Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A Wave That Started On The Jersey Shore
Over 100 volunteers in Anna's Army descended upon Ocean Grove on short notice yesterday for a rally, door to door literature drop and show of force for Anna Little's interview with CNN.
Photo credits: Bayshore Tea Party Group
I don't remember the national media ever paying attention to a New Jersey congressional race. Something is happening.
CNN's Soledad O'Brien interviewed Little and Congressman Frank Pallone yesterday. Little told MoreMonmouthMusings that she was very happy with how the interview went. Little understands that the segment will be the first part of a series on the mid-term election campaign. It is expected to air during the second week of September. No matter how CNN spins it, advantage Little. Something is happening.
Something has been happening for months. Its gaining traction. Those who subscribe to the conventional wisdom are starting to notice. They can see the wave coming.
Those who were resigned to Frank Pallone staying in congress are waking up. They are starting to invest in Anna Little's campaign. Little, who had only $16K on hand in June has raised over $200K and has over $100K on hand. That's still paltry compared to Pallone's $4 million +, but the cash is coming with the wave and Little won't need a million to beat Pallone.
As my friends as InTheLobbly said yesterday, "make no mistake -- if Pallone is defeated, that Republican wave began right off the Jersey Shore."
It's not a Republican wave. It's an American wave that rejects the Obama/Pelosi/Pallone/Holt extremism.
Schundler Admits $400 Million Goof
Denies Lying About It
Bret Schundler admits that he is responsible for the clerical error that cost New Jersey $400 million in federal "Race To The Top" education funding.
He doesn't remember making the error, but he accepts that he did because he has learned that the consultants the state paid $179K to assist with the application found the missing page with Schundler's handwriting on it. He knows he did it, but he doesn't remember doing it. That is plausible, but why does it matter what he remembers?
Schundler also doesn't remember misleading Governor Christie about attempting to correct the error with the U.S Department of Education.
Schundler said he didn't lie. He probably didn't outright lie. Yet, he was in a meeting with Christie reporting on the rejected application and discussing how the Governor would handle the situation with the press. When the Governor said he was going on the offensive and blaming Obama and the Education Department bureaucrats for not allowing the error to be corrected, Schundler should have warned against doing so in a way that was unforgettable. That's what a good team member would do.
Schundler said he told Christie in the prior to the press conference meeting that he did not give the USDOE the missing information. Deputy Chief of Staff Maria Comella said she was in the meeting at Schundler did not say that.
Someone has a memory problem.
Bret Schundler admits that he is responsible for the clerical error that cost New Jersey $400 million in federal "Race To The Top" education funding.
He doesn't remember making the error, but he accepts that he did because he has learned that the consultants the state paid $179K to assist with the application found the missing page with Schundler's handwriting on it. He knows he did it, but he doesn't remember doing it. That is plausible, but why does it matter what he remembers?
Schundler also doesn't remember misleading Governor Christie about attempting to correct the error with the U.S Department of Education.
Schundler said he didn't lie. He probably didn't outright lie. Yet, he was in a meeting with Christie reporting on the rejected application and discussing how the Governor would handle the situation with the press. When the Governor said he was going on the offensive and blaming Obama and the Education Department bureaucrats for not allowing the error to be corrected, Schundler should have warned against doing so in a way that was unforgettable. That's what a good team member would do.
Schundler said he told Christie in the prior to the press conference meeting that he did not give the USDOE the missing information. Deputy Chief of Staff Maria Comella said she was in the meeting at Schundler did not say that.
Someone has a memory problem.
Monday, August 30, 2010
POWER OUTAGE UPDATE
The Power Is Back On In Belford, Not In Highlands
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden just reported from the Emergency Management Center in Freehold that JCPL is restoring the power to Monmouth County in stages, from Belmar north.
Golden said that power throughout the county is expected to be restored within 1.5
hours, or by 9PM.
In an earlier report to the Asbury Park Press, the Sheriff's Department said a Tinton Falls power substation near the Earle Navy base experienced a malfunction and is believed to be the source of the power outage that has hit most of Monmouth County and parts of Ocean County.
There are less significant outages in Middlesex, Hunterton, Somerset and Morris counties, according to First Energy's map.
First Energy's website has no restoration information.
UPDATE: 7:55PM First Energy now says that the majority of customers will have their power restored by 9PM, with the rest by midnight.
James Hogan reported at 5:20:
8:10 The power is on in Highlands.
UPDATE 12:13 AM, August 31
A reader from Shrewsbury says:
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden just reported from the Emergency Management Center in Freehold that JCPL is restoring the power to Monmouth County in stages, from Belmar north.
Golden said that power throughout the county is expected to be restored within 1.5
hours, or by 9PM.
In an earlier report to the Asbury Park Press, the Sheriff's Department said a Tinton Falls power substation near the Earle Navy base experienced a malfunction and is believed to be the source of the power outage that has hit most of Monmouth County and parts of Ocean County.
There are less significant outages in Middlesex, Hunterton, Somerset and Morris counties, according to First Energy's map.
First Energy's website has no restoration information.
UPDATE: 7:55PM First Energy now says that the majority of customers will have their power restored by 9PM, with the rest by midnight.
James Hogan reported at 5:20:
Update 5:20pm
Still no word from APP but a source (wink wink) indicates that Frank Pallone found out that Anna's Army was with CNN today working the streets of Neptune and he is now falling behind in polls. After learning that he'd be heading to an early retirement, he utilized his position on the House Energy and Commerce to turn off the power to NJ until November 3rd.
8:10 The power is on in Highlands.
UPDATE 12:13 AM, August 31
A reader from Shrewsbury says:
"Non-story my tuchus. Going on 9 hours and for no good reason other than JCPL pinching pennies on equipment. Never had outages like this when I was in PSGE territory. Listening to my neighbor's industrial generator all night and sweating my ass off because I can't open the windows or it will be even louder.
Its like we live in a third world country."
CNN IN NJ-6 TODAY
CNN's Soledad O'Brien will interview GOP congressional candidate Anna Little this morning in Ocean Grove as she goes door to door with a contingent of volunteers.
O'Brien will interview Congressman Frank Pallone this afternoon, according to Politickernj.
O'Brien will interview Congressman Frank Pallone this afternoon, according to Politickernj.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
190 $1 million + Homes For Sale In Rumson Area
So says this article in today's NY Post.
If Obama, Pelosi, Pallone and Co let the "Bush tax cuts" on the rich expire, how many "rich" will be left to pay the increase?
If Obama, Pelosi, Pallone and Co let the "Bush tax cuts" on the rich expire, how many "rich" will be left to pay the increase?
We Are A Nanny State
By Art Gallagher
Forget trying to save America from socialism. We've already lost that war. We can and should fight to reverse how we've lost our freedom and personal responsibility, but not before we realize that we've lost it.
Bret Schundler is proof that we've become a nanny state.
The situation with Schunlder's termination as Education Commissioner and New Jersey's rejected application for $400 million in federal "Race to the Top" funding is a serious mess for the Christie administration and for the State of New Jersey.
Trenton Democrats and the mainstream media can be counted on to exploit the situation throughout the fall, slowing Governor Christie's reform agenda and "tool kit" legislation. Previously demoralised Democrats now have an issue to play throughout the election campaign. The tit for tat between Christie and Schunlder over whether or not Schundler "mislead" the Governor can weaken both men's' credibility and standing. All of the above is a matter of great concern. If anyone can turn it around in a hurry and prevent the damage, Chris Christie can. I hope he does.
But what concerns me more than the immediate fallout of the RTT/Schundler mess is how far we've crept towards a nanny state, as demonstrated by Schundler's grab for the government tit in the form of unemployment benefits.
When the first instinct of a guy with the talent, skill, intellect, and conservative philosophy of Bret Schunlder upon a career set back is to secure unemployment benefits, regardless of if he is entitled to them, you know we're in trouble. Actually, maybe you don't know, given how deeply the entitlement mentality has taken over our culture. "Well I've paid into the system, why shouldn't I take advantage of it?," is the thought that many rely on to justify applying for benefits that they don't need but think they are entitled to.
Because you don't need it and that kind of thinking has lead us to the brink of financial ruin is the right answer to that justification.
Just yesterday a young woman entering her senior year in college asked me how I got into my business. She was looking towards the future and inquiring of me and others about how we ended up where we did.
My answer was that I fought for a job I was vastly overqualified for rather than accept unemployment benefits.
That job as a car leasing salesman was a huge departure from my experience as a young banker working on billion dollar gas pipeline deals and nuclear power plant sale/lease backs and the job I had as Vice President of Sales for a Princeton area power supply manufacturer. But I couldn't stand accepting the handout and answering to the unemployment office about what I did to find a job every week. When the first check showed up in the mail with the questionnaire to be sent in, I sent the form back saying on I got a job. Then I went and got a job.
Now a days, people wait for their unemployment benefits to run out before they accept a job that is beneath their experience or start a business.
Bret Schundler doesn't need unemployment benefits. Many people, maybe even most, who apply for them don't need them.
Schundler can come to work for one of my businesses. Doing so would be beneath his experience, but would be a huge opportunity for me. He could earn more than the max that unemployment offers, but he would have to earn it. I wouldn't mind if he left in a month or so to become a university president or another big job. I'm sure there are many other small business owners in New Jersey who have long admired Bret who feel the same way.
The same goes for all the other talent sitting on the sidelines in New Jersey waiting for their benefits to run out before they do what they have to do to pay the mortgage and put food on the table.
We need to shift our safety net to a system based on need rather than the system based on entitlement that it has become. Until we do so and until individuals stand for their own freedom and responsibility before demanding that which they are entitled to, we have no hope of turning back the socialist creep.
Forget trying to save America from socialism. We've already lost that war. We can and should fight to reverse how we've lost our freedom and personal responsibility, but not before we realize that we've lost it.
Bret Schundler is proof that we've become a nanny state.
The situation with Schunlder's termination as Education Commissioner and New Jersey's rejected application for $400 million in federal "Race to the Top" funding is a serious mess for the Christie administration and for the State of New Jersey.
Trenton Democrats and the mainstream media can be counted on to exploit the situation throughout the fall, slowing Governor Christie's reform agenda and "tool kit" legislation. Previously demoralised Democrats now have an issue to play throughout the election campaign. The tit for tat between Christie and Schunlder over whether or not Schundler "mislead" the Governor can weaken both men's' credibility and standing. All of the above is a matter of great concern. If anyone can turn it around in a hurry and prevent the damage, Chris Christie can. I hope he does.
But what concerns me more than the immediate fallout of the RTT/Schundler mess is how far we've crept towards a nanny state, as demonstrated by Schundler's grab for the government tit in the form of unemployment benefits.
When the first instinct of a guy with the talent, skill, intellect, and conservative philosophy of Bret Schunlder upon a career set back is to secure unemployment benefits, regardless of if he is entitled to them, you know we're in trouble. Actually, maybe you don't know, given how deeply the entitlement mentality has taken over our culture. "Well I've paid into the system, why shouldn't I take advantage of it?," is the thought that many rely on to justify applying for benefits that they don't need but think they are entitled to.
Because you don't need it and that kind of thinking has lead us to the brink of financial ruin is the right answer to that justification.
Just yesterday a young woman entering her senior year in college asked me how I got into my business. She was looking towards the future and inquiring of me and others about how we ended up where we did.
My answer was that I fought for a job I was vastly overqualified for rather than accept unemployment benefits.
That job as a car leasing salesman was a huge departure from my experience as a young banker working on billion dollar gas pipeline deals and nuclear power plant sale/lease backs and the job I had as Vice President of Sales for a Princeton area power supply manufacturer. But I couldn't stand accepting the handout and answering to the unemployment office about what I did to find a job every week. When the first check showed up in the mail with the questionnaire to be sent in, I sent the form back saying on I got a job. Then I went and got a job.
Now a days, people wait for their unemployment benefits to run out before they accept a job that is beneath their experience or start a business.
Bret Schundler doesn't need unemployment benefits. Many people, maybe even most, who apply for them don't need them.
Schundler can come to work for one of my businesses. Doing so would be beneath his experience, but would be a huge opportunity for me. He could earn more than the max that unemployment offers, but he would have to earn it. I wouldn't mind if he left in a month or so to become a university president or another big job. I'm sure there are many other small business owners in New Jersey who have long admired Bret who feel the same way.
The same goes for all the other talent sitting on the sidelines in New Jersey waiting for their benefits to run out before they do what they have to do to pay the mortgage and put food on the table.
We need to shift our safety net to a system based on need rather than the system based on entitlement that it has become. Until we do so and until individuals stand for their own freedom and responsibility before demanding that which they are entitled to, we have no hope of turning back the socialist creep.
Ingle: Law Enforcement Demoralized By Fishman
By Art Gallagher
Bob Ingle, the Gannet columnist and blogger, the 3rd NJ101.5 Jersey Guy and the co-author of The Soprano State says that U.S Attorney Paul Fishman's declaration that New Jersey does not have a culture of corruption has demoralized law enforcement personnel who have been fighting corruption.
Fishman said that characterising New Jersey as corrupt was demoralizing to its citizenry.
From Ingle's column this morning:
When I wrote about Fishman's statements last week, I implied that the directive to downplay corruption was coming from U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and the Obama administration.
Ingle does me one better, saying that another candidate for the U.S. Attorney job was specifically asked if political corruption would be downplayed.
Bob Ingle, the Gannet columnist and blogger, the 3rd NJ101.5 Jersey Guy and the co-author of The Soprano State says that U.S Attorney Paul Fishman's declaration that New Jersey does not have a culture of corruption has demoralized law enforcement personnel who have been fighting corruption.
Fishman said that characterising New Jersey as corrupt was demoralizing to its citizenry.
From Ingle's column this morning:
You don't write a book like "The Soprano State" without getting to know a lot of people, many of whom we came to respect as dedicated law enforcement personnel. They have kept in touch and one of the sad things is that demoralization is happening, but it isn't due to the stories about New Jersey corruption; it's due to Fishman's seemingly downplaying his office's role in finding political corruption and prosecuting it.
When I wrote about Fishman's statements last week, I implied that the directive to downplay corruption was coming from U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and the Obama administration.
Ingle does me one better, saying that another candidate for the U.S. Attorney job was specifically asked if political corruption would be downplayed.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Schundler's Departure Is A Sad Spectacle
By Art Gallagher
Anybody who saw the U.S Department of Education video that contradicted Governor Chris Christie's statements about New Jersey's "Race To The Top" application, and who heard Christie on NJ101.5 yesterday evening, knew that someone was going to be fired or resign today.
The only question was who? Bret Schundler, someone who worked under Schundler, or both.
Just in case you've heard Senate President Sweeney's babble or the NJEA's squeals on the matter, Schundler wasn't shown the door because NJ lost out on $400 million in federal education dollars due to a missing page in the application. Schundler was fired because he wasn't completely straight with his boss, Governor Christie.
The Governor's office has been careful not to use the L word today regarding Schundler. But the message was clear. If Schundler didn't outright lie, he wasn't straight enough. When your on a team with Christie, or someone who performs at the level which Christie performs there is no room for parsing of words or being cute. When your playing a supporting role to someone like Christie, there is no room for misunderstanding--the player in the supporting role must make sure the boss understands. Being on a team with Christie requires the level of trust that flying trapeze performers have for each other. If a flying trapeze performer doesn't trust that his partner will be there to catch him he can't swing out. If he trusts his partner, swings out and his partner isn't there to catch him he crashes, hopefully into a net.
As we have seen over the last eight months, Christie swings way out and flys. He so trusted Schundler's account of what happened with the RTT application that he was swinging out in a classic performance. For the second time in two weeks rhetorically taking on the Obama administration. Schundler left Christie exposed. He was swinging from a bad rope and crashed. With that trust broken Schundler could no longer be on the team.
Schundler's performance in the last 24 hours since Christie saw the video is more embarrassing than the error that caused the termination. He should have submitted his resignation when it was requested and avoided the press at least through the weekend.
His statement that he did not resign because he needs unemployment benefits until he gets a job, and that the administration when along with that, is appalling. He obviously was not thinking clearly. Understandably so. His instincts were good when he told Politickernj, "I don't want to talk right now." He shouldn't have talked to the Star Ledger either.
Senate Minority Leader Barbara Buono jumped all over this, according to the Ledger, accusing Christie of perpetuating a fraud by allowing Schundler to collect unemployment benefits:
Schundler is not going to get unemployment benefits.
The statement issued by the Governor's press secretary Mike Drewniak early this evening makes it clear that Schundler was terminated for cause:
That's going to be hard to overcome when the unemployment office calls for an interview. Then again, you never know with the folks at the unemployment office. I've had an employee get benefits for six months even when I told the interviewer I wanted the person to come back to work immediately.
A guy like Schundler shouldn't need unemployment benefits, which max out at $600 per week, anyway. For $600 per week he can sell advertising and write for MoreMonmouthMusings until he lands on his feet. I'm sure I'm not the only business person who would put him to work.
Schundler's performance is not the only sad spectacle of the day.
Trenton Democrats, Sweeney, Oliver, Diegnan, and the NJEA are enjoying the first misstep of the Christie administration with glee. Yet their spin is that Christie is making Schundler the scapegoat for losing out of the $400 million. They probably just can't imagine firing someone for lying.
Christie did what he had to do. I hope the Democrats' partisan and disingenous attacks keep coming, because I want the combative Chris Christie back. I'd rather see him sparring with Sweeney, Oliver and the unions than President Obama, as he did in both the RTT and Mosque press conferences. As we enter campaign season, I'd rather see him taking shots at Frank Pallone, Rush Holt and John Adler, than President Obama. Christie should stop taking shots at Obama and get back to turning Trenton upside down, especially if he wants to quell the speculation that he is running for President.
Anybody who saw the U.S Department of Education video that contradicted Governor Chris Christie's statements about New Jersey's "Race To The Top" application, and who heard Christie on NJ101.5 yesterday evening, knew that someone was going to be fired or resign today.
The only question was who? Bret Schundler, someone who worked under Schundler, or both.
Just in case you've heard Senate President Sweeney's babble or the NJEA's squeals on the matter, Schundler wasn't shown the door because NJ lost out on $400 million in federal education dollars due to a missing page in the application. Schundler was fired because he wasn't completely straight with his boss, Governor Christie.
The Governor's office has been careful not to use the L word today regarding Schundler. But the message was clear. If Schundler didn't outright lie, he wasn't straight enough. When your on a team with Christie, or someone who performs at the level which Christie performs there is no room for parsing of words or being cute. When your playing a supporting role to someone like Christie, there is no room for misunderstanding--the player in the supporting role must make sure the boss understands. Being on a team with Christie requires the level of trust that flying trapeze performers have for each other. If a flying trapeze performer doesn't trust that his partner will be there to catch him he can't swing out. If he trusts his partner, swings out and his partner isn't there to catch him he crashes, hopefully into a net.
As we have seen over the last eight months, Christie swings way out and flys. He so trusted Schundler's account of what happened with the RTT application that he was swinging out in a classic performance. For the second time in two weeks rhetorically taking on the Obama administration. Schundler left Christie exposed. He was swinging from a bad rope and crashed. With that trust broken Schundler could no longer be on the team.
Schundler's performance in the last 24 hours since Christie saw the video is more embarrassing than the error that caused the termination. He should have submitted his resignation when it was requested and avoided the press at least through the weekend.
His statement that he did not resign because he needs unemployment benefits until he gets a job, and that the administration when along with that, is appalling. He obviously was not thinking clearly. Understandably so. His instincts were good when he told Politickernj, "I don't want to talk right now." He shouldn't have talked to the Star Ledger either.
Senate Minority Leader Barbara Buono jumped all over this, according to the Ledger, accusing Christie of perpetuating a fraud by allowing Schundler to collect unemployment benefits:
State Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), said she was "just blown away" that the governor agreed to fire Schundler after asking for his resignation and said Christie "should be accountable under the law of helping to perpetrate a fraud."
"The facts as I understand them, the stated purpose of asking the governor's office to fire him instead of resigning, was so he will then qualify to receive unemployment benefits from the State of New Jersey that he would not otherwise qualify for," Buono said.
Schundler is not going to get unemployment benefits.
The statement issued by the Governor's press secretary Mike Drewniak early this evening makes it clear that Schundler was terminated for cause:
“We regret that Mr. Schundler continues to sully his own image by engaging in revisionist history. His attempts to cover up misleading the Governor are evidenced by the contrast between his letter to Secretary Duncan, in which he describes making a verbal clarification at the presentation, and the video released by the U.S. Department of Education. Mr. Schundler was the Administration’s only source for what occurred in the Race to the Top presentation. All of the Governor’s statements were based on Mr. Schundler’s account.”
That's going to be hard to overcome when the unemployment office calls for an interview. Then again, you never know with the folks at the unemployment office. I've had an employee get benefits for six months even when I told the interviewer I wanted the person to come back to work immediately.
A guy like Schundler shouldn't need unemployment benefits, which max out at $600 per week, anyway. For $600 per week he can sell advertising and write for MoreMonmouthMusings until he lands on his feet. I'm sure I'm not the only business person who would put him to work.
Schundler's performance is not the only sad spectacle of the day.
Trenton Democrats, Sweeney, Oliver, Diegnan, and the NJEA are enjoying the first misstep of the Christie administration with glee. Yet their spin is that Christie is making Schundler the scapegoat for losing out of the $400 million. They probably just can't imagine firing someone for lying.
Christie did what he had to do. I hope the Democrats' partisan and disingenous attacks keep coming, because I want the combative Chris Christie back. I'd rather see him sparring with Sweeney, Oliver and the unions than President Obama, as he did in both the RTT and Mosque press conferences. As we enter campaign season, I'd rather see him taking shots at Frank Pallone, Rush Holt and John Adler, than President Obama. Christie should stop taking shots at Obama and get back to turning Trenton upside down, especially if he wants to quell the speculation that he is running for President.
Christie Names Acting Commissioner and Chief Of Staff For Department of Education
Trenton, NJ – Today, the Governor’s Office announced that Rochelle Hendricks, Assistant Commissioner for the Division of School Effectiveness and Choice at the New Jersey Department of Education, will serve as Acting Commissioner of the department while a national search for a new commissioner commences. Gregg Edwards, Director of Policy in the Office of the Governor, was named Acting Chief of Staff for the Department of Education.
“I am glad to step into this new role at the department to ensure that Governor Christie’s bold reform agenda moves forward without interruption,” said Hendricks. “The governor has made educational excellence and high student achievement a top priority, and that commitment will continue to be the driving force in the activities of the Department of Education. I am proud to share in the Governor’s vision and look forward to continue working diligently on behalf of children and parents to ensure that the opportunity, hope and empowerment that comes with parental choice is available to every family.”
Rochelle Hendricks has more than 20 years of experience working on education issues in New Jersey. Hendricks joined Governor Kean’s Department of Education in 1987 and has previously served in various capacities within the department, including work as the Director of the Office of Vocational-Technical, Career and Innovative Programs, Director of the Office of Innovative Programs and Schools, and managing the Charter School Unit within the Office of Innovative Programs and Schools. Prior to joining the Department of Education, she worked for over 15 years at Princeton University in numerous capacities including, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Educational Opportunities Program and Interim Director of the Women’s Program. Hendricks began her career as a teacher at the Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School District, where she taught for three years.
As Assistant Commissioner for School Effectiveness and Choice, Hendricks oversees key reform initiatives and areas, including the Offices of Board Development, Small Learning Communities and School Culture, District Schools, Turnaround Partnerships, Inter-District Choice and Opportunity Scholarships, Charter Schools, Career and Technical Education, and Online Education. She has also served previously in the department as a Director of the Professional Development Office, Manager of the Office of Policy and Planning in the Administration Division, and Assistant to the Deputy Education Commissioner.
While serving as Acting Chief of Staff in the Department of Education, Gregg Edwards will temporarily relinquish his current position as Director of Policy in the Office of the Governor, where he develops and implements policy initiatives for the Christie Administration. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Edwards was the founding President of the Center for Policy Research of New Jersey and a long-time, respected voice for education reform and academic achievement in New Jersey. Edwards is a former member of the Hamilton Township Board of Education, including two-term Board President, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Senate, and Chief of Staff to the late former Congressman Bob Franks.
Hendricks and Edwards will assume their respective duties effective immediately.
“I am glad to step into this new role at the department to ensure that Governor Christie’s bold reform agenda moves forward without interruption,” said Hendricks. “The governor has made educational excellence and high student achievement a top priority, and that commitment will continue to be the driving force in the activities of the Department of Education. I am proud to share in the Governor’s vision and look forward to continue working diligently on behalf of children and parents to ensure that the opportunity, hope and empowerment that comes with parental choice is available to every family.”
Rochelle Hendricks has more than 20 years of experience working on education issues in New Jersey. Hendricks joined Governor Kean’s Department of Education in 1987 and has previously served in various capacities within the department, including work as the Director of the Office of Vocational-Technical, Career and Innovative Programs, Director of the Office of Innovative Programs and Schools, and managing the Charter School Unit within the Office of Innovative Programs and Schools. Prior to joining the Department of Education, she worked for over 15 years at Princeton University in numerous capacities including, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Educational Opportunities Program and Interim Director of the Women’s Program. Hendricks began her career as a teacher at the Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School District, where she taught for three years.
As Assistant Commissioner for School Effectiveness and Choice, Hendricks oversees key reform initiatives and areas, including the Offices of Board Development, Small Learning Communities and School Culture, District Schools, Turnaround Partnerships, Inter-District Choice and Opportunity Scholarships, Charter Schools, Career and Technical Education, and Online Education. She has also served previously in the department as a Director of the Professional Development Office, Manager of the Office of Policy and Planning in the Administration Division, and Assistant to the Deputy Education Commissioner.
While serving as Acting Chief of Staff in the Department of Education, Gregg Edwards will temporarily relinquish his current position as Director of Policy in the Office of the Governor, where he develops and implements policy initiatives for the Christie Administration. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Edwards was the founding President of the Center for Policy Research of New Jersey and a long-time, respected voice for education reform and academic achievement in New Jersey. Edwards is a former member of the Hamilton Township Board of Education, including two-term Board President, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Senate, and Chief of Staff to the late former Congressman Bob Franks.
Hendricks and Edwards will assume their respective duties effective immediately.
Statement From Governor Chris Christie Regarding Schundler Termination
Trenton, NJ – Governor Chris Christie released the following statement today regarding Commissioner Bret Schundler:
“I was extremely disappointed to learn that the videotape of the Race to the Top presentation was not consistent with the information provided to me by the New Jersey Department of Education and which I then conveyed to the people of New Jersey. As a result, I ordered an end to Bret Schundler’s service as New Jersey’s Education Commissioner and as a member of my administration.
“As I have said before, I never promised the people of New Jersey that this would be a mistake-free administration. However, I did promise that the people serving in my administration would be held accountable for their actions. As I said on Wednesday, I am accountable for what occurs in my administration. I regret this mistake was made and will do all I can to have my administration avoid them in the future.”
“I was extremely disappointed to learn that the videotape of the Race to the Top presentation was not consistent with the information provided to me by the New Jersey Department of Education and which I then conveyed to the people of New Jersey. As a result, I ordered an end to Bret Schundler’s service as New Jersey’s Education Commissioner and as a member of my administration.
“As I have said before, I never promised the people of New Jersey that this would be a mistake-free administration. However, I did promise that the people serving in my administration would be held accountable for their actions. As I said on Wednesday, I am accountable for what occurs in my administration. I regret this mistake was made and will do all I can to have my administration avoid them in the future.”
Christie Fires Schundler
Governor Chris Christie fired Education Commissioner Bret Schundler this morning after Schundler refused to resign in the wake of the controversy over the state losing $400 million in federal "Race To The Top" education funding and a video released by the US Education Department that contradicted Schundler's account of "clerical error" which caused New Jersey to lose the award, according to a report at NJ.com.
Christie had relied on Schundler's version of the events when speaking to reporters on Wednesday. He blamed the Obama Administrations Education Department for not giving the state an opportunity to correct the "clerical error" which presumably would have put New Jersey over the top in scoring for the award. The Education Department video portrays a department official asking for the information twice, and Schundler's team being unable to produce it.
Christie had relied on Schundler's version of the events when speaking to reporters on Wednesday. He blamed the Obama Administrations Education Department for not giving the state an opportunity to correct the "clerical error" which presumably would have put New Jersey over the top in scoring for the award. The Education Department video portrays a department official asking for the information twice, and Schundler's team being unable to produce it.
Rush Holt Slurps Up Money from Corporate America and Wall Street
By Abram N. Spangel
As the campaign season heats up, you will see more yard signs endorsing candidates. This political engagement is healthy for democracy. It is also healthy for the electorate to know who is paying for such signs. In the case of signs supporting Rush Holt, they are overwhelming financed by big pharmaceutical companies, defense contractors, hedge fund managers, the American Bankers Association and other large corporate interests. Indeed, during the second quarter of 2010, 62% of Holt’s campaign funds came from lobbyists and corporations located in the greater Washington DC area.
I do not begrudge these entities from participating in the political process. These companies and trade associations are a vital part of our community. They employ our neighbors and many of our senior citizens depend on the dividends these companies pay to supplement their income.
What is surprising is Rush Holt and his ardent supporters demonize the very industries, companies and institutions that are bankrolling Holt’s campaign. So why would Holt’s supporters impale their lawns with signs funded by General Dynamics, Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin? Why would Holt’s supporters place bumper stickers paid for by Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Wyeth on their cars? Why would Holt’s supporters don t-shirts and pins paid for by Prudential Financial, Oppenheimer Funds, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, and, MetLife?
The answer is that Holt’s supporters place individual greed before ideology. This is evidenced by an overwhelming number of Holt’s supporters unabashedly praising Holt for his constituent services (a.k.a the distribution of government spoils) in their letters to editors and comments on the blogs.
While Holt is one of the most impotent Representatives in terms of sponsoring any meaningful legislation and is as submissive to House Leader Nancy Pelosi as the eunuchs who defended the imperial rulers of the Ming dynasty, Holt is effective in directing taxpayer money to his supporters. While Holt’s supporters tout their disdain for Corporate America, they are quite willing to throw their self-defined lofty notions under the bus for the opportunity to feed at the trough of government spoils.
The vast majority of Holt’s supporters are hypocritical trough feeders who disguise their greed and narcissism behind the veneer of liberal clichés. While these people may be your neighbors, they are not your friends. These radical redistributionists applaud Holt’s efforts to tax the working people of the 12th district back to the stone age, just as long as they continue to receive their government handouts. Holt is a predator on the taxpayers and his supporters are his accessories. At least their brandishing of signs supporting Holt are being erected without the necessity of the government having to pass a rendition of Megan’s law.
As the campaign season heats up, you will see more yard signs endorsing candidates. This political engagement is healthy for democracy. It is also healthy for the electorate to know who is paying for such signs. In the case of signs supporting Rush Holt, they are overwhelming financed by big pharmaceutical companies, defense contractors, hedge fund managers, the American Bankers Association and other large corporate interests. Indeed, during the second quarter of 2010, 62% of Holt’s campaign funds came from lobbyists and corporations located in the greater Washington DC area.
I do not begrudge these entities from participating in the political process. These companies and trade associations are a vital part of our community. They employ our neighbors and many of our senior citizens depend on the dividends these companies pay to supplement their income.
What is surprising is Rush Holt and his ardent supporters demonize the very industries, companies and institutions that are bankrolling Holt’s campaign. So why would Holt’s supporters impale their lawns with signs funded by General Dynamics, Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin? Why would Holt’s supporters place bumper stickers paid for by Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Wyeth on their cars? Why would Holt’s supporters don t-shirts and pins paid for by Prudential Financial, Oppenheimer Funds, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, and, MetLife?
The answer is that Holt’s supporters place individual greed before ideology. This is evidenced by an overwhelming number of Holt’s supporters unabashedly praising Holt for his constituent services (a.k.a the distribution of government spoils) in their letters to editors and comments on the blogs.
While Holt is one of the most impotent Representatives in terms of sponsoring any meaningful legislation and is as submissive to House Leader Nancy Pelosi as the eunuchs who defended the imperial rulers of the Ming dynasty, Holt is effective in directing taxpayer money to his supporters. While Holt’s supporters tout their disdain for Corporate America, they are quite willing to throw their self-defined lofty notions under the bus for the opportunity to feed at the trough of government spoils.
The vast majority of Holt’s supporters are hypocritical trough feeders who disguise their greed and narcissism behind the veneer of liberal clichés. While these people may be your neighbors, they are not your friends. These radical redistributionists applaud Holt’s efforts to tax the working people of the 12th district back to the stone age, just as long as they continue to receive their government handouts. Holt is a predator on the taxpayers and his supporters are his accessories. At least their brandishing of signs supporting Holt are being erected without the necessity of the government having to pass a rendition of Megan’s law.
Someone's Got Some 'Splaining To Do
U.S Education Department officials released a video yesterday that appeared to refute Governor Chris Christie's claim that Washington bureaucrats did not give NJ Education Department officials an opportunity to correct a "clerical error" that cost the state $400 million in federal "Race To The Top" education reform funding, according to a report in the Star Ledger.
Appearing on NJ101.5's Ask The Governor last evening, Christie told host Eric Scott that his comments to the press about the cause of the lost funding were based on reports that staffers had given him. He said he became aware of the tape that apparently contradicted his account of the process only moments before the radio show, that he would review the tape and would be "very disappointed" if someone on his team misrepresented what happened in Washington.
By this morning Christie probably knows what happened.
Even before the apparent misrepresentation, Trenton Democrats and the NJEA were relating to this issue as the break they've been waiting for to stop Christie's momentum in reforming New Jersey government.
Christie needs to give a full account of what happened, make the necessary corrections and move on.
I expect he will do so today.
Appearing on NJ101.5's Ask The Governor last evening, Christie told host Eric Scott that his comments to the press about the cause of the lost funding were based on reports that staffers had given him. He said he became aware of the tape that apparently contradicted his account of the process only moments before the radio show, that he would review the tape and would be "very disappointed" if someone on his team misrepresented what happened in Washington.
By this morning Christie probably knows what happened.
Even before the apparent misrepresentation, Trenton Democrats and the NJEA were relating to this issue as the break they've been waiting for to stop Christie's momentum in reforming New Jersey government.
Christie needs to give a full account of what happened, make the necessary corrections and move on.
I expect he will do so today.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Daily Kos Covering Anna Little
Cross posted from More Middlesex Musings
Daily Kos is now mentioning that Frank Pallone may actually be in trouble in this latest post about November's elections. The text about Anna is below, but you can read about the many tight races that has liberal Dems quaking in their birkenstocks.
NJ-06: Is longtime Dem endangered? GOP internal poll says is he. If this internal poll is to be believed (and the standard caveats, of course, apply), then the climate for Dems in this cycle might be even worse than has been often projected. A new internal poll, by National Research, for longshot Republican candidate Anna Little claims that she might not be a longshot, after all. The poll shows longtime Democratic incumbent Frank Pallone leading Little by just six points (40-34). This would be a stunning result, if true, in a district where Barack Obama won by 60-38 and where Pallone has won every election since 1992 with at least 57% of the vote.
Daily Kos is now mentioning that Frank Pallone may actually be in trouble in this latest post about November's elections. The text about Anna is below, but you can read about the many tight races that has liberal Dems quaking in their birkenstocks.
NJ-06: Is longtime Dem endangered? GOP internal poll says is he. If this internal poll is to be believed (and the standard caveats, of course, apply), then the climate for Dems in this cycle might be even worse than has been often projected. A new internal poll, by National Research, for longshot Republican candidate Anna Little claims that she might not be a longshot, after all. The poll shows longtime Democratic incumbent Frank Pallone leading Little by just six points (40-34). This would be a stunning result, if true, in a district where Barack Obama won by 60-38 and where Pallone has won every election since 1992 with at least 57% of the vote.
Where's Frank? Where's Rush?
With all the fuss about New Jersey losing out on $400 million in "Race To The Top" due to a clerical error and the NJEA's refusal to endorse the Christie administration's application for the funding, one would think that such espoused and senior Democratic members of the New Jersey congressional delegation as Frank Pallone and Rush Holt would step up and use their power to save the day and pursuade the Obama administration to award New Jersey the education dollars. Right?
Here's what's been on Pallone's mind, according to his facebook page since the news that New Jersey lost out broke:
Here is what is on Holt's mind:
Here's what's been on Pallone's mind, according to his facebook page since the news that New Jersey lost out broke:
Frank Pallone Jr. An anniversary that took decades of advocacy! 90 yrs ago women gained the constitutional right to vote w- enactment of the 19th Amendment.
Frank Pallone Jr. Good discussion in Wayside tonight about US-Israel relations. Hope that peace talks next week in DC lead to political results.
Frank Pallone Jr. Those receiving $ from the BP spill fund shouldn't be barred from suing other companies for economic damages from the oil spill.
Frank Pallone Jr. Disappointed in stem cell research ruling. I support president's decision to appeal it bc this research gives hope to millions of families.
Frank Pallone Jr. Boehner/GOP plan to halt regs moves us in the wrong direction and would leave consumers vulnerable as demonstrated by current egg recall.
Frank Pallone Jr. Salmonella contamination highlights the need for the Food Safety Act - FDA needs authority to respond & prevent these dangerous outbreaks.
Frank Pallone Jr. Boehner continues to support tax breaks for businesses that ship jobs overseas - good thing for the Dem bill that closes this GOP loophole.
Frank Pallone Jr. Spoke at UAW Conference in Cape May about bringing back U.S. manufacturing sector, opposing new free trade deals.
Here is what is on Holt's mind:
Rush HoltTeam Holt is accepting applications for fall campaign interns in our offices across Central New Jersey. If you're a high school or college student interested in an exciting, educational, and rewarding experience, send along a resume to mail@rushholt.com - and spread the word to others that might be interested!
Rush Holt By popular demand, here's a "shareable" link with information about our available campaign internships. Thanks for spreading the word!
Rush Holt Exciting evening meeting with Trenton residents at the Mill Hill Saloon
I Am An American
By Grace Cangemi
“I am part of this country.”
Maybe too many of us Americans take for granted what that means. Not Fernando.
Fernando Cesar Dos Santos said it over and over again, tears in his eyes as he told me about his path from busing tables without papers to becoming an American citizen. Fernando did it the right way. He and his cousin came here from Brazil on September 26, 2000 on a visa, and Fernando got a job as a 28 year old busboy making $180 a week.
A month or so later, he knew that he needed a better job, so he took the bus to Atlantic Highlands and walked up and down First Avenue, stopping at all the restaurants to look for work.
Fernando says it was “God’s hand directly” that brought him to the Copper Canyon . At the time, the location was tiny, and he didn’t think they’d be hiring, but the third time he walked by, he stopped in. When he was introduced to Michael Krikorian, he thought that the chef/owner was the kitchen help. He asked for work anyway, and Michael said he’d think about it. When Fernando got home, he had a message asking if he could start the next day.
“Michael is my angel. Everything I have is because of him and the people here. He trusted me and now I am a part of all of this.”
Shortly after Fernando started washing dishes at Copper Canyon, he asked Michael to sponsor him for his Green Card. Michael agreed and has since also sponsored Fernando’s cousin.
“Every day I checked online for four years to see if I got it. When I did, I was so excited.”
From there, it was nearly five years to citizenship.
“I don’t want to make money and go home to Brazil. I wanted to put my name down and be part of this country,” Fernando told me. “I could just have a Green Card but I work for this country. I pay taxes for this country. I can go to Brazil, but I worked so hard to be part of this country. Everything I have is from being part of this country”
Some Brazilians he knows think he shouldn’t have changed citizenship, but Fernando disagrees.
“My heart is Brazilian. My only family here is my cousin. But I am an American. I think everyone wants to be American.”
Last Monday night, the Copper Canyon staff had a party for Fernando at Taste in Red Bank. Lindsay Dewis, Fernando’s manager says it brings tears to her eyes when she hears about it.
Over the past ten years, Fernando has worked his way up from dishwasher through kitchen prep to serving, expediting, and managing. His co-workers say he studied day and night for his citizenship test and quizzing him taught them things about America that they didn’t know. That’s why they couldn’t wait to surprise him by wearing matching t-shirts. The front said “Fernando is an…” and the back blazed “AMERICAN”.
“Seeing my name on the shirt, that made me feel so special,” Fernando told me. “I never felt so special.”
“How many people want to be like me? I’m so lucky. I’m not born here, but I’m an American just like you.”
I’m going to do my best to keep Fernando’s word in mind every morning.
“I feel free. No one can say I’m not a part of this. I wake up in the morning and I’m so happy because man, I’m an American.”
“I am part of this country.”
Maybe too many of us Americans take for granted what that means. Not Fernando.
Fernando Cesar Dos Santos said it over and over again, tears in his eyes as he told me about his path from busing tables without papers to becoming an American citizen. Fernando did it the right way. He and his cousin came here from Brazil on September 26, 2000 on a visa, and Fernando got a job as a 28 year old busboy making $180 a week.
A month or so later, he knew that he needed a better job, so he took the bus to Atlantic Highlands and walked up and down First Avenue, stopping at all the restaurants to look for work.
Fernando says it was “God’s hand directly” that brought him to the Copper Canyon . At the time, the location was tiny, and he didn’t think they’d be hiring, but the third time he walked by, he stopped in. When he was introduced to Michael Krikorian, he thought that the chef/owner was the kitchen help. He asked for work anyway, and Michael said he’d think about it. When Fernando got home, he had a message asking if he could start the next day.
“Michael is my angel. Everything I have is because of him and the people here. He trusted me and now I am a part of all of this.”
Shortly after Fernando started washing dishes at Copper Canyon, he asked Michael to sponsor him for his Green Card. Michael agreed and has since also sponsored Fernando’s cousin.
“Every day I checked online for four years to see if I got it. When I did, I was so excited.”
From there, it was nearly five years to citizenship.
“I don’t want to make money and go home to Brazil. I wanted to put my name down and be part of this country,” Fernando told me. “I could just have a Green Card but I work for this country. I pay taxes for this country. I can go to Brazil, but I worked so hard to be part of this country. Everything I have is from being part of this country”
Some Brazilians he knows think he shouldn’t have changed citizenship, but Fernando disagrees.
“My heart is Brazilian. My only family here is my cousin. But I am an American. I think everyone wants to be American.”
Last Monday night, the Copper Canyon staff had a party for Fernando at Taste in Red Bank. Lindsay Dewis, Fernando’s manager says it brings tears to her eyes when she hears about it.
Over the past ten years, Fernando has worked his way up from dishwasher through kitchen prep to serving, expediting, and managing. His co-workers say he studied day and night for his citizenship test and quizzing him taught them things about America that they didn’t know. That’s why they couldn’t wait to surprise him by wearing matching t-shirts. The front said “Fernando is an…” and the back blazed “AMERICAN”.
“Seeing my name on the shirt, that made me feel so special,” Fernando told me. “I never felt so special.”
“How many people want to be like me? I’m so lucky. I’m not born here, but I’m an American just like you.”
I’m going to do my best to keep Fernando’s word in mind every morning.
“I feel free. No one can say I’m not a part of this. I wake up in the morning and I’m so happy because man, I’m an American.”
12TH DISTRICT LEGISLATORS REFLECT ON STRIDES IN WOMEN’S EQUALITY
Today the State of New Jersey commemorates the 90th anniversary of the ratification of one of the most influential amendments on our society: the 19th Amendment, by celebrating Women’s Equality Day.
This amendment changed not only how women participated in our elections, but how they are viewed as members of society. With an equal vote, women were given the same tools as men to make their voices heard as they cast their ballots on issues that directly affect them, both as women and as members of the community.
As we consider this particular milestone, and reflect on the fact that in the less than 100 years since the passage of this law we have seen women go from having no vote to having females candidates from both parties considered viable candidates for Presidency of the United States, we take a certain amount of pride. Although we have yet to see a woman sit in the Oval Office, it is not far out of reach, and women have taken significant strides in the political arena. This district, with two of the three legislators women, is an example of how far we’ve come.
Although the changes in how women participate in society are significant when viewed over the past 90 years, we have yet to reach full equality in the workplace and in elected positions. As we contemplate how far we’ve come, it is important to remain focused on achieving even greater success in women’s equality, both within the United States and abroad.
Senator Jennifer Beck
Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon
Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande
This amendment changed not only how women participated in our elections, but how they are viewed as members of society. With an equal vote, women were given the same tools as men to make their voices heard as they cast their ballots on issues that directly affect them, both as women and as members of the community.
As we consider this particular milestone, and reflect on the fact that in the less than 100 years since the passage of this law we have seen women go from having no vote to having females candidates from both parties considered viable candidates for Presidency of the United States, we take a certain amount of pride. Although we have yet to see a woman sit in the Oval Office, it is not far out of reach, and women have taken significant strides in the political arena. This district, with two of the three legislators women, is an example of how far we’ve come.
Although the changes in how women participate in society are significant when viewed over the past 90 years, we have yet to reach full equality in the workplace and in elected positions. As we contemplate how far we’ve come, it is important to remain focused on achieving even greater success in women’s equality, both within the United States and abroad.
Senator Jennifer Beck
Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon
Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande
Godspeed Matt Rooney
By Art Gallagher
A gaping whole appears in New Jersey's blogosphere today as Matt Rooney signs off as "Blogger-In-Chief" of The Save Jersey Blog to pursue his legal career.
What Matt accomplished with his site, and the influence he garnered in just over two years is truly impressive by any measure. His accomplishments are remarkable considering that he built Save Jersey into one of the most read web sites in the world while also successfully pursuing his law degree.
Matt more than filled the void that was created when "the Erics", Pasternack and Sedler retired RedJersey to pursue their post scholastic careers two years ago. With leadership and keen intellect he expanded the influence of young right of center citizens in New Jersey and beyond.
Matt writes today that his departure is "the end of the beginning" of Save Jersey. I hope that proves to be true when the yet to be named young conservatives take over the site on September 8.
However, I have no doubt that today is "the end of the beginning" of the positive impact Matt Rooney will make in New Jersey, the United States and the world for many years to come.
Rooney For Governor 2034!
You read it here first.
I will miss Matt's partnership in exposing the fallacies of the progressive agenda. I will miss our almost daily IMs sharing ideas and insights. I will not miss his friendship, because that will endure. I will not miss the difference that he makes, because that will expand.
A gaping whole appears in New Jersey's blogosphere today as Matt Rooney signs off as "Blogger-In-Chief" of The Save Jersey Blog to pursue his legal career.
What Matt accomplished with his site, and the influence he garnered in just over two years is truly impressive by any measure. His accomplishments are remarkable considering that he built Save Jersey into one of the most read web sites in the world while also successfully pursuing his law degree.
Matt more than filled the void that was created when "the Erics", Pasternack and Sedler retired RedJersey to pursue their post scholastic careers two years ago. With leadership and keen intellect he expanded the influence of young right of center citizens in New Jersey and beyond.
Matt writes today that his departure is "the end of the beginning" of Save Jersey. I hope that proves to be true when the yet to be named young conservatives take over the site on September 8.
However, I have no doubt that today is "the end of the beginning" of the positive impact Matt Rooney will make in New Jersey, the United States and the world for many years to come.
Rooney For Governor 2034!
You read it here first.
I will miss Matt's partnership in exposing the fallacies of the progressive agenda. I will miss our almost daily IMs sharing ideas and insights. I will not miss his friendship, because that will endure. I will not miss the difference that he makes, because that will expand.
Club For Growth: NJ 3, 6 & 12 In Play
By Art Gallagher
Club for Growth Executive Director David Keating ranks three New Jersey congressional districts, 3, 6 and 12 among his list of 103 congressional seats nationwide that are "most likely" to switch from Democratic to Republican representation in November.
Writing at CFG's Economic Freedom Blog, Keating constructed his list based on a "pundit average" of Cook, Rothenberg, Sabato and CQ, four pundits who are tracking congressional races, using his own computer rating to break ties.
NJ3's GOP candidate Jon Runyan ranks 47 on Keating's list. Anna Little (NJ-6) is number 73, and Scott Sipprelle (NJ-12) is number 101.
Building The New Majority President Bill Spadea said, "This is huge for Anna Little. It really does show that Anna's ground game is trumping early money in the game of expectations. Her poll numbers confirm that a retail campaign focused on direct voter contact is working to move the numbers." Spadea is a consultant to the Little campaign.
Little and Sipprelle should really be much higher on the list. Keating, Cook, Rothenberg, Sabato and CQ have yet to account for the MMM factor.
As you know because you're reading this, MMM is the place where Central Jersey Republican and Tea Party activists come to be informed and leave inspired.
Central Jersey Democrats come here to spy and argue. They leave either angry or demoralized but can't resist coming back and get many get converted, even if they don't admit it. This site is dangerous to Democrats.
Unfortunately for Runyon, MMM's influence does not yet extend to Eagles fans. He'll have to win without us.
Club for Growth Executive Director David Keating ranks three New Jersey congressional districts, 3, 6 and 12 among his list of 103 congressional seats nationwide that are "most likely" to switch from Democratic to Republican representation in November.
Writing at CFG's Economic Freedom Blog, Keating constructed his list based on a "pundit average" of Cook, Rothenberg, Sabato and CQ, four pundits who are tracking congressional races, using his own computer rating to break ties.
NJ3's GOP candidate Jon Runyan ranks 47 on Keating's list. Anna Little (NJ-6) is number 73, and Scott Sipprelle (NJ-12) is number 101.
Building The New Majority President Bill Spadea said, "This is huge for Anna Little. It really does show that Anna's ground game is trumping early money in the game of expectations. Her poll numbers confirm that a retail campaign focused on direct voter contact is working to move the numbers." Spadea is a consultant to the Little campaign.
Little and Sipprelle should really be much higher on the list. Keating, Cook, Rothenberg, Sabato and CQ have yet to account for the MMM factor.
As you know because you're reading this, MMM is the place where Central Jersey Republican and Tea Party activists come to be informed and leave inspired.
Central Jersey Democrats come here to spy and argue. They leave either angry or demoralized but can't resist coming back and get many get converted, even if they don't admit it. This site is dangerous to Democrats.
Unfortunately for Runyon, MMM's influence does not yet extend to Eagles fans. He'll have to win without us.
Holt: Decreasing Voter Confidence
By Fred Lehlbach
On Tuesday, Junior sent out a “franking” email to his email list crowing about his “Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act” and his call on US Attorney General Eric Holder to use the Department of Justice’s enforcement capabilities to “ensure the integrity of voting systems and to make sure that votes are counted as cast.”
Curiously, Junior does not raise, in his letter to Holder, any mention of the DOJ’s failure to pursue “enforcement” on the allegations of voter intimidation that took place just outside his 12th District by members of the New Black Panther Party, which could arguably have a more severe impact upon voter’s franchise rights than a failure to have paper ballots.
Junior has attempted to get his Voter bill passed in every Congress since 2000, and it has never advanced. There are objections to it on both sides of the aisle, not the least of which is, it doesn’t solve the problem it claims to solve. Junior does not even seem to know that his bill doesn’t solve the problem, as he has continuously misrepresented the Bill’s provisions, and failed to correct a New York Times piece on the Bill, which repeated his inaccurate talking points that remain posted on his website.
Specifically, Junior wants there to be added after-market printers to Direct Recording Electronic (DRE, or touch screen machines) electronic voting machines. Please note, these are not “paper ballots”, marked by the voter, but a printout of a vote, that could then be verified by the voter. Problem is Junior advertises his bill as requiring voter-marked ballots, while all it requires is printed “voter trails” which are no more reliable, or verifiable, than the same machines without the after-market printers.
This gets confusing, but it comes down to this: Junior has continually misrepresented his Bill, and he knows it. There are many blogs dedicated to stamping out potential voter fraud, and they have repeatedly called attention to Junior’s misrepresentations, only to be ignored. It is also clear from the legislation itself that Junior knows the difference. The same bill makes a distinction between elections in 2010 and 2014, requiring voter-marked paper ballots by 2014. By his own legislation he admits his paper trail is ineffective.
Junior’s Bill also requires technology that only ONE company can currently provide. His Bill creates a monopoly on voting machines. This has also been pointed out to him, and he continues to tilt at windmills with a Bill that is ineffective, subject to monopoly, and which does not stop potential fraud.
Yes, AG Holder, please ensure the integrity of our votes. But if the New Black Panthers want to “Kill Whitey” outside the voting place, that’s OK.
On Tuesday, Junior sent out a “franking” email to his email list crowing about his “Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act” and his call on US Attorney General Eric Holder to use the Department of Justice’s enforcement capabilities to “ensure the integrity of voting systems and to make sure that votes are counted as cast.”
Curiously, Junior does not raise, in his letter to Holder, any mention of the DOJ’s failure to pursue “enforcement” on the allegations of voter intimidation that took place just outside his 12th District by members of the New Black Panther Party, which could arguably have a more severe impact upon voter’s franchise rights than a failure to have paper ballots.
Junior has attempted to get his Voter bill passed in every Congress since 2000, and it has never advanced. There are objections to it on both sides of the aisle, not the least of which is, it doesn’t solve the problem it claims to solve. Junior does not even seem to know that his bill doesn’t solve the problem, as he has continuously misrepresented the Bill’s provisions, and failed to correct a New York Times piece on the Bill, which repeated his inaccurate talking points that remain posted on his website.
Specifically, Junior wants there to be added after-market printers to Direct Recording Electronic (DRE, or touch screen machines) electronic voting machines. Please note, these are not “paper ballots”, marked by the voter, but a printout of a vote, that could then be verified by the voter. Problem is Junior advertises his bill as requiring voter-marked ballots, while all it requires is printed “voter trails” which are no more reliable, or verifiable, than the same machines without the after-market printers.
This gets confusing, but it comes down to this: Junior has continually misrepresented his Bill, and he knows it. There are many blogs dedicated to stamping out potential voter fraud, and they have repeatedly called attention to Junior’s misrepresentations, only to be ignored. It is also clear from the legislation itself that Junior knows the difference. The same bill makes a distinction between elections in 2010 and 2014, requiring voter-marked paper ballots by 2014. By his own legislation he admits his paper trail is ineffective.
Junior’s Bill also requires technology that only ONE company can currently provide. His Bill creates a monopoly on voting machines. This has also been pointed out to him, and he continues to tilt at windmills with a Bill that is ineffective, subject to monopoly, and which does not stop potential fraud.
Yes, AG Holder, please ensure the integrity of our votes. But if the New Black Panthers want to “Kill Whitey” outside the voting place, that’s OK.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
NJEA needs to fard a bit more often.
By "Ronald Reagan"
The Star Ledger, esteemed flagship for the Newhouse dynasty, led with the story this morning that it was the Christie administration that failed to collect a piece of the Federal handout (aka Stimulus Package) because of a simple error in reporting 2007-2008 budget figures.
Cue the angry mob of “who do we blame next for our greed which is sinking the pension fund and our approval ratings” teachers who had plenty to say about Christies “math” skills, etc. The 1000 or so comments on the Star Ledger story is sort of like being a fly on the wall of a huge virtual teachers lounge.
Well, it turns out, it may be more the NJEA’s fault than the Christie’s administration. Turn out under Phase I of the “Reach to the Top” funding application New Jersey’s application ranked 18th and was not even a finalist invited to apply for Phase II. So who is responsible for the first phase. Well, it was due in March but all the preliminary meetings were held prior to Christie taking office.
In fact, Christie’s Phase II application for “Race to the Top” funds actually fared far better than the NJEA endorsed Phase I application.
The real story should have led with “Christie Administrations hijacking of the application fared better than the NJEA application.” Like so often in the last eight months, the NJEA has taken it on the chin again for allowing some poorly trained PR person to create some shallow spin. These days, shallow spin is uncovered in minutes, and much to the Star Ledger’s chagrin, who has led an unchallenged existence until blogging came along.
NJEA needs to spend some time farding because all the angry rhetoric is creating some really ugly appearances.
The Star Ledger, esteemed flagship for the Newhouse dynasty, led with the story this morning that it was the Christie administration that failed to collect a piece of the Federal handout (aka Stimulus Package) because of a simple error in reporting 2007-2008 budget figures.
Cue the angry mob of “who do we blame next for our greed which is sinking the pension fund and our approval ratings” teachers who had plenty to say about Christies “math” skills, etc. The 1000 or so comments on the Star Ledger story is sort of like being a fly on the wall of a huge virtual teachers lounge.
Well, it turns out, it may be more the NJEA’s fault than the Christie’s administration. Turn out under Phase I of the “Reach to the Top” funding application New Jersey’s application ranked 18th and was not even a finalist invited to apply for Phase II. So who is responsible for the first phase. Well, it was due in March but all the preliminary meetings were held prior to Christie taking office.
In fact, Christie’s Phase II application for “Race to the Top” funds actually fared far better than the NJEA endorsed Phase I application.
The real story should have led with “Christie Administrations hijacking of the application fared better than the NJEA application.” Like so often in the last eight months, the NJEA has taken it on the chin again for allowing some poorly trained PR person to create some shallow spin. These days, shallow spin is uncovered in minutes, and much to the Star Ledger’s chagrin, who has led an unchallenged existence until blogging came along.
NJEA needs to spend some time farding because all the angry rhetoric is creating some really ugly appearances.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Fishman: NJ Not The Most Corrupt
Isn't that uplifting news!
By Art Gallagher
As reported in the Star Ledger and brilliantly analysed by our friends at InTheLobby, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman declared that NJ does not suffer from a culture of corruption and that characterising NJ that way is demoralizing.
That's why NJ elected Chris Christie governor. He demoralized us during his 7 years as U.S. Attorney. Yeah right.
After Christie's undefeated record of 130+ corruption convictions, declining to make public corruption a priority of the NJ U.S. Attorney's office would be like the Feds declining to enforce our immigration laws on the Mexican border.
Oh. Now I get it.
Fishman has a great resume for U.S. Attorney. Better than Christie's resume was when he got the job. Fishman went to Princeton and Harvard Law where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review. He was a clerk for the Third Circut Court of Appeals and worked in the NJ U.S. Attorney's office during the Reagan and Bush 41 administrations.
In 1994 Fishman become Counsel to Deputy Attorney General Jamie "The Wall" Gorelick of 9-11 Commission fame and Fannie Mae and BP fortune. He was promoted to Associate Deputy Attorney General in 95 where he served until 97 when Eric Holder became Deputy Attorney General.
Senator Frank Lautenberg wanted President Clinton to appoint Fishman U.S Attorney in 1999, but Senator Robert Torricelli wouldn't go along.
Instead he was a prominent defense attorney for 12 years. He represented Carla Katz and Encap Golf Holdings, both of whom were investigated by Christie's U.S Attorney's office. Maybe Fishman doesn't want to make public corruption a priority because he doesn't want to recuse himself from so many cases.
Upon President Obama's nomination of Fishman, Senator Robert Menendez said,
At his press conference on Monday Fishman said his priorities would be public safety and terrorism.
Menendez is the former Democratic Chairman of Hudson County. Obama is a product of the Chicago Democratic machine.
Oh. Now I get it.
UPDATE: Check out Matt Rooney's thoughts on the matter at SaveJersey.
By Art Gallagher
As reported in the Star Ledger and brilliantly analysed by our friends at InTheLobby, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman declared that NJ does not suffer from a culture of corruption and that characterising NJ that way is demoralizing.
That's why NJ elected Chris Christie governor. He demoralized us during his 7 years as U.S. Attorney. Yeah right.
After Christie's undefeated record of 130+ corruption convictions, declining to make public corruption a priority of the NJ U.S. Attorney's office would be like the Feds declining to enforce our immigration laws on the Mexican border.
Oh. Now I get it.
Fishman has a great resume for U.S. Attorney. Better than Christie's resume was when he got the job. Fishman went to Princeton and Harvard Law where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review. He was a clerk for the Third Circut Court of Appeals and worked in the NJ U.S. Attorney's office during the Reagan and Bush 41 administrations.
In 1994 Fishman become Counsel to Deputy Attorney General Jamie "The Wall" Gorelick of 9-11 Commission fame and Fannie Mae and BP fortune. He was promoted to Associate Deputy Attorney General in 95 where he served until 97 when Eric Holder became Deputy Attorney General.
Senator Frank Lautenberg wanted President Clinton to appoint Fishman U.S Attorney in 1999, but Senator Robert Torricelli wouldn't go along.
Instead he was a prominent defense attorney for 12 years. He represented Carla Katz and Encap Golf Holdings, both of whom were investigated by Christie's U.S Attorney's office. Maybe Fishman doesn't want to make public corruption a priority because he doesn't want to recuse himself from so many cases.
Upon President Obama's nomination of Fishman, Senator Robert Menendez said,
"New Jersey families deserve a U.S. Attorney who makes protecting them from economic crimes, the spreading gang activity, as well as gun and drug trafficking a priority of the office. I am confident that Paul Fishman will work with integrity and effectiveness to do just that."
At his press conference on Monday Fishman said his priorities would be public safety and terrorism.
Menendez is the former Democratic Chairman of Hudson County. Obama is a product of the Chicago Democratic machine.
Oh. Now I get it.
UPDATE: Check out Matt Rooney's thoughts on the matter at SaveJersey.
WHAT'S REALLY DEMORALIZING
Daily Muse from InTheLobby
So if Bob Ingle was hoping to write a sequel to “The Soprano State,” well, he’d best not look to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for help.
In what can best be described as a surprising interview, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman let it be known that public corruption isn’t his top concern.
Instead, he said his top priorities were "public safety, or terrorism" prosecutions.
And he told the Ledger this:
That’s nice, Mr. Fishman. But this isn’t Iowa or Kansas -- we live in New Jersey. And we know exactly what we’ve got here.
After all, there is a reason why “The Sopranos” was set in Jersey. And why “The Soprano State” was a best seller. And why “The Jersey Sting” likely will be too.
Like there is a reason why undercover FBI agents were able to walk through a League of Municipalities convention and catch so many fish.
Just like salmon swim upstream, in New Jersey, some politicians go up the river.
It is the natural order of things.
Fishman was apparently reacting to quotes made last July after 44 people were arrested in a corruption investigation. (The same one that led to the new book, “The Jersey Sting.”)
As the Ledger reminds us, "at that time, Ed Kahrer, the FBI agent in charge of the office’s public corruption unit, told a press conference, 'New Jersey’s corruption problem is one of the worst, if not the worst, in the nation.’
Ralph Marra, then the acting U.S. Attorney, at the same press conference, said honest people didn’t have a chance ‘in this culture of corruption.’"
But fear not, New Jersey. It isn’t as bad as we thought.
Read the rest of the column here.
So if Bob Ingle was hoping to write a sequel to “The Soprano State,” well, he’d best not look to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for help.
In what can best be described as a surprising interview, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman let it be known that public corruption isn’t his top concern.
Instead, he said his top priorities were "public safety, or terrorism" prosecutions.
And he told the Ledger this:
The chief federal prosecutor in New Jersey doesn’t endorse the idea he works in the "most corrupt" state in the union — and says such talk can be "demoralizing" to the people who live here.
"I don’t know how you can make that kind of comparison,’’ said Paul Fishman who, last October, was named to replace Christopher Christie as the United States Attorney. "I don’t happen to believe that to be true."
That’s nice, Mr. Fishman. But this isn’t Iowa or Kansas -- we live in New Jersey. And we know exactly what we’ve got here.
After all, there is a reason why “The Sopranos” was set in Jersey. And why “The Soprano State” was a best seller. And why “The Jersey Sting” likely will be too.
Like there is a reason why undercover FBI agents were able to walk through a League of Municipalities convention and catch so many fish.
Just like salmon swim upstream, in New Jersey, some politicians go up the river.
It is the natural order of things.
Fishman was apparently reacting to quotes made last July after 44 people were arrested in a corruption investigation. (The same one that led to the new book, “The Jersey Sting.”)
As the Ledger reminds us, "at that time, Ed Kahrer, the FBI agent in charge of the office’s public corruption unit, told a press conference, 'New Jersey’s corruption problem is one of the worst, if not the worst, in the nation.’
Ralph Marra, then the acting U.S. Attorney, at the same press conference, said honest people didn’t have a chance ‘in this culture of corruption.’"
But fear not, New Jersey. It isn’t as bad as we thought.
Read the rest of the column here.
Sipprelle to Career Pols: Put the Credit Card Away! (New TV Spot)
Princeton, August 24, 2010 – Releasing his third positive, issue-based cable television commercial this summer, businessman Scott Sipprelle (NJ-12) chided career politicians in Washington, DC, telling them “It’s time to put that credit card away,” while touching upon his plans to cut reckless spending and rein in out-of-control debt.
"Credit Card” :30 TV Spot
Washington politicians think of us as one giant credit card. They spend, and we get the bill. Help me stop the reckless spending that’s mortgaging our country’s future. My Blueprint for Renewal controls spending, creates jobs and reforms a broken system. Let us return to the principles that made America the land of opportunity. I’m Scott Sipprelle and I approved this message because it’s time to take that credit card away!”
"At $13.3 trillion and counting, our national debt represents $120,000 owed by every single taxpayer and a staggering $43,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States – that is unconscionable and Congress needs to take action to fix it now,” said Sipprelle. “Instead of the typical Washington, DC response of kicking-the-can-down-the-road and saddling future generations with debts they will never be able to repay, my ‘Blueprint for Renewal’ outlines a series of solutions that, if implemented, would save our country from the fate of Greece and other European nations currently drowning in debt.” http://www.supportscott2010.com/2010/02/control-government-spending-and-national-debt/
“America’s balance sheet is on a collision course with disaster, as the cumulative effects of demographics, legislative ineptitude, and financial recklessness by both political parties combine to push America’s creditworthiness to a tipping point, or beyond,” said Sipprelle. “With the national debt now over $13 trillion, the annual interest costs for servicing the debt swallows up nearly 10% of federal revenues. This cost will increase by $500 billion over the next decade, even in the highly unlikely event that annual deficits shrink dramatically. To put this in perspective, $500 billion is greater than the combined annual federal spending on our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, homeland security, energy, and education.”
Sipprelle said unchecked entitlements were a major driver of the problem, and assailed Washington politicians for not having the courage to deal with them.
“For the first time ever, the unfunded projected costs for Social Security and Medicare exceed household net worth in the United States and combine to consume 57% of federal tax receipts,” said Sipprelle. “The system is crying out for thoughtful, bipartisan reform. Yet, how does my opponent respond to this crisis? By falsely claiming I want to privatize the system in a cynical attempt to hold onto power by scaring senior citizens dependent on Social Security for their retirements. That’s not leadership; its cowardice.”
“In short, our present trends are unsustainable,” said Sipprelle. “If we do not address the enormous and growing gap between our federal spending and our federal revenues, we will one day wake up to the realization that the credit of America, once the world’s gold standard, will have become junk.”
The damage, said Sipprelle, would be catastrophic.
“What follows then is a catastrophic adjustment process that would necessitate dramatic cuts in federal programs, outsized tax increases, and a default on many unfunded future liabilities. The retirement security of our seniors would be destroyed and our children would become de-facto wards of a bankrupt state that drains their earnings to pay for past mistakes,” said Sipprelle. “We cannot allow that to happen.”
"Credit Card” :30 TV Spot
Washington politicians think of us as one giant credit card. They spend, and we get the bill. Help me stop the reckless spending that’s mortgaging our country’s future. My Blueprint for Renewal controls spending, creates jobs and reforms a broken system. Let us return to the principles that made America the land of opportunity. I’m Scott Sipprelle and I approved this message because it’s time to take that credit card away!”
"At $13.3 trillion and counting, our national debt represents $120,000 owed by every single taxpayer and a staggering $43,000 for every man, woman and child in the United States – that is unconscionable and Congress needs to take action to fix it now,” said Sipprelle. “Instead of the typical Washington, DC response of kicking-the-can-down-the-road and saddling future generations with debts they will never be able to repay, my ‘Blueprint for Renewal’ outlines a series of solutions that, if implemented, would save our country from the fate of Greece and other European nations currently drowning in debt.” http://www.supportscott2010.com/2010/02/control-government-spending-and-national-debt/
“America’s balance sheet is on a collision course with disaster, as the cumulative effects of demographics, legislative ineptitude, and financial recklessness by both political parties combine to push America’s creditworthiness to a tipping point, or beyond,” said Sipprelle. “With the national debt now over $13 trillion, the annual interest costs for servicing the debt swallows up nearly 10% of federal revenues. This cost will increase by $500 billion over the next decade, even in the highly unlikely event that annual deficits shrink dramatically. To put this in perspective, $500 billion is greater than the combined annual federal spending on our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, homeland security, energy, and education.”
Sipprelle said unchecked entitlements were a major driver of the problem, and assailed Washington politicians for not having the courage to deal with them.
“For the first time ever, the unfunded projected costs for Social Security and Medicare exceed household net worth in the United States and combine to consume 57% of federal tax receipts,” said Sipprelle. “The system is crying out for thoughtful, bipartisan reform. Yet, how does my opponent respond to this crisis? By falsely claiming I want to privatize the system in a cynical attempt to hold onto power by scaring senior citizens dependent on Social Security for their retirements. That’s not leadership; its cowardice.”
“In short, our present trends are unsustainable,” said Sipprelle. “If we do not address the enormous and growing gap between our federal spending and our federal revenues, we will one day wake up to the realization that the credit of America, once the world’s gold standard, will have become junk.”
The damage, said Sipprelle, would be catastrophic.
“What follows then is a catastrophic adjustment process that would necessitate dramatic cuts in federal programs, outsized tax increases, and a default on many unfunded future liabilities. The retirement security of our seniors would be destroyed and our children would become de-facto wards of a bankrupt state that drains their earnings to pay for past mistakes,” said Sipprelle. “We cannot allow that to happen.”
Monday, August 23, 2010
Anna Little’s Grassroots Strategy Keeps Sixth District Race Close
Repeated Votes on Spending Also Keeping Incumbent’s Numbers Down
Highlands, NJ – In a poll released by the Anna Little for Congress campaign, Anna Little is only six points behind 22-year incumbent Frank Pallone. The poll, conducted by National Research Inc., shows Pallone at 40% and Little closing the gap at 34%. Perhaps most telling is that Pallone has nearly 100% name ID among voters in the district. “The more people learn about Anna Little, the more they like her and can see her as the right alternative to the incumbent. The voters already know about Frank Pallone and becoming increasingly uncomfortable with his out-of-touch voting record. He’s been in Washington too long and has become a bit too cozy with Nancy Pelosi.” commented campaign chair, Leigh-Ann Bellew.
Aside from Pallone’s voting history and strong support of Speaker Pelosi’s agenda, Anna’s campaign is running an unprecedented ground effort that is taking her message directly to the voters. During the past five weeks, Anna Little’s volunteer army has knocked on more than 10,000 doors in the Sixth District. A tireless campaigner, having won her past five elections for Mayor and Freeholder in similar fashion, Anna is comfortable taking her message directly to the voters.
Little said she was heartened and gratified by the results, though she admitted she is not surprised: “The arrogance of Frank Pallone and Nancy Pelosi aside, New Jersey voters have sent and are sending an unmistakable message to Democratic incumbents - stop spending money we don’t have and bankrupting our children. It seems that neither Governor Christie’s election nor the unsustainable path on which the Democrats in Congress have put America matter to entrenched incumbents like Frank Pallone and Nancy Pelosi. As Frank Pallone said at his town hall last year, he just knows better what’s good for us.”
Little’s ground game arrives in Manalapan this Saturday, August 28th, beginning with a meet and greet followed by dozens of volunteers and the candidate spending the day in the neighborhoods. The details will be announced on Wednesday, August 25th. All are welcome and members of the press are encouraged to attend.
Highlands, NJ – In a poll released by the Anna Little for Congress campaign, Anna Little is only six points behind 22-year incumbent Frank Pallone. The poll, conducted by National Research Inc., shows Pallone at 40% and Little closing the gap at 34%. Perhaps most telling is that Pallone has nearly 100% name ID among voters in the district. “The more people learn about Anna Little, the more they like her and can see her as the right alternative to the incumbent. The voters already know about Frank Pallone and becoming increasingly uncomfortable with his out-of-touch voting record. He’s been in Washington too long and has become a bit too cozy with Nancy Pelosi.” commented campaign chair, Leigh-Ann Bellew.
Aside from Pallone’s voting history and strong support of Speaker Pelosi’s agenda, Anna’s campaign is running an unprecedented ground effort that is taking her message directly to the voters. During the past five weeks, Anna Little’s volunteer army has knocked on more than 10,000 doors in the Sixth District. A tireless campaigner, having won her past five elections for Mayor and Freeholder in similar fashion, Anna is comfortable taking her message directly to the voters.
Little said she was heartened and gratified by the results, though she admitted she is not surprised: “The arrogance of Frank Pallone and Nancy Pelosi aside, New Jersey voters have sent and are sending an unmistakable message to Democratic incumbents - stop spending money we don’t have and bankrupting our children. It seems that neither Governor Christie’s election nor the unsustainable path on which the Democrats in Congress have put America matter to entrenched incumbents like Frank Pallone and Nancy Pelosi. As Frank Pallone said at his town hall last year, he just knows better what’s good for us.”
Little’s ground game arrives in Manalapan this Saturday, August 28th, beginning with a meet and greet followed by dozens of volunteers and the candidate spending the day in the neighborhoods. The details will be announced on Wednesday, August 25th. All are welcome and members of the press are encouraged to attend.
America's Wackiest Congressman
By Abram N. Spanel
New Jersey is home to the undisputed wackiest US Representative. One of Rush Holt's (D-NJ, 12th District) fetishes revolves around toilets. Holt is so infatuated with toilets that he insisted on locating his district office across the street from a store that sells toilets and bath supplies. Bath's Etc's floor to ceiling windows allow Holt to ogle toilets on his way to and from his office. Here are some of the programs that he has championed at great taxpayer expense:
While he never tires of telling us about his being a physicist, Rush Holt's priorities more reflect those of a space cadet. The residents of New Jersey would be well served by defeating him in the election of 2010.
New Jersey is home to the undisputed wackiest US Representative. One of Rush Holt's (D-NJ, 12th District) fetishes revolves around toilets. Holt is so infatuated with toilets that he insisted on locating his district office across the street from a store that sells toilets and bath supplies. Bath's Etc's floor to ceiling windows allow Holt to ogle toilets on his way to and from his office. Here are some of the programs that he has championed at great taxpayer expense:
Voted to squander $462,000 to replace toilets National Forest in Missouri.
Voted to waste $11.3 million on bathroom renovation at Somerville Lake, Texas.
Voted to spend taxpayer money to splurge $200,000 for restroom and showers at Black Butte Lake, California.
The Miller-Holt legislation calls for water conservation by incentivizing the purchase of toilet fixtures and low water pressure showers.
He pushed for legislation that would require that restrooms in public buildings be equipped with baby changing facilities.
At an annualized cost of $96 million, he supported a bill to expand the research, prevention, and awareness activities with respect to inflammatory bowel disease.
While he never tires of telling us about his being a physicist, Rush Holt's priorities more reflect those of a space cadet. The residents of New Jersey would be well served by defeating him in the election of 2010.
MONMOUTH DELEGATION LAUDS PASSAGE OF AZZOLINA BILL
Legislation to Rename Bridge on Route 36 as "Captain Joseph Azzolina Memorial Bridge"
Legislation to rename the bridge on Route 36 over the Shrewsbury River in memory of the late Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina passed the Senate today. Sponsors of the legislation, Monmouth County Senators Jennifer Beck, Sean Kean and Joe Kyrillos, praised the passage of this bill which will honor their friend and former colleague.
Azzolina was a veteran of the United States Navy; he served in both the Assembly and the Senate, and was a successful and respected businessman in the local community.
Senator Kyrillos was a friend and long-time legislative colleague of Captain Azzolina, representing the same district for many years.
“Joe loved New Jersey and America and it is only appropriate that we honor his memory and life-time dedication to our State with this legislation,” Kyrillos stated. “Though his work and devotion speak for themselves, designating the bridge in his name will be a constant reminder of all he did to better both Monmouth County and New Jersey.”
Senator Beck served as Assemblyman Azzolina’s chief of staff and worked side by side with him for many years.
“The Captain was my friend and mentor,” said Senator Jennifer Beck, “and I am so pleased that the State of New Jersey is honoring him in this way. He loved New Jersey and always had a special affinity for the Bay Shore area. I know that he would be honored and humbled to have this bridge named for him. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate for approving the renaming of this bridge for my dear friend Joe.”
Senator Kean, who represents the district where the Route 36 Bridge is located, said he is proud to pay tribute to such a renowned and respected member of the Garden State community.
“Dedicating a bridge over the waters of New Jersey to Captain Joseph Azzolina is a fitting tribute to a man who served in the Navy and worked tirelessly as a public servant,” said Senator Sean Kean. “Joe Azzolina devoted his life to serving his community, state and country.”
Legislation to rename the bridge on Route 36 over the Shrewsbury River in memory of the late Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina passed the Senate today. Sponsors of the legislation, Monmouth County Senators Jennifer Beck, Sean Kean and Joe Kyrillos, praised the passage of this bill which will honor their friend and former colleague.
Azzolina was a veteran of the United States Navy; he served in both the Assembly and the Senate, and was a successful and respected businessman in the local community.
Senator Kyrillos was a friend and long-time legislative colleague of Captain Azzolina, representing the same district for many years.
“Joe loved New Jersey and America and it is only appropriate that we honor his memory and life-time dedication to our State with this legislation,” Kyrillos stated. “Though his work and devotion speak for themselves, designating the bridge in his name will be a constant reminder of all he did to better both Monmouth County and New Jersey.”
Senator Beck served as Assemblyman Azzolina’s chief of staff and worked side by side with him for many years.
“The Captain was my friend and mentor,” said Senator Jennifer Beck, “and I am so pleased that the State of New Jersey is honoring him in this way. He loved New Jersey and always had a special affinity for the Bay Shore area. I know that he would be honored and humbled to have this bridge named for him. I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate for approving the renaming of this bridge for my dear friend Joe.”
Senator Kean, who represents the district where the Route 36 Bridge is located, said he is proud to pay tribute to such a renowned and respected member of the Garden State community.
“Dedicating a bridge over the waters of New Jersey to Captain Joseph Azzolina is a fitting tribute to a man who served in the Navy and worked tirelessly as a public servant,” said Senator Sean Kean. “Joe Azzolina devoted his life to serving his community, state and country.”
Sunday, August 22, 2010
I & R Is Needed In New Jersey
By Harold V. Kane, Monroe Township
On Sunday, August 8 the Home News Tribune published a point-counterpoint between Assemblypersons Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) and Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen). The topic was Citizen-Generated Laws, essentially Initiative and Referendum. Mr. O’Scanlon is a proponent and Ms. Weinberg is an opponent. Ms. Weinberg’s position is that the unwashed rabble will make changes to the government that the ruling political class will not like. Ms. Weinberg points to California and all of the problems caused by I&R.
The citizens of California made two monumental changes to their public sector and their elected officials. In 1978 they passed the famous Proposition 13 which limited property taxes to 1% of the most recent sale price. If a citizen was a World War II veteran, who passed through or was stationed in California and returned after the war and bought a house on the GI bill for $10,000, saw his property taxes drop from somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 to $100. If that veteran is still in that house, his property tax is still $100. Did this reduction in property taxes affect California’s public sector? Like you can’t believe!
Suddenly, municipalities and counties had their revenue substantially cut. California was forced to reduce expenditures across the board, jobs were cut, and other taxes were raised. But despite the whining by California’s public sector, the state survived and prospered as millions of dollars were now being spent by the citizens on goods and services or being saved in banks that could lend the money to fuel economic growth.
In the end Proposition 13 began an economic boom that was unparalleled in the history of the state.
In 1990 the citizens again decided to take action as they felt that the state legislature was more interested in their own careers, and special interests, rather than doing what was best for the state. This time Proposition 140 imposed term limits on the state legislature. Members of the California Assembly are limited to three two year terms and the California Senate to two four year terms. It is a lifetime limit. This is what Ms. Weinberg fears most, that the careerism that Democrats love so much, would end.
Ms. Weinberg says that California has made mistakes with I&R. Was it a mistake to abolish bi-lingual education (1998) and move public education to English-immersion?
In 2006 the California legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32) that severely limits economic growth with the goal of preserving the environment. Some areas of the California central valley have unemployment rates approaching 40% due to this law. However, the citizens of California have seen the mistake made by the legislators and have a referendum scheduled for November 2 which suspends the Global Warming Solutions Act until unemployment is below 5.5% for four quarters. Based upon the current state of the economy it could be many years before the Global Warming Solutions Act is re-activated.
The citizens’ right to make public policy is as old as the colonies when town councils would convene with all of the citizens present. Some small, rural towns still do this. If a decision made by a town turned out to be not correct, then the town would reconvene and make appropriate changes. I&R is a town meeting on a macro scale.
Mr. O’Scanlon is correct. I&R is needed in New Jersey. Ms. Weinberg appears to be afraid of democracy. The American experiment in democracy can be a messy business at times. However, no one has developed a better system than we have. I&R will make our New Jersey democracy that much better.
www.hackettandkane2010.org
On Sunday, August 8 the Home News Tribune published a point-counterpoint between Assemblypersons Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) and Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen). The topic was Citizen-Generated Laws, essentially Initiative and Referendum. Mr. O’Scanlon is a proponent and Ms. Weinberg is an opponent. Ms. Weinberg’s position is that the unwashed rabble will make changes to the government that the ruling political class will not like. Ms. Weinberg points to California and all of the problems caused by I&R.
The citizens of California made two monumental changes to their public sector and their elected officials. In 1978 they passed the famous Proposition 13 which limited property taxes to 1% of the most recent sale price. If a citizen was a World War II veteran, who passed through or was stationed in California and returned after the war and bought a house on the GI bill for $10,000, saw his property taxes drop from somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 to $100. If that veteran is still in that house, his property tax is still $100. Did this reduction in property taxes affect California’s public sector? Like you can’t believe!
Suddenly, municipalities and counties had their revenue substantially cut. California was forced to reduce expenditures across the board, jobs were cut, and other taxes were raised. But despite the whining by California’s public sector, the state survived and prospered as millions of dollars were now being spent by the citizens on goods and services or being saved in banks that could lend the money to fuel economic growth.
In the end Proposition 13 began an economic boom that was unparalleled in the history of the state.
In 1990 the citizens again decided to take action as they felt that the state legislature was more interested in their own careers, and special interests, rather than doing what was best for the state. This time Proposition 140 imposed term limits on the state legislature. Members of the California Assembly are limited to three two year terms and the California Senate to two four year terms. It is a lifetime limit. This is what Ms. Weinberg fears most, that the careerism that Democrats love so much, would end.
Ms. Weinberg says that California has made mistakes with I&R. Was it a mistake to abolish bi-lingual education (1998) and move public education to English-immersion?
In 2006 the California legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32) that severely limits economic growth with the goal of preserving the environment. Some areas of the California central valley have unemployment rates approaching 40% due to this law. However, the citizens of California have seen the mistake made by the legislators and have a referendum scheduled for November 2 which suspends the Global Warming Solutions Act until unemployment is below 5.5% for four quarters. Based upon the current state of the economy it could be many years before the Global Warming Solutions Act is re-activated.
The citizens’ right to make public policy is as old as the colonies when town councils would convene with all of the citizens present. Some small, rural towns still do this. If a decision made by a town turned out to be not correct, then the town would reconvene and make appropriate changes. I&R is a town meeting on a macro scale.
Mr. O’Scanlon is correct. I&R is needed in New Jersey. Ms. Weinberg appears to be afraid of democracy. The American experiment in democracy can be a messy business at times. However, no one has developed a better system than we have. I&R will make our New Jersey democracy that much better.
www.hackettandkane2010.org
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Vitale And Coughlin Use Legislative Stationery For Political Purposes
By Art Gallagher
State Senator Joseph Vitale and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, both Democrats from Middlesex County's 19th legislative district, have distributed a "Dear Friends" letter on legislative stationery that is strongly critical of Governor Christie, Republican State Legislators and Congressman Leonard Lance, while praising Congressmen Frank Pallone and Albio Sires.
The 19th legislative district is comprised of parts of 6th, 13th and 7th congressional districts which are represented by Pallone, Sires and Lance respectively.
The letter, a copy of which can be downloaded here, is critical of Christie for vetoing the "Millionaires tax extension" and the GOP legislators for not voting to override Christie's veto. The so called Millionaires tax enacted under Governor Corzine expired in December 2009. Christie's veto was not of an extension, but of a new tax.
Vitale and Coughlin tell their "Dear Friends" that they are not getting there Homestead Property Tax Rebates because Christie vetoed the tax and that he took "$1200 out of the pockets of 500,000 middle class residents."
They conclude their letter by sharing the "good news" that their friends who hit the Medicare "Donut Hole" will receive a $250 check thanks to Pallone's and Sires's votes in favor of ObamaCare. "Congressman Lance, on the other hand voted against mailing seniors and disabled the $250 Medicare 'Donut Hole' checks," they said at the end of the "good news" paragraph.
The State Ethics Commission expressly prohibits the use of Official Stationary to promote a candidate for political office. That line has been crossed in this letter by the comments on Pallone, Sires and Lance, each of whom is currently running for reelection.
Additionally, the Ethics Commission prohibits using Official Stationary to express a personal opinion on a matter not related to one's official duties. While this is more of a grey area, the letter is clearly opinion, as the facts are wrong on the Millionaires tax "extension" and there is no guarantee that had the previous Democratic legislature and Governor Corzine extended the tax, that the revenue from it would have funded rebates.
Vitale and Coughlin should be severely reprimanded for the political nature of this letter and compelled to reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of printing and postage.
State Senator Joseph Vitale and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, both Democrats from Middlesex County's 19th legislative district, have distributed a "Dear Friends" letter on legislative stationery that is strongly critical of Governor Christie, Republican State Legislators and Congressman Leonard Lance, while praising Congressmen Frank Pallone and Albio Sires.
The 19th legislative district is comprised of parts of 6th, 13th and 7th congressional districts which are represented by Pallone, Sires and Lance respectively.
The letter, a copy of which can be downloaded here, is critical of Christie for vetoing the "Millionaires tax extension" and the GOP legislators for not voting to override Christie's veto. The so called Millionaires tax enacted under Governor Corzine expired in December 2009. Christie's veto was not of an extension, but of a new tax.
Vitale and Coughlin tell their "Dear Friends" that they are not getting there Homestead Property Tax Rebates because Christie vetoed the tax and that he took "$1200 out of the pockets of 500,000 middle class residents."
They conclude their letter by sharing the "good news" that their friends who hit the Medicare "Donut Hole" will receive a $250 check thanks to Pallone's and Sires's votes in favor of ObamaCare. "Congressman Lance, on the other hand voted against mailing seniors and disabled the $250 Medicare 'Donut Hole' checks," they said at the end of the "good news" paragraph.
The State Ethics Commission expressly prohibits the use of Official Stationary to promote a candidate for political office. That line has been crossed in this letter by the comments on Pallone, Sires and Lance, each of whom is currently running for reelection.
Additionally, the Ethics Commission prohibits using Official Stationary to express a personal opinion on a matter not related to one's official duties. While this is more of a grey area, the letter is clearly opinion, as the facts are wrong on the Millionaires tax "extension" and there is no guarantee that had the previous Democratic legislature and Governor Corzine extended the tax, that the revenue from it would have funded rebates.
Vitale and Coughlin should be severely reprimanded for the political nature of this letter and compelled to reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of printing and postage.
Pallone Must Have Missed The Conference Call....
....Or Maybe He Just Knows Best
Phoney Palloney complained on facebook and twitter yesterday that "over 95% of House R's signed a petition to repeal new health care benefits that save u money, & ensure you have care."
Frank must have missed the Democratic conference call on Thursday were the new health care message was put forth for the election campaign:
You're supposed to twit this Frank:
"The law isn't perfect but it does good things and helps many people. Now we'll work to improve it."
Ben Smith at Politico reports:
Read the full piece here.
Will Frank heed the message of the high priced pollsters and adjust his message? Or, will he do what he did at his Town Hall meeting in Red Bank last August and insist that he is right on health care reform, despite his constituents strong objections and now despite even his own fellow Democrats conceding that the bill is deeply flawed?
Phoney Palloney complained on facebook and twitter yesterday that "over 95% of House R's signed a petition to repeal new health care benefits that save u money, & ensure you have care."
Frank must have missed the Democratic conference call on Thursday were the new health care message was put forth for the election campaign:
Don't talk about costs. Use transition or bridge language to meet the public where they are and relax their defenses.
You're supposed to twit this Frank:
"The law isn't perfect but it does good things and helps many people. Now we'll work to improve it."
Ben Smith at Politico reports:
Key White House allies are dramatically shifting their attempts to defend health care legislation, abandoning claims that it will reduce costs and deficit and instead stressing a promise to "improve it."
The messaging shift was circulated this afternoon on a conference call and PowerPoint presentation organized by Families USA — one of the central groups in the push for the initial legislation. The call was led by a staffer for the Herndon Alliance, which includes leading labor groups and other health care allies. It was based on polling from three top Democratic pollsters: John Anzalone, Celinda Lake and Stan Greenberg.
The confidential presentation, available in full here and provided to POLITICO by a source on the call, suggests that Democrats are acknowledging the failure of their predictions that the health care legislation would grow more popular after its passage, as its benefits became clear and rhetoric cooled. Instead, the presentation is designed to win over a skeptical public, and to defend the legislation — and in particular the individual mandate — from a push for repeal.
The presentation concedes that groups typically supportive of Democratic causes — people under 40, non-college-educated women and Hispanic voters — have not been won over by the plan. Indeed, it stresses repeatedly that many are unaware that the legislation has passed, an astonishing shortcoming in the White House's all-out communications effort.
Read the full piece here.
Will Frank heed the message of the high priced pollsters and adjust his message? Or, will he do what he did at his Town Hall meeting in Red Bank last August and insist that he is right on health care reform, despite his constituents strong objections and now despite even his own fellow Democrats conceding that the bill is deeply flawed?
Friday, August 20, 2010
Airport Plaza Under Consideration As Set For Reality TV Series
Vic Scudiery bills his Airport Plaza retail and office center in Hazlet as Monmouth County's Best Kept Secret. If things break right for Vic and his tenants on Route 36, his new tag line will be America's Best Known Strip Mall.A television production crew has been dropping in on the retail establishments over the last couple of weeks. This afternoon, MMM went over to see if Snooki and The Situation are coming to Hazlet.
Upon arriving we noticed a camera crew entering Lighthouse Cigars. Then we met Diane, the owner of JAM Apparel and her son AJ who answered a few questions about the production.
Finally we ran into Becky Hayes, the casting director of the production. Becky asked that what not reveal the name of the production company and wouldn't say which cable network was considering the project. She did say that Airport Plaza was one of several strip malls that were under consideration for a documentary TV series that would "profile the passion and individuality of small businesses." Her crew has been visiting the shopping center to produce a "test tape" which will be used in the selection process.
Becky's company has produced an Emmy award winning production for Showtime as well as shows for the History Channel, MTV, VH1 and The Cartoon Network. One strip mall will be selected for this show by early October.
Good luck Airport Plaza!
Republican Candidate for Congress and Highlands Mayor, Anna Little, Issues Statement on the Proposed Mosque at Ground Zero
Highlands, NJ- Sometimes you come across an issue and the important question to ask isn’t whether it is legal or illegal, but whether it is right or wrong.
As Mayor of Highlands and the Republican nominee for Congress in the 6th District, where we suffered the loss of hundreds of our family and friends because of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, my position is that the building of a mosque so close to ground zero where thousands of Americans lost their lives, is entirely inappropriate.
Additionally, there are many questions surrounding the funding of the mosque that should be answered before the ‘legal’ question is settled. With so many fanatical groups across the globe supporting extreme anti-American views which often lead to violence, this question should be among the first answered before any ground is broken.
As Mayor of Highlands and the Republican nominee for Congress in the 6th District, where we suffered the loss of hundreds of our family and friends because of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, my position is that the building of a mosque so close to ground zero where thousands of Americans lost their lives, is entirely inappropriate.
Additionally, there are many questions surrounding the funding of the mosque that should be answered before the ‘legal’ question is settled. With so many fanatical groups across the globe supporting extreme anti-American views which often lead to violence, this question should be among the first answered before any ground is broken.
Anna’s Army to canvass Middlesex Boro this Saturday
It’s full steam ahead in Northern Middlesex County
Highlands, NJ—With the tally after four weeks standing at just shy of 18,000 voters who have been directly contacted by a volunteer for Republican nominee for Congress Anna Little, Anna’s Army will easily break the 20,000 barrier this Saturday, August 21st in Middlesex Boro. The rally point this week is Middlesex High School, located at 300 Kennedy Drive, off of Rt. 28, directly across the street from McDonalds in Middlesex, NJ. Volunteers will gather from 8:30-10:30am before fanning out across Middlesex to deliver the message that voters have a legitimate choice this year other than 22-year Progressive spendthrift incumbent, Frank Pallone.
Members of the Press and the general public are invited to attend and document this historic campaign. Anna Little will be present and will address the rally between 8:30 and 10:30.
Highlands, NJ—With the tally after four weeks standing at just shy of 18,000 voters who have been directly contacted by a volunteer for Republican nominee for Congress Anna Little, Anna’s Army will easily break the 20,000 barrier this Saturday, August 21st in Middlesex Boro. The rally point this week is Middlesex High School, located at 300 Kennedy Drive, off of Rt. 28, directly across the street from McDonalds in Middlesex, NJ. Volunteers will gather from 8:30-10:30am before fanning out across Middlesex to deliver the message that voters have a legitimate choice this year other than 22-year Progressive spendthrift incumbent, Frank Pallone.
Members of the Press and the general public are invited to attend and document this historic campaign. Anna Little will be present and will address the rally between 8:30 and 10:30.
Evil Physicists in Iran and in Washington
By Abram N. Spanel
Russia has committed to load uranium fuel into Iran’s Bushehr reactor. This final step to turning Iran into a nuclear nation is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, August 21.
Most of the world realizes the extreme danger that Iran poses to global security. Iran's Ahmandinijad has repeatedly said that he intends to acquire nuclear weapons for offensive military purposes. Procuring nuclear weapons will enable Iran to achieve its almost daily declared aim of annihilating Israel as well as launching devastating nuclear attacks on Europe.
In early June 2010, 12 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted to impose sanctions on Iran. At the G-8 Summit in Toronto in late June 2010, a unanimous vote was cast which called for the full implementation of Resolution 1929 which authorizes fresh sanctions against Iran to rein in its nuclear program.
While the civilized world is to be commended for imposing such sanctions on Iran, there are a few holdouts such as North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Rush Holt.
Rush Holt's press release regarding the House of Representatives voting to impose sanctions on Iran in late June stated, "The United States does not deny Iran’s lawful right to peacefully explore technologies for nuclear power." This is politician talk for “I support Iran’s bid to go nuclear,” and is akin to praising Josef Mengele for his research on the human anatomy.
Rush Holt cannot constantly boast of his being a physicist and also feign that he is ignorant of the carnage that nuclear weapons can inflict. There is nevertheless a silver-lining in the cloud: If Rush Holt wasn’t busy gorging on lobbyist money to fund his re-election bid, he would already be over in Iran, volunteering his talents as a physicist to put the final touches on Iran’s nuclear weapons programs.
Russia has committed to load uranium fuel into Iran’s Bushehr reactor. This final step to turning Iran into a nuclear nation is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, August 21.
Most of the world realizes the extreme danger that Iran poses to global security. Iran's Ahmandinijad has repeatedly said that he intends to acquire nuclear weapons for offensive military purposes. Procuring nuclear weapons will enable Iran to achieve its almost daily declared aim of annihilating Israel as well as launching devastating nuclear attacks on Europe.
In early June 2010, 12 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted to impose sanctions on Iran. At the G-8 Summit in Toronto in late June 2010, a unanimous vote was cast which called for the full implementation of Resolution 1929 which authorizes fresh sanctions against Iran to rein in its nuclear program.
While the civilized world is to be commended for imposing such sanctions on Iran, there are a few holdouts such as North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Rush Holt.
Rush Holt's press release regarding the House of Representatives voting to impose sanctions on Iran in late June stated, "The United States does not deny Iran’s lawful right to peacefully explore technologies for nuclear power." This is politician talk for “I support Iran’s bid to go nuclear,” and is akin to praising Josef Mengele for his research on the human anatomy.
Rush Holt cannot constantly boast of his being a physicist and also feign that he is ignorant of the carnage that nuclear weapons can inflict. There is nevertheless a silver-lining in the cloud: If Rush Holt wasn’t busy gorging on lobbyist money to fund his re-election bid, he would already be over in Iran, volunteering his talents as a physicist to put the final touches on Iran’s nuclear weapons programs.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
MMM Welcomes Abram N. Spanel
MMM welcomes yet another blogger writing about Rush Holt under a non de plume.
The real Abarm Nathaniel Spanel, 1901-1985, was a U.S. industrialist, inventor and philanthropist. Spanel was the founder of one of the biggest corset and brassiere companies in the U.S. and an inventor who held more than 2,000 patents. He was probably best known, however, for the editorials he wrote as paid advertisements in scores of newspapers all over the country for more than 40 years. In them, he offered his opinions on world affairs, with particular emphasis on matters affecting the State of Israel, whose cause he championed.
Spanel owned Drumthwacket from 1941 through 1966 when he sold it to the State of New Jersey with the intent that it be used as the official residence of the Governor.
Our Spanel is a Mercer County business person who intends to be as prolific as the real Spanel was. "Abram's" first post will appear tomorrow morning.
The real Abarm Nathaniel Spanel, 1901-1985, was a U.S. industrialist, inventor and philanthropist. Spanel was the founder of one of the biggest corset and brassiere companies in the U.S. and an inventor who held more than 2,000 patents. He was probably best known, however, for the editorials he wrote as paid advertisements in scores of newspapers all over the country for more than 40 years. In them, he offered his opinions on world affairs, with particular emphasis on matters affecting the State of Israel, whose cause he championed.
Spanel owned Drumthwacket from 1941 through 1966 when he sold it to the State of New Jersey with the intent that it be used as the official residence of the Governor.
Our Spanel is a Mercer County business person who intends to be as prolific as the real Spanel was. "Abram's" first post will appear tomorrow morning.
Chris Smith: It would be "deeply religious" to build the mosque elsewhere
From The Hill.com
Smith's remarks are the most reasoned and thoughtful I have seen to date.
A Republican who is an outspoken proponent of religious freedom said the controversial Islamic center in New York City should be built “an appropriate distance away” from Ground Zero.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J) told the Hill Wednesday it would be “wise, prudent and deeply religious” of the center to reconsider its plans. He said the Sept. 11 hijackers “perverted Islam” by claiming to carry out the attacks in the name of Allah, but said the feelings of victims’ families cannot be ignored.
“It’s a juxtaposition that reignites and reopens wounds for the survivors of those who died,” Smith said.
“While [the Islamic center developers] can do it — it’s legal — they shouldn’t do it,” he added.
Smith cited his interactions with victims’ families to explain his opposition to the Islamic center’s location. One of his staffers lost her husband in the Sept. 11 attacks, and he developed close relationships with several widows who camped out in his office several years ago to lobby for the 9/11 Commission.
Smith's remarks are the most reasoned and thoughtful I have seen to date.
Heard On The River Too
A source close to former Governor Corzine thinks it is "highly unlikely" that Corzine will be moving into the Dawkins estate in Rumson.
There's that, and the fact that he couldn't stomach Scott Sipprelle being his congressman.
Corzine is getting married to a woman who lives in the 60’s in Manhattan who is a fixture on the Hamptons scene.
I couldn't imagine her slumming it in NJ. Corzine himself doesn’t like to slum it in NJ.
There's that, and the fact that he couldn't stomach Scott Sipprelle being his congressman.
Quinnipiac: NJ Approves of Christie, Divided On Obama
By Art Gallagher
A Quinnipiac poll released this morning indicates that a majority of New Jersey voters approve of the job that Governor Chris Christie is doing. The same poll indicated that for the first time since his inauguration, President Barack Obama does not enjoy majority approval in New Jersey.
Christie's job approval rating is positive 51%-36%. Obama's is 49%-49%.
Count me among those who strongly approve of Christie's performance, despite Paul Mulshine's attempt to put my support of the Governor in the past tense.
I'm very disappointed with Christie stance on the Ground Zero mosque. I strongly approve of Howard Dean's position and Senator Harry Reid's position on the mosque. That doesn't mean I don't support Christie or that Dean and Reid have suddenly become conservative.
I am pleased to see politicians from "both teams" coming out against the location of the Cordoba House mosque. It increases the likelihood that it won't be built in Lower Manhattan.
For those who do not want the mosque to be an issue in this fall's congressional elections there is an easy solution. Arrange for the "moderate" Muslim developer to take NY Governor Patterson up on his land swap proposal before Labor Day.
Back to the poll. Christie's numbers and Obama's numbers are an indication that there is a real potential for New Jersey's House of Representatives delegation to be a GOP majority delegation in the next congress for the first time since the 88th Congress which was elected in 1962. The GOP need three seats.
Runyan, Sipprelle and Little can win. Christie can make it happen.
A Quinnipiac poll released this morning indicates that a majority of New Jersey voters approve of the job that Governor Chris Christie is doing. The same poll indicated that for the first time since his inauguration, President Barack Obama does not enjoy majority approval in New Jersey.
Christie's job approval rating is positive 51%-36%. Obama's is 49%-49%.
Count me among those who strongly approve of Christie's performance, despite Paul Mulshine's attempt to put my support of the Governor in the past tense.
I'm very disappointed with Christie stance on the Ground Zero mosque. I strongly approve of Howard Dean's position and Senator Harry Reid's position on the mosque. That doesn't mean I don't support Christie or that Dean and Reid have suddenly become conservative.
I am pleased to see politicians from "both teams" coming out against the location of the Cordoba House mosque. It increases the likelihood that it won't be built in Lower Manhattan.
For those who do not want the mosque to be an issue in this fall's congressional elections there is an easy solution. Arrange for the "moderate" Muslim developer to take NY Governor Patterson up on his land swap proposal before Labor Day.
Back to the poll. Christie's numbers and Obama's numbers are an indication that there is a real potential for New Jersey's House of Representatives delegation to be a GOP majority delegation in the next congress for the first time since the 88th Congress which was elected in 1962. The GOP need three seats.
Runyan, Sipprelle and Little can win. Christie can make it happen.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Rush Holt Is No Friend Of Israel
By Fred Lehlbach
By now, most have heard about Rush Holt's "J Street problem", which has been written about by others, and reproduced on More Monmouth Musings. But even more disturbing than his support of the "self-loathing" J Street crew is the cumulative effect of Junior's statements, votes and positions in opposition to Israel.
After review, it is mind-boggling that any Jew would support Junior. In the 12th District, the wholesale loss of Jewish support could indeed sink Junior in his attempt at re-election.
The question of support for Israel will become extraordinarily relevant within days, when the question of whether Israel will receive U.S. support in its act of self-defense in bombing Iran's nuclear reactor will be a national topic of discussion. Previous administrations have supported Israel's right to pre-emptive self-defense, as well they should.
The current administration: Not Likely.
Junior: Not Bloody Likely.
On January 9 and 12, 2009, Junior gave some remarkable comments on the subject of Israeli self-defense. On January 9, 2009, under the guise of "Supporting the State of Israel" he had entered into the Congressional Record:
"...extremism incubates in societies afflicted with poverty, hopelessness, and humiliation...we must lift up all of those trapped in these conditions. It is...necessary that we continue to assist moderate Palestinians and strengthen governments that are committed to securing a lasting peace with Israel...we need to get the Israelis to make the daily welfare of ordinary Palestinians one of the principal criteria for any negotiations"
Putting aside for a moment that Junior has boiled down the mid-east conflict to social welfare and class warfare, Junior has telegraphed his true feelings: it's Israel's fault!
These words were spoken shortly after Israel defended itself after suffering for over a year as 3000 rockets were fired upon it from Gaza.
Three days later, speaking in East Brunswick, Junior "warned" an audience of 600 Jews, including Israeli Deputy Counsel Benjamin Krasna, that Israel's self-defense would only weaken its international position. He used the phrase "cycles of violence" over and over to argue that Israel had to be the one to lay down arms in order for peace to break out.
Does anyone doubt the absolute veracity of the old saying: If the Arabs laid down their weapons today there would be peace in the Middle East, and if Israel laid down her weapons--Israel would cease to exist? Junior apparently does.
As a result of Israel defending herself against the rocket attacks originating in Gaza, the United Nations came out with a terribly biased report blaming Israel for the conflict in Gaza. The "Goldstone" report was used to castigate Israel internationally, despite its writer being an outspoken critic of Israel and its distortion or ignoring of the facts. When the House of Representatives voted to condemn the Goldstone Report, Junior, who rarely misses an opportunity to vote, missed a vote. What was more important than standing up for Israel? Being with Jon Corzine on Election night, 2009.
In January of this year, Junior was one of 54 extremists, er...Congressmen, to sign a letter of support for Hamas. Even the mainstream media referred to him as “One of Hamas’ 54 Congressmen”.
Last year, after traveling to Gaza with Representative Keith Ellison, America's first Muslim Congressman, Junior called for the easing of restrictions on border access. Yes, Junior, you are known by the company you keep.
Junior was the ONLY member of New Jersey's Congressional delegation to not co-sponsor a Bill calling for tougher sanctions on Iran for its ongoing nuclear program.
Junior's actions can not be coincidental. Managing to show a complete lack of understanding of the Middle East and Israel's security needs while at the same time managing to actively work against Israel's standing in the international community can not be a coincidence.
Worse, he pays lip service to his Jewish constituents, convincing many of them that he is on their side.
The gig is up, Junior. You are no friend of Israel.
Phoney Palloney Shows Up in Edison for publicity stunt
A first-hand account by Michael Iurilli
There was a women’s health fair today at Middlesex County College from 9am-12pm. An email had gone out telling the TEA-parties that the event was happening, that Frank would be there, and asking for people to go and try to talk to Frank on healthcare related questions, because he’s hiding from his constituents. I arrived at 9:00, with my mother, and sister, and found about 75 people there. Without disturbing anyone, the three of us quietly took seats at a table to wait to see when (of IF) Frank would arrive. Looking around, I saw there were about a dozen groups, including the congressional glaucoma caucus providing eye exams and glaucoma screenings, the cancer institute of NJ, the HealthCare institute of NJ, the Family Support Center, the AHA, the American Diabetes assoc., St. Peters Hospital (a ‘pro-life’ Catholic hospital), Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, the Lupus Foundation, and others, some of which were providing glucose tests, blood pressure tests, information on osteoporosis and its prevention, and stroke awareness and prevention. Frank even had a table for his Congressional office, run by staff. I picked up a booklet titled ‘End of Life – Helping With Comfort and Care’. I was disturbed by the order of the title – comfort before care. It reminded me of Obama’s comments about just giving granny pain meds, instead of care. A quick scan of the table of contents confirms the order of importance to the author: Providing comfort comes before finding care.
The event was advertised as a HealthCare Institute of NJ event, with Frank as a "featured guest". They must not have gotten the memo that it was really a Frank campaign event, because at about 9:15 we were approached by an event administrator and the Chief of Police, and asked why we were here. They must have seen the sign that my mother carried, which said "Hey Frank, I have special needs too!" We were informed that the congressman's office had reserved the location through proper channels, and that if we were there to protest, we would have to do so outside. We responded that we were there to ask the congressman a question, and inquired as to when he was scheduled to arrive. We were told he should be arriving at approximately 9:45. After telling us again that protesting must be done outside, they wandered off, but stayed within line of sight to make sure we didn’t cause trouble (like a visually impaired 50 year old woman, her 26 year old son and 19 year old daughter would cause trouble).
At 9:30, I wandered past the tables, and asked one of the ladies manning Frank’s congressional table when he was scheduled to arrive. She said that she didn’t know, and that she didn’t know his schedule. He arrived at about 10:00, and he talked with some of the patrons at their tables. I guided my mom over to him so she could ask her question, while I set up my phone to try and record the exchange. (Unfortunately, the memory card in my phone got jostled – causing it to not read properly, and not record). While we were waiting for him to finish talking with 2 ladies at a table who were fawning over him “I watch you on CSPANN and CNN”, and “you look so good on TV”, and “we’re all supporting you”, my mom overheard some of the conversations at a nearby table. One lady visiting the table that provided blood pressure and glucose tests was saying “I don’t really need to be checked, I saw my doctor last week, and I’m taking my meds”. -- Well, if that’s the case, why are you here wasting the nurses’ time, and using the equipment for unneeded medical care? Let someone else who hasn’t been to see their doctor and needs the tests done see the nurse and get tested. --
When it was our turn, my mom asked him “why should I trust you, when you won’t take the health insurance you’re trying to force on me”? His response was “that’s not true, I will be using the same insurance”. She obviously didn’t believe him, as she has read about what’s going on with the health care bill and its implications. She told him that she was from Canada, and knew first-hand how bad the healthcare system was there, and asked why we would want a system like Canada’s or Europe’s. He responded that the bill wasn’t a government takeover, or a single payer system, and that it didn’t even include the public option “which [he] would have liked to see”. He said that we need to force “more competition among companies, while providing a base coverage for everyone”, because some people don’t have all types of coverage. She responded to that by saying that she wanted to choose whether to carry coverage for a certain type of procedure or not.
He told us that we “shouldn’t listen to the insurance companies, because they’re only trying to make a buck”, and that “the insurance companies will lie to you”, to which she replied “and I’m sure you would too”. She also mentioned that she was disturbed by the bill because it would cover abortions, which he said was untrue, because the law prevented money from being spent in that manner. She asked him how he knew that, and if he had read the bill, and he said “of course I read the bill, I wrote it”.
I then asked my question about why I should be forced to pay for health care? His response to that was the only totally true thing he said in our conversation. He said “without the young and healthy, and the wealthy paying into the system, it is unsustainable”. Well DUH! I then asked “why should I be forced to spend my money on healthcare – which I (up to now) could CHOOSE not to carry, especially if I want to save for a down-payment on a house, or save to buy an engagement/wedding ring. The bill even allows you to go to the IRS and withholding my tax return to pay for it”, and he repeated his previous response about the “healthy and wealthy needing to pay, to balance the expenses for all, otherwise the costs would continue to rise for everyone, which is what’s happening now.”
At this point, his aide came up to him and said he needed to move on. I guess they didn’t want to hear from those that disagree with him, and don’t think that he knows what’s best for us. Instead, they want to hear from those who will suck up to him, and fawn over him. So, reviewing what we learned about the event, He paid for the space. He brought a photographer (with a compact body/model camera). He had a table. And he had people there to fawn over him. Overall, I think it shows he’s all for shills who’ll make him look/feel good, not the voters who actually have a real opinion.
There was a women’s health fair today at Middlesex County College from 9am-12pm. An email had gone out telling the TEA-parties that the event was happening, that Frank would be there, and asking for people to go and try to talk to Frank on healthcare related questions, because he’s hiding from his constituents. I arrived at 9:00, with my mother, and sister, and found about 75 people there. Without disturbing anyone, the three of us quietly took seats at a table to wait to see when (of IF) Frank would arrive. Looking around, I saw there were about a dozen groups, including the congressional glaucoma caucus providing eye exams and glaucoma screenings, the cancer institute of NJ, the HealthCare institute of NJ, the Family Support Center, the AHA, the American Diabetes assoc., St. Peters Hospital (a ‘pro-life’ Catholic hospital), Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, the Lupus Foundation, and others, some of which were providing glucose tests, blood pressure tests, information on osteoporosis and its prevention, and stroke awareness and prevention. Frank even had a table for his Congressional office, run by staff. I picked up a booklet titled ‘End of Life – Helping With Comfort and Care’. I was disturbed by the order of the title – comfort before care. It reminded me of Obama’s comments about just giving granny pain meds, instead of care. A quick scan of the table of contents confirms the order of importance to the author: Providing comfort comes before finding care.
The event was advertised as a HealthCare Institute of NJ event, with Frank as a "featured guest". They must not have gotten the memo that it was really a Frank campaign event, because at about 9:15 we were approached by an event administrator and the Chief of Police, and asked why we were here. They must have seen the sign that my mother carried, which said "Hey Frank, I have special needs too!" We were informed that the congressman's office had reserved the location through proper channels, and that if we were there to protest, we would have to do so outside. We responded that we were there to ask the congressman a question, and inquired as to when he was scheduled to arrive. We were told he should be arriving at approximately 9:45. After telling us again that protesting must be done outside, they wandered off, but stayed within line of sight to make sure we didn’t cause trouble (like a visually impaired 50 year old woman, her 26 year old son and 19 year old daughter would cause trouble).
At 9:30, I wandered past the tables, and asked one of the ladies manning Frank’s congressional table when he was scheduled to arrive. She said that she didn’t know, and that she didn’t know his schedule. He arrived at about 10:00, and he talked with some of the patrons at their tables. I guided my mom over to him so she could ask her question, while I set up my phone to try and record the exchange. (Unfortunately, the memory card in my phone got jostled – causing it to not read properly, and not record). While we were waiting for him to finish talking with 2 ladies at a table who were fawning over him “I watch you on CSPANN and CNN”, and “you look so good on TV”, and “we’re all supporting you”, my mom overheard some of the conversations at a nearby table. One lady visiting the table that provided blood pressure and glucose tests was saying “I don’t really need to be checked, I saw my doctor last week, and I’m taking my meds”. -- Well, if that’s the case, why are you here wasting the nurses’ time, and using the equipment for unneeded medical care? Let someone else who hasn’t been to see their doctor and needs the tests done see the nurse and get tested. --
When it was our turn, my mom asked him “why should I trust you, when you won’t take the health insurance you’re trying to force on me”? His response was “that’s not true, I will be using the same insurance”. She obviously didn’t believe him, as she has read about what’s going on with the health care bill and its implications. She told him that she was from Canada, and knew first-hand how bad the healthcare system was there, and asked why we would want a system like Canada’s or Europe’s. He responded that the bill wasn’t a government takeover, or a single payer system, and that it didn’t even include the public option “which [he] would have liked to see”. He said that we need to force “more competition among companies, while providing a base coverage for everyone”, because some people don’t have all types of coverage. She responded to that by saying that she wanted to choose whether to carry coverage for a certain type of procedure or not.
He told us that we “shouldn’t listen to the insurance companies, because they’re only trying to make a buck”, and that “the insurance companies will lie to you”, to which she replied “and I’m sure you would too”. She also mentioned that she was disturbed by the bill because it would cover abortions, which he said was untrue, because the law prevented money from being spent in that manner. She asked him how he knew that, and if he had read the bill, and he said “of course I read the bill, I wrote it”.
I then asked my question about why I should be forced to pay for health care? His response to that was the only totally true thing he said in our conversation. He said “without the young and healthy, and the wealthy paying into the system, it is unsustainable”. Well DUH! I then asked “why should I be forced to spend my money on healthcare – which I (up to now) could CHOOSE not to carry, especially if I want to save for a down-payment on a house, or save to buy an engagement/wedding ring. The bill even allows you to go to the IRS and withholding my tax return to pay for it”, and he repeated his previous response about the “healthy and wealthy needing to pay, to balance the expenses for all, otherwise the costs would continue to rise for everyone, which is what’s happening now.”
At this point, his aide came up to him and said he needed to move on. I guess they didn’t want to hear from those that disagree with him, and don’t think that he knows what’s best for us. Instead, they want to hear from those who will suck up to him, and fawn over him. So, reviewing what we learned about the event, He paid for the space. He brought a photographer (with a compact body/model camera). He had a table. And he had people there to fawn over him. Overall, I think it shows he’s all for shills who’ll make him look/feel good, not the voters who actually have a real opinion.
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