News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: The likely coming leadership shakeup

Monday, January 4, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: The likely coming leadership shakeup

Jan 04, 2021

Presented by Pre-K Our Way

Good Monday morning!

Thanks for letting me back into your inbox after a relaxing week of not writing this newsletter. Of course, New Jersey politics didn't take a break. And we don't need to look far ahead to see what the big stories will be this year.

The gubernatorial race is well underway, with two well-connected New Jersey politicians battling for the Republican nomination by accusing each other of being well-connected. Gov. Phil Murphy was still popular in recent polls, but 10 months is a long time, and voters can turn on him.

Weed is currently in a legal gray area , with voters having legalized it through the Constitution but the governor unwilling to sign the current version of the enabling legislation, several days into January. Will Murphy and the Legislature finally resolve it this week?

And in the next several days we'll learn whether we'll see a lot of leadership turnover in the Legislature. State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) and Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) are expected to soon announce whether they'll seek another term. Weinberg could opt for retirement, and Kean may choose to focus on a run for Congress instead. And if Kean doesn't run, Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union) plans to seek his Senate seat. I think there's a better chance than not that we'll see a shakeup at the top this year.

WHERE'S MURPHY? University Hospital Newark for another vaccine distribution event at 9 a.m. Then Trenton at 1 p.m. for a coronavirus press conference.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: 3,676 newly-reported cases for a total of 492,042. 21 more deaths for a total of 17,187 (and 2,021 probable deaths). 3,521 hospitalizations, 669 in intensive care.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Former House candidate Josh Zeitz. Missed last week: UTCA's Dan Kennedy.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It's an odd situation, actually, that the people can vote for something and literally the Legislature can block it by doing nothing." — state constitutional law expert Robert Williams on legal weed

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

NJ's pre-k is now in 150+ school districts, with more beginning in early 2021! Despite this remarkable four-year record of achievement, there are 110+ eligible school districts that still wait. Let's reach a total of 200+ districts with NJ's pre-k in 2021. Fund substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR! Visit prekourway.org for more info

WHAT TRENTON MADE

SLACKING ON THE VAXXING — "COVID vaccine in NJ: More than 70% of supply has not been used. Who gets it next?" by The Record's Scott Fallon: "More than 70% of New Jersey's supply of COVID-19 vaccine has not been used as of Thursday, echoing a national trend of slow distribution, according to data released by state officials. Of the 265,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that have been delivered to New Jersey, 72,657 residents had been given a shot by Thursday afternoon. Despite months of planning, state officials said Wednesday a lack of personnel, along with logistics and timing issues were to blame. 'We are in the process of setting up hundreds of these [vaccination] locations. Some of them are going to be mega sites, and we have to schedule,' Gov. Phil Murphy said at his briefing. 'Remember, you need health care workers to do this. I'm not qualified to deliver these vaccines.' … About 3 million Americans have gotten shots as of New Year's Eve well below the 20 million goal set by the Trump Administration. State Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said the rollout of the Moderna vaccine in particular has been slow because it was delivered just before Christmas."

IN FAIRNESS MURPHY ONLY HAD THREE YEARS TO FIGURE THIS OUT — Why marijuana law hit a snag, and how Murphy wants to deal with it, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman and Sam Sutton : Gov. Phil Murphy's administration is seeking civil, not criminal, penalties for underage residents caught with small amounts of cannabis once it's legal early next year, according to two sources with knowledge of the governor's plans. The issue over what to do about underage users has delayed Murphy from signing the recently passed bills to legalize and decriminalize marijuana, following voters' overwhelming passage of a constitutional amendment to do so in November. The last-minute hold-up of the marijuana legislation was unexpected after Murphy and the Legislature came to an agreement earlier this month on the final form of marijuana legislation.

NURSING HOMES — "Deaths continue to leap at N.J. nursing homes," by NJ Advance Media's Riley Yates: "Coronavirus deaths nearly tripled at New Jersey nursing homes in December, as facilities that care for the state's most vulnerable population continue to struggle to keep the virus out of their midst nearly 10 months into the pandemic. At least 310 long-term care residents and one staffer died of complications of COVID-19 in the month, a death toll that exceeded September, October and November combined, according to an ongoing NJ Advance Media analysis of state data."

PUTTING IT ON THE LINE — " What to watch in New Jersey politics in 2021 as pandemic settles in for second year," by The Record's Charles Stile: "The governor has dodged questions as to whether he intends to run for reelection bracketed 'on the line' with the legislative and local candidates blessed by the county organizations, or whether he might run independently. Reformers and progressives who have coalesced around Murphy view the system as an anti-democratic anachronism that protects bossism. But Murphy is likely to disappoint them. His recent détente with Norcross signals an embrace, not a distancing from the party machinery."

HE'LL DROP OUT BY APRIL — " Brian Levine says he'll explore running for governor In 2021," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Former Somerset County Freeholder and Franklin Township Mayor Brian D. Levine announced [Friday] that he was creating an exploratory committee to seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2021. 'It is a preliminary analysis for now, but New Jersey needs so much rebuilding, that a patchwork quilt of concepts will not solve the problems; we need bold steps with our residents in mind,' said Levine. Levine, 62, served as a Franklin councilman from 1998 to 2003, mayor from 2004 to 2014, and as a freeholder from 2015 until today. He lost his bid for re-election to a third term on November 4 in a county that has become increasingly more Democratic in recent years. He said that ancillary victims of COVID-19 have not been addressed."

—"Here are 11 new laws on police, undocumented immigrants, nursing homes and more taking effect in 2021"

—Proponents of angioplasty bill optimistic about Murphy's signature

—"This year will be the calm for N.J. drivers before a toll increase storm"

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TRUMP ERA

CHRISTMAS CAROLE — Transition 2020: Biden picks three coordinators, including New Jersey human services commissioner, for Covid-19 response , by POLITICO's Dan Diamond: "The president-elect chose Carole Johnson, the commissioner of New Jersey's human services department and a former senior health adviser in the Obama-Biden White House, as the nation's new Covid-19 testing coordinator. Johnson, who worked on strategies to fight the Ebola and Zika epidemics as a member of the White House Domestic Policy Council's health team, will focus on expanding tests in schools, nursing homes and other settings — and for high-risk populations that have been hit hard by the pandemic. Biden advisers said Johnson is expected to take on a more expansive role than Brett Giroir, the Health and Human Services department's assistant secretary for health, who President Donald Trump tapped to serve as national Covid-19 testing coordinator this year and who was frequently pressed on testing shortages."

MAN WHO HIRED CRAIG CALLAWAY IS SINCERELY CONCERNED WITH VOTE INTEGRITY — "Van Drew says he will object to Electoral College results," by The Press of Atlantic City's Michelle Brunetti Post: "U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, will raise objections to accepting the Electoral College's vote counts from states that did not follow their own laws in setting rules for the Nov. 3 election, he said Wednesday. 'I won't be voting to certify the electors,' Van Drew said in a phone interview Wednesday. 'It's what I've talked about all along. There has been ... a disrespect of millions of Americans who really do believe that something's wrong. It's not a matter of who would win or lose — maybe the results would be the same — but we should abide by the rule of law.' As when he joined an amicus brief in a lawsuit brought by the State of Texas against Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin, Van Drew said his biggest concern was that some states changed voting procedures without having their Legislatures vote on the changes, as required under the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court declined to take up that case, effectively ending it."

THE PATH VAN DREW HAS CHOSEN — "'I just want to find 11,780 votes': In extraordinary hour-long call, Trump pressures Georgia secretary of state to recalculate the vote in his favor ," by The Washington Post's Amy Gardner: "President Trump urged fellow Republican Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, to 'find' enough votes to overturn his defeat in an extraordinary one-hour phone call Saturday that legal scholars described as a flagrant abuse of power and a potential criminal act. The Washington Post obtained a recording of the conversation in which Trump alternately berated Raffensperger, tried to flatter him, begged him to act and threatened him with vague criminal consequences if the secretary of state refused to pursue his false claims, at one point warning that Raffensperger was taking 'a big risk.'"

—"Sherrill is lone N.J. Democrat not to vote for Pelosi for speaker"

—"Chris Smith breaks Rodino record as longest-serving New Jersey congressman"

—"Ex-Gov. Florio: Biden must manage a dangerous schism in society"

LOCAL

GUN SHY — "Newark police: No officer fired a single shot in 2020, thanks to de-escalation program," by News 12 NJ : "Newark police and city officials say a de-escalation training program is working, especially in a year faced with challenges. Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose says 2020 was the roughest year in his 34-year career in law enforcement. Six of their 1,100 officers lost their lives to COVID-19 with dozens more officers sick after being exposed on the job. They also faced major challenges during the summer's anti-police brutality protests. Through it all, Ambrose says not one officer in the city fired his or her weapon while on duty in 2020."

WELCOME TO THE HOSPITAL CALIFORNIA — "In major twist, CarePoint announces plan to sell Hoboken, Jersey City hospitals to California investment group," by The Jersey Journal's Peter D'Auria: "California-based investment group KPC Global Management has signed a letter of intent with CarePoint Health to purchase the operations of Hoboken University Medical Center and Christ Hospital in Jersey City, the two entities announced Wednesday. The announcement is the latest twist in the years-long saga of Hudson County's three CarePoint hospitals, and could herald the arrival of a major new player in the dizzying tug-of-war over the hospitals. KPC Global Management is one of a family of for-profit companies (along with the KPC Group, KPC Health, KPC Promise Healthcare, and others)."

THE CONLON BROKE — "Trenton clerk Matthew Conlon's past includes nolled felony charge, workplace complaints," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Conlon's actions since starting as clerk in August read like a 'telenovela' in a city known for made-for-tabloid controversies and show he's taken sides, officials said … Now comes the revelation that Conlon, 48, a native New Yorker and the man accusing others of crimes in Trenton, was once charged with a felony in another state … Conlon spent three months in jail awaiting trial, but the case was eventually dismissed. The allegations contained in the charging document — that Conlon seized control of his aunt's estate and mismanaged her finances — have officials concerned because the clerk is in a powerful position of trust in Trenton government … Public records and interviews with those who have worked with Conlon over the years further revealed his other issues and litigious nature preceding his arrival in Trenton."

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TESTERS — "All kids should get COVID-19 tests before returning to school this month, N.J. teachers union says," by NJ Advance Media's Kelly Heyboer: "Before they sit down at their classroom desks again this month, every student should have proof they have tested negative for COVID-19, the head of the teachers union in New Jersey's largest school district says. Newark public schools, which are slated to reopen for in-person classes Jan. 25, are already requiring coronavirus tests for teachers and staff. All students should be required to get tested too, said John Abeigon, president of the Newark Teachers Union."

SAVING BONIFACE — " Rochelle Park committee taps new mayor, as election results remain in dispute," by The Record's Philip DeVencentis: "The Township Committee went ahead with its new year rituals on Saturday, selecting a mayor and deputy mayor despite an ongoing court challenge over results of the general election. With only three out of five seats filled at the meeting due to the disputed outcome of the race, the committee voted for Gail Artola to be mayor and Nicholas LiBassi as its deputy mayor. A judge in state Superior Court had ruled that the governing body can hold the meeting amid the controversy to 'preserve the status quo.' The Bergen County Republican Organization petitioned the court for a recount on behalf of Perrin Mosca, its candidate in the local race, who tallied 1,539 votes — just five shy of his Democratic opponents: Committeewoman Linda Boniface and Michael Warren."

—"Visitors to Atlantic City tell us how they plan to spend their stimulus money"

R.I.P. — " David Dichter, who pushed for Atlantic City as hub for climate change studies, dies at 89"

A NEW YEAR MEANS A NEW HUDDLE IS HERE: Huddle, our daily congressional must-read, has a new author! Olivia Beavers took the reins this week, and she has the latest news and whispers from the Speakers' Lobby. Don't miss out, subscribe to our Huddle newsletter, the essential guide to all things Capitol Hill. Subscribe today.

EVERYTHING ELSE

CRIME — "Homicides in N.J. soared 23% in 2020. What caused the spike?" by NJ Advance Media's Alex Napoliello: "There were 287 homicides in the Garden State as of Nov. 30, according to statistics provided by the New Jersey State Police. That's up from 234 over the same time period in 2019. The rising figures aren't unique to New Jersey. There has been a surge in gun violence across the country, from New York City and Philadelphia to Kansas City and Oakland. Like New Jersey, officials across the nation attribute the uptick in killings to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Although the Garden State was under lockdown for three months, shootings increased thanks to the mental health impact of the pandemic, economic stressors and the challenges facing law enforcement, according to officials. Fatal shootings in New Jersey actually jumped from six in February to 17 in March, the month Gov. Phil Murphy imposed a strict stay-at-home order. There were 16 killings in April, up from eight in April 2019, and 16 in May. 'We're living in an abnormal time,' said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh."

JOE D WOULD LIKE A WORD WITH BILL DUHART WHEN IT COMES TO BEST ZOOS — " This N.J. zoo ranked among the best in the nation. Officials are trying to keep it that way, despite big losses," by NJ Advance Media's Bill Duhart : "Ed Runyon, who runs the Cape May County Park & Zoo, said even their bison have noticed a difference. 'They're usually scattered about when visitors are up on our boardwalks to see them," said Runyon, the Cape May County director of parks. 'Now with the lack of visitors we've had, they come up when the staff and I walk by, like they are coming to say hello. There's definitely a difference.' Runyon and his staff of 75 who take care of more than 550 animals in the 52-acre park, are more than ready to get back to normal — welcoming visitors every day of the year but Christmas and continuing a mission to educate and enrich … The zoo reopened in June after a state executive order to combat the coronavirus pandemic closed it. But it's still trying to recover from three months of lost donations from visitors. Runyon didn't present a scenario for when, if ever, it will."

RAT RACE STILL STARTS AND ENDS IN RAT WARREN — "Inside Penn Station's new train hall: Soaring skylights brighten commuter hub," by NJ Advance Media's Larry Higgs: " Officials on Friday unveiled the new soaring $1.6 billion Moynihan train hall, freeing some of New York City's rail travelers from the dingy catacombs of New York's Penn Station. But most NJ Transit riders will still catch a train from the old waiting area on Eighth Avenue, not freeing New Jerseyans from the pre-pandemic herd of travelers racing to the gate. The new station, located across the street from Penn Station in a former mail-sorting facility, will mostly service riders of Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road. Those passengers were joined by the curious and rail historians who came to Friday's public opening of the train station named for the late U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y."

—"Can't stop us. N.J. gym owner says 2020 has been about 'the uncertainty of what's next"

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

In four years, there has been statewide, bipartisan support for funding pre-k expansion. NJ's pre-k is now in 150+ school districts, with more beginning in early 2021! Despite this remarkable record of achievement, there are 110+ eligible school districts that still wait.

There are eligible districts in every county. They're in rural, suburban and urban communities, and they're located across New Jersey, from east to west – and north to south. You either live in an eligible school district or you live near at least one. There are 3- and 4-year-olds still waiting for NJ's pre-k in each of these 110+ communities.

Substantial funding for NJ's pre-k will provide a strong start to a lifetime of learning for more of our children – and immediate support for their working families.

Let's reach a total of 200+ districts with NJ's pre-k – there are 110+ communities waiting. Fund substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR!

Visit prekourway.org for more info