The NJDSC Year In Review for 2012

2012 was an eventful year for New Jersey Democrats and politics here in the Garden State.  Join us as we take a look back:

January

• President Obama gave his State of the Union Address, calling income inequality one of the defining issues of our time.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver called upon the legislature to raise New Jersey's minimum wage.
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski was re-elected Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, with Camden Mayor Dana Redd serving as Vice Chair.
• Shelley Adler, widow of Congressman John Adler, announced that she would run to represent New Jersey's 3rd Congressional district.

• The New Jersey Attorney General attempted to nullify the votes of New Jersey's 4th legislative district by challenging Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera's November 2011 election to the legislature.

• New Jersey Spotlight pointed out that under Christie, New Jersey's property taxes are up an average 20%.
• Governor Christie gave a "State of the State" address.  Democrats including Chairman Wisniewski, Senate President Steve Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, and Senate Budget Chair Paul Sarlo spoke about the difference between the governor's speech and New Jersey's reality.
• The Governor released a silly YouTube video proclaiming the "Jersey Comeback," a slogan that had no basis in reality then or now.  The Star-Ledger was among the first to point out that the governor's video was hyperbole.

• Governor Christie was made a rude comment to a female protester at a New Hampshire event for Mitt Romney, prompting the Star-Ledger to call upon Christie to stop the condescending attitude when he speaks to women.

• Governor Christie tried to make the case for putting marriage equality on the ballot, claiming, "The fact of the matter is, I think people would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South." With this statement, Christie illustrated that his understanding of civil rights history is about as good as his grasp on the reality of New Jersey's economic situation.
• Christie's words were so offensive that Congressman John Lewis, a civil rights hero who was nearly beaten to death on the bridge in Selma, traveled to New Jersey to speak out against the governor.
• When criticized by openly gay Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, the governor reverted to a favorite page in his political playbook: childish name-calling.  Christie called Gusciora "numbnuts."

• The Record found that dozens of appointees to the Port Authority had ties to Governor Christie.  Princeton Professor Emeritus Jameson Doig noted that these patronage jobs were excessive, given that "other governors might have four or five."

February

• Senator Frank Lautenberg wrote an editorial criticizing the governor's stance on marriage equality.
  
• The General Assembly and Senate passed marriage equality, which Governor Christie promptly vetoed.  New Jersey Democrats criticized the governor for his choice to deny a fundamental civil right to LGBT New Jerseyans.

• The Star-Ledger editorial board called out the governor for pushing an income tax cut benefiting the wealthy rather than property tax relief for the middle class. 
• Governor Christie's gave a budget proposal address that the Star-Ledger said included "dubious claims."  Christie's proposal was pure political theater, using revenue estimates that one might generously call unrealistic.
• Democrats rightly called Christie out for proposing a budget that had little relation to reality.
• Wall Street experts cast doubts about the governor's budget, which contained overly optimistic revenue estimates.

• New Jersey's Supreme Court invalidated the election of Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera.  Chief Justice Stuart Rabner dissented: saying that the decision "not only changes the rules after the fact, it also silences 19,907 voters and strips away respondent’s victory.”
• Following an audit that revealed significant mismanagement at the Port Authority, Transportation Chairman John Wisniewski introduced legislation to give the legislature greater oversight of the agency.

March

• The New Jersey Democratic State Committee launched a political resume bank.  You can share your resume with the NJDSC at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
• While the New Jersey Supreme Court attempted to invalidate the will of New Jersey's 4th Legislative District voters, Gloucester and Camden County Democrats voted to appoint Gabriela Mosquera to represent the voters in the Assembly until a special election in November 2012.

• Congressman Donald Payne announced that he had colon cancer and sadly passed away only a few days later.
• Chairman John Wisniewski, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver paid tribute to the congressman.
• Congressman Payne, the first African American elected to Congress from New Jersey, served New Jersey in Congress for 23 years.  Hundreds, including President Bill Clinton, paid honor to a man who fought for his constituents in Newark and those struggling around the world.
• Payne's son, Donald Payne, Jr.announced that he would seek to serve the 10th Congressional District in Congress.

• Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula announced that he would seek to represent New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.

• Governor Christie once again displayed his inability to control his temper or his mouth when he called a Navy Seal an "idiot" when they disagreed over policy at a taxpayer-funded town hall.
• A poll released in March had 87% of New Jersey voters wanting politicians like Christie to cool it on the name-calling.
• Christie traveled to Illinois to stump for Mitt Romney, and the NJDSC highlighted their similarly terrible records on women's health.
• The Senate Judiciary Committee rejected Christie's transparent attempt to pack New Jersey's Supreme Court with Republicans, declining to approve Christie's nominees.
• Congressman Paul Ryan introduced the Republican 2013 budget plan, proposing additional tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires while cutting programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and food stamps.  In a preview of his eventual running mate selection, Mitt Romney offered a full-throated endorsement of Ryan's plan.
• New Jersey's entire Republican delegation to Congress voted to support Paul Ryan's budget.

April

• The United States Senate held a vote on the "Buffett Rule," which would ensure the very wealthy cannot use loopholes to pay a lower tax rate than middle and working class Americans.  Both Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez voted for the legislation.  Unsurprisingly (given their party's 2012 Presidential nominee), Senate Republicans blocked the legislation.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg held a hearing to investiate the Port Authority's decision to raise toll rates significantly. At the hearing, Christie friend and Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni was rude and uncooperative throughout his testimony.

• The NJDSC hosted the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.  The dinner, attended by 300 New Jersey Democrats, featured a keynote address from Senator Bob Menendez and tributes to Congressmen John Adler and Donald Payne.

• Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, a Republican who represents Mendham (making him Christie's own Assemblyman), revealed himself to be a birther.  Bucco told The Huffington Post that he did not believe that President Obama's birth certificate had been fully examined.

• The Star-Ledger revealed alarming similarities between legislation proposed by Governor Christie and his allies and the legislative agenda of right-wing advocacy group ALEC.
• Further digging revealed ties between Christie, New Jersey Republicans, and ALEC, including donations to Christie and his allies.

• Christie gave a pandering, partisan speech at a forum sponsored by the George W. Bush Presidential Center.  In a speech that sounds similiar to the comments made by Romney about 47% of Americans, Christie said, "We are turning into a paternalistic, entitlement society.  That will not only bankrupt us financially, it will bankrupt us morally. Because when the American people believe this is no longer a place where only their willingness to work hard, to act with honor, integrity and ingenuity determines their success in life, then we'll have a bunch of people sitting on a couch waiting for a government check."

• Mitt Romney traveled to New Jersey to fundraise for himself and Joe Kyrillos.  At the Romney fundraiser, officials removed Star-Ledger reporter Matt Friedman.  Perhaps they didn't want Matt to catch a version Romney's 47% remarks?

• A GAO report found that Governor Christie exaggerated worst-case scenario cost estimates to justify cancelling the ARC tunnel project, leading Paul Krugman to say that Christie may be the least responsible governor New Jersey has ever had.

May

• President Barack Obama became the first sitting President of the United States to state his support for marriage equality.
• New Jersey Democrats praised the President for his support for extending a basic civil right to LGBT Americans.  Statements from:
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski, New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman,    Senate President Steve Sweeney,  Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Congressman Steve Rothman, and Congressman Rush Holt
• Meanwhile, Governor Christie took the opportunity to reiterate his opposition to marriage equality.

• Senator Frank Lautenberg, along with Congressman Steve Rothman, State Senators Loretta Weinberg and Robert Gordon and Assemblywomen Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Connie Wagner, spoke at the George Washington Bridge to call upon the Port Authority to hold off on toll hikes while an independent audit is under way.

• Christie headed to Wisconsin to campaign for anti-worker, anti-women Governor Scott Walker.
• Christie also campaigned in Virginia and Kentucy for Republicans, and headed to New York for a Romney fundraiser.
• The Star-Ledger reported on the the extensive travel schedule of Governor Christie, who had been out of state 54 times since the previous September.
  
• ABC News did the math and showed that his travel averaged to more than 1.5 days per week.  If you didn't show up for your full time job 1.5 days a week, would you still have a job?

• The New Jersey Environmental Federation, which endorsed Christie in 2009, gave him a D on environmental issues, for his poor record on climate change andgreen energy, and his decision to remove New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

• Christie vetoed legislation that would set up New Jersey's health insurance exchange in accordance with the Affordable Care Act.  Christie's justification for the veto: "Because it is not known whether the Affordable Care Act will remain, in whole or in part, it would be imprudent for New Jersey now to create an exchange before these critical threshold issues are decided with finality by the Court."
• Another day, another insult from the governor.  This time, Christie belittled David Rosen, the nonpartisan budget officer at the Office of Legislative Services, calling Rosen the "Dr. Kevorkian of numbers."  Why? Rosen's office  found that New Jersey revenues would be $1.3 billion short of what the governor's office had predicted.
• Democrats in the state legislature defended Rosen as a principled, non-partisan professional who did nothing to warrant the attack by the governor.

June

• The United States Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act (also known in right-wing circles as Obamacare) as constitutional.
• Congressman Frank Pallone, who helped craft the law, and other New Jersey Democrats praised the decision.

• Vice President Joe Biden articulated his vision for America's middle class on the Obama-Biden campaign Tumblr: "To me, being middle class is not a number, it's a way of life, it's a value set.  It's about a minimum standard of living.  It's about being able to own your own home and not just rent it.  It's being able to live in a safe neighborhood where your kids can walk the streets, where there's a playground that's not polluted, where you can send your kid to a decent school, knowing if they do well they've got a chance to go to college- and if they have that chance, knowing you have a chance to get them there.  That's what being a middle-class person is.  That's not asking too much.  That's who we are."

• Mitt Romney traveled to New Jersey to fundraise and New Jersey Democrats held a press conference outside of his event to highlight the dangerous Romney-Christie education agenda.

• New Jersey held primary elections to determine the party nominees for the November elections. Congressman Bill Pascrell defeated fellow incumbent Steve Rothman to run in New Jersey's 9th Congressional District, while Donald Payne, Jr. won his primary to seek the seat previously held by his father.

• Senate Republicans filibustered legislation to help women fight for paycheck fairness (equal pay for equal work).  New Jersey's Senators Lautenberg and Menendez voted to support women's economic equality in the workplace.

• Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, asked that the Port Authority turn over any documents from 2010 forward related to the toll increases, the tunnel, hiring practices, overtime and property leases.
• The U.S. District Court of New Jersey found that the one-year residency requirement for legislative candidates cannot be applied in the elections immediately following legislative redistricting, as those districts will have only existed for seven months at the time of the November elections.  The ruling made it clear that future candidates like Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera would not have their elections invalidated by an overzealous court.
• Chairman Wisniewski commented on the ruling: “This is a great win for common sense democracy in New Jersey and a loss for Governor Chris Christie and anyone who would seek to use our judiciary system to disenfranchise New Jerseyans.  The effort to prevent Assemblywoman Mosquera from representing the constituents who duly elected her has always been about sour grapes:  Republicans didn’t like the results of the 2011 legislative election and found a loophole they believed they could exploit, even if they had to ignore judicial precedent to have it applied.   This ruling means that no future candidate will be forced to run twice in the span of two years following redistricting.”
• Mosquera continued to work on behalf of her constituents, as she called upon the governor to help New Jersey's working poor and raise the state's minimum wage.  The Star-Ledger said Christie's "stubborn refusal to sign [legislation raising the minimum wage] once again short-shrifts hardworking people."

• After recognizing that Governor Christie's revenue estimates were more than $1 billion lower than he'd projected, Democrats worked out a budget deal that would address the shortfall responsibily.  The Democratic budget agreement provided for property tax relief (rather than the governor's income tax cut to disproportionately reward the wealthy) if the revenue projections proved true at the end of the year.  The Record called Democrats the "fiscally responsible ones," for the wait-and-see approach on taxes and revenues.

• The Record reported that New Jersey ranks 47th out of 50 among states in terms of economic performance.  Wisniewski pointed out that 4th from last doesn't seem like a comeback, despite Governor Christie's continued sloganeering.
• Christie kept company with the far-right at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Chicago, where he gave the keynote address in a speaker's lineup that included Michelle Bachmann, Herman Cain, and Rick Santorum.

• More Reporters noticed Christie's penchant for insults when things don't go his way: The New York Times and The Record both wrote stories in June titled, "As His Optimistic Budget Falters, Christie Comes Out Swinging" and "Tactical purpose to Christie's jibes?"

July

• Christie kicked off the month by line item vetoing key sections of the Democratic budget.  Among his targets? The Earned Income Tax Credit, which helps the working poor make ends meet, and women's health funding (for the 4th time in 3 years).
• Christie enjoyed the 4th of July holiday by engaging in one of his favorite ways to pass the time: bellowing at people he disagrees with.  This time his targets were a reporter and a heckler on the Seaside Boardwalk (who the governor chased, ice cream cone in hand).  Is it any surprise that the most common way poll respondents described Christie was "bully?"

• Christie had a busy travel month, swinging by DC to fundraise for Mitt Romney, as well as leaving the state to attend events in Idaho, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, and Minnesota. 
• Governor Christie's staff apparently didn't think he was spending quite enough time out of town, so they asked the Brookings Institute if he could come to Washington and speak.  While there, Christie continued to speak about his imaginary Jersey Comeback (The Star-Ledger it "fictitious.").  The Washington Post pointed out that Christie's rosy speech didn't match New Jersey's reality.
• CNBC ranked New Jersey 41st in its rankings of "Best States for Business."  We dropped 11 from #30 last year.    The response from Team Christie?  There must be something wrong with CNBC's metrics.
• New Jersey's unemployment rate rose to 9.6%
• The State Budget Crisis Task Force reported that New Jersey was a long way from economic recovery, with high unemployment, lagging revenue, unmet pension obligations, crumbling infrastructure, and debt.

August

• Three New Jersey teens pushed to have a female debate moderator for one of the fall presidential debates. The presidential debates have not had a female moderator since 1992. Their push was successful, as CNN's Candy Crowley moderated the town hall debate.
  

• Mitt Romney selected Paul Ryan as his running mate, dashing Governor Christie's hopes of being #2 on the Republican ticket. 
• Christie's consolation prize, of course, was the keynote address at the Republican National Convention.  Chairman John Wisniewski laid out clearly why Christie was a poor pick for the big speech.
• While Christie was busy running around the country in July for Republicans, New Jersey's unemployment rate rose to 9.8%.  Christie's response to the rising unemployment numbers was to complain about the press reporting them.
• So it's no surprise that after months of proof that the governor's "Jersey Comeback" slogan was a fiction, Christie decided to drop his slogan from the biggest speech of his life.
• Still, Christie did make the speech all about Christie- speaking for 16 minutes about himself before even mentioning Mitt Romney.  The speech was widely panned:
• The Record noticed that Christie "strayed from the truth several times to inflate an accomplishment or exaggerate its impact."
• The Washington Post called him "phony, phony, phony,"
• Forbes said "there wasn’t a whole lot of truth to be found in the content of his twenty-minute address."
• MSNBC's Rachel Maddow called it "one of the most remarkable acts of political selfishness I have ever seen."
• New York Magazine's Frank Rich said, "it’s clear that Christie regards Mitt as merely a passing sideshow in his own glorious narrative."
• New York Magazine's Jonathan Chait remarked, "why Romney would give Christie the best speaking slot of the convention to lay out such a self-serving argument, I cannot fathom."
• The Tampa Bay Times named Christie among its losers of the 2012 RNC, writing, "Me. Me. Me. The keynote speech did nothing to elevate his political stature."

• Congressman Todd Akin, the Missouri Republican candidate for Senate competing with Senator Claire McCaskill, told a reporter that women do not get pregnant from rape, in response to a question about his opposition to abortion for victims or rape: “It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare.  If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”
• The GOP platform committee approved the party's official position on abortion: supporting a full ban, on abortion, with no exceptions for rape or incest. 

September

• New Jersey Democrats headed down to Charlotte, North Carolina for the Democratic National Convention.  Several New Jersey delegates were featured in articles about the convention, including: Ed O'Brien, New Jersey's youngest delegate; Babs Siperstein, the first transgender member of the Democratic National Committee; Jeremy Feigenbaum, outgoing Vice President of the College Democrats of America; Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, a delegate from south Jersey.
• A group of New Jersey Democrats including Chairman Wisniewski and his family lent a hand to the Craftman "House United" project, which had teams from state delegations at the DNC and the RNC build and paint a house that will go to a military family in need.
• New Jersey's delegation was joined by 300 guests from New Jersey who came to Charlotte to celebrate.  The week was packed with events.  DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz started the week off right when she spoke at our Convention Kickoff Party.  Each day began with breakfast featuring New Jersey Democrats and other speakers who included David Simas (Director of Opinion Research from the Obama Campaign), Donna Brazile, Lisa Jackson, New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and President Obama's sister Maya Ng.
• Following the first breakfast, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg gathered women delegates and attendees together to hold the first meeting of the "Jersey Girl Caucus."
• Each evening, in the Time Warner Arena, our delegation was wowed by the energy of the crowd and the stirring speeches.  On Tuesday, Newark Mayor Cory Booker introduced the Democratic platform, and was followed by the Keynote Address from San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro. First Lady Michelle Obama closed the evening with one of the best speeches of the week.  On Wednesday, delegates heard Sandra Fluke speak about the critical choice young women had in this election, Elizabeth Warren rebutted Mitt Romney's claim that "corporations are people," and President Bill Clinton proved to be the "explainer-in-chief" while nominating President Obama for a second term.  That same night, following President Clinton's nominating speech, the roll call, in which each state casts its votes for the nomination, began.  New Jersey's roll call was given by New Jersey Democratic Chairman John Wisniewski and Senator Bob Menendez.  Thursday was the main event:speeches from Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination!

• Mother Jones released the infamous 47% video that showed Mitt Romney's true colors.  Among Romney's comments: There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what…These are people who pay no income tax.  My job is is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”
• Joking that he'd have a better shot at winning the White House if he was actually Latino, rather than having a father born in Mexico to white parents.

• Meanwhile, Standard and Poors downgraded its outlook on New Jersey from stable to negative.  The financial ratings agency cited continuing budget imbalance and revenue projections for the fiscal year. Ratings agency Fitch warned of notable downside risk in New Jersey’s revenue budget for fiscal 2013 as well.
• For the second month in a row, the governor's office was late in delivering revenue numbers, a violation of Christie's own executive order.  Maybe they were embarrassed that Governor Christie overestimated revenue projections for the fiscal year by $100 million?
• In May 2011, the Christie administration was awarded $300 million in federal funding to help New Jersey homeowners avoid foreclosure, but by the end of September 2012 had only distributed $47 million. 
• Moody's Investor Service said that New Jersey's high rate of foreclosures, second in the nation behind only Florida, could result in downgrades for local municipalities' credit ratings.  The Star-Ledger said, "Christie, while running around the country brushing up his political credentials and talking up his imaginary 'New Jersey comeback,' wasn’t paying attention."
• New Jersey's unemployment rate went up to a record 9.9%. 
• While New Jersey's economic numbers continued to get worse and worse, Christie's busy campaign schedule showed no sign of slowing.  He campaigned for Congressman Steve King in Iowa.  King is an extremist in the same vein as Todd Akin, who Christie publicly called upon to resign.  He also had trips to North Carolina, Utah, DC, New Hampshire, and Missouri.  Christie also got himself booked on the three Sunday shows to chat about Mitt Romney's chances in November.  The story of much of this year for Governor Christie seems to be: lots of time for Republican campaigning, little time for job growth in New Jersey.

October

• President Obama had an off-night in the first Presidential Debate, but followed it up with back-to-back debates where he didn't just win, he wiped the floor with Mitt Romney.
• Vice President Biden called out Paul Ryan on his malarkey and scored a win in the Vice Presidential Debate.

• Senator Bob Menendez handily beat state Senator Joe Kyrillos in their three debates.  Menendez was clear on both his record and Kyrillos's, while the Republican had trouble keeping up.

• The Star-Ledger said "no sane person would want to clean up the mess Christie has created. That’s right, this governor, the guy who keeps telling the world that he’s straightened up Jersey’s budget, has made it worse."
• Maybe that's why Governor Christie spent more time out of state in October, campaigning in Washington state, Montana, North Dakota, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, and Virginia.
• His campaign stop in Indiana was for Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock.  Right after Christie's visit, Mourdock said this in his final Senate debate: “I’ve struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize that life is that gift from God. And even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.”  Chairman Wisniewski called upon Christie to denounced Mourdock. The entire 72-member Democratic legislative caucus wrote to Governor Christie demanding that he repudiate Mourdock.  New Jersey voters should take a hard look at the extreme candidates Christie has campaigned for throughout his time in office.  Their views do not represent New Jersey values.
  
• Of course, the biggest story in New Jersey in October was the devastating blow we were dealt by Superstorm Sandy.  President Barack Obama and Vice President Biden each visited New Jersey in the aftermath of the storm, meeting with Governor Christie, members of the Congressional delegation, and local leaders, to determine how government could help our communities recover.  As we move into 2013, know that the families and businesses affected by Sandy are still in our thoughts and prayers.  We will be with you next year and beyond to help rebuild New Jersey even stronger!

November

• President Barack Obama won re-election handily.  In New Jersey, the President won with a bigger margin than he did in 2008.
• Since many of you spent time helping re-elect the President, check out this video of the President thanking some of the people who worked so hard.
• Chairman Wisniewski released a statement congratulating Democrats in New Jersey on the many wins we have to celebrate!  We will re-elected Senator Bob Menendez, Congressmen Rob Andrews, Frank Pallone, Albio Sires, Bill Pascrell, and Rush Holt, and elected Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.  Gabriela Mosquera was elected to continue to serve the 4th legislative district in  the New Jersey General Assembly. Democrats in Bergen County took majority control over the Board of Freeholders. In Passaic County, every Freeholder is now a Democrat. In Burlington and Cumberland Counties, Democrats won two seats each on the Board of Freeholders.  In Atlantic County, we won one Freeholder seat. 
• Donald Payne, Jr. was sworn in on November 15, because he was elected to fulfill the remainder of his father's unexpired term in 2012 (before beginning a full two-year term in 2013).
• Following the confusing and disorganized voting process in New Jersey (caused by Superstorm Sandy), Democrats in the legislature introduced bills to bring early voting to New Jersey.

December

• New Jersey's 14 Democratic electors met to cast their votes for President at the State House in Trenton.
• Following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, Senator Frank Lautenberg renewed his push to ban high-capacity ammunition clips.

• The New Jersey Attorney General’s office announced that it would no longer pursue its appeal of the U.S. District Court’s ruling that found it unconstitutional to apply the one-year eligibility requirement in election years immediately following redistricting.
  
• New Jersey Democratic Chairman John Wisniewski released the following statement about the AG's decision: “It does not seem to be a coincidence that the Attorney General’s office has finally dropped its meritless appeal after Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera won her election so decisively. It is shameful that the Attorney General’s office wasted time and taxpayer dollars in an attempt to invalidate the will of the voters.  From the beginning, this was a partisan effort by Republicans to litigate an election result that they didn’t like. The constituents of New Jersey’s 4th legislative district have now spoken twice in two years: they want Gabriela Mosquera to serve as their representative in the General Assembly.”

• Legislation to raise New Jersey's minimum wage was sent to Governor Christie, who hasn't yet acted on the bill.  Senate President Steve Sweeney said, "We are just giving the governor a chance to do the right thing for working people.  If the governor fails to sign this bill, then we will put the decision directly into the hands of the people."
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, along with Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski, Majority Conference Leader Gordon M. Johnson, and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Vincent Prieto, released a multimedia package highlighting the Assembly's final approval of the minimum wage legislation.

• Governor Christie announced that he would seek re-election.  Senator Barbara Buono announced that she would seek the Democratic nomination for Governor.

This year seemed to speed by, and next year we'll be just as busy working hard to rebuild New Jersey and elect a Democratic Governor.  Thank you for your continued support.  We look forward to working hard with you and for you in the coming year!

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for December 21, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  On behalf of the entire team at the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, we hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season and have a safe and Happy New Year!

Hurricane Sandy Victims Have Extra Month to Register for Disaster Assistance

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that it would extend the traditional 60-day application window through January 30 due to the magnitude of the storm.

President Obama Nominates Senator John Kerry for Secretary of State

• If confirmed, Senator John Kerry would bring years of experience as Senate Foreign Relations Chairman to his new role as the nation's top diplomat.
• If Senator Kerry is confirmed, Senator Bob Menendez will likely be the next Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

New Jersey Casts 14 Electoral Votes for President Barack Obama

• On Monday, New Jersey's 14 Democratic electors met to cast their votes for President at the State House in Trenton.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that more low-income children in New Jersey will have access to quality health care and will be able to enroll in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) with the help of $23 million in federal funding.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg continues to push for a federal ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.  His legislation has been pending in the Senate since the mass shooting in Colorado last July.  If the bill is not considered by Congress before this session ends, Senator Lautenberg will reintroduce the legislation at the start of the next session of Congress in January.
• Senator Bob Menendez held a hearing of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee of the Senate Banking Committee to highlight the critical need for storm recovery funding in Sandy-affected communities.  The Sandy aid package proposed by President Obama and Congressional Democrats will be considered for a final vote in the Senate next week.
  
• Congressman Rob Andrews announced new improvements to the Department of Education’s Pay As You Earn program.  This program will allow eligible student-loan borrowers to cap monthly payments at 10% of their discretionary income, and have their loans forgiven after 20 years.  An earlier version of the program capped payments at 15 percent and offered forgiveness after 25 years.
  
• Congressman Frank Pallone requested that federal fisheries disaster funding be included in any supplemental disaster funding to assist states affected by Superstorm Sandy.
  
• Congressman Bill Pascrell announced the reauthorization of three critical fire programs by the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Congressman Rush Holt called for greater gun control following the shooting in Connecticut.
• Congressman Albio Sires blames the Tea Party anti-government culture in part for the upsurge in gun violence around the country.

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney and fellow Senate Democrats sent a clear message that the governor cannot ignore the consitution when they voted to reject Christie's attempt to appoint a Morris County prosecutor without approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• After touring storm-ravaged communities in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver released the following statement: "Touring Sandy-devastated communities and hearing directly from residents and business owners has provided our members with invaluable insight we could not have received from our seats in the State House. 
  Today also has taught us something important. Although rebuilding needs are similar, each storm-ravaged community presents its own unique set of challenges. Those particular needs must be addressed in our recovery planning as well. We will assess what we've seen and heard over the last few months and work together to rebuild our communities with resilience and stability in mind. We have much to accomplish for our people and New Jersey's future."
  
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg wrote a thoughtful blog post on Blue Jersey after the shooting in Connecticut.
• Senator Raymond Lesniak and Senator Shirley Turner introduced legislation declaring violence a public health emergency. They are seeking federal funding for violence prevention, and want to encourage more spending on mental-health treatment and other programs that curb violence in our communities.
• Legislation sponsored by Assemblywomen Celeste Riley and Connie Wagner to prevent credit card companies from preying on college students received final legislative approval on Thursday and now heads to the governor's desk.
  
• Senator Nicholas Scutari introduced legislation to provide consumers with a method of civil recourse in the event that an insurance company acts in bad faith with regard to a claim, a measure which would better protect residents who were affected by Superstorm Sandy and are attempting to recoup their losses.
• Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, Vincent Prieto and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. to enable New Jerseyans to wager on Atlantic City casino games via the Internet was approved by the Senate.

Events

• December 30
  United to Restore the Shore
  Join the New Leaders Council - New Jersey, Monmouth County Democrats,New Jersey Young Democrats, Monmouth County Republican Committee, and New Jersey Young Republican Federation
  1-7 pm
  The Stone Pony (913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park)
  Emceed by Kevin McArdle from NJ 101.5
  With performances by: The B Street Band, Back Up Jackson, Joe Orlando and the Cryers, Pat Roddy Band, Vinny Pastore's Crazy Horse All Star Review
  $25 suggested contribution

• December 27

  Assemblyman Tim Eustace’s Birthday Breakfast

  8-10 am

  Victor’s Maywood Inn (122 W. Pleasant Avenue, Maywood)
  Contribution: $150, District 38 Constituents: $38

  Please RSVP to 201-316-4051 Or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

  Please Make Checks Payable To: Eustace for Assembly, 140 W. Pleasant Ave., Maywood, NJ 07607

• January 2

  Atlantic County Freeholder Swearing In
  4pm
  Criminal Courthouse (Unami Blvd., Mays Landing)
  Freeholder Elect Colin Bell will be sworn in to a 3 year term
  For more info call 609-418-5887
• January 3
  Senator Robert Menendez Swearing-In Reception
  11:45am-1:00pm
  The watch party/ reception will be from 11:45am-2:30pm in 419 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building (Senate Foreign Relations Committee Room) in Washington, DC. Starting at 12pm TV’s will be on in the room to watch the swearing-in on the Senate floor.

   

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for December 14, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Superstorm Sandy Relief

• This Wednesday, Madison Square Garden hosted the 12/12/12 concert for Sandy relief.  Musicians and entertainers helped the Robin Hood Relief Foundation (a non-profit dedicated to combating poverty) raise millions of dollars for the victims of Sandy.  You can click here to see what organizations the foundation is funding, including many in New Jersey.
• The concert organizers will continue to raise money with an album of songs performed at the concert, as well as a celebrity auction.
• President Obama promises to continue to support Sandy victims as we rebuild and recover.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker Appears on The Daily Show

• Mayor Booker spoke about poverty and the challenges facing Americans who use food stamps.

Burlington County Democratic Freeholder Candidates Outspent By Republican Opponents 6-1... and the Dems Still Won!

• The Burlington County Times reported that Democratic Freeholders-elect Aimee Belgard and Joanne Schwartz spent $82,707, while their opponents spent
  $642,778.

Electoral College Meets Monday

• On Monday, New Jersey's 14 electors will meet to cast their votes for President and Vice President at the New Jersey State House in Trenton.  Chairman John Wisniewski will give remarks.

Senator Barbara Buono announces that she will run for New Jersey Governor

• Senator Buono announced on Tuesday that she would run for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey Governor in 2013.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that Voorhees Fire District has received more than $330,000 in federal funding to hire firefighters through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg, along with 7 other Senate colleagues, called upon theU.S. Department of Education to investigate tactics used by for-profit colleges and universities to circumvent federal laws designed to protect students and taxpayers.
• Senator Bob Menendez appeared before the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (SBC) to share Hurricane Sandy's devastating impact on New Jersey's small businesses. Citing the unique challenges small businesses face when rebuilding, Menendez called for direct assistance to help assist small businesses which currently only have loans to turn to.
  
• Congressman Frank Pallone spoke with NBC Nightly News about the ongoing struggles of New Jerseyans who are still displaced following Superstorm Sandy.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell submitted a letter to Governor Christie urging him to prioritize federal funding for flood mitigation projects in northern New Jersey.  The letter stresses the need to fund projects on the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers to help mitigate future flooding.

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney's legislation to provide for voluntary contributions to help New Jersey athletes that participate in the Special Olympics cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee
• Legislation sponsored by Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Assemblywomen Mila Jasey, Connie Wagner, Pamela Lampitt and Bonnie Watson Coleman to create a loan forgiveness program for students who pursue work in fields with labor shortages was advanced by the Assembly Budget Committee.
• Senator Donald Norcross and Assemblyman Whip Wilson are sponsoring legislation to increase penalties on drivers who drive below the speed limit in the left lane, rather than using the lane to pass other cars.  Left-lane lingering impedes traffic flow and can lead to road rage and accidents.
• The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee advanced legislation that would allow New Jersey residents with diabetes to voluntarily note the condition on their driver's licenses in case they end up in an emergency situation and are unable to communicate their needs to police.
  
• Senate
• Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Wisniewski, Connie Wagner, and Tim Eustace creating a $100 million public bond referendum to fund the purchase of flood-prone properties throughout New Jersey was advanced by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Events

• December 18
  Marlene Caride for Assembly
  6:00pm-8:00pm
  The Graycliff (290 Moonachie Ave., Moonanchie)
  $350pp, County Committee members $65pp
• December 18
  Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver’s Holiday Cocktail Reception
  6:00 PM-8:00 PM 
  Bella Italia Ristorante (535 Central Avenue, Orange)
  $100 – Individuals, $500 - Corporations/PACs
  Please make checks payable to: COMMITTEE TO ELECT SHEILA OLIVER
  c/o Stephanie Wohlrab- 770 North Drive, Brick, NJ 08724
  Please RSVP by 12/17/12 to Stephanie Wohlrab at (732) 674-4199 or via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• December 18
  Somerset County Democratic Committee's Annual Holiday Party
  7:00 pm
  The Bamboo Grill, Basking Ridge Country Club (185 Madisonville Rd, Basking Ridge)
  Please bring non-perishable donations to contribute to The Food Bank Network of Somerset County
  RSVP:  Ryan Cangialosi, (973) 228-1325 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• December 20
  

  Democrats2012 Annual Toydrive
  7:30 PM- 9:30 PM
  Tumulty's (361 George St, New Brunswick)
  RSVP: Everett Falt (732) 354-1297 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

• December 30
  United to Restore the Shore
  Join the New Leaders Council - New Jersey, Monmouth County Democrats,New Jersey Young Democrats, Monmouth County Republican Committee, and New Jersey Young Republican Federation
  1-7 pm
  The Stone Pony (913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park)
  Emceed by Kevin McArdle from NJ 101.5
  With performances by: The B Street Band, Back Up Jackson, Joe Orlando and the Cryers, Pat Roddy Band, Vinny Pastore's Crazy Horse All Star Review
  $25 suggested contribution

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for December 7, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

President Obama Keeps Moving Forward

• President Obama called upon the Democratic National Committee members to ratify his nomination of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to continue leading the DNC as Chair.   The committee will meet on January 22 to vote.
• The national unemployment rate continues to fall, with this month's report showing a rate of 7.7%.  That marks 33 straight months of private sector job growth under President Obama.  Unfortunately, New Jersey's October unemployment rate was 2 full points higher, at 9.7%.  While the Christie administration might try to claim that our current unemployment numbers are reflective of Sandy, it doesn't explain away the past year of poor jobs numbers.  Now more than ever, New Jersey needs jobs.
• President Barack Obama hasn't forgotten about those struggling after Superstorm Sandy.  The White House will ask Congress for more than $60 billion to cover hurricane recovery and rebuilding in New York and New Jersey.
• President Barack Obama's second inauguration will take place in just about six weeks.  This week, the inauguration committee launched its website.

New Jersey Attorney General's office drops partisan appeal

• This week, the New Jersey Attorney General’s office announced that it would no longer pursue its appeal of the U.S. District Court’s ruling that found it unconstitutional to apply the one-year eligibility requirement in election years immediately following redistricting.
  
• New Jersey Democratic Chairman John Wisniewski released the following statement about the AG's decision: “It does not seem to be a coincidence that the Attorney General’s office has finally dropped its meritless appeal after Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera won her election so decisively. It is shameful that the Attorney General’s office wasted time and taxpayer dollars in an attempt to invalidate the will of the voters.  From the beginning, this was a partisan effort by Republicans to litigate an election result that they didn’t like. The constituents of New Jersey’s 4th legislative district have now spoken twice in two years: they want Gabriela Mosquera to serve as their representative in the General Assembly.”

New Jersey News

• Rutgers University announced Wednesday that it's joining the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, an academic consortium that includes all the universities in the Big Ten plus the University of Chicago.
• New Jersey native Scott Kelly is the American astronaut training to spend a year in space at the International Space Station.
• The Stone Pony will be host to a bipartisan fundraiser for Superstorm Sandy relief on December 30.  The event is co-hosted by the Monmouth County Democratic Organization, the Monmouth County Republican Committee, the New Jersey Young Democrats, the New Jersey Young Republicans, and the New Leaders Council NJ, and will feature cover bands and entertainment from 1-7.  The suggested donation is $25.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez applauded announcement of a $10,394,267 National Emergency Grant (NEG) from the U.S. Department of Labor to the State of New Jersey to hire temporary workers to help with clean-up and recovery efforts resulting from Super Storm Sandy.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced legislation that would extend unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs due to Hurricane Sandy, and also help relieve the burden on businesses for disaster-related claims.
• Senator Bob Menendez is pressing fellow federal lawmakers for Superstorm Sandy relief money for Jersey.
• Congressman Rob Andrews was elected unanimously by his Democratic colleagues to co-chair the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which helps shape and advance the Democratic agenda for the next session of Congress and determines committee assignments for House Democrats.  Andrews joins Congressman Frank Pallone on the committee.
• Congressman Frank Pallone sent a letter to National Park Service (NPS) Director Jon Jarvis urging that the agency provide adequate resources to Sandy Hook as it recovers and rebuilds from the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy.  Sandy Hook’s infrastructure suffered critical damage from the storm, and Pallone requested that the park receive the Park Service’s full support to rebuild in time for the summer season.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell led a bi-partisan letter to Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi urging them to ensure that any deal to avert drastic spending cuts and tax increases at the end of the year also include a mechanism to raise the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) eligibility floor.  Failure to act could potentially increase federal taxes for over half of New Jerseyans.
• Congressman Rush Holt announced that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will resume providing postal services at the existing Milltown Post Office facility, which has been closed ever since it was damaged in flooding from Hurricane Irene last year.
• Congressman Albio Sires announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration is awarding the state of New Jersey yet another $10 million dollars in emergency relief funding to reconstruct highways and roads that were impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

Under the Dome

• On Monday, legislation to raise New Jersey's minimum wage was sent to Governor Christie, who hasn't yet acted on the bill.  Senate President Steve Sweeney said, "We are just giving the governor a chance to do the right thing for working people.  If the governor fails to sign this bill, then we will put the decision directly into the hands of the people."
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, along with Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski, Majority Conference Leader Gordon M. Johnson, and Assembly Budget Committee Chair Vincent Prieto, released a multimedia package highlighting the Assembly's final approval of the minimum wage legislation.
• Assembly Democrats released an extensive job creation and economic development package this week consisting of approximately 20 bills.  Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald said, "Rebuilding after Sandy will be a major undertaking, but it must be a multi-faceted approach that should include a focus on job creation and economic development that will position New Jersey for success.”
• The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will hold its fourth hearing regarding the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy this Tuesday in Highlands.
• The Assembly approved legislation from Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Assemblyman Charles Mainor granting the legislature authority to disapprove the minutes of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), which could help avert massive toll increases like the latest that went into effect on Sunday.
• Legislation sponsored by Senate Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee Chairman Jim Whelan that would make it easier and more secure for New Jersey residents who are living abroad to vote was approved today by the Committee.
• Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Cleopatra Tucker, Herb Conaway, Troy Singleton, Wayne DeAngelo and Pamela Lampitt to help veterans transition into employment opportunities that will enable them to use the skills acquired during their military service was approved Thursday by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
• New Jersey Democratic Chairman John Wisniewski announced that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for New Jersey Governor in 2013.  The full text of his statement is below:
  “I am announcing today that I will not seek the 2013 Democratic nomination for New Jersey Governor. The decision has not been an easy one, but after much discussion with supporters, friends and family, I have come to the conclusion that it is not the right time for me to pursue a statewide campaign for full-time public office, and that my obligations to my family and business should take precedence. I will, however, seek to remain in public office by seeking re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly, so that I can continue the fight on behalf of New Jersey's middle class families and in support of issues I consider important to the future of our state.
  
  I make this decision confident that there are a number of talented New Jersey Democrats capable of mounting a strong challenge to Governor Christie next year and firm in the belief that Democrats are fully capable of recapturing the Governor's office in 2013. While the incumbent has recently earned praise for his response to Hurricane Sandy, the fact remains that his policies have overwhelmingly favored New Jersey's wealthy at the expense of struggling families and have not represented the values of the people of our state. As New Jersey Democratic Chairman, I look forward to electing our candidate for Governor and returning a Democratic majority to the General Assembly and Senate in 2013.”

Events

• December 9
  Annual Union County Democratic Committee Holiday Party
  12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  Galloping Hill Caterers (325 Chestnut Street, Union)
  Admission: 1 unwrapped toy for a needy child
• December 10
  Freeholder Terry Duffy’s Annual Christmas Party
  6:30pm
  Brownstone, Paterson $125pp
• December 11
  Evening Honoring Assemblyman Gary Schaer
  6:00pm-8:00pm
  The Graycliff (290 Moonachie Avenue, Moonachie)
  $750 pp, $125 for county committee 
• December 13
  The Monmouth County Democratic Organization's Meet the Winners Reception
  6:30-8:30 pm
  Home of Former Mayor Michelle Roth (5 Glen Wood Court, Manalapan)
  General Admission: $150, Silver Sponsor: $500, Gold Sponsor: $1,000, Honorary Co- host: $1,500
  Chairman’s Club Members Free
  RSVP to Joe Grillo, 732-739-8888 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE!
• December 13
  Annual Holiday Toy Drive 2012
  Hosted by Assemblyman Benjie Wimbery & Freeholder Theodore Best & Paterson Team Hope
  6:00pm

  Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse, 101 Ward ST., Paterson

  Call 201-398-6383, $25pp

• December 18
  Marlene Caride for Assembly
  6:00pm-8:00pm
  The Graycliff (290 Moonachie Ave., Moonanchie)
  $350pp, County Committee members $65pp

• December 20
  Democrats2012 Annual Toydrive
  7:30 PM- 9:30 PM
  Tumulty's (361 George St, New Brunswick)
  RSVP: Everett Falt (732) 354-1297 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

   

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for November 30, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Sandy May Have Hindered Voting in New Jersey in 2012

• Politico explored the use of email and fax ballot requests, which the Governor's administration implemented as an alternative option for storm-displaced voting.  The option resulted in confusion and delays, as county clerks had difficulty handling the high volume of requests.
• Democrats have called upon New Jersey to implement early voting.  If New Jersey had had early voting in 2012 prior to Sandy, it may have cut down on the confusion and frustration felt by some voters who were already dealing with the trauma of Superstorm Sandy. 
• Early voting legislation has already been introduced in the Senate, and Assemblyman John Wisniewski will introduce legislation in the Assembly on Monday, December 3.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg was joined by the entire New Jersey congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to submit a funding request to Congress to help the state rebuild following Superstorm Sandy.
• The United Nations voted to give Palestine ‘non-member observer state" status, which the United States opposed.  Senator Bob Menendez, along with Senators Lindsey Graham, Chuck Schumer, and John Barrasso have introduced legislation which takes a tough line against the Palestinians.
  
• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced the first round of federal funding to help reimburse New Jersey municipalities for cleanup work completed in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
• Congressman Rob Andrews announced that Lockheed Martin in Moorestown was awarded a $60.2 million contract modification that will keep 3,000 people working in South Jersey on a high-tech missile program for the Department of Defense.
• Congressman Frank Pallone announced $6.6 million in FEMA funding for Superstorm Sandy cleanup in Monmouth and Union Counties.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell was elected Democratic Regional Whip, a leadership position within the Democratic caucus.  As regional whip, Pascrell will work with Democratic members to frame policy positions and determine legislative priorities.
• Congressman Rush Holt testified before the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee about the impact of Superstorm Sandy on New Jersey's communities.  Senator Bob Menendez also addressed the committee and you can see his testimony here.

Under the Dome

• A bipartisan group of legislators from the Senate and Assembly toured Superstorm Sandy damage with local officials on the Barrier Islands this week.  You can see video footage here and an NJTV clip of the Assembly Members here.
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski will introduce a "Storm Victims Bill of Rights" which will allow homeowners with storm damage in a disaster area to obtain a six-month forbearance period on their mortgage payments.  It also allows homeowners to obtain a six-month forbearance period on their property tax payments and allows municipalities to borrow emergency funds to cover the loss of those property taxes.  Under this legislation homeowners are granted immunity from liability to individuals and property for up to one year following the date the area of the State was declared to be a disaster area.  Finally, the bill provides up to 10 days of paid family leave for use in connection with a disaster. 
• Senate President Steve Sweeney, along with Senators Joe Vitale and Richard J. Codey, sponsored legislation to increase the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 per hour from its current rate of $7.25, and tie future increases to the Consumer Price Index.  The legislation was approved by the Senate on Thursday.
  
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver applauded the Senate passing legislation to increase the minimum wage.  The Speaker's legislation to increase the minimum wage already passed the Assembly.  The legislation now heads to the governor's desk.
• The Senate approved legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg to ensure E-ZPass users know exactly how much is being drawn from their accounts at toll booths along the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.
• Senator Jim Whelan announced  that he will introduce legislation to aid small businesses along the New Jersey shore in their rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy by allowing business owners to claim a tax credit for repairs necessitated as a result of the storm.
• Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Troy Singleton, John J. Burzichelli and Reed Gusciora to prevent the misuse of disability identification cards and placards received final legislative approval Thursday and now heads to the governor's desk.
• Senator Jeff Van Drew has introduced legislation to strengthen the regulation of certain pharmacies that prepare customized versions of prescription medications for patients.
• Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo will introduce legislation on Monday to create a commission tasked with finding ways to strengthen the methods and systems used to deliver energy to consumers.

Events

• December 3
  Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski Cocktail Reception
  6:00-8:00 PM (Immediately Following the Voting Session)
  Settimo Cielo, 17 East Front Street Trenton, NJ
  $500 - RSVP to 732-525-1400 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• December 3
  Essex County Chairman Phil Thigpen Victory Celebration & Toy Drive
  6:00pm

  Mayfair Farms, West Orange

  973-622-8300

• December 4
  PC Freeholder Director Pat Lepore Holiday Cocktail Reception
  6:00pm

  The Home of Tom Kazmark & Mike Schiff, 100 Long Hill Road, Little Falls

  $200pp

• December 5
  Ocean County Democrats Reception
  Honoring and Congratulating our newly elected and re-elected Democratic Officials
  6:00-8:00 PM
  At the Home of Barnegat Committewoman-Elect Susan Conway (24 Carriage Drive Barnegat NJ)
  $150 per person
  RSVP  to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 609 992 7575 
  Checks should be made out to:Ocean County Democrats, Suite 102, Toms River NJ 08753
• December 6
  Sheriff Richard Berdnik's 3rd Annual Holiday Party
  6:00 pm
  Valley Regency (1129 Valley Rd, Clifton)
  $85,  RSVP Here
• December 6
  Annual Holiday Toy Drive 2012
  Hosted by Assemblyman Benjie Wimbery & Freeholder Theodore Best & Paterson Team Hope
  6:00pm

  Hamilton & Ward Steakhouse, 101 Ward ST., Paterson

  Call 201-398-6383, $25pp

• December 9
  Annual Union County Democratic Committee Holiday Party
  12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  Galloping Hill Caterers (325 Chestnut Street, Union)
  Admission: 1 unwrapped toy for a needy child
• December 10
  Freeholder Terry Duffy’s Annual Christmas Party
  6:30pm
  Brownstone, Paterson $125pp

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for November 23, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

A Thanksgiving Message from Chairman John Wisniewski:

“Every year, Americans gather together with family and friends on Thanksgiving to celebrate and give thanks. 

Last month, a devastating storm hit New Jersey, affecting many of us and our friends and family. While it is hard to feel celebratory when many are still struggling to recover, we still have reason to be thankful. We are thankful for the men and women of our National Guard who are helping those hardest hit by Sandy. We are thankful for those who helped shelter New Jersey’s displaced. We are thankful for Americans across this country who have donated or volunteered with relief organizations to help us get back on our feet. Most of all, we are thankful for our fellow New Jerseyans, who came together in a crisis and will work together rebuild our state even stronger. 

I wish the people of New Jersey a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.”

Vice President Joe Biden Visits Storm Damage

• Vice President Joe Biden visited New Jersey last weekend to tour damage from Superstorm Sandy.
• He was joined by Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Albio Sires, and other elected officials as they observed the damage wrought to the Barrier Islands, Hoboken, and New Jersey's transportation infrastructure.

Democrats and Activists Call Upon Christie to Support Expanding Medicaid

• New Jersey Democrats called upon Christie to support the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, which could bring $22 billion in the next eight years.
• Citizen Action Health Care campaign coordinator Jeff Brown called the expansion a financial "no brainer."
• The Star-Ledger Editorial Board agrees, calling upon Governor Christie to expand Medicaid coverage in New Jersey.

Some Big Changes At Rutgers This Week!

• On Monday,  Rutgers University’s governing boards voted to merge with UMDNJ.
• On Tuesday, Rutgers announced that it will be changing athletic conferences, moving from the Big East to the Big 10 (which will now have 14 teams). At 9-1 with two remaining games this season, Rutgers has a good opportunity to win the Big East. Go RU!

Inauguration Tickets

• Some of you have emailed the State Party to ask for information about tickets to President Obama's second inauguration.  Please see this link for information about obtaining tickets or attending the President's inauguration on the National Mall.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg announced that the Obama Administration has approved additional emergency food aid for New Jersey residents impacted by Superstorm Sandy.  Most residents of 18 New Jersey counties severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy will be eligible to receive Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to help relieve food expenses related to the storm.
  
• Senator Bob Menendez offered advice to those New Jersey residents seeking FEMA aid.  He clarified that even a letter that says you're "ineligible" is not a final answer, and that all information from FEMA should be read very carefully.  The link has more information on how to present information to FEMA.
• Congressman Frank Pallone wrote to the governor to ask that he set up a health exchange in New Jersey in accordance with federal health reform.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell wrote an editorial in the Record, calling upon his Congressional colleagues to come together after the election and work to solve the challenges facing our country.
• Congressman Steve Rothman expressed support for Israel’s response to Gazans’ rocket assaults against Israeli civilians.
• Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. launched his official Congressional website now that he has been sworn into office.
• Congressman Albio Sires requested additional funding for disaster relief for New Jersey communities affected by Sandy.

Under the Dome

• Led by Senate President Steve Sweeney, the Senate is working to raise New Jersey's minimum wage to $8.25 per hour and tie future minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved the legislation, which already passed by the Assembly and will now be considered by the full Senate.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald have proposed a sales tax rebate to help families who are rebuilding following Sandy.  Families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Sandy may have to spend thousands of dollars on building materials and new appliances.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg's legislation to ensure E-ZPass users know exactly how much is being drawn from their accounts at toll booths along the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway was released by the Senate Transportation Committee. 
  
• Senator Nia Gill has introduced legislation to make early voting a reality in New Jersey.  Speaker Sheila Oliver and Deputy Speaker John Wisniewski have discussed introducing early voting legislation in the Assembly.
  
• Assembly Transportation Chairman John Wisniewski hailed the establishment of a next-of-kin registry by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), which was created as a result of legislation he sponsored known as Sara's Law. The bill was unanimously passed in the legislature and signed into law by the Governor in April, 2011.
• Senator Shirley Turner introduced a Senate Resolution in support of “Small Business Saturday” being celebrated this year on November 24, 2012.  With many small businesses hurting following Sandy, New Jerseyans should take some time on Saturday to visit community small business and help our friends and neighbors.
• Assemblywoman Angelica M. Jimenez's legislation to require vital records handlers to undergo background checks was approved by the Assembly Homeland Security Committee.
  

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for November 16, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

There is still a long road ahead for many in New Jersey following Superstorm Sandy.   As we move past the initial stage of recovery, there will be opportunities to help communities rebuild.  We want to invite you to share any opportunities to help our friends and neighbors as they continue the difficult process of putting their lives, their homes, and their communities back together.  Please let us know if there are events, fundraisers, or other recovery efforts that we can highlight in this email or in other venues.  New Jersey is strong and we will come back stronger, but we have to remember that we are truly all in this together.

Donald Payne Jr. Sworn In!

• We can now call him Congressman!  Donald Payne Jr. was sworn in on Thursday to fill the remainder of his late father's unexpired House term serving the 10th Congressional District.
• Congressman Payne Jr. was also elected to a full term in the 113th Congress.

New Jersey Assembly and Senate Democrats Will Move Forward to Raise New Jersey's minimum wage

• A recent study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Economic Policy Institute shows that the gap between the very wealthy and the very poor is large and continues to grow in New Jersey.  While New Jersey needs a long term strategy to address this disparity, raising the minimum wage is an effective short term tool to help lower income families make ends meet.
  
• The legislature will move forward to pass legislation and send the governor a bill that increases New Jersey's minimum wage and ties continues increases to the Consumer Price Index.
• If the governor does not sign the legislation, the legislature will then seek to amend the Constitution to provide for increases to the minimum wage.
• The Courier Post Editorial Board agrees that the minimum wage should be tied to the CPI and that if Christie fails to sign the legislation, voters should have the opportunity to decide on the ballot. 

Inauguration Tickets

• Some of you have emailed the State Party to ask for information about tickets to President Obama's second inauguration.  Here is the best information we have right now about obtaining tickets or attending the President's inauguration on the National Mall.

Chairman Wisniewski on News 12's Power and Politics this weekend.

• You can catch the chairman speaking about the legislature's role in New Jersey's recovery from Sandy on News 12.  Power and Politics airs Saturday and Sunday at 10 am, 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez, along with 10 other Senators representing states affected by Superstorm Sandy, called upon the President to amend the budget to include disaster aid.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg announced that the Senate has unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution establishing a Senate food drive to benefit victims of Superstorm Sandy.
• Senator Bob Menendez is poised to lead the way on immigration reform in the United States Senate.
• During a meeting with Members of Congress from areas affected by Sandy, Congressman Frank Pallone expressed several concerns to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, including the need for more housing for those displaced residents who are now leaving temporary shelters.
  
• Congressman Bill Pascrell noted that President Obama's victory was helped by the same aggressive ground strategy Pascrell employed during his own campaign. 
• Congressman Rush Holt received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the New Jersey Sierra Club for his work to improve the environment here in New Jersey and nationally.
  

Under the Dome

• Assemblyman John Wisniewski, whose hometown of Sayreville was hit hard by Sandy, welcomed a group of Greenville, South Carolina 8th graders delivering relief supplies.

• Senator Ronald Rice's legislation to allow municipalities to require creditors who initiate a foreclosure proceeding to secure and maintain the vacant, foreclosed home was unanimously approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
• Assemblywoman Annette Quijano was appointed by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to chair of the Hispanic delegation to the NCSL.
• Senator Jeff Van Drew's legislation to allow pet owners to board public transportation with a pet during an evacuation in connection with a declared state of emergency was approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
• Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Daniel Benson, Connie Wagner and Pamela Lampitt to establish stability in special education programming to help students suffering from developmental disabilities such as autism, was released Thursday by a Senate committee.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, who posts on Blue Jersey, wrote about the need to study and perhaps reform New Jersey's Election Laws, following some of the issues created by having an election so soon after Sandy.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Senate President Steve Sweeney met this week with the governor and Republican legislative leaders to agree to put aside partisanship and work together to make sure New Jersey recovers fully from Sandy.
• Senate President Steve Sweeney announced that he, Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr., Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo, and ranking Republican Anthony Bucco Sr. will hold hearings to better educate lawmakers about how to rebuild the state in a smarter way following Sandy.

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for November 9, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

This Sunday marks our annual commemoration of Veterans Day.  Chairman Wisniewski released the following statement about the holiday:

“On Veterans Day, we celebrate and honor the service of the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms.   We are proud to have re-elected a Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama, who has honored their service by bringing them home from Iraq, working to end the war in Afghanistan, allowing them to serve openly, and honoring our commitments to veterans after they leave the service.

Following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy, New Jerseyans have been helped by members of the armed services from around the country as we struggle to rebuild. We are particularly grateful for their work here and we thank them for keeping our communities safe and assisting as we recover.”

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

First, we want to acknowledge that many of our fellow New Jerseyans have a long, tough road ahead of them following Hurricane Sandy.  We do not forget that they are struggling, and we encourage all New Jerseyans to continue to reach out and find ways to help those in need.  New Jersey 101.5 is compiling a list of volunteer opportunities on its blog, if you are looking to help now.  Please let us know if there are events, fundraisers, or other recovery efforts that we can highlight in this email or in other venues.  New Jersey is strong and we will come back stronger, but we have to remember that we are truly all in this together.

President Barack Obama Wins Re-Election!

• In New Jersey, the President won with a bigger margin than he did in 2008.
• Since many of you spent time helping re-elect the President, check out this video of the President thanking some of the people who worked so hard.
• Chairman Wisniewski released a statement congratulating Democrats in New Jersey on the many wins we have to celebrate!  We are extremely grateful for the support voters gave the Democratic Party in this election. THANK YOU!
• In addition to winning the White House, Democrats saw marriage equality initiatives pass in Maine, Maryland, and Washington, along with a failed attempt in Minnesota to constitutionally ban marriage equality.
• With those victories, it is good to remember that the Democratic legislature passed a marriage equality bill that Governor Christie vetoed this year.  Marriage equality advocates in New Jersey oppose a ballot measure for many reasons, including opposition to allowing the majority to vote upon the civil rights of any American.  We continue to move forward in our efforts to bring marriage equality to New Jersey through legislation rather than ballot initiative.

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Bob Menendez won his campaign for re-election handily.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez applauded the decision by the EPA to allow additional fuel delivery to New Jersey to ease the gas shortages caused by Hurricane Sandy.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg called upon the U.S. Senate to take action on climate change, particularly given the devastation wrought by another extreme weather event in Hurricane Sandy.
• Congressman Rob Andrews announced that counties in southern New Jersey will receive FEMA funding due to Hurricane Sandy.
• Congressman Frank Pallone has been touring and working within the many communities he represents that were hit by Hurricane Sandy.
• Congressman Albio Sires announced $10 million in federal Department of Transportation funding to help repair New Jersey's bridges and roads after Sandy.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell won his campaign to represent New Jersey's 9th Congressional District.
• Congressman-elect Donald Payne, Jr., filling the remainder of his late father's unexpired Congressional term before beginning his own full term in 2013, will join his colleagues in Washington, DC as soon as his election can be certified.
• Congressman Steve Rothman shared information about recovering from Hurricane Sandy.
• Congressman Rush Holt urges Mercer and Hunterdon County residents affected by Sandy to register for FEMA assistance.

Under the Dome

• Assemblyman John Wisniewski will introduce legislation to implement early voting in New Jersey.  Following the confusion and disorganized process as a result of Hurricane Sandy, Wisniewski wants to ensure that natural disaster or other state crises don't cause any voters to feel disenfranchised.
• Senator Shirley Turner said it is past time to require power companies to file comprehensive emergency response plans with state officials to ensure the timely restoration of power.
• In Legislative District 16, there are a number of provisional ballots still to be counted before a winner can be declared between Marie Corfield and her Republican opponent.
• Senate President Steve Sweeney released information to help direct residents affected by the storm to assistance and resources available through the state and federal government as well as to emergency personnel who are helping with recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Assemblywoman Celeste Riley, Assemblyman Troy Singleton, Assemblyman Albert Coutinho and Assemblyman Thomas Giblin praised New Jersey voters for green-lighting a $750 million bond issue to finance higher education capital projects that will help increase the academic competitiveness of New Jersey's public and private colleges and universities.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg urged colleagues to take a comprehensive look at ways to improve the voting experience, saying that quick fixes may not be the panacea they are being advertised to be.
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald praised the implementation of the school election reform law he sponsored, which led to nearly 500 school districts holding their elections this week to save taxpayers money.

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for October 26, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Please Stay Safe This Weekend and Next Week!

• As many of you know, New Jersey is in a state of emergency in anticipation for Hurricane Sandy.  Please visit Ready.gov for information about staying safe.
• Governor Christie has issued mandatory orders of evacuation for communities in Atlantic County, Cape May County, Ocean County, and Monmouth County.  Other shore communities are under voluntary evacuation.  Please heed the advice of government and emergency responders in making the best decision to keep you and your family safe.
• Please have a look at the Office of Emergency Management's website to identify evacuation routes.

President Obama Won the Third Presidential Debate

• President Barack Obama won the third debate on foreign policy hands down.
• Meanwhile, the New York Times said of Romney's third debate- "Mitt Romney has nothing really coherent or substantive to say about domestic policy, but at least he can sound energetic and confident about it. On foreign policy, the subject of Monday night’s final presidential debate, he had little coherent to say and often sounded completely lost. That’s because he has no original ideas of substance on most world issues, including Syria, Iran and Afghanistan."
• The Los Angeles Times headline read, "Romney Endorses Obama," highlighting how Mitt pivoted away from his campaign's hawkish foreign policy positions to instead agree with the President for much of the debate.  Why accept a substitute when we have the real deal in President Obama?
• Watch the President's phenomenal closing statement, which highlighted his own record and drew strong contrasts between his plan for the next four years and Romney's plan.

Christie Puts His Party First

• On Friday, Christie traveled to North Carolina to campaign for Mitt Romney and the Republican gubernatorial candidate.  This marked the 66th day Christie has spent campaigning outside of New Jersey since last October.
• The Star-Ledger took a poll of online readers about Christie's frequent partisan travel... unsurprisingly, an overwhelming majority felt Christie should spend more time in New Jersey doing his job and less time currying favor with national Republicans.
• Last week, Governor Christie campaigned for Richard Mourdock, the Republican Senate candidate in Indiana.  In a debate on Tuesday evening, Mourdock said a pregnancy resulting from rape is “something God intended” and is “a gift from God.”
• Governor Christie's response to Todd Akin's comments about rape and pregnancy earlier this year was to call upon Akin to not only drop out of his Senate race but remove himself from public life.  Chairman Wisniewski challenged Christie to apply that same standard to Mourdock.
• Christie issued a weak response from a spokesperson, disagreeing with Mourdock's response, but not distancing himself from the candidate.  Given how frequently the governor uses public statements to call out people he disagrees with, his refusal to personally address Mourdock's comments makes it clear that Christie continues to put his political party before anything else, including common decency and respect for women.
• On Friday, after days without a response from the governor himself, the entire Democratic legislative caucus sent a letter to Christie calling upon the Governor to denounce Mourdock and rescind his endorsement.
• Meanwhile, Mitt Romney has not publicly commented about Mourdock either, and an endorsement ad featuring Romney is still running on behalf of Mourdock.  In an ad, the DNC says, "When Will Mitt Romney Stand Up to Extremism? The Clock Is Ticking."
• If you're wondering why Christie might not denounce Mourdock, we have a thought- Mourdock's views are shamefully similar to those of Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, who called rape "a method of conception"  when addressing why he does not support abortion even in cases of rape or incest. They don't want women to notice how extreme Paul Ryan is.  So, let's be clear on this: Christie has chosen to look out for the Republican Party's best interest rather than speak up on behalf of the millions of New Jersey women who find these views antiquated and repugnant.

County Campaigns

• A Republican Bergen County Freeholder candidate is in hot water after it was learned that she disagreed with observing the holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. because she "did not think he was an ethical man."
• Republican Ocean County Sheriff William L. Polhemus is running for his 10th term as sheriff at the age of 84. He currently receives $165,941 a year — $122,669 in salary plus a $43,272 pension as a retired Seaside Heights police chief.  According to New Jersey Watchdog, Polhemus has collected $929,793 in pension payments since he retired as Seaside Heights police chief back in the 1980s.  The Asbury Park Press endorsed Democrat Bob Armstrong for Ocean County Sheriff.

Help Get Democrats Elected!

• If you are an attorney and would like to spend Election Day helping to protect New Jersey voters, please get in touch with the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's Executive Director Paul Penna at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
• Obama For America National Field Director Jeremy Bird is blogging about the volunteers and supporters on the ground who are helping re-elect the President.
• Come out and join the New Jersey Democratic Party and make up to $200 helping to promote democratic values by going door-to-door and encouraging others to get out and vote.  Multiple shifts all over the state: Saturday November 3 11a-4p, Sunday November 4 11a-4p, Monday November 5 1p-7p, Tuesday November 6 2p-8p. Pay is $50 dollars a shift for all shifts. For more information contact Mike by calling 732-807-5844 or emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
  

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced a $400,000 federal grant to look into building a new Light Rail station on the Hoboken/Jersey City border.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg urged New Jersey residents to begin preparing for Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to affect New Jersey later this weekend or early next week.
• Senator Bob Menendez was joined by more than two dozen prominent African American religious, community and government leaders as they announced their enthusiastic endorsement of the Senator for re-election.
• Congressman Frank Pallone addressed JFK Medical Center employees , who voiced concerns about the potential 2% cut in Medicare hospital reimbursements from the GOP budget deal.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell pledged to protect social security benefits before a roomful of seniors at the Rodda Community Center on Tuesday.
• Congressman Rush Holt said the policies being pushed by Republicans in recent years amount to an assault on the middle class. The American Dream, he says, “seems more like a mirage” and “something unobtainable for most families.”
• Congressman Albio Sires congratulated the Bayonne Fire Department at the groundbreaking of the new Bayonne Firehouse.

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney's legislation to protect the privacy of workers in the private sector and at institutions of higher learning passed the Senate.  The legislation prohibits requiring a current or prospective employee from having to provide or disclose any electronic user name or password, or in any way provide the employer access to a personal account, such as Facebook.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg says "New Jersey continues to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and Governor Christie has been AWOL too often, campaigning out of state for Republican candidates who want to get elected to jobs of their own."
  
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald says, "It was once again nice to see Gov. Christie stop by New Jersey, but unfortunately he’ll find nothing has changed since the last time he took a break from touring the nation on behalf of anti-women and anti-middle class Republicans."
• Senator Fred Madden's legislation to require the reporting of children’s sudden cardiac events and establish a statewide database to keep track of such information passed the Senate this week.
  
• Assembly Transportation Chairman John Wisniewski issued subpoenas demanding documents from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey related to last year’s toll hike, after the agency’s voluntary responses to his requests were inadequate.
• Senator Raymond Lesniak says Governor Christie's cameo appearances in New Jersey between out of state campaign stops are obviously failing to do the job that needs to be done to repair his economic record.
  
• Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera is busy on the campaign trail for her special election this year.  She's knocked on more than 1,800 doors in her district!

Events

• October 27
  Morris County Democrats Rally on the Green
  2pm-4pm
  Morristown Green in Downtown Morristown
  Expected guest speakers:
  Congressional Candidate John Arvanites (NJ-11), Congressional Candidate Upendra Chivukula (NJ-7)
  Freeholder Candidates Joy Singh, Wasim Khan, Toshiba Foster and Truscha Quatrone
  NJ-26 Assembly Candidate Joe Raich
  The event will be hosted by Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty
• October 28
  Reception Honoring Marie Corfield, Democratic Candidate for Assembly, 16th District
  Hosted by Congressman Rush Holt & Women's Political Caucus NJ-PAC
  11am-1pm
  33 Maidenhead Rd., Princeton
  Hosts: $1,000        Sponsors: $500      Patron: $250
  Checks should be made payable to: Corfield for Assembly (9 Paddock Lane, Flemington, NJ 08822)
  For more information or to RSVP please contact: Adam Erickson, Campaign Manager, Phone: (267) 315-2713, Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• October 29
  Hoagies at Headquarters with Sen. Menendez
  12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
  Atlantic County Democratic Headquarters (400 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville)
  $25
  609-418-5887
• October 29
  
  Atlantic County Freeholder Debate
  7:00 pm- 8:15 pm
  Atlantic County Institute of Technology (5080 Atlantic Ave, Mays Landing)
  609-418-5887
• October 30
  
  Atlantic County Democrats: Coffee with the Candidates
  6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
  Casciano's Coffee Bar and Sweetery (212 Bellevue Ave, Hammonton)
  609-418-5887
• October 31
  2nd Annual Vote & Treat Costume Party With Passaic County Freeholder TJ Best
  7:00pm-11:00pm
  Bonfire (999 Market St., Paterson)
  $25-Checks payable to “Best for Freeholder"
• November 1
  Candidate for Freeholder Ronda Cotroneo Buffet Dinner
  7:00pm-10:00pm
  Il Palazzo’s (600 Ringwood Ave., Wanaque)
  $35pp
  RSVP to 973-963-9311 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• November 3
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Breakfast
  8:30am
  Brownstone (Paterson)
• November 3
  Hector Lora For Freeholder Dinner Dance
  6:30pm-12:00am
  Noches De Colombia (25 Lake Ave., Clifton)
  $50pp
  Information 973-928-4553
• November 4
  Women for Pascrell Rally - Highlighting Women Candidates and Women Elected Officials 
  3:30-5:30 pm, program begins at 4pm
  Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel (801 Rutherford Ave, Rutherford)
• November 6
  Middlesex County Democratic Organization Election Night Victory Party
  8:00 PM
  The Pines Manor (2085 Route 27, Edison)
  RSVP: Everett Falt, (732) 906-3680, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• November 6
  Ocean County Democratic Organization Election Night Party
• November 8
  Fundraiser for Assemblyman John Wisniewski
  6:00 PM -8:00 PM
  Panico's Restaurant (103 Church Street, New Brunswick)
  $500/Guest
  RSVP: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), (732) 525-1400

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee

The NJDSC Week In Review for October 19, 2012

Welcome to the latest installment of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's week in review. 

Now, here's a look back at some of the news from this past week and some of the upcoming events around the state next week and beyond.  Please share stories that interest you with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

Catch Chairman Wisniewski talking about the Presidential election, New Jersey elections, and the latest from Trenton this weekend on News12 New Jersey's Power and Politics.

You can see the final U.S. Senate debate between Senator Menendez and Joe Kyrillos on in Spanish Univision (New York only) Saturday morning at 11 am.

Bruce Springsteen Endorses President Obama

• We are proud that Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen endorsed President Obama for re-election and has traveled to key swing states to help the president get out the vote.  With just over two weeks until the election, every vote counts!
• The endorsement from Bruce is particularly special because his music is about many of the issues Democrats fight for every day!

President Obama Scores A Clear Victory in the Second Debate

• Don't just take our word for it.  Voters polled after the debates thought so, as did many pundits, and the Star-Ledger. 
• The President clearly outlined his record and made the case for a second term, while Mitt Romney failed to be straight with the American people on a number of issues.
• Both men were asked about the wage gap between men and women that still exists in the U.S. today.  President Obama spoke about his support for legislative efforts to ensure equality in wages, healthcare coverage, and autonomy for women.  Romney told the woman that he sought "binders full of women" to help staff his Massachusetts gubernatorial office, completely ignoring the question of pay equity altogether.
• The first piece of legislation the President signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which eliminates the statute of limitations for women who seek legal action after finding out that their employer practiced wage discrimination.  Romney has been asked about the legislation since May, and he still doesn't have an answer about whether he would have signed it into law had he been President in 2009.

How Much Time Can Governor Christie Spend on the Campaign Trail Before He's No Longer a New Jersey Resident?

• Christie campaigned out of state in New York, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.  Next week, he heads to Connecticut. 
• His trip to Indiana included a stop at a company that cut 258 New Jersey jobs.  I guess you didn't think out-of-work New Jerseyans should stop you from an opportunity to promote yourself, huh Governor?
• Meanwhile, back in New Jersey, unemployment is at 9.8%, two full points higher than the national unemployment rate of 7.8%.  Christie is spending a lot of time helping national Republicans get jobs... with no time left over to help New Jerseyans struggling to find work.
• Chairman Wisniewski issued the following statement: "While the slight decrease in New Jersey's unemployment is good news, New Jersey still lags far behind the rest of the country. Under President Obama's leadership, national unemployment for the same month fell to 7.8%. Meanwhile, Governor Christie spent 8 days in the month of September campaigning outside the state for national Republicans. September marked the 40th consecutive month with New Jersey's unemployment at or above 9%. Too many New Jerseyans still don't have jobs because Governor Christie isn't focused upon doing his."

Romney's Math Still Doesn't Add Up!

• Mitt Romney again insisted at Tuesday's debate that the math on his $5 trillion tax plan adds up... because he says it adds up, so there!  The New York Times had a look and says we shouldn't just take Romney's word for it, because the math doesn't work.
• Meanwhile, the Washington Post finds that Romney's tax plan would actually raise taxes on America's poor.

Election Deadline Coming Up:

Vote by Mail Ballots MUST be received by October 30.  Make sure you get yours in the mail ASAP if you are not planning to vote in person on Election Day!

Congressional Corner

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• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that New Jersey will receive $78 million in federal funding to help finance improvements to the State’s water system including upgrades to sewage plants and drinking water systems.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg announced $1.01 million in federal funding to support New Jersey’s pipeline safety efforts.  The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, supports state inspectors who ensure compliance with both state and federal pipeline safety regulations. 
  
• Senator Bob Menendez was joined by families touched by autism to celebrate the continuation of federal funding to assist families with an autistic individual under the Combating Autism Act (CAA). The legislation was signed into law in 2006. Menendez sponsored legislation reauthorizing the act. It was signed into law in 2011.
• Congressman Frank Pallone presented Corporal Charles Brown, Jr. of Piscataway with a Congressional Gold Medal for his distinguished achievements as a Montford Point Marine during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian award.
• Congressman Bill Pascrell received the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
• Congressman Rush Holt says he will work to expand the research and development tax credit and make it permanent.
• Congressman Albio Sires is expected to be re-elected in November, according to John Weingart, associate director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.

Under the Dome

• Legislation from Assembly Members John Wisniewski, Bonnie Watson Coleman, John Burzichelli, Pamela Lampitt,  and Louis Greenwald would change the state Constitution to allow the selection and appointment of joint municipal judges to be set forth in the agreement between municipalities, and will allow central municipal judges to be appointed by the county executive or county government body.
• Both Houses of the Legislature passed a resolution calling upon Congress to introduce a Constitutional Amendment to outlaw the unlimited political spending legalized by the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.  New Jersey joined at least 8 other states in calling for the amendment.
• New Jersey voters support the sensible Democratic plan to wait to implement tax relief until the year's revenue projections are in, rather than Christie's reckless demands to cut taxes now, without complete information about the fiscal health of our state. 
• Senate President Steve Sweeney's resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to raise the state’s minimum wage and tie further increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The initiative would be placed on the 2013 ballot for voter approval.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver called for state police to be trained in recognizing the signs of diabetic shock, following a lawsuit against troopers for their treatment of a man experiencing diabetic shock during a traffic stop.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, who writes for Blue Jersey, posted about this week's political news.
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald spoke with NJTV about Governor Christie's reckless revenue projections.
• Senator Raymond Lesniak's legislation to bring consumer protections and transparency to ticket sales for events such as concerts, games, shows and exhibits and encourage a more open market in New Jersey’s ticket-selling industry was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.
• Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera is running in a special election against her opponent.  Gaby is working hard, knocking on doors, and should win her election handily.
• Senator Jim Whelan's legislation to amend the state’s “Food Bank Good Samaritan Law” to also provide institutions of higher education with immunity from liability for any donations made to local food banks was approved by the Assembly and sent to the governor’s desk for his signature to make it law.
• Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle spoke with Blue Jersey about her legislation to combat human trafficking, including slavery and prostitution.  

Events

• October 20
  Monmouth County Democrats Italian American Luncheon
  Honored Guest:U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.
  Master of Ceremonies: U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
  2012 Honorees: Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Marlboro Councilman Frank LaRocca, Red Bank Councilwoman Kathy Arata Horgan
  12:00 noon to 2:00pm
  La Riviera Restaurant (113 Main Street, Matawan)
  ADMISSION: $45.00, CHAIRMAN’S CLUB MEMBERS: $22.50, TABLE OF 8: $300
  For more information, please contact Giuseppe Grillo at 732-739-8888 or email monmouthdemocrats@gmail.com.
• October 22
  Passaic County Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party
  6:00 pm
  Passaic County Democratic Headquarters (668 McBride, Woodland Park)
• October 22
  Ocean County Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party
  8-11 pm
  Toms River Clarion Hotel (815 Route 37 West, Toms River)
• October 22
  Atlantic County Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party
  8:00 pm
  Atlantic County Democratic Headquarters (400 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville)
  609-380-7015
• October 22
  Somerset County Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party
  Hosted by Somerset County Democratic Committee & Chivukula for Congress
  7:00pm-11:00pm
  Somerset County Democratic Committee / Chivukula for Congress Headquarters (205 W. Main St., Somerville)
• October 22
  Fundraiser for Congressman Holt
  6:00 PM
  Giovanna's Restaurant (1462 South Ave, Plainfield)
  $50/Guest
  RSVP: Stephanie Hulette, (609) 799-0800, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• October 23
  NJDSC "14 Days to Victory" Fundraiser
  6:00 PM
  Settimo Cielo (17 East Front Street, Trenton)
  RSVP by 10/19 to Heather DeJong: (609) 392-3367 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• October 23
  Monmouth County Democratic Organization Fundraiser Supporting Brian Froelich for Congress
  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Seasons Coal-Fired Bistro (Ideal Plaza - 2201 Rt. 9 South, Howell)
  Tickets: $35.00 per person (includes a buffet style dinner!)
  Sponsorships: Bronze Sponsor $100, Silver Sponsor $200, Gold Sponsor $500, Platinum Sponsor $1,000
  Please RSVP to Jocelyn Toledo (732) 757-8616 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
  To Purchase Tickets Online, Click HERE.
  Make Checks Payable to: Froelich for Congress
  If you’re unable to attend, please consider sending a donation to: Froelich for Congress, PO Box 84, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
• October 23
  3^rd Annual Hope Leadership Awards Dinner, Hosted by Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Honoring Chairman John Currie
  6:00pm-10:00pm
  Brownstone (351 West Broadway, Paterson)
• October 24
  Senator Nellie Pou's Annual Steak Night
  6:30pm
  Bonfire Restaurant (999 Market Street, Paterson)
  $150 pp
• October 27
  Monmouth County Democrats GET-OUT-THE-VOTE OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT RALLY
  11:00 am to 1:00 pm
  West Side Community Center  (115 Dewitt Avenue, Asbury Park)
  Speakers include: State Democratic Chairman John Wisniewski, Mayor Cory Booker, New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, and SEIU's Milly Silva along with other prominent Democratic Party Members and Labor Leaders. 
  Sign Up for Volunteer Shifts to Re-Elect President Obama
  Lawn Signs and Give-aways
  Free Food
  RSVP Mandatory to 732-739-8888 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• October 27
  Morris County Democrats Rally on the Green
  2pm-4pm
  Morristown Green in Downtown Morristown
  Expected guest speakers:
  Congressional Candidate John Arvanites (NJ-11), Congressional Candidate Upendra Chivukula (NJ-7)
  Freeholder Candidates Joy Singh, Wasim Khan, Toshiba Foster and Truscha Quatrone
  NJ-26 Assembly Candidate Joe Raich
  The event will be hosted by Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty
• October 29
  Hoagies at Headquarters with Sen. Menendez
  12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
  Atlantic County Democratic Headquarters (400 Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville)
  $25
  609-418-5887
• October 29
  
  Atlantic County Freeholder Debate
  7:00 pm- 8:15 pm
  Atlantic County Institute of Technology (5080 Atlantic Ave, Mays Landing)
  609-418-5887
• October 30
  
  Atlantic County Democrats: Coffee with the Candidates
  6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
  Casciano's Coffee Bar and Sweetery (212 Bellevue Ave, Hammonton)
  609-418-5887
• October 31
  2nd Annual Vote & Treat Costume Party With Passaic County Freeholder TJ Best
  7:00pm-11:00pm
  Bonfire (999 Market St., Paterson)
  $25-Checks payable to “Best for Freeholder"
• November 3
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Breakfast
  8:30am
  Brownstone (Paterson)
• November 4
  Women for Pascrell Rally - Highlighting Women Candidates and Women Elected Officials 
  3:30-5:30 pm, program begins at 4pm
  Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel (801 Rutherford Ave, Rutherford)
• November 6
  Middlesex County Democratic Organization Election Night Victory Party
  8:00 PM
  The Pines Manor (2085 Route 27, Edison)
  RSVP: Everett Falt, (732) 906-3680, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee:

We will continue to have updates about news and events from our elected officials and the many campaigns across the state. There will certainly be more to come next week.  Have a great weekend.

Sincerely, 

John Wisniewski, Chairman
New Jersey Democratic State Committee