Below is Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing:
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Hypotheticals in polling have to be taken with a grain of salt. However, these results suggest that the Stay NJ program will have at least some success meeting its goal of retaining a good number of senior homeowners who would otherwise leave the state. It’s worth noting that it will also have an impact on homeowners at the lower end of the income scale who don’t plan to leave because it is simply not an option for them.” – Monmouth Polling Director Patrick Murray
TOP STORY: Life Without Menendez: Brian Blows His Stack, Sacco, and Other Hudson Heartbreaks
A Monmouth University poll finds property taxes and economic issues are the biggest concerns for New Jersey residents.
Insiders assess the implications of the potential ruling against the county party line on the ballot, as Judge Quraishi appears ready to make a decision next week.
The state is creating a database for sexual assault victims to track their cases, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Three North Jersey school districts restored transgender shields, according to the Bergen Record.
Senator Menendez says he’ll make an announcement regarding re-election by the end of the week, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
ICYMI: Insiders scramble to assess potential line ruling, as behind-the-scenes questions abound, legislative leaders pledged to begin a ‘public process on ballot design’; establishment chokes down potential ‘line’ ruling; Fontoura won’t seek re-election; Menendez considering independent Senate run; Murphy’s approval 50%
First Lady Tammy Murphy was endorsed by the National Women’s Political Caucus.
Rep. Kim was endorsed by MoveOn for Senate.
While she may not be winning conventions, Democratic primary candidate Patricia Campos Medina produced one of the most defining images thus far in the primary season.
In Hudson County, a source says its the ‘worst I’ve ever seen it‘ as Senator Stack and North Bergen Mayor/former Senator Sacco unleash with renewed vigor on each other.
Newark Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate Ras Baraka says that ballot reform is ‘long overdue’ and that the current system is ‘just a hodgepodge, a mess’.
In CD5, Rep. Gottheimer slammed GOP candidate Mary Guinchard as a ‘far right extremist’.
The Speziale campaign slammed Passaic County Democratic Sheriff candidate Adamo over his previous Republican affiliation. Adamo was endorsed by Woodland Park’s mayor and council.
GOP Senate primary candidate Bashaw won the Essex GOP line, while candidate Serrano Glassner won the Bergen GOP line, according to SaveJersey.
ICYMI: Insiders absorbed public political contributions of Platkin, Fulop; BurlCo GOP endorsed candidates; in CD7, Kean v. Altman showcases a stark contrast in style; Devine indicted; Fulop rescinded Murphy endorsement; Campos-Medina blistered Camden Dems; in CD9, Pascrell fundraised amid building party drama; Insider NJ’s Who’s Up And Who’s Down; HCDO awarded line to Murphy, Camden Dems endorsed Murphy, Kim secured backing of AC Dems, Morris Dems endorsed Kim; MCDO announced candidates; Poll: Who will win the Dem Senate primary; Murphy secured the backing of MCDO; Murphy unleashed on Kim over TikTok; allies joined line lawsuit; Kim won Mercer Dems backing, won Ocean Dems backing, Murphy’s convention victory in Bergen, convention win in Somerset; Speziale blasted Adamo; Passaic Dems selected Adamo for sheriff, against off-the-line candidate Speziale; Fulop sees a ‘clear lane’; Murphy plans to ‘be everywhere’; Passaic GOP announced candidates
In Bedminster, an anti-crime ordinance was adopted, according to NJ Hills.
In Brooklawn, Brooklawn Circle floods have locals wondering if new remediation efforts will hold water, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In Flemington, the council is looking to enact a 2.5% tax increase, according to TAPinto.
In Hawthorne, officials bemoaned a loss of education aid from the state, according to TAPinto.
In Hoboken, former Mayor Zimmer took aim at the BA, according to Hudson County View. Mayor Bhalla delivered his State of the City address, according to Hudson County View. Councilwoman Fisher accused Councilwoman Jabbour of prioritizing ‘political wins’ over flood protection.
In Holmdel, the mayor emphasized the careful use of PILOT revenues, according to TAPinto.
In Lincoln Park, schools are facing layoffs, according to the Daily Record.
In Newark, Mayor Baraka feels the city has been the perfect training ground to solve statewide issues, according to NJ Monitor.
In North Haledon, critics panned a proposal for apartments, storage, and a Starbucks, according to NorthJersey.com.
In Nutley, commissioners responded to schools’ financial and accounting issues, according to TAPinto.
In Jersey City, the BOE passed a preliminary $1B budget, according to Hudson County View.
In Palisades Park, the fired administrator was replaced with an interim hire, according to the Bergen Record.
In Paterson, the council is reconsidering televising workshop meetings, according to TAPinto.
In Spotswood, court papers say the mayor, who is suing the council, is ‘overly suspicious’, according to MyCentralJersey.
In Summit, the council president says she values affordable housing, according to TAPinto.
In Toms River, a school merger with Seaside Heights may not be worth it, according to the Asbury Park Press.
In Ventnor, the budget was introduced with a tax increase, according to Downbeach.
ICYMI: In Hoboken, Dems endorsed Kim and Bhalla, Chair Hodes resigned; in Trenton, officials hoping for Starbucks change of heart
AROUND THE WEB:
Cowering in the face of anti-Muslim bigotry: Shame on Democrats | Editorial
Star-Ledger Editorial Board
- America is about to face an existential crisis, starting with an election that could return Donald Trump to power – a man who stoked a violent mob that sought to overturn our democracy. We’ll need leaders of integrity and moral courage, who can stand up to extremist nonsense.
Kim, Murphy add to Democratic endorsement totals
Joseph P. Smith, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
- U.S. Rep. Andy Kim has picked up his eighth and ninth county party primary election endorsements in his campaign to replace fellow Democrat Robert Menendez in the U.S. Senate. His rival Tammy Murphy picked up one endorsement in weekend voting by county organizations.
Op-Ed: Three reasons why NJ should cut the ‘county line’ from ballots
Tyler Simko, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, NJ Spotlight
- New Jersey’s primary election is not until June, but state elections are already in the national spotlight because of their ballot design. Over the weekend, Attorney General Matt Platkin said he will not defend New Jersey’s “county line” system, challenged by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-3rd) in an ongoing lawsuit. This system allows county political parties to place their preferred candidates in privileged positions on the ballot.
Flying in or out of Newark? Your air traffic controllers will soon be in Philadelphia
David Shepardso, Reuters
- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday it will relocate control of the Newark, New Jersey, airspace area to Philadelphia to address staffing issues and congested traffic in the New York City area. The announcement comes ahead of what could be a record summer travel season. Airlines this week forecast record travel this spring.
Ex-Wall cop who stole repeatedly from those closest to him gets 5 years in prison
Kathleen Hopkins, Asbury Park Press
- James Cadigan told a judge Wednesday that, although he’s made mistakes, he took great pride in being a police officer and he loved coaching a local youth football team. But Superior Court Judge Christie L. Bevacqua said Cadigan, a member of the Wall Township police force for almost 20 years, used his positions as a police officer, football coach and president of the Wall Township Policemen’ Benevolent Association to enrich himself, to the tune of almost $120,000.
This gubernatorial candidate is the early frontrunner for 2025 | Opinion
Alan J. Steinberg
- While the current focus of New Jersey political pundits is on the 2024 Democratic US Senate primary, the first stirrings of the 2025 gubernatorial race are also underway, with prospective candidates intensively seeking fundraising sources and building political partnerships.
So what happens if New Jersey’s primary lines go away?
Matt Rooney, Save Jersey
- Are county lines constitutional? Do they confer an unfair advantage on party bosses? Or do they respect a political party’s freedom of association? These questions are dominating the federal litigation which will (shortly) determine the fate of New Jersey’s primary county line system, Save Jerseyans, which – along with a ban on self-serve gas and referring to the beach as “the Shore” – stand among the Garden State’s unique and peculiar institutions.
Another budget, another funding plea for University Hospital, Newark
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
- Last year, University Hospital president Edward Jimenez focused on the numbers when testifying before New Jersey lawmakers tasked with crafting the annual state budget. This year, Jimenez opted to paint a picture in very human terms of the needs at the Newark facility, the state’s only public hospital and the primary teaching site for multiple Rutgers University health programs.
Gottheimer: Women underrepresented in rare-disease research
Melissa Rose Cooper, NJ Spotlight
- U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5th) joined local health care leaders in Livingston on Tuesday to announce new legislation he said is crucial to the fight against rare diseases. The bill, called the Securing Equal Access to Research, Care and Health, or SEARCH Act, would fund new efforts to enroll women in the clinical trials that are key to improving understanding and treatment of rare diseases.
Biden’s budget wish list for New Jersey
Benjamin J. Hulac, NJ Spotlight
- The Biden administration urged Congress to provide $700 million for a tunnel project beneath the Hudson River, $5 million for upkeep on the Statute of Liberty site and about $140 million for Energy Department projects across New Jersey, including nuclear fusion research at a Princeton lab. The White House made these requests last week to Congress, which ultimately writes and passes federal budgets, as portions of its sweeping $7.3 trillion budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins in October.
Judge approves Camden Diocese plan to pay $87.5 million to clergy sex-abuse victims
Robert Moran, Philadelphia Inquirer
- A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved a settlement agreement clearing the way for the Diocese of Camden to pay $87.5 million to about 300 survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
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Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 21, 2024 is packed with the latest news and updates on politics, business, and current events in New Jersey. This daily briefing is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed and up-to-date on what’s happening in the Garden State.
One of the top stories in today’s briefing is the latest developments in the upcoming gubernatorial race in New Jersey. With the election just a few months away, candidates are ramping up their campaigns and making their case to voters. Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing provides a comprehensive overview of the candidates, their platforms, and the latest polling data to give readers a clear picture of the state of the race.
In addition to political news, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing also covers business news and economic updates in New Jersey. From new business openings to economic indicators, readers can get a sense of the state’s economic health and where opportunities may lie for growth and development.
The briefing also includes updates on important legislation and policy decisions being made in New Jersey. From healthcare to education to transportation, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing keeps readers informed on the latest developments that may impact their daily lives.
Overall, Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing for March 21, 2024 is a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest news and updates in New Jersey. Whether you’re a political junkie, a business owner, or just a concerned citizen, this daily briefing has something for everyone. Be sure to check it out and stay ahead of the curve on all things New Jersey.
