| | | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Uber Driver Stories | Good Thursday morning! Let me preface this lead-in by saying none of this is an April Fool's joke. Bergen County Republicans are backing several candidates this year with major political liabilities — and in one case a legal one. We already knew that Bridget Anne Kelly of Bridgegate fame is the party's nominee for Bergen County Clerk. On Tuesday, Republicans narrowly backed Saddle Brook Police Chief Robret Kugler — charged by the Attorney General's Office with corruption offenses for allegedly using police escorts for his private funeral business — for sheriff. And here's a new one: The party plans to back Edward Durfee, a member of the Oath Keepers, for Assembly in District 37. Durfee was in the news over hosting a fundraiser for Rep. Scott Garrett in 2016, but after 10 of their members were arrested over involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the group's become a lot more infamous. "I have no shame in being an Oath Keeper. I defend the Constitution. I'm very adamant that the spin that our media wants to put on the Oath Keepers is just spin," Durfee, an IT contractor from Northvale who has been involved with the group since 2008, said in a phone interview. While the FBI investigation about the extent of the Oath Keepers' involvement in the riot is ongoing, Durfee downplayed the group's role. "The FBI spun the whole thing — well, they tried to," he said. Durfee's chances at winning an Assembly seat are minuscule at best in one of the most liberal districts in the state. But you've got to wonder whether this is going to be a distraction for Republicans statewide, with all three candidates on the same ticket in New Jersey's most populous county — a county that was not so long ago quite competitive. Jack Zisa, the Republican chair of Bergen County, told me yesterday that he believes that far from being a liability to the ticket, Kelly will be a draw. "Does anybody on the planet really believe that she devised a plan to shut down the bridge?" he said. He said that Kugler's prosecution "doesn't seem right" because police escorts for funerals are common — though he stopped short of saying outright that he believed it's a political prosecution. And as for Durfee? "I may not agree or may not want one or more of these candidates to be candidates. But there's a procedure. But under the way I run the bylaws and run the organization, I don't squelch people. If they want to run in District 37 and win, God bless them," he said. WHERE'S MURPHY?: In Medford for an 11:30 a.m. bill signing CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: 4,586 newly-reported positive PCR tests for a total of 799,391. 44 more deaths for a total of 21,993 (and 2,568 probable deaths). 2,363 hospitalized, 458 in intensive care. 1,570,914 fully vaccinated, about 17.7 percent of the population. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Hackensack Meridian's Kenneth Esser, HACR's Cid Wilson QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I think the Republicans that voted tonight in the convention have a different viewpoint than the prosecutors as to whether Chief Kugler has done anything inappropriate or not." — B ergen County GOP Chair Jack Zisa | | A message from Uber Driver Stories: Meet Fallon. Delivering with Uber Eats helps her pay for college while allowing her the flexibility to fit her schedule around studies. Fallon chooses Uber because, unlike most other gigs, she can control her hours and spend more time focusing on her future. Watch her story in her own words below. | | |
|  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
'BRING IT' — DeFuccio wins Assembly seat in special election, primary to come, by POLITICO's Daniel Han : Upper Saddle River Councilwoman DeAnne DeFuccio won a special election Wednesday night to serve the remainder of state Sen. Holly Schepisi's (R-Bergen) term in the Assembly, although her opponent instantly vowed to primary her and Assemblymember Bob Auth (R-Bergen) for the GOP nomination in the general election. The scenario sets the stage for more infighting among Republicans in an already competitive legislative district. DeFuccio beat Saddle River Councilman John Azzariti 88-81 at a special election at the Bergen County Republican Organization. She also won the party line, which advantageously brackets her under GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli on ballots. Schepisi, who supported Azzariti in the special election, had no comment about whom she would support in the primary. When asked about the upcoming primary challenge, Auth said: "Bring it."
NO GREEN NEW DEAL BUT NEW GREEN DEALERS — Cuomo signs bill legalizing adult-use, recreational marijuana in New York, by POLITICO's Shannon Young: Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday morning to legalize adult-use, recreational cannabis in New York and create the country's second-largest recreational marijuana market. With the governor's endorsement of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, New York officially joins 16 other states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, that have embraced full legalization. More than two-thirds of the Northeast's 56 million residents will live in states that have legalized recreational cannabis, ramping up pressure on Washington, D.C., to ease federal restrictions on the drug. New Yorkers aged 21 and older can now legally possess and consume cannabis. Dispensaries are not expected to open in New York until at least 2022 under the new regulatory and licensing structure. EARLY GLOATING — "Are NJ Republicans parting ways with Trump era? Early voting bill offers clues," by The Record's Charles Stile: "Governor Murphy, clutching a stash of soon-to-be-sanitized ceremonial signing pens, took a swipe Tuesday at New Jersey's Trump-era Republicans who authored a slew of bills that curtail voting. 'Let me be perfectly clear: these bills will go nowhere except into the nearest recycling can,' he said, moments before affixing his name to historic early voting legislation as Democracy warrior Stacey Abrams gazed on from her corner of a Facebook Live screen. Murphy's partisan shot was predictable. The state GOP leadership fused itself to Trump's hip last year despite his racist pandering and his poisoning of public faith in the Democratic process … Yet, Murphy's broad partisan brush failed to accurately depict the nuances and the shifting realities in New Jersey's political landscape. A closer look at the early voting legislation suggests a growing number of New Jersey Republicans beginning to break from the Trump trance and reclaim the party's moderate, pragmatic heritage. The new bill, which will allow votes to be cast up to 10 days before an election and in-person, attracted 12 Republican supporters in the Assembly — a little more than 40% of the GOP Assembly caucus — and one Republican co-sponsor, Assemblywoman Bettylou DeCroce, R-Morris. It also drew three Republican Senate votes." O'TOOLE — "Stop Asian hate," by Kevin O'Toole for New Jersey Globe: "Growing up in an interracial family, some of my siblings and I found ourselves fending off physical fights after being subject to the verbal name calling that came with growing up in the 1970's with obvious Asian features. Who would have thought decades later, in the 1990's, while seeking the nomination for General Assembly, the then-Union County State Committeewoman would approach a group of people and ask 'who here is Kevin O'Toole?' and then say upon learning that I was Kevin O'Toole: 'you can't be Kevin O'Toole, your eyes are like this,' as she proceeded to pull both of her eyes to narrow them. Over a decade later, while running for the Senate, the not-so silent hand of racism would rear its ugliness when my opponent, in a blatant effort to stir racial waves, sent a mailer of me and Reverend Al Sharpton, referring to us as Affirmative Action babies … The reality is these offenses are nothing compared to the assaults and attacks that are being experienced today against Asian Americans who simply look like a certain way." POLL POSITION — Stockton poll: Murphy's job approval rate at 58 percent, by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin : Gov. Phil Murphy continues to get high marks for his overall job performance. According to a Stockton University Poll released Wednesday, 58 percent of those surveyed approve of the job the first-term Democratic governor is doing compared to 36 percent who do not. The job approval rating was the highest Murphy, the only governor seeking reelection this year, has received in the three years the Stockton poll has asked that question, said Alyssa Maurice, research associate for the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. A Monmouth University poll released last April during the height of the pandemic put Murphy's approval rating at more than 70 percent. Other polls have put his approval rating at more than 60 percent. VACCINES — Ciattarelli opposes mandatory Covid vaccines for students, by Carly: Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli said Wednesday that he's against mandatory Covid-19 vaccines for students and is urging Gov. Phil Murphy to do the same. Ciattarelli said in a statement that he is asking Murphy "to pledge today that he will not support or otherwise encourage mandatory vaccinations for K-12 students as a condition of their return to in-person learning either this spring or next September." Ciattarelli's statement comes as Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, announced preliminary findings that their vaccine was completely effective in preventing infection among teens 12 to 15 in a late-stage trial. Murphy reiterated his stance that vaccines would likely not be mandatory for schools to reopen in the fall for in-person learning, declaring that he would prefer that residents come to the vaccine "of their own free will." —"Vaccine passports present a frightening prospect says Assemblyman Scharfenberger" MEASLES DISAPPOINTED NOT TO BE PICKED, PLANS RESURGENCE — " Holley running mate admitted to insurance fraud three months ago," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Just three months after admitting to insurance fraud, Christian Veliz has now entered the race for the Democratic nomination for State Assembly in the 20th district on a slate led by Jamel Holley. Veliz had let his automobile insurance policy lapse for non-payment at 12:01 AM on November 28, 2019 and was involved in an accident on November 29 at 12:31 PM. One hour later, he reinstated his policy was the Progressive Insurance Company after attesting that he was not involved in any accident or loss during the period he had no insurance. In a consent order with the state Department of Banking and Insurance in December 2020, Veliz conceded a violation of the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act and agreed to pay a $2,625 civil administrative penalty and surcharge. The order Veliz signed acknowledged that this would be considered his first offense. Holley made insurance fraud a top issue in his 2011 campaign for mayor of Roselle." —"Pension payment plan aside, NJ has fiscal issues, report says" —" Woman who made sex assault claim criticizes report clearing N.J. State Police, prosecutors of misconduct" —"Dierdre Paul says she'll seek GOP state Senate nod in 37th" —" New Jersey eyes work to protect coastline, reduce carbon emissions" —"In rush back to classroom, teachers fear arts may lag" —" Murphy calls for independent probe of claim that Moran accosted Hudson prosecutor" —"Veterans discharged for LGBTQ identity could access benefits more easily with potential law" —" NJ judges can't detain undocumented immigrants only to halt deportation, high court rules" | | | | JOIN THE CONVERSATION, SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" Power dynamics are shifting in Washington, and more people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is a new twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy and power in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear from new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out on our latest newsletter, SUBSCRIBE NOW. Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
| | BIDEN TIME | |
SO I GUESS THE PROPOSAL TO NAME IT GAETZWAY ISN'T GOING ANYHWERE — Gateway backers optimistic about Biden's infrastructure proposal, by POLITICO's Danielle Muoio: President Joe Biden's plan to spend $2 trillion on job-creating infrastructure projects has backers of the Gateway project looking up. 'We are excited by the truly positive about-face in this president and this administration's focus on the Northeast Corridor,' Stephen Sigmund, a spokesperson for the Gateway Program, said. Although no specific dollar amount has been floated for the Hudson Tunnel project, which is estimated to cost about $13 billion, Biden's American Jobs Plan proposes $80 billion to make headway on Amtrak's repair backlog, $85 billion in transit investments and $25 billion for infrastructure projects of national importance, with an emphasize on modernizing the Northeast Corridor, which accounts for 20 percent of the country's gross domestic project.
NOT GLENN DANZIG — "Punk rock singer could be witness in Proud Boys U.S. Capitol riots case," by Reuters' Sarah N. Lynch : "A former singer for the punk rock band The Misfits who was in Washington on the day of the U.S. Capitol riot has emerged as a possible trial witness as defense lawyers seek to undermine the prosecution's bid to prove conspiracy charges against some members of the right-wing Proud Boys group. Michale Graves, the lead singer of the veteran band from 1995 to 2000, said a Proud Boys member asked him to play some songs for a private concert planned for the afternoon of Jan. 6. That was the day of the Capitol attack that left five people dead, including a police officer. Graves, who said he became a member of the Proud Boys last year, told Reuters he did not think the group was capable of planning an invasion of the Capitol, as prosecutors have said." | | | |   | | |
| | LOCAL | |
DAMN LANKEYS — "Amid volatility, Edison Mayor Lankey goes under the hood," by InsiderNJ's Max Pizarro: "Riven with political strife, the Township of Edison faces the prospect later this year of life after Mayor Tom Lankey. But Lankey himself isn't sure if he wants to go. Jettisoned by local Democrats, the incumbent mayor of the sprawling suburban burgh has left open the option of running for reelection as an independent … People in Town Hall on Monday said he looked like 'a sad puppy,' according to one source, beset by the ongoing antagonisms of those who object to incumbent Lankey's appointment of Nilesh Dasondi as his special assistant. Protesters crowded the parking lot apron of the Mirage Banquet Hall last week to shower their feelings on the mayor as he went inside to a reelection fundraiser hosted by none other than Dasondi. The mayor found himself swarmed by signs condemning his choice, who last year in Facebook posts referred to COVID-19 as 'the China virus.' Chants of 'Shame on Lankey' rained. In the aftermath, there was speculation that the incumbent — rather than running as an independent — would back the mayoral candidacy of Republican Keith Hahn, another former semi-darling of the local Democratic Party turned persona non grata."
TOMS RIVER — " Toms River, feds settled religious bias case: Why Jewish leaders still aren't happy," by The Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: "The township's recent settlement with the federal Justice Department over religious discrimination comes up short with Orthodox Jewish leaders, who contend the agreement still impinges on constitutional freedoms. The agreement allows construction of houses of worship on 2-acre parcels; previously, the minimum lots size was 10 acres, effectively barring the expansion of shuls — or Orthodox Jewish synagogues — to serve the growing community. 'It doesn't take off any burden from the community,' said township resident Booky Kaluszyner, an Orthodox Jew who is a member of the Toms River Jewish Community Council. '... As long as you can make it work in the neighborhood, it should be allowed.' On March 9, the day the Township Council voted 6 to 1 to approve the settlement with the Justice Department." R.I.P. — "'A shocking and terrible loss': Hackensack officials announce death of city manager," by The Record's Anthony Zurita: " Hackensack City Manager Ted Ehrenburg died on Tuesday night, officials said. The 64-year-old Ehrenburg, whose sudden death was announced on Wednesday morning by his office, held the position since 2016. 'This is a shocking and terrible loss for our city and my thoughts and prayers are with Ted's family during this trying time as they must confront a truly incalculable loss,' said Hackensack Mayor John Labrosse." LEAVINGS FROM ASBURY PARK — " Another Asbury Park superintendent heads for the exits: What's next?," by The Asbury Park PRess' Joe Strupp: "Schools Superintendent Sancha Gray is on the move and more change is on the way for the city school district. Three years after taking the helm of the troubled schools, which continue to suffer from state funding cuts, enrollment declines and COVID effects, Gray is resigning. In a Tuesday statement announcing her departure, Gray offered no details, stating only that 'the time has come for me to pursue ventures that will afford me an opportunity to serve and have a broader and wider influence.'" CONSERVATIVE COSMO KRAMER WANTED FOR QUESTIONING — "Toms River mystery: Who painted 'thin blue line' after Ocean County rejected request?," by The Asbury Park Press' Erik Larsen: "Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy arrived at work on Tuesday morning to discover that someone had granted his wish for a 'thin blue line' to be painted down the center of Hooper Avenue in an apparent demonstration of support for law enforcement. Who was it? That's the mystery. No one has claimed responsibility for the unauthorized paint job. Security surveillance footage shows the occupant of a single motor vehicle painting the line down the county-owned highway in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Mastronardy said." —" Bergen County judge orders five candidates be restored to Lyndhurst election ballot" —"Union City BOE President Jeanette Pena stepping down after 18 years of service" —" Lakewood leads NJ in bias incident reports as state sets record high" —"Council worries Trenton's flat-tax 'Trojan horse' budget could cost residents in long haul" —" Small picks Days-Chapman as reelection campaign manager" —"Will New Jersey continue to get J&J vaccine after 15M doses ruined at US plant?" | | | | JOIN PLAYBOOK TODAY FOR A CONVERSATION WITH RON KLAIN : The Biden administration is full speed ahead with an ambitious vaccination timeline, the deployment of $1.9 trillion in pandemic relief, and a multitrillion dollar infrastructure plan. But the White House is also dealing with a mounting crisis at the border, the aftermath of back-to-back mass shootings, and a looming showdown over the Senate filibuster. Join Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza for a conversation with White House chief of staff Ron Klain to discuss Biden's agenda in the coming months and how the administration plans to address the challenges facing the nation. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
| | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
ARUBA, JAMAICA, OH I WANNA STICK YA — "Longshoreman has yet to get vaccinated, but seeks to avoid prison in $500K pay scam because of COVID," by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman: "Three years ago, veteran longshoreman Paul Moe Sr. was sentenced to two years in prison for fraud after he was convicted of submitting bogus timesheets that allowed him to collect a salary of nearly $500,000 while fishing on his boat, going to the movies, and vacationing in Aruba. He has yet to serve a day behind bars. Allowed to remain free in an unsuccessful appeal of his conviction, the former dockworker is now seeking to avoid prison entirely because of health reasons and concerns over the coronavirus pandemic … But the U.S. Attorney's office, in its own court brief, said the issue of compassionate release cannot be considered until he is actually in custody. Prosecutors added that vaccine availability means the risk of contracting COVID-19 is 'no longer an extraordinary and compelling reason for sentence reduction,' yet noted that Moe has so far not received it."
—"Two ex-Bell Labs scientists changed computer programming forever. Now, they'll split a $1M prize" | | A message from Uber Driver Stories: As a woman of color, Fallon's number one priority is to better herself through her education. And that means finishing her bachelor's degree in business.
At first, Fallon tried to go down the traditional route of working part-time. But she says it didn't offer the flexible schedule that she needed.
"I like the flexibility of driving with Uber," she says. "I can drive when I want to."
With Uber, Fallon can choose when, where, and how long she wants to drive. If she has an exam that needs her attention, she doesn't have to worry about asking her boss or requesting time off—she can take the time she needs on her terms.
To see more stories like Fallon's, click here.
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