WHO’S UP
Andy Kim
The upstart Democratic Primary candidate seeking to supplant disgraced U.S. Senator Bob Menendez tore through the early county convention process, grinding up his chief rival, First Lady Tammy Murphy, in the process. He appears strong going into Bergen County Monday night, where the Murphy Campaign desperately needs to stop the bleeding.
Herb Conaway
The veteran Assemblyman from BurlCo this past Saturday won the coveted backing of the Burlington County Democratic Committee over his rival, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy. The pair are vying for their party’s nomination to represent CD-3, the home district of U.S. Rep. Kim (see above).
Robert Singer
His peers this week selected the veteran GOP senator from Ocean County to serve on the Legislative Services Commission, “to help improve and modernize the methods, practices, and procedures of the New Jersey Legislature.” Said Singer: “It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to serve on this very unique commission. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make our government more efficient and fiscally responsible so that it can more effectively serve and represent the people of New Jersey.”
Nellie Pou
Her colleagues reelected the veteran Democratic senator from Passaic County to serve as Chair of the
New Jersey Legislative Latino Caucus. Senator Pou’s leadership team includes Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, who will serve as Vice Chair; Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, who will serve as Treasurer; and Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill, who will serve as Secretary.
Sergeant William Major of Bradley Beach
In a viral video out of Bradley Beach, the local cop bucks his apparently drunken and interfering police chief to stay professionally focused on his duties related to a DUI traffic stop.
HOTSPOTS:
Bergen County: The Tammy Murphy versus Andy Kim battle Monday evening will fall upon the shoulders of Chairman Paul Juliano, tasked with engineering a win for Murphy.
Passaic County: The untimely death in January of Sheriff Richard Berdnik created an opening for law enforcement guys stepping up to replace him, among them former Sheriff Jerry Speziale, who kicks off his campaign this morning. Passaic County Democratic Committee Chairman John Currie and Speziale don’t like each other, and Currie wasted no time critiquing his former sheriff as Passaic amps up for probably the most animated cycle since 2021, when Democrats protected incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell from a Republican Redistricting Map.
WHO’S DOWN
Leonard Guida
The Bradley Beach Police chief made a fool out of himself in that above-referenced video out of the bucolic beach community. On administrative leave following the verbal and physical confrontation with one of his own cops during a drunk driving investigation, will mercifully retire this week from his $202,500 job.
Larry Fox
The Mayor of Bradley Beach faces intensified scrutiny after allowing Guida to “retire without facing disciplinary actions following his involvement in a [Nov. 9th, 2023] physical altercation with Sergeant William Major.”
The Tammy Murphy Campaign
It’s dreadful. They need a win. Fast. A loss in Bergen or a limping-to-the-finish-line win – will capsize the campaign. It doesn’t look good. Let’s face it. A supposedly tough-talking anti-gun ad this week released by Murphy became gleeful target practice for the Kim Campaign.
Bill Hayden
The Sussex County Republican Committee wants the Sussex County GOP Chairman to resign. Their statement this week: “After confirming various accounts from individuals who have known him for years, family relations through marriage, and our own direct experiences where he informed Sussex County Republican leaders, numerous volunteers, and elected officials, and claimed in public meetings to have combat experience, we found freedom of information act requests showing he was never a Navy SEAL or served in the Naval Service. We conclude that he has disrespected all veterans and misrepresented himself to our party and the public.”
Jose Fermin and Jose Juan Guererro-Cruz
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin this week announced a state grand jury has voted to indict a Paterson housing and zoning inspector as well as an accomplice, charging them for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to accept money in exchange for illegitimate building permits bearing forged signatures, purported to be issued by the City of Paterson. The grand jury returned a seven-count indictment on February 20, 2024, against Fermin, 50, of Prospect Park, and Guererro-Cruz, 44, of Cape Coral, Florida.
The New Jersey Taxpayers (of the FUTURE)
Governor Phil Murphy unveiled his budget proposal earlier this week, which would increase annual
spending to a record-high $56 billion, or three-percent more than last year’s $54.3 billion budget. He carves it up so that businesses making over $10 million a year will bear the brunt. The Governor’s 2.5 percent Corporate Business Tax aims to pay for a budget gap at NJ Transit, while his overall plan wisely makes investments in public education. But Speaker Craig Coughlin’s StayNJ Plan to help taxpaying seniors will still need additional funding beyond the projected surplus in Murphy’s budget. The grotesquely massive document represents over $20 billion more than what Governor Chris Christie left the state on his way out the door, and the long-term prognosis for overworked, underpaid, and underhoused taxpayers in this corruption-saturated state looks grim, to say the least.
(Visited 195 times, 195 visits today)
InsiderNJ’s Weekly Political Rankings: Week of Feb. 26th
InsiderNJ, a leading source for political news and analysis in New Jersey, has released its weekly political rankings for the week of February 26th. These rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape in the state, highlighting key players and trends that are shaping the political discourse.
One of the most notable developments in this week’s rankings is the continued dominance of Governor Phil Murphy. Despite facing criticism from some quarters over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy remains a formidable force in New Jersey politics. His approval ratings have remained strong, and he continues to push forward with his progressive agenda, including efforts to increase funding for education and infrastructure projects.
Another key figure in this week’s rankings is Senate President Steve Sweeney. Sweeney has been a major player in New Jersey politics for years, and his influence shows no signs of waning. He has been a vocal advocate for issues such as gun control and healthcare reform, and his leadership in the state Senate has been instrumental in passing key legislation.
On the Republican side, former Governor Chris Christie continues to be a prominent figure in New Jersey politics. While he has not officially announced his candidacy for the 2021 gubernatorial race, many believe that he is considering a run. Christie remains a polarizing figure, with supporters praising his tough stance on crime and fiscal responsibility, while critics point to his handling of the Bridgegate scandal and other controversies.
Overall, InsiderNJ’s weekly political rankings provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of play in New Jersey politics. As the state gears up for the 2021 gubernatorial race, these rankings will be essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the key players and dynamics shaping the political landscape in the Garden State.
