News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Democrats drop poll bomb into GOP gov primary

Thursday, May 27, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Democrats drop poll bomb into GOP gov primary

May 27, 2021

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by Pre-K Our Way

Good Thursday morning!

So is this why Jack Ciattarelli went so hard at Hirsh Singh during Tuesday's debate?

A Democratic Governors Association poll shows Ciattarelli leading Singh in the primary by a too-close-for-comfort 29 percent to 23 percent. It also shows nearly three-quarters of Republicans adhering to the false beliefs that Donald Trump won the 2020 election, the Capitol riot was a left-wing "false flag" operation and Democrats exaggerated the pandemic to hurt Trump. The poll was first reported by David Wildstein.

Some big caveats: This is from Public Policy Polling, a Democratic firm. Obviously, the Democratic Governors Association, which Phil Murphy recently chaired, wouldn't have shared it if they didn't want it out there, and they would love a Singh primary win. Prior to this poll, I would have thought Phil Rizzo — who only polls here at 8 percent — had more successfully captured the die-hard MAGA crowd. Brian Levine brings up the rear at 2 percent, and a 38 percent plurality are undecided. It's also just one poll. (A recent Singh polling memo about an internal survey by Brad Parscale showing him in the lead was pretty much laughed off).

If this poll is accurate then fealty to Trump really is a huge force in the Republican primary. And imagine for a second if Singh actually wins the primary. This gubernatorial race was looking like a long shot for Republicans to begin with. But if their nominee is someone who subscribes to the false "Stop the Steal" narrative, was at the main protest on January 6, and who insists that Trump was the greatest president of his lifetime?

That would mean Republicans wouldn't be able to move beyond Trump in the general election — a man who cost the already-reeling Republicans dearly during his four years in office. And if that's the case, do Republicans have to start worrying more about their state legislative minorities shrinking further?

WHERE'S MURPHY — No public events scheduled. Media: PBS News Hour at 6 p.m. an Ask Governor Murphy on your local NPR affiliate at 7 p.m.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The defendant made a statement [to the officer] indicating that Walter White made a lot of money making meth." — Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Melanie Falco during a pre-trial hearing on the release of Christopher Walls, a Long Branch cop charged with having a meth lab at home. He may not have watched the whole series.

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER — 352 newly-reported positive PCR tests for a total of 886,585. 25 more deaths for a total of 26,159 confirmed or probable deaths. 641 hospitalized, 137 in intensive care. 4,134,624 fully-vaccinated, or about 44.5 percent of the population.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, Senate Dems' Richard McGrath, PPAG's Regina Appolon, STFA President Wayne Blanchard

PROGRAMMING NOTE — There will be no New Jersey Playbook on Monday, Memorial Day.

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

Thanks, Governor and Legislature! Pre-k expansion funding's been in every recent state budget! Working families in 150+ school districts have pre-k expansion – but families in 110+ districts still wait. They're waiting in rural, suburban and suburban communities – from east to west, north to south. Continue substantial pre-k expansion THIS YEAR! Visit prekourway.org

WHAT TRENTON MADE

OFFICE FACE — Murphy to lift order mandating remote work, masks in offices, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: Vaccinated office workers may soon be able to leave their face coverings at home under a new executive order Gov. Phil Murphy announced during his regular Covid-19 briefing on Wednesday. The order, scheduled to take effect June 4, allows employers in New Jersey to set their own social distancing and masking policies for fully vaccinated workers. Separately, the governor said he would be lifting elements of an executive order issued in the early days of the pandemic that required businesses to accommodate remote work when possible and reduce the number of staff working on-site.

MURPHCROSS — Murphy's peace with Norcross, party bosses leaves New Jersey progressives frustrated, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy spent his first term delivering win after win for liberal activists. He raised taxes on millionaires. He secured drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. And he went to war with much of the Democratic establishment, making an enemy of George Norcross, the state's most feared political power broker. Now, Murphy — seeking reelection to a second term — has broken with his progressive base as they've turned their attention to a structural foe: That same boss-dominated power structure Murphy had shunned. The governor has made peace with Norcross and is embracing New Jersey's unusual primary ballot system liberal activists have targeted, which gives prominent placement to party-endorsed candidates awarded "the line."

REPUBLICANS CONSIDERING GIVING MUPRHY EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS — "Poll shows close race between Ciattarelli, Singh for GOP gubernatorial nomination," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Jack Ciattarelli holds a six point lead, 29%-23%, over Hirsh Singh in the race for the Republican nomination for Governor with 38% of likely Republican primary voters still undecided, according to a Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey conducted for the Democratic Governors Association and reviewed by the New Jersey Globe. With thirteen days left until the June 8 primary election, Hudson County pastor Phil Rizzo is at 8% and former Franklin Mayor Brian D. Levine is at 2% and neither appears to be viable candidates. The poll indicates that Ciattarelli, who became the presumptive nominee in January after former GOP State Chairman Doug Steinhardt withdrew from the race, has not yet locked up the Republican nomination. … Among Republicans who say they'll vote on June 8: 73% agreed that the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was a false flag operation organized by groups opposed to Trump; 71% don't believe Joe Biden was the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election; and 69% say that the coronavirus pandemic was exaggerated by liberals seeking to undermine Trump's presidency."

GROSSMAN ACKNOWLEDGES CIVIL WAR WAS ABOUT SLAVERY — " NAACP forum shows choice clear in Atlantic GOP Senate race," by The Press of Atlantic City's Michelle Brunetti Post: "Polistina said his focus would be on economic development through diversifying the economy. 'We have to have jobs and opportunities for the area,' Polistina said. 'I will do everything I can to make sure people have opportunities ... and that tax dollars generated in Atlantic City stay in Atlantic City.' Grossman, of Atlantic City, said his main interests are combating the rise of 'woke mandates,' educating people about the greatness of America rather than focusing on historic wrongs and encouraging self-reliance rather than reliance on government. While the United States was a slave nation during its first centuries, '310,000 white Americans died in a war to end slavery,' Grossman said. White Christians, particularly Quakers, in South Jersey and elsewhere took great personal risks to defy the law and undermine the slave economy of the South by helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad, Grossman said."

AND YET — "Grossman launches race-based attack over mass shooting at Murphy, media"

NJ COMPLETES FIRST CENSUS COUNT OF MASOCHISTS — "Over 13,000 people entered to win dinner with the Murphys," by NJ 101.5's Erin Vogt: "There's been thousands of at least partly vaccinated residents who want to sit down to dine with Gov. Phil Murphy and first lady Tammy Murphy, as the governor noted on Wednesday. While reviewing the current volume of COVID-19 vaccinations around the state — more than 4.83 million people have received at least one vaccine dose — Murphy said he was 'gratified' to hear that more than 13,000 adults already had signed up for the chance to bring one guest to dinner and a private tour at either Drumthwacket, the official governor's residence in Princeton, or the governor's residence in Island Beach State Park."

PRO-POT? NOT FUR LONG — Operative who ran pro-cannabis super PAC now running super PAC helping cannabis skeptic, by Matt: A nonprofit political group called Building Stronger Communities Action Fund spent almost $1 million last year to help legalize recreational cannabis in New Jersey. Now, a new super PAC called Building Stronger Communities — which is run by the same political operative who runs the "action fund" and uses the same address — is spending money in a small town council race in support of Cranford Councilmember Thomas Hannen, who this week voted to advance a law that would ban all cannabis businesses in town, at least temporarily. The new super PAC is also backing Hannen's friend, state Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union), who's facing a longshot primary challenge from Assemblymember Jamel Holley (D-Union). The effort by the two closely-related, but technically separate entities is the latest example of how big money can infuse everything from a ballot question on one of the biggest issues facing the state to its most local races.

— ELC: 'Hollowed out' Department of Education not prepared for school reopening

— "154K more N.J. residents got food stamps during pandemic. That wasn't enough, report says"

— "NJ assemblyman wins release of data behind virus stats"

— " NJ Transit unveils electric bus plan, but it has to compensate for low battery range"

— "Singh advisor ambushes Ciattarelli wife at debate, launches attack at candidate's family"

SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel.

BIDEN TIME

SHE'S 'READ THE SPECULATION' AND THAT CERTAINLY WAS THE EXTENT OF IT — "Suarez withdraws as candidate for U.S. Attorney, will be reappointed Hudson prosecutor," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has withdrawn her name from consideration to become the next U.S. Attorney from New Jersey and plans to stay on as prosecutor. 'I have read speculation about my possibly being in contention for United States Attorney in New Jersey and I would like to be clear that I intend to continue serving as prosecutor in Hudson County,' Suarez said on Wednesday. Gov. Phil Murphy intends to renominate Suarez to another term as Hudson prosecutor, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed."

— Moran: " An alarming surge in anti-Semitic attacks"

— "New Jersey can lead our clean energy transition with the power of our oceans | Opinion"

— " New Senate effort to keep oil rigs away from the Jersey Shore pushed by Menendez"

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

LOCAL

BAD COPS — "Ex-Bordentown police chief Frank Nucera gets 28 months in prison for lying to FBI," by The Burlington County Times' George Woolston: "Former Bordentown Township police chief Frank Nucera Jr. was sentenced to 28 months in prison for lying to the FBI in its investigation into alleged hate crimes he committed in 2016. Nucera, 64, was also sentenced to two years of supervised release after his prison term. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Kugler on Wednesday after several postponements due to ongoing medical issues faced by Nucera. Nucera was accused of assaulting a handcuffed Black teenager in 2016, and found guilty of lying to the FBI during its investigation into the incident in October 2019. A mistrial was declared on the other two charges Nucera faced, hate-crime assault and violation of civil rights, after the 12-person jury could not come to a unanimous verdict. He's still awaiting a retrial on the charges. He will remain out on bail until the completion of the retrial. Nucera's attorney Rocco Cipparone Jr. said he plans to appeal the conviction."

DON'T WORRY, INZELBUCH WILL STILL BE PAID — "Lakewood loses a school aid fight. How court ruling affects current funding woes," by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: "An appeals court upheld the state's denial of $30 million in school aid funding that had sparked a brief shutdown of classes in 2019, claiming a loan the district received that year fulfilled the need. The ruling comes at a time when the district is nearing $200 million in state loan debt and seeking a change in state aid following an administrative law judge's ruling that the district is not providing a proper education. The appeals court ruling, handed down by a two-person panel, stemmed from an August 2019 decision by then-New Jersey Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet denying a Lakewood Board of Education request for an additional $30 million in state aid."

LAMONT REPELLANT PRACTICES — "Trail of Corruption Left by Murphy's Former Education Commissioner in Asbury Park," by NJ Ed Report's Laura Waters: "I decided to check out the accusations more thoroughly than counting how many close friends were invited to a taxpayer-funded trip to Ghana. What follows is a list of new administrative positions created during Repollet's tenure in Asbury Park (before Murphy chose him as Commissioner) and during the three years when Repollet's hand-chosen successor Sancha Gray was superintendent … That's 11 new administrative positions with an average salary of $129,530 for a district where total enrollment is the size of some high schools … In 2017, just before Murphy chose Repollet, for every administrator there were 77 students, a lower ratio than any other district in Asbury Park's peer group. And as student enrollment drops and there's no correlative decrease in administrators, the ratio drops too; currently it's 73:1."

URANUS? — "Neptune will allow recreational weed dispensaries. But where should they go?" by The Asbury Park Press' Susane Cervenka: "Neptune officials already agreed they will allow recreational marijuana businesses to operate in town but want to have their own zoning regulations so they can have more control over where businesses go should the state rules change, Neptune's Land Use Administrator Bernard Haney said during a Neptune Township Committee meeting on Monday. 'State regulations can change and we would have no say' if the township doesn't set up its own regulations, he said."

— " Newton could get some forms of marijuana businesses as council mulls zoning ordinance"

— "Howell Council moves to ban marijuana businesses"

— " Paterson school administrator leading reopening effort takes vacation,"

— "Fired Paterson NJ schools official files ethics lawsuit on Emanuel Capers case,"

— " Developer claims in lawsuit that Jersey City public safety director's aide halted two projects"

— "Englewood Cliffs clerk files suit alleging discrimination, demeaning treatment by officials"

— " Toms River councilman urges probe of worker benefits. Blame politics, lawyer says"

— "Dueling harassment claims in transphobic rant, beer toss at N.J. restaurant"

— " Jersey City Mayor Fulop discusses significance of CCRB, payroll tax reform bills in Trenton"

Did you know that POLITICO Pro has coverage and tools at the state level? All the state legislative and regulatory tracking, budget documents, state agency contact information, and everything else you need to stay ahead of state policy movement integrate into our smart and customizable platform. Learn more and become a Pro today.

EVERYTHING ELSE

MICHELLE LODZINSKI — "Mom's conviction in notorious cold-case murder of 5-year-old son upheld by split N.J. Supreme Court," by NJ Advance Media's Ted Sherman: "Thirty years after 5-year-old Timothy Wiltsey went missing — his skeletal remains discovered months later in a muddy creek far from his home — the state's highest court in a split decision upheld the conviction of his mother who was not charged with his murder until more than 23 years after his death. The 3-3 ruling, with Chief Justice Stuart Rabner recusing himself from the matter, meant an earlier appellate ruling rejecting Michelle Lodzinski's appeal will hold, leaving her conviction intact … Justice Anne M. Patterson said the evidence presented at trial — including defendant's proofs — was 'more than sufficient to support a reasonable jury's determination that defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of purposely or knowingly killing her son.' Patterson was joined by Justices Faustino J. Fernandez-Vina and Lee A. Solomon … But Justice Barry T. Albin voiced harsh opposition to any affirmation of the verdict."

— "Lodzinski attorneys express outrage over ruling on 'unjust' murder conviction and look to U.S. Supreme Court"

— "What's new in Atlantic City? How its casinos and attractions are hoping for a comeback summer"

— "Catholic school teacher fired for unmarried pregnancy will take case to N.J. Supreme Court"

— "'It's me. The deli guy': Meet the man behind Park Wood Deli's viral TikToks, viewed by millions"

THE FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE : Recovery Lab, POLITICO's project exploring the policy challenges on the road to pandemic recovery, is back this month to take a look at the future of infrastructure. Across the country, in communities large and small, Covid-19 has forced a reassessment of how we use public infrastructure, including street space, broadband, airports and even the Postal Service. Read our Recovery Lab package here.

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

Thanks to the Governor and Legislature, there's been pre-k expansion funding in every recent state budget! That's enabled NJ to expand pre-k for working families into 150+ school districts.

However, families in 110+ eligible districts still wait in rural, suburban and urban communities, and from east to west – and north to south.

The proposed FY2022 budget would continue to recognize pre-k expansion as a priority for now, and for our future. We agree with former Governor Tom Kean, "There are a few priority reforms we need to make to improve education in our state. One of our highest priorities should be the availability of quality pre-k programs for all of our children. These programs offer our best hope for future success in school and life."

Let's maintain pre-k expansion as a statewide priority. Continue substantial pre-k expansion in the coming year for New Jersey, and especially for its working families.

Visit prekourway.org