News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Murphy's State of the State speech sets record for least applause

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Murphy's State of the State speech sets record for least applause

Jan 13, 2021

Presented by Pre-K Our Way

Good Wednesday morning!

The State of the State is a typically a big event in New Jersey. The Assembly chambers are packed. Usually at least some former governors show up. It's a little bit of pageantry, with some lawmakers getting to parade down the aisle behind the governor, and a mark on the political calendar. But how often do we remember what was in the speech itself?

This year, there was no audience. Gov. Murphy delivered the speech to an empty theater . His last State of the State before his reelection — one, as expected, geared towards his reelection — was largely about getting through Covid and his list of accomplishments over the last three years. Correct me if I missed it, but I don't believe there was a single new proposal included.

The most remarkable thing about this year's speech may be that it's the least remarkable ever. It definitely got the least applause, anyway. Read more from Katherine Landergan and Sam Sutton here.

WHERE'S MURPHY? In Paramus for a 9:30 a.m. vaccine site event, then in Trenton for a 1 p.m. coronavirus press conference. Media: WPIX at 7 a.m., CNBC at 8 a.m.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER : 4,219 newly-reported positive PCR tests for a total of 537,115. 108 more deaths for a total of 17,980 confirmed deaths and 2,059 probable deaths. 233,555 vaccines administered of 654,900 distributed, or 35.7 percent.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: NJAA's Nichole LoPresti, former LoBiondo COS Jason Galanes , Assemblymember Kevin J. Rooney, comms consultant Bruno Tedeschi

QUOTE OF THE DAY #1: "I am angry that after I spent months carefully isolating myself, a single chaotic day likely got me sick. I am angry that several of our nation's leaders were unwilling to deal with the small annoyance of a mask for a few hours. I am angry that the attack on the Capitol and my subsequent illness have the same cause: my Republican colleagues' inability to accept facts." — U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th Dist.) in a Washington Post op-ed

QUOTE OF THE DAY #2: "I'm glad he didn't break the law, but it's kind of hard to call somebody courageous for choosing not to help overthrow our democratic system of government … He's got to understand that the man he's been working for and defending loyally is almost single-handedly responsible for creating a movement in this country that wants to hang Mike Pence." — Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7th Dist.) on Vice President Mike Pence

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

A STAKE IN THE STEINHARDT — Capitol insurrection may have claimed its first GOP candidacy in New Jersey, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: When Republican Doug Steinhardt, a pro-Trump candidate for governor of New Jersey, abruptly dropped his month-long candidacy Monday night, he cited "unforeseen professional obligations." Few in Trenton — Republican or Democrat — bought the excuse. Though the campaign has denied President Donald Trump was the reason behind Steinhardt's withdrawal, the narrative has already formed among Trenton insiders: Steinhardt's unabashed support of the president before and after last week's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol had done him irrevocable harm. "I think the fact that Doug has not shied away from his position on Donald Trump posed a real challenge in November, especially with what happened on Wednesday. I think it poses a challenge to all Republicans," said Al Barlas, the Republican chair of Essex County, referring to the riots. "I'm not saying we can't overcome it, we can't deal with it. But it's a challenge."

PETERED OUT — "Ryan Peters won't seek re-election to State Assembly," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "A 38-year-old Republican legislator widely viewed as a rising star in New Jersey politics will not seek re-election to a third term in the State Assembly this year in order to spend more time with his family. Ryan Peters, a Navy SEAL and former Burlington County freeholder, said [Tuesday] that he will leave the legislature at the end of his current term because he would rather coach teams for his three young children than pursue a political career. 'My duty as a father, husband, coach, Naval officer and volunteer are serious commitments that have begun to consume more and more time and energy in addition to my full-time job.'"

—"Stanfield expected to challenge Addiego for 8th District Senate seat"

—"Sterley Stanley elected to state Assembly In 18th District by wide margin"

HE DIDN'T STICK TO HIS GUNS — "Florida gun dealer to stop selling high-capacity magazines in settlement with New Jersey," by The Record's Nicholas Katzban : "A gun dealer has vowed it will no longer sell high-capacity magazines in the U.S. to settle a lawsuit filed by New Jersey's attorney general, after the dealer was caught selling the banned cartridges to an undercover investigator. In its suit, the Office of the Attorney General claimed that the company, Elite Aluminum of Florida, had sold 167 of the magazines, which allow guns to fire more rounds and limit time spent reloading, to 69 customers in New Jersey, where the high-capacity cartridges are banned."

DEBT RED — " Murphy's soccer team got $147K forgivable loan under federal COVID relief for struggling businesses," by NJ Advance Media's Matt Arco: "The professional women's soccer team that Gov. Phil Murphy owns was approved for nearly $150,000 in a forgivable federal loan last year from the coronavirus relief initiative that Congress rushed into law in the early days of the pandemic, records show. Sky Blue Women's Soccer was among the nearly 156,000 entities across the state that received a total of more than $13.7 billion in forgivable loans meant for struggling businesses and nonprofits. The National Women's Soccer League team — which has long been a money loser for the governor and his wife — was approved for $146,972."

0.00003 MASTROS — "Unemployment: Why start of $300 extra jobless benefits will be delayed in New Jersey," by The Record's Ashley Balcerzak: "New Jerseyans receiving unemployment benefits expected to see $300 in extra federal jobless benefits starting early this week, but the state Department of Labor said Tuesday that 'challenges in processing' the payments are causing delays. The state agency said last week that claimants should see federal supplemental benefits in their bank accounts or debit cards with 'no gap or delay,' after President Donald Trump signed a new stimulus package that included these extra checks between Jan. 2 and March 13 for everyone receiving unemployment."

EARLY VOTING — "Buggy software, hardware thwart NJ efforts for early voting," by NJ Spotlight News' Jeff Pillets : "Officials across New Jersey agree that 2020's mostly mail-in election — the biggest and most complex in state history — was also the most successful, as 4.5 million people voted safely in the midst of a public-health crisis. Lawmakers had hoped to build on that success by moving quickly with a plan that would bring early in-person voting to New Jersey as soon as this year's gubernatorial primary, scheduled for June 8. Early voting already takes place in more than half the states, but for now the bill is stalled."

—" Murphy won't have Trump to kick around during his re-election, top Republican says after State of State"

—"Assembly Democrats asked to close district offices ahead of planned protests"

— "Murphy's plea to counter protestors, 'stay home' during Sunday's 'peaceful armed demonstrations'"

—"LD37 Flashpoint: the implications of a Weinberg retirement"

— " Judge orders NJ Education Department to turn over S2 algorithm"

—"On the ballot in 2021: Here are 7 NJ elections you should pay attention to"

—" NJ State of the State: Murphy urges Legislature to pass housing relief bill"

—Lassiter: "Trenton's cannabis clown car stalled out. Again"

—Mulshine: " Reefer madness: There's a standoff on State Street over marijuana legalization"

—Golden: "How State House dysfunction has stymied marijuana legalization"

TRUMP ERA

HAPPENING THURSDAY - THE COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT: What are the logistical challenges facing the coronavirus immunization campaign? Who is overseeing the process and working to overcome obstacles to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to the vaccine? Join POLITICO for a virtual discussion on the outgoing Trump administration's plan to prioritize lower-income, rural, and communities of color for vaccine distribution and what the Biden administration can do to streamline plans and fill in any gaps. REGISTER HERE.

CONGRESS — "Mikie Sherrill says unidentified lawmakers led 'reconnaissance' tours ahead of Capitol attack," by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney: Rep. Mikie Sherrill said Tuesday that she witnessed colleagues escorting people through the Capitol on Jan. 5 for what she described as "reconnaissance" ahead of the next day's violent insurrection that left five dead. In a 13-minute Facebook video billed as an address to her constituents about the House's efforts to hold President Donald Trump accountable for inciting the riot, Sherrill included the allegation as part of a call to hold Trump's allies in Congress accountable as well.

"I also intend to see that those members of Congress who abetted him — those members of Congress who had groups coming through the capitol that I saw on Jan. 5 for reconnaissance for the next day — those members of Congress who incited the violent crowd, those members of Congress that attempted to help our president undermine our democracy, I'm going see that they're held accountable," Sherrill said. She did not identify the lawmakers she was referring to, how she was able to describe their activities as "reconnaissance" or how she knew they were connected to the riots that consumed the Capitol the following day.

MURPHY TO OFFER LIBERTY STATE PARK AS ONE GIANT GOLF COURSE — "Trump PGA ban: Murphy to push for another N.J. site for tournament as dumping Bedminister will cost millions," by NJ Advance Media's Sophie Nieto-Munoz: "Tens of millions of dollars could be slipping away from New Jersey after the PGA of America yanked next year's PGA Championship from Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster as dozens of companies and corporations cut ties with the president in light of the violent insurrection at the Capitol building. The potential loss in revenue will prompt Gov. Phil Murphy to push for the PGA to consider other New Jersey golf courses as an alternative to its tournament next year, his spokesman told NJ Advance Media. The week-long golf tournament, which would have been held in Somerset County in May 2022, can generate anywhere from $30 million to $100 million, depending on its location and attendance. In a time when unemployment is high and the tourism industry is struggling, the event also would create jobs and contribute revenue to local businesses and hotels."

—"Bedminster will be just fine without PGA tournament at Trump National, mayor says"

TRUMP TO CHANGE HIS NAME AND FLEE TO CUBA — " Trump was named honorary N.J. State Police trooper in 2017. No word on whether that will change," by NJ Advance Medila's Blake Nelson: "Not long after he became president, Donald Trump became an honorary New Jersey Trooper. Now at the end of his presidency, State Police deployed to the nation's capital after Trump incited a mob attack that resulted in five deaths including an officer from New Jersey. Many law enforcement groups that supported the president before November's election have condemned last week's violence without specifically criticizing Trump … In May 2017, Trump received an unassigned State Police badge during a private meeting at the White House. The gift was presented by then-Supt. Rick Fuentes, to mark National Peace Officers Memorial Day. It was not immediately clear if that honor can be revoked. A State Police spokesman did not directly answer questions about whether the agency was considering taking back badge number 45 from the nation's 45th president … In an order formalizing the ceremonial designation, Fuentes wrote: 'The New Jersey State Police 'Roll Call' roster will forever reflect badge number 45 being honorably issued to President Donald J. Trump.'"

R.I.P. —"Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick remembered in his hometown of South River ," by MyCentralJersey's Susan Loyer: "The hometown of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was killed in last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol, remembered the borough native Tuesday morning with peace, dignity and sadness. In the quiet ceremony at Dailey's Pond on Prospect Street, a small crowd, which included members of the Sicknick family, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, New Jersey State Police, borough officials and police officers, gathered to pay tribute to the man who grew up in South River. ''Officer Sicknick was a patriot and a hero,' Menendez said."

NEON REVULSION — "Failed screenwriter from New Jersey behind one of QAnon's most influential personas," by Logically's Nick Backovic: "Logically has identified another prolific QAnon player — the pseudonym 'Neon Revolt' is linked to Robert Cornero Jr. of Neptune City, New Jersey. After a failed attempt to become a screenwriter in Studio City, CA, he returned home with disdain for Hollywood and embraced QAnon."

—"Illinois man charged with making death threats to House Democrats, Christie"

—"'Racial justice issues are front and center. ' Black ministers make push for new U.S. Attorney in N.J."

—"Menendez calls on Trump to resign 'for the good of the country'"

LOCAL

'THIS IS DEMOCRACY MANIFEST' — "Hudson County commissioners will vote to limit public portion to 3 minutes each, 2 hours total," by Hudson County View's John Heinis: "The Hudson County Board of Commissioners are slated to vote on the first reading of an ordinance that would limit the public portion of their meeting to three minutes per speaker and two hours overall … Commissioner Al Cifelli (D-9), who seconded the agenda item after it was introduced by Chair Anthony Vainieri (D-8), said that the chair and the rest of the board would have discretion to extend the public portion beyond 120 minutes if they saw it fit. '… The problem that I find is that about three, four, five hours – 30, 40, 50, speakers — I think that's cumulative in nature. After a while, a lot of those voices are the same and that becomes cumulative,' he explained."

VIN'S RIVER — "Toms River plans to hire public relations firm founded by state senator," by The Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: "The Township Council is poised to hire the Tinton Falls public relations firm founded by state Sen. Vin Gopal to provide public information 'consulting services,' for a fee of up to $60,000. In early December, the council had agreed to solicit proposals from communications firms interested in working for Toms River. Republican Mayor Maurice B. 'Mo' Hill Jr. said at the time that Toms River was seeking a public relations firm because the township has 'a number of issues that we will need to address this year.' The resolution to hire the firm — Direct Development — is listed on the consent agenda for Tuesday night's council meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in town hall."

GILL.I.AM — "Government to seek jail time for former Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam," by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Amy S. Rosenberg: "Prosecutors are asking a federal judge to sentence former Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam to a prison term of 15 to 21 months plus three years of supervised release in connection with a scheme to defraud AC Starz, a non-profit youth basketball team he founded. Gilliam pleaded guilty on Oct. 3, 2019, to a charge of wire fraud and resigned later the same day as mayor of Atlantic City. His sentencing, delayed multiple times, is now set to take place Thursday via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez in Camden. In a 5-page sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Farrell, prosecutors argue that Gilliam's 'history and characteristics,' while marked by tragedy, do not merit a downward departure from the sentencing guidelines."

MCNULTY: 'YOU PLAY IN THE DIRT, YOU GET DIRTY' — "Hunterdon GOP official who attended DC riots should resign, says county Democratic chair," by The Courier-News' Mike Deak: "Calling for Hunterdon residents to ask the county commissioners to condemn President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the election results, the chair of the Hunterdon County Democratic party has urged Republicans to 'demand' the resignation of a county commissioner who attended the president's rally last week before the riot at the U.S. Capitol. The statement released Monday night by Arlene Quinones Perez came after County Commissioner Director Susan Soloway said she had attended the rally with members of Hunterdon County Federated Women but did not follow the protesters who entered the Capitol. Soloway, who gave video footage to the FBI, condemned the riot. 'Our group was shocked, outraged, and frankly scared when it became apparent that a group of thugs were using the rally as a pretense to attack the U.S. Capitol,' Soloway has said in a statement."

—"N.J. county commissioner who participated in D.C. protests says she did not enter Capitol grounds"

YOU OUGHTA KNOW BY NOW — " Hackensack deputy mayor accused of bringing known COVID-positive person into City Hall," by The Record's Terrence T. McDonald: "A Hackensack deputy mayor is under fire after city officials allege he escorted a relative he knew had tested positive for COVID-19 into City Hall last month and interacted with a city employee. No one appears to have contracted the virus because of the exposure, city officials said, but the city manager has barred council members from entering City Hall and all city buildings until further notice. Mayor John Labrosse is criticizing Deputy Mayor David Sims publicly over the episode. 'We certainly did not condone Deputy Mayor Sims' actions,' Labrosse said during a council meeting last week. 'We don't know why he did it. That's for him to explain.' … Sims did not return requests for comment."

—"1 in 5 Newark students were chronically absent this fall. Teachers say even more missed class"

—"Just like Newark? Jersey City mayor wants to raise the maximum salary for the top administrators to match neighbor"

—"16 new cops join the Paterson force. Will it be enough to stem record shootings and homicides?"

KEEP UP WITH THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WITH TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: It was a dark week in American history, and a new administration will have to pick up the pieces. Transition Playbook brings you inside the last days of this crucial transfer of power, tracking the latest from President-elect Biden and his growing administration. Written for political insiders, this scoop-filled newsletter breaks big news and analyzes the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Track the transition and the first 100 days of the incoming Biden administration. Subscribe today.

EVERYTHING ELSE

—"N.J. COVID vaccine: Feds say people over 65 should get vaccine now. Will N.J. follow new guidelines?"

—" Feds: Former Jersey City Medical Center union official admits embezzling $40k"

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