| | | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Pre-K Our Way | Good Tuesday morning! What the hell just happened? Doug Steinhardt, one month into his campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, dropped out last night, citing "unforeseen professional obligations." This is, to say the least, unexpected. And while I can't say for sure what those professional obligations are (Steinhardt is a partner at a politically-connected law firm with a lot of government contracts), I know this: He made the risky calculation to become inseparable from President Donald Trump in an overwhelmingly anti-Trump state. He issued an advertisement doubling down on it Wednesday just hours before a mob, encouraged by Trump's lies about the election, stormed the Capitol. The more we learn about the Capitol riot, the worse it gets. So imagine him running in a general election as an unabashedly pro-Trump candidate with Trump's former campaign manager as his top strategist. Unless there's some extremely rich and influential Republican waiting in the wings, this makes former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli almost certain to be the GOP nominee. Republicans can take solace in the fact that although Ciattarelli praised Trump and went to his rally, he has largely avoided the topic and only has a few on the record quotes in support of Trump. That won't stop Gov. Phil Murphy's campaign from tying Ciattarelli to Trump. In fact, they already are. Read more about it here. WHERE'S MURPHY? In cyberspace to deliver the State of the State address virtually at 1 p.m.. Media: "Ask Governor Murphy" at 7 p.m. on your local public radio station. CORONAVIRUS TRACKER : 5,042 more positive PCR tests for a total of 532,959. 51 more deaths for a total of 17,873 (and 2,059 probable deaths). 3,653 hospitalized, 649 in ICU. 220,828 vaccines administered of 651,000 distributed, or 33.9 percent. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Hunterdon County Commissioners Deputy Director John Lanza. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "No one gets away with saying this wording is wrong. It was one person. Person after person after person that was arrested said they went there because Donald Trump called them. He called on patriots to take back the government. It wasn't to take back the government, it was to overthrow the government. This is unbelievable to argue over these words. You can't defend this. This happened. The confederate flag in our Capitol. You saw the police officer getting beaten up."— Senate President Steve Sweeney excoriating Republicans who refused to vote for an anti-Trump resolution. Two Senate Republicans did vote for it…. | | | | 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 | |
CHRIS BROWN AND DECLAN O'SCANLON — Here's the Senate version of the resolutions both houses of the Legislature took up yesterday to condemn Trump. Despite New Jersey's strong ant-Trump bent, the floor debate in the Senate went pretty much how the national debate has gone. Most Republicans abstained or voted no, calling for "unity" but with most unwilling to directly acknowledge Trump's role in the events. Democrats who were present voted yes and harshly criticized the president. But two Republican senators voted yes on the resolution: Chris Brown (R-Atlantic) and Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth).
I would like to believe that if I was an elected official in a situation as fraught as this, I would do the politically difficult thing. But I've never been tested that way, so I can't say for sure that I would stand by my principles. Brown and O'Scanlon were tested yesterday. We don't know how this will play out in Republican politics by June. Both senators could face consequences in Republican primaries. O'Scanlon is in a safely Republican district, giving him even less political incentive. Their votes won't make the national news. They didn't even give speeches on the floor. But they voted yes, marking on the record that they put the U.S. Constitution above their party's immediate political concerns. That deserves recognition. STATE OF THE STATE — What to watch for during Murphy's State of the State address, by POLITICO's Katherine Landergan and Sam Sutton : Gov. Phil Murphy is scheduled to give his annual State of the State address in a pre-taped speech that will air at 1 p.m. Tuesday. The address, normally delivered to a joint session of the state Legislature, is being handled remotely this year because of the pandemic, which has sickened more than a half-million New Jerseyans and killed almost 20,000 since early March. "The past year brought us many, many challenges. That, we know. But we have also had tremendous opportunities that lay right before us in 2021," Murphy said Monday during his regular briefing in Trenton. "We're ready for this new day, and I encourage you to join me tomorrow as we reach for that day together." Murphy, a first-term progressive Democrat, is seeking reelection this year as he navigates what are (hopefully) the final chapters of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are the five things to watch for during Murphy's address. The speech can be viewed on YouTube and other social media platforms. STATE OF THE STATE OF THE STATE — "As Murphy prepares NJ State of the State address, here's what he's accomplished and what's left," by The Record's Dustin Racioppi: "Murphy has largely achieved what he promised to do as an unknown, long-shot candidate five years ago. Aided by his fellow Democrats in the Legislature, he's seen through the progressive staples of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, resurrecting a millionaire's tax, approving recreational marijuana and shifting toward green energy primarily through offshore wind, to name a few. And in the pandemic, Murphy has gotten high marks in public polling for his management of the once-in-a-lifetime crisis and become a known presence through regular press briefings and national media appearances. But just like in sports, some of the governor's achievements could arguably warrant asterisks to offer more context. And all of it comes as he is set to give the final State of the State speech of his first term and as he will gear up to run again in November." TRANSPARENCY — "Will NJ make more coronavirus records public? Here's the latest," by The Record's Stacey Brachenger: "A bipartisan bill that would make coronavirus-related government records available to the public appears to be on hold in the Assembly, where pressure is building on Speaker Craig Coughlin to put it up for a vote. The bill, which passed the state Senate in September, would remove a sentence from law that the Murphy administration has said justifies withholding records that show availability of protective gear and how the state coordinated with federal officials to prepare for the virus. Murphy's administration has also said releasing those records could tip-off terrorists and told The Associated Press that providing a detailed account of taxpayer spending on personal protective gear would be 'substantially disruptive.' Without those records, the public cannot know how taxpayer dollars are being spent or whether hospitals and nursing homes have enough gear to keep frontline workers and loved ones safe, supporters said." COVID CAUSES SENIORITIS — Murphy waives graduation assessment test for New Jersey high school seniors, by POLITICO's Samantha Maldonado : New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday waived the graduation assessment test for high school seniors for the 2020-2021 academic year in a new executive order designed to provide more flexibility to schools during the pandemic. The order also waives student growth objectives for teacher evaluations and extends the time in which certified teachers, or those in the process of becoming certified, can serve as substitute teachers during the public health emergency. "Each of these steps is being taken because, given the unique challenges our students and educators are facing, we simply have to reach the conclusion … this is not a regular school year," Murphy said during his regular briefing in Trenton. "We have to be more flexible and more understanding." STRANGE BYLINEFELLOWS — "A 2021 wish for better transparency in Trenton," by Brandon McKoy and Michele Siekerka for The Star-Ledger : "Our wish for 2021 is that our elected officials revisit how we advance policy in New Jersey. We must pivot from the desire to rush through complex legislation that impacts the lives of millions of families and the livelihoods of millions of businesses and nonprofits, to slowing down the process and getting it right the first time. Fast-tracking bills before the public, press, advocates, and even lawmakers have time to read and understand the proposals generates unintended and costly consequences. Even when operating with the best of intentions, elected officials are still capable of making mistakes that non-governmental experts can help catch and address … New Jersey Policy Perspective was very concerned with the quick passing of the Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield restructuring plan, the cannabis legalization bill that initially excluded key racial justice reforms and the recently enacted $14.5 billion tax break legislation. The New Jersey Business and Industry Association was very concerned with a rushed $32.7 billion, nine-month FY21 state budget that included new taxes and more than $4.5 billion in borrowing, and the continued rule of executive order impacting the livelihoods of millions of New Jerseyans without any external discussion. There is no question that both of our dedicated groups have major, yet respectful disagreements on many of these policies. But what we do agree on is the process is broken." A GREAT WAY TO BURDEN THE COURTS WITH CHARGES THAT WILL HAVE TO BE TOSSED — "While N.J. legal weed bill is stalled yet again, marijuana arrests continue," by NJ Advance Media's Amanda Hoover: "There's debate as to whether marijuana is legal in New Jersey now. Some argue that the constitutional amendment decided by the voters took effect Jan. 1, making marijuana use a protected right for those over 21. But others say the date does not matter — a legal framework to regulate the substance must be put into place, which would come with Murphy's signature on the legalization bill. The latest delay arose late last month … In the days since, Secaucus Police have arrested three people for possessing marijuana in vehicles, according to the department's blotter. Anecdotally, defense attorneys and a police chief say they've heard of others. Statewide arrest data for the period will not be available until the end of the month. 'That's obviously a very small sample,' John Zebrowski, chief of the Sayreville Police Department and vice president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, said of the first week of January. 'I think those numbers continue to be down. When you see arrests, most are coupled with a more significant criminal charge.'" HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE — Muñoz readies bill to dedicate revenues from Horizon reorganization, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton : Assemblymember Nancy Muñoz is proposing legislation that would force the state to use hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's planned reorganization to fund health care initiatives. The bill, which was proposed for introduction on Jan. 7, would revive Republicans' unsuccessful effort to tie the $600 million assessment expected to be paid by the health insurance giant to rate stabilization or other initiatives. "I still believe strongly it should be done. This is policyholders' money and it should go back to the policyholders in some benefit," Muñoz (R-Union) said in an interview. —Persichilli: New Jersey vaccinating unqualified residents to prevent waste —FTA finalizes funding agreement with NJ Transit for Portal North Bridge —"A new law in N.J. put an end to surprise medical bills for patients, but doctors win in most cases, study says" —New Jersey Supreme Court strengthens the power of the gubernatorial pardon —Murphy to decide whether to renew lapsed law that gives Camden special treatment —"COVID vaccine acceptance high among NJ hospital workers. Here's how many have gotten shots" —"Roselle Park Mayor Joseph Signorello launches campaign for State Senate in LD21" —"NJ officials say they won't force police, other first responders to get the COVID vaccine" | | | | A NEW YEAR, A NEW CONGRESS, A NEW HUDDLE: It was an ugly and heartbreaking week inside the Capitol, particularly for all of those who work on the Hill. How are lawmakers planning to move forward? How will security change? How will a new Senate majority impact the legislative agenda? With so much at stake, our new Huddle author Olivia Beavers brings you the most important news and critical insight from Capitol Hill with help from POLITICO's deeply sourced Congress team. Subscribe to Huddle, the essential guide to understanding Congress. It has never been more important. SUBSCRIBE NOW. | | | | |
| | TRUMP ERA | |
GET WELL SOON — New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman tests positive for Covid after insurrection, by POLITICO's Samantha Maldonado: New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman announced Monday that she had tested positive for Covid-19 after she and other members of Congress were kept in a secret location during last week's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Watson Coleman said she tested positive after receiving a rapid antigen test. "While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents," said Watson Coleman, who has represented New Jersey's 12th Congressional District since 2015, in a statement. The 75-year-old congresswoman, a cancer survivor, said she was at home resting and awaiting the results of a PCR test.
— [Donald] Norcross to get tested after possible Covid-19 exposure during insurrection PLEASE JUST GO BACK TO BOAT PARADES — New Jersey prepares for demonstrations after last week's attack on U.S. Capitol, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton : New Jersey is bracing for the possibility of protests in Trenton later this week in the aftermath of last week's deadly riot in the U.S. Capitol, Gov. Phil Murphy said during his regular briefing on Monday. The FBI is warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., in the days leading up to President-election Joe Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, stoking fears of more bloodshed. An internal FBI bulletin warned that, as of Sunday, nationwide protests may start later this week and extend through the inauguration, according to two law enforcement officials who read details of the memo to The Associated Press. The bulletin was first reported by ABC. MARRED-A-LAGO — George Norcross to drop his membership at Mar-a-Lago, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: George Norcross, New Jersey's top Democratic power broker, is giving up his membership at Mar-a-Lago, the lavish Florida club owned by President Donald Trump, according to a spokesperson. The insurance executive who, along with his ally, state Senate President Steve Sweeney, all but control South Jersey Democratic politics raised eyebrows in New Jersey when he was spotted attending a New Year's Eve party at the president's Palm Beach club in 2017. "George has not been to Mar-a-Lago in a long time and will not be a member going forward," Norcross spokesperson Bob Sommer said in a statement in response to an inquiry from POLITICO. WHOA — @LexieNorcross: "Given that @POTUS and his 'fans' could have gotten my uncle seriously injured or killed last Wednesday, this seems necessary. Doing it four years ago would have made a real statement." U.S.A. — " 'This is not America': New Jersey immigrants react to DC riots, violence at U.S. Capitol," by The Record's Marty Chao: "The images of pro-Trump rioters storming the U.S. Capitol hit a raw nerve for New Jersey immigrants as they reflected on their journey to a country they saw as a beacon of freedom. 'When I immigrated to America over 30 years ago from Hong Kong with my family, I thought civil unrest was a thing of the past,' said Angie Ngai, 58, of Fort Lee, who is executive director of the Chinese-American Family Coalition. 'To see such an event scares me,' Ngai continued." DON'T BELIEVE YOUR LYING EYES — "'It went sideways fast': Some NJ Trump supporters shaken by riot, but most stand with him," by The Daily Record's William Westhoven: "While some of the president's supporters interviewed over the past several days said they were left shaken by the attack on the Capitol, others said they don't believe Trump supporters were involved in the rioting and that the president was not to blame for inciting the violence. Some continued to repeat false and unproven claims that the election was stolen and that the pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C., had been infiltrated by people who associate with antifa, a term used to describe those who oppose extreme right-wing ideology, such as fascism. The FBI has found no evidence of such activity … Sussex County Commissioner Sylvia Petillo, a Republican, noted that the right to protest is 'what our country is all about.' She did not condone the violence that took place at the Capitol, though she questioned the true ideologies of the rioters. 'I've never seen any Trump supporters act that way,' she said, 'so I have to wonder if they really were Trump supporters.'" —"Malinowski seeks censure of Alabama GOP congressman" —"Black ministers push for Semper to be next U.S. Attorney" | | | |   | | |
| | LOCAL | |
DIRECTOR QUINN, MEDICINE COMMISSIONER — "Ocean County freeholders get new name but promise the same," by The Asbury Park Press' Erik Larsen: "The five Republican faces are the same and while there were no new oaths of office required at the organizational meeting — a new director is at the helm. Commissioner Gary Quinn was unanimously appointed chairman of the county board, heretofore known as the 'freeholder director.' For his one-year term as the board's leader, the recommended protocol from the county is that Quinn be addressed simply as 'Director Quinn' or 'Mr. Director,' not 'Commissioner Director Quinn.' This is Quinn's first time in the center chair on the county's governing body. A former Lacey mayor, he succeeded Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who died in office in December 2018. Quinn is expected to seek a second, three-year term as a county commissioner later this year."
SIRESLY — "Hudson congressman endorses Fulop and his city council slate," by The Jersey Journal's Ron Zeitlinger: "The election is not until November, but Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and his slate of city council candidates have been endorsed by Rep. Albio Sires, D-West New York. The endorsement comes after Fulop announced that Amy DeGise, chairwoman of the county's Democratic party and County Executive Tom DeGise's daughter, had joined his ticket in the non-partisan election. Fulop was first elected in 2013 and easily won re-election in 2017." 0.02 MASTROS — " Bids to implode Trump Plaza holding at $175,000," by The Press of Atlantic City's Nicholas Huba: "Bids to push the button and implode the former Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino are holding at $175,000 as of Monday morning. Bids to implode the building have been at $175,000 since Dec. 30. Bidding ends at 1 p.m. Jan. 19. Mayor Marty Small Sr. announced last month a live online auction to solicit bids for the right to push the button to demolish the vacant Boardwalk casino building. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City." BID RIGGING? IN HUDSON COUNTY? — "Ex-HCCC VP has claims about questionable contractor billing, construction bid restored," by Hudson County View's John Heinis: " A former Hudson County Community College vice president had portions of a lawsuit restored that alleged one instance of questionable contractor billing, along with claiming a construction bid where the lowest vendor was not selected, restored on appeal. Thomas Brodowksi was fired from his post as the HCCC vice president of administrative services for allegedly violating the college's code of ethics for using a school vehicle for personal use back in 2015." —" Is that a kosher kitchen in the new fieldhouse? Yes, no and maybe, say Teaneck officials" — "Hudson congressman endorses Fulop and his city council slate" —" North Bergen Township Administrator Pianese announces he will retire in June"
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| | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
—"Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway tests positive for COVID-19"
—" Don't come back to campus unless you get a COVID-19 test, some N.J. colleges say" | | | | 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 | | | | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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