years. Federal elections are held in even numbered years. The statewide Democratic primary will include six candidates for governor, with five on the Republican side. Incumbent Phil Murphy is term-limited from running again. More: Sussex County unveils $126.7 million budget, with $500 boost for volunteer firefighters Gottheimer, D-5 and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11 are joined on the Democrat ballot by former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop. On the Republican side, the candidates are former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, State Senator Jon Bramnick, radio host Bill Spadea, former Englewood Cliffs Mayor Mario Kranjac, and contractor Justin Barbera. The other state race in Sussex County includes two Democrats and two Republicans running for two seats for the 24th Assembly District, which includes all of Sussex and parts of Morris and Warren counties, With no primary competition, all four will be on the November ballot. The two Republican candidates are incumbent Assembly members Dawn Fantasia of Franklin and Michael Inganamort of Chester borough in Morris County. The two Democrats are Steve Barratt and Eugene Grinberg, both of Long Valley in Morris County. Candidates not currently on the primary ballot may also attempt a write-in campaign, according to the county clerk's office. To win a spot on the November ballot, a write-in candidate must get at least as many votes as the number of signatures required to file a nominating petition for that position. The requirements for petition signatures and successful write-ins vary by the office being sought, meaning write-ins necessary for a county-wide post would be more than for town-level positions. Countywide write-in votes for Assembly and gubernatorial candidates would be added to the district or statewide write-ins needed. Email: bscruton@ Twitter/X: @brucescrutonNJH This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Under fire, Sussex County commissioner won't seek GOP nod in NJ primary
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arizona veterans outraged amid controversy over blocked stolen valor bill
The Brief There's an ongoing controversy involving a bill targeting acts of stolen valor at the Arizona State Legislature. HB 2030 aims to increase penalties for Arizonans who claim military honors they never earned, or those who alter official military documents. The bill was blocked by State Sen. Wendy Rogers. "It was the equivalent of a slap in the face," said one veteran. PHOENIX - Politicians and veterans in Arizona are speaking out amid a controversy involving a stolen valor bill that was blocked by State Senator Wendy Rogers. The backstory Per our first report on the bill, HB 2030 (also known as the "Stolen Valor Act") aims to increase penalties for Arizonans who claim military honors they never earned, or those who alter official military documents. On Jan. 15, Republican State Representative Walt Blackman (R-Dist. 7) introduced the bill, with strong support from veterans. On Feb. 11, the bill passed unanimously in the house, and was eventually sent to the State Senate's Judiciary and Elections Committee. The committee is chaired by State Sen. Rogers (R-Dist. 7), and the bill was held up for a month in the committee before it received a hearing. During the hearing, State Sen. Rogers put the bill on hold. What State Sen. Rogers Said State Sen. Roger released a statement on the matter, which reads: "After the bill was transmitted to the Senate for consideration, I asked Senate staff to reach out to Rep. Blackman's staff requesting we amend the bill to mirror federal law, so there would be no conflicts or confusion in tackling these crimes. I was informed he was not willing to compromise. I again directed Senate staff to let his staff know that I was including the bill on Wednesday's Senate Judiciary & Elections Committee agenda in case he had a change of heart. Neither Rep. Blackman nor his staff communicated that he was willing to work on an amendment. Instead, he continues a smear campaign, omitting the fact that a repeated good faith effort was made to work with him on this legislation. Sadly, it appears Rep. Blackman let a personal vendetta get in the way of honestly fighting for combat veterans." Dig deeper The bill's sponsor said Rogers, who is an Air Force veteran herself, blocked the bill for personal reasons: State Rep. Blackman's political rival, Steve Slaton, who ran against him and lost in the primary election, was endorsed by State Sen. Rogers despite allegations of stolen valor. Meanwhile, some Arizona veterans, like retired Army Master Sergeant Jack Dona, say they are outraged. What Dona Said "It was the equivalent of a slap in the face," said Dona. Dona, along with his father Orlando, spent decades serving the country. "It's just bad politics," Dona said. "It's the stuff that people are tired of, they're disgusted with." Dona said State Sen. Rogers hired him in 2024 to vet Slaton's record. "I determined that it was likely a case of stolen valor," Dona said. Slaton claimed to be Cobra helicopter pilot in Vietnam, but records show he was a mechanic. "[Slaton] lost his primary," said Dona. "I thought that was the end of it." At the hearing, Dona said more than 70 veterans showed up to support the bill, but never got to testify. "What are we saying as a society, as a people, if we cannot protect the very people who put on a uniform and write a check to the people of the United States that I promise that I will give, even up to my life, to protect the constitution and your freedom?" Dona said. What Could Come Next State Sen. Shawna Bolick (R-Dist. 2) has since invoked Arizona's striker amendment to switch her bill with HB 2030. Meanwhile, State Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Dist. 14) said he is optimistic that Rogers and Blackman will reach a deal. "As far as procedure and process, this bill will end up going in a pretty normal timeframe and speed, as far as making it to the governor's desk," said State Senate President Petersen. State Rep. Blackman said Rogers had plenty of time to discuss any amendments with him, and believes she is either not good at her legislative job or is simply lying. Blackman also said Rogers' claims that HB 2030 doesn't mirror the federal Stolen Valor law is inaccurate, and said he doesn't believe she read the bill if she is not aware of the constitutional clearance it has gone through. Blackman went on to say the bill expands on the federal law in ways that he feels will help Arizona veterans. Blackman said he believes some legislators are slow-rolling the bill, and Dona is urging fellow veterans to not let that happen. "You should get on the horn, and you should burn up the phone lines," said Dona. "E-mail them, be vocal, because that's the only thing that they understand. The only thing that they understand is we, the people, speaking out peacefully."
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arizona stolen valor bill blocked by Wendy Rogers; supporters cry foul
The Brief A bill known as the 'Stolen Valor Act' was blocked by State Sen. Wendy Rogers. Supporters of the bill are criticizing the decision, while noting a link between State Sen. Rogers and a person who was accused of stolen valor. State Sen. Rogers' office said a request was made to amend the bill, so that it can mirror federal law. PHOENIX - There's a controversy in the Arizona State Legislature, after Republican State Senator Wendy Rogers blocked a bill that would make it a crime to impersonate a veteran. Big picture view The bill in question is known as HB 2030, or the "Stolen Valor Act." If approved and signed into law, HB 2030 would increase penalties for Arizonans who claim military honors they never earned, or those who alter official military documents. On Jan. 15, Republican State Representative Walt Blackman introduced the bill, with strong support from veterans. On Feb. 11, the bill passed unanimously in the house. The backstory After the bill's passage in the State House, it was sent to the State Senate's Judiciary and Elections Committee, which State Sen. Rogers chairs. That was where the bill was held up for a month before getting a hearing on Mar. 26. Experts were supposed to testify on behalf of the bill, but during the hearing, State Sen. Rogers put it on hold, saying she asked State Rep. Blackman to amend the bill so that it would be in agreement with federal law. "Actually, none of it is true," said State Rep. Blackman. "She has not reached out to my office. We did a check." Democratic State Senator Analise Ortiz tried taking action at the end of the hearing. "Madam chair, I recommend [that] House Bill 2030 receive a due pass recommendation, and I request a roll call vote," said State Sen. Ortiz. "It is still on the agenda." "It is held, so it is not on the agenda," State Sen. Rogers replied. The meeting was later adjourned. "We had 70+ veterans here. We had some that came from out of state just for this, some Vietnam veterans," State Sen. Blackman said. "When she did that to those veterans and looked at them and basically gave them the middle finger to protect someone who was proven to have stolen his valor, that's disappointing." Dig deeper The bill's sponsor said Rogers, who is an Air Force veteran herself, blocked the bill for personal reasons: State Rep. Blackman's political rival, who ran against him and lost in the primary election, was endorsed by State Sen. Rogers despite allegations of stolen valor. The rival, as mentioned above, is Steve Slaton. Slaton campaigned with State Sen. Rogers and gained her endorsement, but the Navajo County Republican Party discovered that Slaton provided an altered form claiming combat veteran status in Vietnam, and showing qualifications and awards that he never earned. "This chairwoman, Ms. Rogers, has the sole discretion to decide which bills get hearings and which bills die, and she used that discretion, in my opinion, to protect her friend," said State Sen. Ortiz. The other side State Sen. Rogers declined an on-camera interview, but did release a statement that reads: "After the bill was transmitted to the Senate for consideration, I asked Senate staff to reach out to Rep. Blackman's staff requesting we amend the bill to mirror federal law, so there would be no conflicts or confusion in tackling these crimes. I was informed he was not willing to compromise. I again directed Senate staff to let his staff know that I was including the bill on Wednesday's Senate Judiciary & Elections Committee agenda in case he had a change of heart. Neither Rep. Blackman nor his staff communicated that he was willing to work on an amendment. Instead, he continues a smear campaign, omitting the fact that a repeated good faith effort was made to work with him on this legislation. Sadly, it appears Rep. Blackman let a personal vendetta get in the way of honestly fighting for combat veterans." "Even a freshman lawmaker knows that you don't need a member's approval to put an amendment on the bill," said State Rep. Blackman. "You don't. You just do it. It's either hostile or it's friendly." What's next Fellow Republican State Senator Shawna Bolick did invoke Arizona's striker law, which allowed her sponsored bill, SB 1424, to be replaced with HB 2030. SB 1424, in its original form, had passed committee and was ready for a floor vote. The newly replaced bill has passed out of the Committee of the Whole in the State House, and once it is passed by the house, it will return to the hands of Senate leadership to keep it alive. We have reached State Senate President Warren Petersen, who assigned State Sen. Rogers as chair of the committee in which HB 2030 was held, for comment on the matter. he said he does not intend to bring the striker bill to the Senate floor.
