The NJDSC Week In Review for May 25, 2012

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

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  Memorial Day has become known as a festive occasion and has come to mean the start of summer for many. But we must never forget its true purpose and meaning.  This is a day meant to honor and remember those who have given their life in service to our country and defending our liberty.  It is also a time to demonstrate our appreciation for the sacrifices of those who serve in uniform today.  To all on active duty and all who have worn a uniform or have had a family member serve in uniform, I say thank you.

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!

Christie takes a little more time off to campaign for Romney

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• Governor Christie took time from his busy schedule campaigning in Kentucky and Virginia to pop into New York and help Mitt Romney raise $5 million on Monday.  Someone ought to remind Governor Christie where New Jersey is, given that he's averaging 1.5 days a week outside of our state lately. 
  
  
• Chairman Wisniewski spoke about the governor's frequent trips out of state saying, "His appearance at yet another fundraiser for Governor Romney shows that Chris Christie doesn’t appear to be slowing down, and that’s unfortunate because there is a lot of work that needs to be done here in New Jersey."
  
  
• Wisniewski continued, "When your chief executive is more concerned about the presidential race and national Republican politics, it’s a failure of leadership because it sends a signal to everyone else that this is not really where his heart is at.”

Christie throws a temper tantrum when things don't go his way...again.

• Earlier this week, the Star-Ledger reported that the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services found that New Jersey revenues would be $1.3 billion short of what the governor's office had predicted.
  
  
• http://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8787/images/christie%20face.jpg" />Predictably, the governor refused to shoulder any of the blame himself, as has been the pattern: if Christie faces a setback or something doesn't go his way, he lashes out like a petulant child, tossing out insults and seeking to blame anyone but himself for failure.
  
• This time, he focused his anger on David Rosen, the nonpartisan budget officer at the Office of Legislative Services, calling Rosen the "Dr. Kevorkian of numbers."
  
• Putting aside that Christie's metaphor doesn't quite make sense, comparing Rosen to a felon convicted of manslaughter is beyond the pale.
  
  
• Democrats in the state legislature defended Rosen as a principled, non-partisan professional who did nothing to warrant the attack by the governor.
  
  
• At a time when voters are fed up with the unprecedented level of incivility in politics, the Star-Ledger thinks enough is enough with Governor Christie's antics.
  
  

Christie merits a "Pants on Fire" rating from Politifact

• Governor Christie was caught outright lying about New Jersey Democrats. Both the Assembly and the Senate have property tax relief plans that will help working and middle class families find real tax relief this year, but Governor Christie created yet another YouTube video, this time to claim that Democrats are opposed to tax cuts, even while Democrats in both bodies travel throughout the state to discuss how their respective plans would help New Jersey families.
  
  
• Politifact calls Christie out on his fictional video, giving him a Pants on Fire rating for making demonstrably false claims about Democrats positions on tax cuts, calling the governor's claims "pure nonsense."
  
  

Senator Menendez Kicks Off Campaign!

• On Monday, Senator Bob Menendez kicked off his re-election campaign with dual events in Union City and Gloucester Township.
  
  
• You can see video of the Senator's speech in Union City here.
  
  
• Sign up to show your support with a bumper sticker!

Vote for Shelley!

• In the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Grassroots Champion 2012 contest (and on Election Day against Jon Runyan, of course)!
  
  
• Shelley Adler is the only candidate from New Jersey who is in the running to gain additional support and funding through the DCCC contest, so even if you aren't from New Jersey's 3rd district, please take a moment to support Adler!
  
  

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidateshttp://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8787/images/2012-DNC-Logo-CMYK.jpg" />

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/US_Congress_02.jpg" />Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced $97,500 in federal funding for the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network of New Jersey (SPAN), which specializes in supporting families with children with special health care needs.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg's amendment to permanently repeal the "Global Gag Rule" has gained approval from the Appropriations Committee and will move to the floor as part of the Senate's 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill.

• Senator Bob Menendez announced that he has introduced an extension to the successful tax credit program for small and emerging biotechnology companies creating good jobs in New Jersey and around the country.
• Congressman Rob Andrews praised an investment by the federal government that will allow Camden to fully fund and staff its fire department.
  
  
• Congressman Frank Pallone kicked off summer at the Jersey Shore with a visit to Pier Village, reminding shore residents to lather up with sunscreen and protect themselves from sun-related skin cancer.

• Congressman Bill Pascrell announced a $1,530,304 federal grant for the City of Passaic's Fire Department. The funding will allow the department to rehire eight firefighters who were laid off in August 2011.

• Congressman Steve Rothman called upon Congress to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, which helps thousands of New Jersey homeowners recover from flood damage.  The current program expires May 31, 2012.
  
  
• Congressman Rush Holt critiqued Chuck Todd's performance on Jeopardy.

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Under the Dome

• Assemblyman John Wisniewski held an education roundtable, attended by education stakeholders, to discuss the specific education challenges facing New Jersey now and in the future.  Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, Chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, facilitated the discussion.
  
  
• Catch Assemblyman Wisniewski on New Jersey Capitol Report, where he will discuss his concerns regarding the administration and finances of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey as well as additional statewide issues.  The show airs throughout the week on NJTV, Thirteen, WHYY. Check local listings.
  
  
• Senator Ray Lesniak called upon the governor to support legalized online sports gambling.
  
  
• Democrats in the Assembly stood tough against Governor Christie's attempts to weaken environmental regulation in New Jersey, voting down the administration's attempts to waive environmental regulations.
  
  
• Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Bob Smith's legislation to encourage solar panel installation in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and will be considered by the full Senate.
  
  
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver continues to work to increase New Jersey's minimum wage.  Her legislation to raise the wage to $8.50 passed the Assembly.
  
  
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg appeared on the Today Show to discuss the legislation to ban tanning for individuals under 18 years old.
  
  
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald criticized Governor Christie for bringing divisive, Tea Party politics to Trenton.

Upcoming Events

• May 30
  Fundraiser for Stephen Dicht
  Candidate for Freeholder 2nd District
  Home of Mary and Art Slomine
  $25.00
  609-418-5887
• May 30
  Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (primary sponsor of New Jersey's anti-bullying Bill of Rights) and Englewood Mayor Frank Huttle Present:
  Free Screening of "Bully"
  BergenPAC, Englewood NJ (30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood)
  6 pm
  Contact Assemblywoman Huttle's office for advanced tickets at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Tickets also available at the door
• May 31
  Essex County Democratic Committee Hall of Fame Dinner
  Honoring Congressman Donald Payne
  6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Nanina’s In the Park
  540 Mill Street, Belleville
  Contribution: $150 per person
  To RSVP please call Terry Tucker at 973.622.8300
• June 4
  Fundraiser for Erica Polito for Freeholder 5th District and Egg Harbor City Local Candidates
  Irish Eyes Pub
  446 St. Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City
  $20.00
  609-418-5887
• June 6
  Fundraiser for Colin Bell
  Candidate for Freeholder at Large
  5:30 to 7:30 pm
  Ventura's Greenhouse Tiki Bar
  106 S. Benson Ave., Margate
  $40.00 609-993-1987
• June 12
  Reception with President Obama
  The Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA
  Doors Open at 5:00PM
  Guest- $250, Sponsor- $1000, Patron- $2500, Co-Chair- $10,000
  LINK: https://my.barackobama.com/June12PhiladelphiaReception?custom1=4926673
  
  
  

Support the New Jersey Democratic State Committee

http://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8787/images/volunteer.png" />             http://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8787/images/contribute.png" />

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 May 18, 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!

Budget Shortfall Raises Questions

• The April treasurer's report, largely considered to be the most significant of the year, found that New Jersey has a $230 million budget shortfall for the current fiscal year.
• Governor Christie will have to find ways to make up for the deficit between spending and revenue, prompting Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo and Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto to ask the state treasurer to detail specific plans to deal with the budget shortfall.
• Whatever the Governor's plan to close the gap, Democrats want any cuts to be presented transparently for New Jersey constituents.

Where is Governor Christie Today?

• "If it seems like Gov. Chris Christie is often out of state, turning up in front of a lectern in California or at a rally in Wisconsin, that's because he is."- Star Ledger
• Thursday's Star Ledger highlighted the extensive travel schedule of Governor Christie, who has been out of state 54 times in the past 8 months.
• ABC News points out that that averages out 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?
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski remarked, "For a job that he professes to love so much, he spends a lot of time away from it.  Is he really still interested in being governor, or is he auditioning for being vice president?"
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg added, "If he wants to criticize everyone else, maybe when he’s doing a purely political junket, then he should turn over that many days of his salary back to the state taxpayers."
  
  
  

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidates

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced a $1.6 million grant to Cranford's Brookside Elementary School, which sustained extensive damage following Hurricane Irene.
  
  
• Senator Frank Lautenberg reported that the results of a federal investigation of the Transportation Safety Administration, initated by the Senator, has revealed serious failings on the part of TSA. 
  

• Senator Bob Menendez partnered with California Senator Barbara Boxer to propose legislation to streamline mortgage refinancing for homeowners current on payments of loans through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

• Congressman Bill Pascrell was instrumental in bipartisan legislation that protects federal funding for community police officers.
  

• Congressman Steve Rothman successfully thwarted Republican attempts to cut FEMA funding that helps communities prepare for disasters.
  

• Congressman Rush Holt was joined by social service community leaders to decry Republican efforts to defund social services while preserving an enormous Department of Defense budget.
  

• Congressman Albio Sires cosponsored legislation to ensure fair and equal access to the right to vote.
  

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg hosted a town hall meeting to discuss property tax relief.
  
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver called for responsible steps forward in light of the budget shortfall.
  
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald has composed a to-do list for Governor Christie.
• Senators Teresa Ruiz and Sandra Bolden Cunningham proposed legislation ensure equal access to all American-born New Jersey students seeking a college education, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.
• Assemblyman Ruben Ramos introduced legislation to expand health literacy education in public schools.
• Senator Barbara Buono, Senator Bob Gordon, and Senator Linda R. Greenstein acted to stop Governor Christie from waiving laws that protect public health and the environment.
• An Assembly panel approved legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam that would increase penalties for threatening or harming law enforcement animals.

Upcoming Events

• May 20
  Rush Holt for Congress 2012 JEOPARDY Fundraiser
  4:00 – 6:00 PM
  West Windsor Arts Council - 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
  Featured Contestants: Shelley Adler (Candidate for US Congress, NJ-3), Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson, B. Thomas Byrne, Jr., Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, GovernorJim Florio, Senator Linda Greenstein, Jeff Tittel (Director, New Jersey Sierra Club), Professor Sean Wilentz, John S. Wisniewski  (Chairman,
  New Jersey Democratic State Committee)
• May 20
  Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Spring Brunch
  12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Drive, Annandale
  $75
  To reserve your tickets or for more information, please contact:
  Lois Zarish: 908-782-3388 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• May 21
  Senator Menendez Campaign Kick-Offs! Senator Bob Menendez kicks off his campaign for re-election to the United States Senate with two events:
  9:30 am
  Union City High School (2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City)
  RSVP online, Call: (732) 640-2250 or Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Please specify “RSVP-Union City” in the email subject line and type your name and number into the body of the email.)
  2:00 pm
  Camden County Emergency Training Center (420 Woodbury Turnersville Road North, Blackwood)
  RSVP online, Call: (732) 640-2250 or Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Please specify “RSVP-Blackwood” in the email subject line and type your name and number into the body of the email.)
  For directions or any additional questions, please contact Menendez for Senate at 732-640-2244

• May 21
  Beefsteak Fundraiser for Freeholder Candidate Ronda Casson Cotroneo

  6:30pm
  Brownstone, Paterson
  Donation $60.00 pp, contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• May 22
  Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski Dinner Reception
  6:00 PM
  Steakhouse 85, 85 Church Street, New Brunswick
  $1000 - Call 732-525-1400 for more information
• May 22
  Whelan for Senate- Beef N Beer
  5:30-7:30 pm
  Sandi Pointe (908 Shore Rd, Somers Point)
  $35 per ticket/$250 hosts/$500 sponsors
  Sliders, Beer, Live Music
  RSVPs to Jane Asselta at (609) 910-0010, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or on-line here
• May 22
  Sussex County Democratic Committee Meeting
  Featured Speaker: Senator Barbara Buono,
  The Hampton Diner (Route 206 north of Newton)
  7:30 p.m. 
  The event is free and open to all
• May 24

  Fundraiser for Erica Polito

  Candidate for Freeholder 5th District

  Cafe San Rocco

  21 N. 3rd St., Hammonton

  Buffet/cash bar

  $20.00

  609-418-5887
• May 24
  The Democratic Committee of Bergen County "Roast the Chairman"
  6 to 9 pm
  Dinner and Program start promptly at 7 pm
  Rockleigh Country Club (26 Paris Avenue, Rockleigh)
  Ticket: $250 (Checks payable to Victory 2012)
  Please RSVP to Jeanne Dressler at 201-487-0001 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by Monday May 21st, 2012
• May 30
  Fundraiser for Stephen Dicht
  Candidate for Freeholder 2nd District
  Home of Mary and Art Slomine
  $25.00
  609-418-5887
• May 31
  Essex County Democratic Committee Hall of Fame Dinner
  Honoring Congressman Donald Payne
  6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Nanina’s In the Park
  540 Mill Street, Belleville
  Contribution: $150 per person
  To RSVP please call Terry Tucker at 973.622.8300

• Passaic County Freeholder Candidate Hector Lora Fundraiser

  6:00pm-9:00pm

  Come and Meet your Passaic County Democratic Freeholder Candidates:

  John Bartlett, Ronda Cotroneo and Passaic City Councilman Hector Lora

  Call 973-986-8269 $75pp “Lora for Passaic Freeholder” 

• June 4
  Fundraiser for Erica Polito for Freeholder 5th District
  and Egg Harbor City Local Candidates
  Irish Eyes Pub
  446 St. Louis Ave., Egg Harbor City
  $20.00
  609-418-5887

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 May 11, 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:

President Barack Obama: "Same Sex Couples Should Be Able to Get Married."

• The biggest news this week came from President Barack Obama, who became the first sitting president to support marriage equality, affirming his position in an interview with ABC News correspondent Robin Roberts.  New Jersey Democrats reacted:
• 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
• Congressman Rush Holt
  
  
• Meanwhile, Governor Christie reiterated his opposition to marriage equality and argued that Democrats should allow the civil rights of their fellow citizens to be put to a majority vote.  That isn't leadership.

Governor Christie Vetoes Health Care Exchange

• Under the Affordable Care Act, states are required to set up health care exchanges in order to provide citizens a fair marketplace of health insurance options from which to choose.
• New Jersey's General Assembly and State Senate passed legislation to set up such an exchange earlier this year.
• On Thursday, Governor Christie vetoed the legislation, undermining access to affordable health care for New Jersey families.
• Chairman Wisniewski and Congressman Rush Holt held a press conference call criticizing Christie's veto of the bill.
• Chairman Wisniewski: "Instead of standing with middleclass families he has once again sold New Jersey up the river to stand with the out of touch Republican leaders he spends so much time campaigning for like Mitt Romney."
• Christie's actions are just one more example of the governor putting partisan politics before smart policy.

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidates

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced more than $1 million in flood prevention funding for the borough of Woodbine.
  
• Senator Frank Lautenberg announced $2.7 million in federal funding for Cooper University Hospital in Camden.

• Senator Bob Menendez announced $3.2 million in federal funding for Southern Jersey Family Medical Center in Atlantic City.

• Congressman Frank Pallone urged the Department of Interior to Halt any plan to test sites for future offshore oil drilling.

• Congressman Bill Pascrell introduced legislation to award tax credits to companies that move jobs to the United States.

• Congressman Steve Rothman released a statement in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Congressman Albio Sires, alongside other Cuban-Americans serving in Congress, demanded a meeting with excecutives from furniture company IKEA to discuss whether the company had used Cuban prison labor to manufacture its products.

  
  

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney told NJ 101.5 that shared services among communities could lead to lower property taxes.  Sweeney has proposed a study to examine the impact of sharing services on New Jersey's property tax burden.
  
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt spoke from the Governor's Conference on Women to call upon the governor (who failed to show up to his own office's conference for the third straight year) to support equal pay legislation.
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald is obsessed with reducing New Jersey's property tax burden.
• Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, called upon Governor Christie to stop speaking about a mythical "Jersey Comeback" while our unemployment rate is at 9% and Christie's budget places unfair burdens on our middle and working class families.
• Senators Richard Codey and Shirley Turner asked the governor to appoint members to the underage drinking taskforce, a group established in 2010.  Christie has failed to appoint a single member to the taskforce since its creation.

Upcoming Events

• May 14
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Annual Golf Outing
  10:00am Registration
  The Knoll Country Club, 1001 Parsippany Blvd., Parsippany
  Call 973-279-4647 for more information
• May 16
  

  7:00pm

  Senator Nellie Pou Birthday Celebration

  Brownstone, Paterson
  Donation: $100

• May 17
  Middlesex County Young Democrats 2nd Annual Career Development and Networking Night
  6:00-8:00 pm
  Mike's Courtside Sports Bar & Grill, 1 Elm Row, New Brunswick
  Free admittance & cash bar
  Contact: Charles at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• May 18
  Cassandra Shober for Congress Fundraiser
  5:30 to 7:30 pm
  Mays Landing Country Club
  Cates Rd., Mays Landing
  $35.00 guest/$100.00 friend
  sponsorships available
  RSVP: cassandra@cassandrashoberforcongress.com or 609-418-5887
• May 20
  Rush Holt for Congress 2012 JEOPARDY Fundraiser
  4:00 – 6:00 PM
  West Windsor Arts Council - 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
  Featured Contestants: Shelley Adler (Candidate for US Congress, NJ-3), Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson, B. Thomas Byrne, Jr., Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, GovernorJim Florio, Senator Linda Greenstein, Jeff Tittel (Director, New Jersey Sierra Club), Professor Sean Wilentz, John S. Wisniewski  (Chairman,
  New Jersey Democratic State Committee)

• May 20
  Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Spring Brunch
  12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Drive, Annandale
  $75
  To reserve your tickets or for more information, please contact:
  Lois Zarish: 908-782-3388 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• May 21
  Senator Menendez Campaign Kick-Offs! Senator Bob Menendez kicks off his campaign for re-election to the United States Senate with two events:
  9:30 am
  Union City High School (2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City)
  RSVP online, Call: (732) 640-2250 or Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Please specify “RSVP-Union City” in the email subject line and type your name and number into the body of the email.)
  2:00 pm
  Camden County Emergency Training Center (420 Woodbury Turnersville Road North, Blackwood)
  RSVP online, Call: (732) 640-2250 or Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Please specify “RSVP-Blackwood” in the email subject line and type your name and number into the body of the email.)
  For directions or any additional questions, please contact Menendez for Senate at 732-640-2244
• May 22
  Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski Dinner Reception
  6:00 PM
  Steakhouse 85, 85 Church Street, New Brunswick
  $1000 - Call 732-525-1400 for more information
• May 22
  Whelan for Senate- Beef N Beer
  5:30-7:30 pm
  Sandi Pointe (908 Shore Rd, Somers Point)
  $35 per ticket/$250 hosts/$500 sponsors
  Sliders, Beer, Live Music
  RSVPs to Jane Asselta at (609) 910-0010, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or on-line here
• May 24
  The Democratic Committee of Bergen County "Roast the Chairman"
  6 to 9 pm
  Dinner and Program start promptly at 7 pm
  Rockleigh Country Club (26 Paris Avenue, Rockleigh)
  Ticket: $250 (Checks payable to Victory 2012)
  Please RSVP to Jeanne Dressler at 201-487-0001 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by Monday May 21st, 2012
• May 31
  Essex County Democratic Committee Hall of Fame Dinner
  Honoring Congressman Donald Payne
  6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Nanina’s In the Park
  540 Mill Street, Belleville
  Contribution: $150 per person
  To RSVP please call Terry Tucker at 973.622.8300

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 May 4, 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:

Save the Date: Menendez Campaign Kick-Off

• On Monday May 21, Senator Bob Menendez will kick off his campaign for re-election to the United States Senate.  The kick off event will take place at Union City High School (2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City) from 9:30-11:30 am.
• Senator Menendez will be joined by his children, Alicia and Rob Jr., along with Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack and other supporters.
• The event is open to the public.  RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), with the subject line “RSVP-Union City”
• For questions, please contact Menendez for Senate at 732-246-0098.

Governor Christie Stumps for Anti-Women, Anti-Worker Wisconsin Governor

• Governor Christie left New Jersey twice this week, and his first trip was to stump for Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, who is only the third governor in history to face recall elections, brought about after Walker eliminated collective bargaining for public employee unions and eliminated funding for vital women's health services.
• Assemblyman Wisniewski released the following statement about Christie's latest trip outside New Jersey:
  
  “Governor Christie’s top strategist said this week that Governor Scott Walker is ‘just like’ Governor Chris Christie. I agree.  Just like Governor Christie, Walker concealed his plan for his state’s union workers while campaigning for office.  Just like Governor Christie, Walker slashed women’s healthcare funding his first year in office.  Just like Governor Christie, Walker shut down a vital mass transit project which would have brought thousands of jobs and millions in federal funds to his state. Just like Governor Christie, Governor Walker is implementing an agenda that benefits millionaires and billionaires while leaving working people behind.  
  Governor Christie has chosen to stand in support of a governor whose radical right-wing agenda has made Walker only the third governor in the history of this country to face a recall election.  Once again, Governor Christie is on the wrong side of history.”

Governor Christie Gets a D on Environmental Issues... from a group that endorsed him in 2009

• The New Jersey Environmental Federation, the largest green group that endorsed Christie when he was campaigning for governor in 2009, gave Christie across the board poor marks, criticizing the governor for his position on climate change, his reduction of state renewable energy goals, and his decision to pull New Jersey out of the Regional Green House Gas initative.
• "He told us to trust him, and we have lost that trust at this point in time," said Sharon Finlayson, chair of the federal committee charged with making the Environmental Federation's political endorsements.

Chairman Wisniewski calls out Christie for Lies of Omission at Garfield Town Hall

• Governor Christie held a town hall in Garfield, at which he made false claims about New Jersey Democrats and the property tax relief plans proposed by the Assembly and state Senate.
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski responded, “The governor is quick to level charges in town hall forums where no one is available to challenge his version of events, most recently at his Garfield town hall meeting and his discussion about tax and budget policy.  What he fails to mention, however, is how his own policies and proposals are picking the pockets of hard working middle-class men and women throughout New Jersey in order to benefit New Jersey’s wealthiest residents and ignore the promises he made as a candidate for governor."

Christie Conspicuously Silent on Republican Mayor Charged with Extortion

• John Bencivengo, Republican Mayor of Hamilton, was charged last week with soliciting $12,400 in bribes from insurance brokers in order to cover his personal tax bill.  Bencivengo, who received an automatic pay raise on May 1 (days after his arrest), earns $108,211.
• When Governor Christie campaigned for office, he made it clear where he stood on elected officials serving while under investigation, saying: “The principle I believe in is, once that cloud is over you, I think you owe it to the people who elected you to step aside and to let someone else who doesn’t have that cloud serve.”
• However, now that a member of his own party has been charged with extortion, Christie has no comment.  The governor should call for Bencivengo to step down immediately.

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidates

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Bob Menendez, and Congressman Bill Pascrell announced $18.5 million in federal funding for flood relief in Wayne.
• 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.

• Senator Bob Menendez joined students and faculty at Montclair State University for a panel discussion on the cost of student loans and higher education.

• Congressman Frank Pallone met with student leaders at Rutgers to discuss student loans and college affordability.

• Congressman Bill Pascrell introduced the Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert Ticketing Act.  Called the BOSS Act for short (a play on the famed nickname of New Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen), the legislation would protect music fans from being locked out of online ticket sites while secondary ticket sales companies (scalpers) use software to scoop up hundreds of tickets.

• Congressman Steve Rothman received the "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" award from the Healthcare Leadership Council.

• Congressman Rush Holt called upon the Republican-led House of Representatives to stop the scheduled rate-hike on student loans.  If Congress does not act, student loan rates will go from 3.2% to 6.4% July 1.

• Congressman Albio Sires signed a letter alongside Senator Frank Lautenberg, Congressman Bill Pascrell, and Congressman Steve Rothman asking the Port Authority to hold off on the scheduled toll hike.

  
  

Under the Dome

• Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Commitee, called upon the Port Authority to postpone raising tolls.
• Senator Richard Codey announced a plan to combat homelessness in New Jersey.
• Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle called upon Governor Christie to require the Port Authority to do more with less.
• Women Senate leaders called upon Governor Christie to use unused job training funding to help fund women's healthcare.
• Senate President Steve Sweeney, alongside Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, celebrated the four year anniversary of paid family leave in New Jersey.
• Governor Christie has set an arbitrary 60-day deadline for consideration of his regressive tax plan, which awards the wealthiest New Jersey residents while offering no real relief for middle class families.  Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver responded to Governor Christie saying, “The governor can play all the silly games he wants with the clock. But Assembly Democrats are focused on middle class and senior citizen property tax relief, job creation and economic fairness for hard-working families. The governor is, of course, welcome to put aside his devotion to tax cuts for millionaires and join us in our effort.”
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg was celebrated as one of 5 "Mothers of Achievement" by Mothers of Achievement, a non-political organization dedicated to promoting the role of mothers in the home, in the community, and in the world at large.
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, Assemblywoman Connie Wagner, and Assemblyman Timothy Eustace visited with a Bergen family to illustrate the need for middle class property tax relief.

Upcoming Events

• May 6
  Councilman Arthur A.V. Murphy and Councilman Michael DuPont Fundraiser
  4:00pm - 6:00pm
  Keynote Speaker: Assemblyman John Wisniewski
  At the Home of Councilman Murphy (117 Prospect Avenue, Red Bank)
  Ticket Price: $150.
• May 12
  Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly Team Hope
  Bowling Night of Fun
  8:00pm
  Parkway Lanes, 200 US 46 East, Elmwood Park
• May 14
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Annual Golf Outing
  10:00am Registration
  The Knoll Country Club, 1001 Parsippany Blvd., Parsippany
  Call 973-279-4647 for more information
• May 16
  

  7:00pm

  Senator Nellie Pou Birthday Celebration

  Brownstone, Paterson
  Donation: $100

• May 17
  Middlesex County Young Democrats 2nd Annual Career Development and Networking Night
  6:00-8:00 pm
  Mike's Courtside Sports Bar & Grill, 1 Elm Row, New Brunswick
  Free admittance & cash bar
  Contact: Charles at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• May 20
  Rush Holt for Congress 2012 JEOPARDY Fundraiser
  4:00 – 6:00 PM
  West Windsor Arts Council - 952 Alexander Road, Princeton Junction
  Featured Contestants: Shelley Adler (Candidate for US Congress, NJ-3), Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson, B. Thomas Byrne, Jr., Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, GovernorJim Florio, Senator Linda Greenstein, Jeff Tittel (Director, New Jersey Sierra Club), Professor Sean Wilentz, John S. Wisniewski  (Chairman,
  New Jersey Democratic State Committee)
• May 20
  Hunterdon County Democratic Committee Spring Brunch
  12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
  Beaver Brook Country Club, 25 Country Club Drive, Annandale
  $75
  To reserve your tickets or for more information, please contact:
  Lois Zarish: 908-782-3388 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• May 31
  Essex County Democratic Committee Hall of Fame Dinner
  Honoring Congressman Donald Payne
  6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  Nanina’s In the Park
  540 Mill Street, Belleville
  Contribution: $150 per person
  To RSVP please call Terry Tucker at 973.622.8300

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 April 27, 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:

Annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner A Success!

• Every year, many state and local Democratic parties host a Jefferson Jackson Dinner, a fundraising event that brings us together to raise money to keep electing Democrats up and down the ticket.
• Our Jefferson Jackson Dinner was held on Thursday, April 26, at 6 pm at The Heldrich.
  
  
                   
• A crowd of 300 mingled with other Democrats, watched Andrew and Oliver Adler and Nicole Payne accept awards on behalf of their late fathers, Congressman John Adler and Congressman Donald Payne respectively, and heard a stirring keynote address from Senator Bob Menendez.  Democratic State Committee Vice Chair Camden Mayor Dana Redd opened the program, and Chairman John Wisniewski presented the awards and introduced Senator Menendez.
• The annual event was a success and we left excited about this year's election!

We Guess Mitt Romney Just Doesn't Want New Jersey Voters to Know...

• Earlier this week, it was reported that Mitt Romney would visit New Jersey to fundraise for Governor Christie's handpicked Senate candidate.  Prior to the fundraiser, Assemblyman Wisniewski had a few questions for the Governor:

1. Why won’t Governor Romney share the details of his budget plan with the American public? While he won’t reveal specifics to ordinary voters, reporters overheard him sharing details with a group of wealthy donors at a fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida--- proving once more that Romney believes the wealthy are entitled to special privileges not afforded the rest of us. He said he would reduce or eliminate the federal deduction for state income taxes as well as property tax deductions. The bottom line is we can only guess what these cuts and others would do to New Jersey families, because Romney has refused to share details with anyone who hasn’t ponied up $50,000 for a private fundraiser.
2. Why won’t Governor Romney listen to Governor Christie and release more than one year of his tax returns? In 2008, Romney released 23 years of federal tax returns to the McCain campaign when he was being considered as their candidate for the vice presidency… and then the campaign chose someone else. What is he hiding? Do Romney’s returns contain information that made him an unsuitable running mate?”

• Unsurprisingly, Romney had no answers for New Jersey voters.
• We also learned that Romney's team planned their own private fundraiser at the Short Hills Hilton and attempted to keep the event information from going public.  Star Ledger reporter Matt Friedman was removed from the premises for attempting to interview a donor in the lobby of the hotel.
  
  
  

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidates

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water has approved funding for $68 million to deepen the New York/New Jersey Harbor, allowing for larger ships to enter the harbor.  The endeavor will create jobs and allow the harbor to continue to serve as an economic engine for our region.
• Senator Bob Menendez, whose own mother suffered from Alzheimer's, met with other New Jersey families dealing with the disease as part of the 2012 Alzeheimer's Association Advocacy Forum.
• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Steve Rothman, and Albio Sires, have called upon the Port Authority to hold off on the scheduled toll increase until an external audit of the agency is completed.

• Congressman Rob Andrews announced last week that the Federal Housing Finance Agency will implement a bipartisan plan proposed by Andrews and Republican Congressman Tom Rooney to require prompt decisions on housing short sales.

• Congressman Frank Pallone is teaming up with Republican Congressman Frank LoBiondo to bring legal sports-betting to New Jersey.  Pallone and LoBiondo are urging their New Jersey colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the legislation, which will help strengthen the Atlantic City economy.

• Congressman Rush Holt published an editorial in the Huffington Post on Earth Day last week urging Americans to view last year's Deepwater Horizon spill as an environmental wakeup call.

  
  

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney has been fighting to make sure that towns don't use municipal fees as a hidden tax on residents.  His advocacy on the issue was supported by a Times of Trenton editorial last Sunday.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver paid her respects to former Jersey City councilwoman Willie Flood.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg will speak at a rally on Saturday in Trenton to stand up for women's rights.
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald challenged Governor Christie to debate the differences between the Assembly Property Tax Plan and Christie's plan for income tax.  Christie said he would be willing to debate any time, but is now ignoring invitations for specific dates.  The Star Ledger called upon the governor to respond to Greenwald's challenge.
• Senator Fred Madden announced that he will craft legislation to address the findings of the student athlete cardiac screening task force.
• Legislation from Assemblymen Craig Coughlin, Dan Benson, and John Wisniewski and Senator Joe Vitale was enacted, naming April "Donate Life Month" to encourage organ and tissue donation.
• Assemblyman Valerie Vaineri Huttle wrote an editorial for the Bergen Record declaring that the Port Authority must be held accountable.

Upcoming Events

• April 29

  Clifton/Passaic Indian American Organization Brunch
  Honoring Congressman Pascrell
  2:00pm-5:00pm
  Elks Lodge, 775 Clifton Ave., Clifton,
  $50pp RSVP 201-893-0473 – Lauren
• May 6
  Councilman Arthur A.V. Murphy and Councilman Michael DuPont Fundraiser
  4:00pm - 6:00pm
  At the Home of Councilman Murphy (117 Prospect Avenue, Red Bank)
  Ticket Price: $150.
• May 12
  Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly Team Hope
  Bowling Night of Fun
  8:00pm
  Parkway Lanes, 200 US 46 East, Elmwood Park

• May 14
  Passaic County Democratic Committee Annual Golf Outing
  10:00am Registration

  The Knoll Country Club, 1001 Parsippany Blvd., Parsippany

  Call 973-279-4647 for more information

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 April 20, 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:

Join Us at the Annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner

• Every year, many state and local Democratic parties host a Jefferson Jackson Dinner, a fundraising event that brings us together to raise money to keep electing Democrats up and down the ticket.
• Our Jefferson Jackson Dinner is this coming Thursday, April 26, at 6 pm at The Heldrich (10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick).
• The dinner will feature Senator Robert Menendez and honor the lives and service Congressmen John Adler and Donald Payne.
• For information or to RSVP, click here: https://secure.actblue.com/page/jj12

New Jersey Democrats Support Buffett Rule, Republican Senators Block Its Passage

• On Monday, the United States Senate voted on the Buffett Rule, legislation named for billionaire Warren Buffett, who pays a lower tax rate than his secretary due to current loopholes and special deductions for wealthy Americans.
• The Buffett Rule needed 60 votes to bring the legislation to the floor of the Senate, but failed when all but one Republican opposed it.  Both Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez supported the legislation.
• Chairman John Wisniewski blogged on Blue Jersey about his support for the Buffett Rule.

Senator Lautenberg Stands Up for New Jersey Tollpayers While Christie Administration Resorts to Name Calling Blame Games

• This week, Senator Lautenberg hosted Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni at a hearing.  During the hearing, Baroni was questioned about the rapid rise in tolls.  Baroni refused to give a straight answer, instead lobbing accusations at Senator Lautenberg and behaving in a manner rarely seen in committee hearings.
• Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, who has been seeking answers about the rise in tolls and other questionable developments at the Port Authority, released a statement in support of Lautenberg.

Senator Menendez Needs Your Support- Join Him in Standing Up To Big Oil

• Oil companies currently receive $24 Billion in subsidies from the federal government each year, all while recording record profits.  Senator Menendez recognizes that that money can be much better spent and is sponsoring the Repeal Big Oil Tax Subsidies Act.  Sign on in support of the Senatore here.

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidates

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Frank Lautenberg and Senator Bob Menendez announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $20 million for the Gateway Tunnel Project.  The transportation appropriations legislation will now be considered by the full Senate, and both Senators will continue to advocate for funding for the tunnel

  Congressman Rob Andrews spoke about Mitt Romney's disastrous plans for the Department of Education on a press call earlier this week.

• Congressman Frank Pallone has hired a veteran through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program.  The program provides funding to Congressional offices to hire wounded veterans to work in Members' district or Washington DC offices.

• Congressman Bill Pascrell sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to his fellow House Representatives, imploring them to oppose Mitt Romney's proposal to get rid of the property tax deduction- a deduction many middle class families rely upon.

• Congressman Steve Rothman issued a statement on April 19, Holocaust Remembrance Day.

• Congressman Rush Holt faced off against Republican Congressman Leonard Lance in a policy discussion at Rutgers on Friday.

• Congressman Albio Sires participated in the Summit of the Americas in Cartegena, Colombia.  He met with leaders from Latin America to discuss security issues and promote regional partnerships.
  

Under the Dome

• Senate President Steve Sweeney introduced legislation to contain ever-increasing property taxes.
• Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver spoke with WOR 710 about the need for property tax relief in New Jersey.
• Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg was among those commemorating Holocaust survivors at an event on Thursday in Teaneck.
• Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald took Governor Christie to task for criticizing Greenwald's discussion of property tax reduction in Hamilton this week.
• Senator Ray Lesniak expects that New Jersey's online poker bill will pass and be implemented.
• Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman asked why Governor Christie can find $1 billion in tax cuts for millionaires, but can't seem to find $7.5 million to fund healthcare for middle and low income women.
• Anti-road rage legislation sponsored by Senator Linda R. Greenstein, Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo and Assemblyman Dan Benson was signed into law this week.

Upcoming Events

• Monday, April 23

  7:00pm
  Freeholder Terry Duffy 60th Birthday Bash and Roast
  Hosted by Uncle Floyd
  Brownstone, Paterson  $100pp

• Monday, April 23
  7:30 pm
  Sussex County Democratic Committee Meeting

  Hampton Diner, Route 206, Newton
  Guest speakers: 11th district Congressional Candidate John Arvanites and Dr. Winthrop Dillaway
• Tuesday, April 24
  5:30 PM- 8:00 PM
  Fundraiser for Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes, III
  12 New Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840
  $600/Guest
  Please RSVP by 4/17 to Katie Barnes (732) 603-8946 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
• Wednesday, April 25th - 12 noon
  Luncheon to Support Senator Joseph F. Vitale
  Marsilio's
  71 W Uppper Ferry road
  W. Trenton, New Jersey
  $500.00, RSVP: Krista Sweeney, 732-609-1762

• Thursday, April 26
  New Jersey Democratic State Committee Jefferson Jackson Dinner
  Featuring US Senator Robert Menendez
  6:00 PM
  The Heldrich, 10 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
  For information or to RSVP, click here: https://secure.actblue.com/page/jj12

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 April 13, 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:

Governor Christie Describes Americans As a Nation of Couch Potatoes

• In an incredibly insulting and condescending speech this week before a group of conservative elites (including former President George W. Bush and his advisor, Karl Rove), Governor Christie claimed that Americans are heading towards giving up their willingness to work hard in exchange for sitting on a couch and collecting a government check.
• Tom Moran with The Star Ledger points out that Christie's rhetoric is completely out of touch with Americans struggling to find work.
• The Courier News said, of Christie's speech, "the last thing New Jersey or the nation needs is another politician courting the arrogant, self-serving right wing by spouting the same old conservative song that boils down to this: If you need public assistance, you’re a loser or a lazy piece of trash."
• In the same speech, Christie commented that he's "never seen a less optimistic time" in his lifetime in this country.  Assemblyman John Wisniewski responded that given Republican efforts to undermine President Obama at every turn, it is no surprise that the Governor is pessimistic. 

Governor Christie's ARC Numbers Don't Add Up

• This week, a nonpartisan GAO report indicated that Governor Christie exaggerated costs to justify cancelling the ARC tunnel, which would have opened another commuter tunnel underneath the Hudson River into Manhattan.
• Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, released the following statement: "Today's GAO report on the costs and benefits of the Access to the Region's Core (ARC) tunnel confirms what I have been saying all along. Governor Christie's decision to cancel the ARC tunnel was a short-sighted, politically-driven decision, not the 'tough decision' he claimed it to be."
  "The ARC tunnel was an opportunity to create jobs for our residents, provide more reliable mass transit for New Jersey commuters and ease road congestion. The report documents that the Governor used exaggerated claims and distorted information to reach a pre-ordained decision. It is a decision that will have a detrimental effect on New Jersey's economy and haunt commuters and drivers for years to come."
• Bloomberg Businessweek points out that "New Jersey commuters will continue to suffer workday delays, miss out on job opportunities and forgo $4 billion in personal income thanks to Governor Chris Christie’s decision to kill a rail tunnel to New York."
• Paul Krugman of The New York Times makes the case that Christie is the "least reponsible governor" New Jersey's ever had.
• Bob Braun with The Star Ledger points out that the tunnel would have meant tens of thousand of good construction jobs.

Mitt Romney's Not Exactly Winning Over Women

• Earlier this week, campaign advisors to Governor Mitt Romney (Chris Christie's endorsed candidate and the likely Republican nominee for President) were asked whether Romney supports the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.  Their response: "we'll get back to you."
• The law, which removed statutes of limitation preventing women from seeking equal pay for equal work, was the first piece of legislation signed by President Obama when he took office in 2009.
• Romney eventually said he did support Ledbetter, but trotted out women who voted against the legislation to defend him.
• Romney's campaign also used sketchy math to make false claims about President Obama's record on women and jobs.
• Meanwhile, Slate's Matt Yglesius points of that it has been Republican policies that have hindered getting women back to work during the recovery.  Since more women work in the public sector, cuts to public employment by Governor Christie and his fellow Republicans have hurt women disproportionately.

Booker Saves Resident from Burning Building

• Newark Mayor Cory Booker made headlines on Friday after rescuing his neighbor from a burning building on Thursday evening.  The mayor was treated for smoke inhalation and the woman he helped is in serious, but stable condition.

Delegate Selection Applications Due Thursday June 7 for At-Large and PLEO Candidates

• If you are interested in becoming a delegate, click here for the Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support Form. Statement of Candidacy and Pledge of Support forms must be returned by June 7, 2012 for At-Large delegate and Alternate Candidates and Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegate Candidates. Original forms must be returned to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee at 196 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.

Congressional Corner

• Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Bob Menendez, and Congressman Frank Pallone visited Sandy Hook's NOAA lab to support continuing marine research in the New Jersey lab.