News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Bringing the National Guard to the polls

Monday, June 7, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Bringing the National Guard to the polls

Jun 07, 2021

Presented by Pre-K Our Way

Good Monday morning!

Apparently, it's been difficult to get workers to the polls . So that's why last week on Thursday lawmakers walked a brand new bill onto the floor of both chambers that would do a lot of things, including allowing members of the National Guard to act as poll workers. And in an effort to encourage civilians to sign up, the bill — which Murphy signed in the evening — doubles poll worker pay, from $200 to $400 for a full day (Previous attempts to increase poll workers' pay had stalled).

The bill passed with minimal opposition and Gov. Murphy signed it on Thursday evening. (I wrote a brief article about it Thursday but forgot to include it in Friday's Playbook).

A couple lawmakers raised concerns about allowing members of the military to play such an up-front role in the voting process, and that's a legitimate concern — though one I think is more based on principle than fears that the New Jersey National Guard will try to sway the election.

There's nothing in the bill that looks like a power grab or is particularly controversial. My concern is the way the bill was handled. As it was being voted on, lawmakers themselves had only just been briefed on it in caucus, behind closed doors. There was little information about the bill online at that time. Even its sponsors weren't yet listed. The Senate and Assembly Democratic offices were kind enough send me info on the bill, but I shouldn't have had to rely on them to get it as the Legislature was voting on it.

I understand that there was a time crunch to pass this ahead of Tuesday's primary. The question is why there was so little discussion leading up to it. This whole process was bad for transparency in government — doubly so because it was passed in the same session as the more far-ranging gubernatorial emergency powers bill, which was passed Thursday, in a similarly opaque fashion.

WHERE'S MURPHY — In Trenton for a 1 p.m. coronavirus press conference.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "All she had to do was open that utensil drawer in the kitchen. She purposely pulled it out real hard. You knew that noise when you heard it. And she always had more than one wooden spoon cause she'd break one now and then" — GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli talking about his mother's corporal punishment

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — State Sen. Linda Greenstein, EHT Committeemember Joe Cafero

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

MAGA CONSPIRACY THEORIES TURN INWARD — GOP gubernatorial candidates making final push for support ahead of primary, by POLITICO's Danel J. Han: Despite the early hour, the self avowed populist [Phil Rizzo] was ready to pitch his 'right lane' ideas and occasional conspiracy theories — including the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump and suggesting to voters, without evidence, that Singh, his far right rival, was a "Democratic plant," though he later distanced himself from that idea. "I'm not endorsing that idea formally," he told reporters of Singh. "But a lot of the puzzle pieces do fit together." … Throughout the roughly 90-minute question-and-answer session, Singh listed, without evidence, the forces allegedly conspiring against his campaign: Democrats, Republicans, conservative media, New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein and former Gov. Chris Christie. In a convoluted and baseless explanation, Singh explained that Christie, a Republican and Trump supporter, had been covertly sabotaging GOP campaigns around the state for years to bolster his own presidential ambitions — and that his campaign was meeting the same obstacle. "The deal is being cut — Chris Christie world [and] Phil Murphy have come together," he said. "They want Phil Murphy to be reelected. … That's why they're pushing Jack Ciattarelli, because they know Jack will lose.

—"Breaking down the GOP gubernatorial primary with pollster Patrick Murray."

MCDONALD SERVES UP A WHOPPER — @TerrenceMcD: "Today is my last day at The Record. @statesnewsroom is opening a NJ bureau and they've asked me to run it. I start Monday and we'll launch the site soon."

BRENT SPINER SAID FRIDAY WAS THE DATE — Murphy signs legislation ending New Jersey's public health emergency, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton : Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday signed legislation that will end New Jersey's public health emergency while keeping in place more than a dozen executive orders that give him wide latitude to manage the state's ongoing recovery from Covid-19. Democratic lawmakers rushed the bill, NJ A5820 (20R), to Murphy's desk just two days after it was introduced by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assembly Majority Whip Nicholas Chiaravalloti and Senate President Steve Sweeney. There was intense Republican opposition to the measure, which many GOP lawmakers claimed would permanently weaken the Legislature's ability to set guardrails around the governor's powerful constitutional authorities. Murphy also signed a new executive order Friday that formally terminates the public health emergency, effective immediately — 30 days before most of his pandemic-era orders will expire under the new law.

—Mulshine: "That toothless bill to curb the governor's emergency powers gives me a sinking feeling"

FOLLOWING IN CHRIS CHRISITIE'S FOOTSTEPS — "Famous Stack rally draws Murphy to Democratic stronghold," by New Jersey Globe's Nikita Biryukov : "There's no party like a Brian Stack party. The Union City mayor and state senator held one of his rallies — events that in actuality are some combination of street fair, concert and carnival — in Saturday's sweltering heat, ginning up support for his Assembly district mates Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City) and Annette Chaparro (D-Hoboken) for an uncontested primary. Residents, most of them in white T-shirts bearing the names of Gov. Phil Murphy, Stack and his running mates, flocked to a stage erected on New York Avenue. Others huddled in the shade of trees lining the sidewalk, while still others enjoyed the party from the comfort of second and third-floor windows of buildings flanking the cordoned-off area. The event drew a visit from Murphy despite there being no primary in the 33rd district. The governor took the chance to slap the Republicans seeking his seat."

—"Barnstorming NJ: Murphy says Ciattarelli in a race 'Backwards'"

THE LINE — " Tuesday's primary election is rigged for the old guard," by The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran : "In the 2017 gubernatorial election, Murphy lost the primary in only one county, Sussex, where the win went to then-Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). As it happens, Sussex is one of just two counties, with Somerset, that does not list the endorsed candidate on a single line. 'It's not a fair competition,' Wisniewski says. Murphy is siding with the machines on this issue, no doubt because it works to his sharp advantage. 'It's certainly disappointing,' Wisniewski says. 'We need someone who wants to champion democracy in this state.' This isn't just about elections; it affects governing. Politicians knows they must stay in the good graces of the county organizations or they can be sent to ballot Siberia, staking out column G on their own, hoping voters can find their name. Wilfredo Caraballo is the poster boy for this risk."

COCKTAILS! WOO-HOO! EVERY DAY THEY'RE OUT THERE MAKING COCKTAILS! WOO-HOO! — New Jersey lawmakers move to make cocktails to-go permanent, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: New legislation proposed for introduction by Assemblymember John Burzichelli would allow restaurants and bars in New Jersey to continue offering cocktails to-go even after the state recovers from the pandemic. Alcohol to-go is one of many pandemic-era rule changes lawmakers and lobbyists across the U.S. are trying to make permanent. Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) said he doesn't want to put an end to the practice just because public health has finally improved to a point where his constituents can return to the bar.

—" All you need to know about N.J.'s big (and in-person) primary elections Tuesday"

—"N.J. schools grappling with mask mandate in heat wave, as temps reach 90 degrees"

—" NJ Assembly incumbents BettyLou DeCroce, Jay Webber split on primary line"

—Stile: "Grim report on NJ tax burden arrives just in time for attack ads"

—" In second district, candidates take divergent paths toward Senate nod"

—"NJ Legislature honors Anthony Fauci, target of GOP criticism"

— "Murphy 'open-minded' to boosting pension payment past $6.4 billion,"

R.I.P. — "Dan Todd, former assemblyman, brother of governor, dies at 82"

—" Union County's prosecutor to lead state Division of Criminal Justice"

—"Friendly Fire: The Murphy-Norcross truce, Cuomo's red herring, and the battle of Bergen"

DON'T MISS THE MILKEN INSTITUTE FUTURE OF HEALTH SUMMIT: POLITICO will feature a special edition of our Future Pulse newsletter at the 2021 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit. The newsletter takes readers inside one of the most influential gatherings of global health industry leaders and innovators who are turning lessons learned from the past year into a healthier, more resilient and more equitable future. Covid-19 threatened our health and well-being, while simultaneously leading to extraordinary coordination to improve pandemic preparedness, disease prevention, diversity in clinical trials, mental health resources, food access and more. SUBSCRIBE TODAY to receive exclusive coverage from June 22-23.

BIDEN TIME

NDA: STRAIGHT OUTTA TRENTON — "Gretchen Carlson, Julie Roginsky to Topline Fox News whistleblower doc," by The Hollywood Reporter's Etan Vlessing: "Indie doc studio XTR is at work on In Her Own Words, a feature documentary about Fox News Channel alums Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky and their campaign against Roger Ailes and the use of nondisclosure agreements … Roginsky added: 'We are among the tens of millions of Americans bound by NDAs. In this film, we are digging into the consequences of taking power structures head-on by shining a spotlight on the lengths to which some in power will go to prevent women from speaking their truths.'"

—" North Brunswick 'Love is Light' race to honor legacy of judge's slain son"

A message from Pre-K Our Way:

LOCAL

ALLEGED CORRUPTION AND ABUSE OF POWER THANKFULLY SHIELDED FROM THE PUBLIC EYE — "Former Newark city attorney's lawsuit against mayor, brother is settled," by NJ Advance Media's Rebecca Panico: " A federal lawsuit filed by Newark's former corporation counsel that claimed the mayor's brother showed up at his house with a security detail to discuss a development contract has been settled, though the terms were not immediately available. Willie Parker, who began working as Newark's top attorney in 2015, said he was fired in 2017 after he refused to sign a contract he claimed would've benefited private interests at a loss to the city. Parker in 2017 sued the city, Mayor Ras Baraka and his chief of staff, Amiri 'Middy' Baraka, and other officials. The city and Parker agreed to settle in May and the decision comes just before the mayor, his brother and other Newark officials were to be deposed. The schedule for depositions was repeatedly delayed as the city's private attorney argued the Barakas were too busy to testify because they were handling issues around the pandemic … Spokeswomen for the city did not respond when asked how much the suit was settled for."

POMPIDOU CENTER COMES TO NORTH JERSEY, THE POMPADOUR CENTER — "Far from Paris, the Pompidou plans an outpost in Jersey City," by The New York Times' Julia Jacobs: "In recent years, the Pompidou Center in Paris has tried to extend its reach globally by opening museum outposts in cities hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles away. In 2015, it opened one in Málaga, Spain; in 2018, in Brussels; one year later, in Shanghai. So what's the next destination for the Pompidou, the Parisian art museum and cultural center? Jersey City, N.J., naturally … If the City Council approves the plan, the museum, which is expected to open in early 2024, will have access to art from the Pompidou's collection of around 120,000 works and to its array of experts — as well as the benefit of being associated with one of Paris's most popular cultural attractions."

CROWNED VIC — "Gov. Murphy officially endorses interim Camden Mayor Carstarphen in Tuesday's primary," by WHYY's April Saul: "Four days ahead of the June 8 primary, N.J. Governor Phil Murphy today endorsed Democratic party candidate Vic Carstarphen for mayor of Camden. In a statement, Murphy said, 'Vic Carstarphen has a bold vision to lift up all of Camden's residents and lead the city toward a brighter future. From housing and health care to community engagement and public education, he is an energetic thinker with the credibility to unify communities and tackle tough challenges while always putting Camden first… Vic is the right leader at the right time to serve as Mayor of Camden.'"

GOP: DO WE HAVE A CHANCE IN THE GENERAL? STICK A FORKIN IT — "Tuesday's primary to settle bruising campaigns for Atlantic City mayor, state Senate," by The Press of Atlantic City's Michelle Brunetti Post: "One such race is for Atlantic City mayor. Traditionally, the Democratic primary winner goes on to win the seat in the general election, as the resort leans heavily Democratic. This year, incumbent Mayor Marty Small Sr. is up against Democrat and former firefighter and Assemblyman Tom Foley. Foley is backed by longtime political organizer Craig Callaway, and the race has gotten ugly, wrapped up in lawsuits stemming from a child sexual abuse case that involved a relative of Small's wife, La'Quetta. The winner will face Republican candidate Tom Forkin, who is running unopposed in the primary, in the Nov. 2 general election."

IN NJ IT'S AN HONOR TO HAVE A DISMAL SWAMP NAMED AFTER YOU — "Bill would rename Middlesex County wildlife refuge for Peter Barnes III," by MyCentralJersey: "The three Democratic lawmakers represent New Jersey's 18th legislative district, which Barnes served for a decade. The Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation Commission – currently known as the Dismal Swamp Preservation Commission, which Barnes established through legislation in 2008 – would continue to provide comprehensive regulatory authority and regional planning for the Dismal Swamp after it's renamed the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve. "When Peter Barnes was in the Assembly, he was instrumental in preserving the Dismal Swamp," said Karabinchak, noting the area known as the 'Everglades of Central Jersey' spans Metuchen, South Plainfield, and Barnes' native Edison. 'Renaming the largest natural area remaining in northern Middlesex County is a merited tribute to his effort and dedication toward protecting the land.'"

MAPP QUEST — "Plainfield on the line: Mapp versus Wyatt," by InsiderNJ's Max Pizarro : "In Tuesday's Democratic Primary, it added up to no one – or few – believing anyone except incumbents or power players had a shot. 'The line's going to sweep everyone back in' a source – with a face only half covered by a surgical mask – told InsiderNJ. He added, 'I don't expect any upsets.' That said, the insider acknowledged the closeness of the Plainfield Mayor's race, in which incumbent Adrian Mapp seeks an unprecedented third term in the chair of local power … Bolstered by the Democratic Party line in a gubernatorial election year, Mapp ($342,547 raised, according to ELEC) faces a stern and legitimate challenge from School Board Member Richard Wyatt ($25,595 raised), who has real questions about the Democrats' implementation of marijuana legalization locally, and development at the expense of the people of Plainfield, his overriding counter argument to the sitting administration."

—Opinion: "[Cumberland County Utilities Authority's] sewer deal doesn't fix a problem, it is the problem"

—" Nutley parents aim to recall school board president, saying kids need full day in class"

—"Monmouth County superintendents to Gov. Murphy: It's time to take the masks off"

—" 'Unmask our children': Sussex County schools tell Murphy"

—"Fight over religious zoning settlement dominates Toms River's GOP primary"

—" Hawthorne council primary pits 6 GOP candidates"

—"[Hopewell] cop called Black Lives Matter protesters terrorists. How the comments got her fired"

JOIN TUESDAY FOR A CONVERSATION ON THE PATH TO A LOW-CARBON FUTURE: Reducing waste and conserving scarce natural resources are key goals of the movement to a circular economy. As the nation considers opportunities to reduce waste and improve recyclability, how can these efforts align with other measures to combat climate change? Join POLITICO for a high-level conversation on what it will take to build both a circular economy and a low-carbon future. REGISTER HERE.

EVERYTHING ELSE

THE CARNIVAL INDUSTRY'S REPUTATION MAY NEVER RECOVER — "Carnival owners stole amusement trailer worth $192K from N.J. party shop, cops say," by NJ Advance Media's Anthony G. Attrino: "Two carnival owners from New York were arrested Wednesday and charged with stealing an enclosed trailer and amusement game worth more than $192,000 from a party shop in Essex County, police said. The theft occurred about 8:30 p.m. on April 12 when the trailer was driven off the lot of Funtime Services on Kulick Road in Fairfield. Inside the trailer was a 14-gun water pistol carnival game and 'a number of inflatable amusements,' said Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna."

—" What happens to Philip Roth's legacy now?"

—"If almost 20% of N.J. adults don't get vaccinated, will the state achieve herd immunity?"

—" Marriages in N.J. fell nearly 20% in 2020. Will there be a post-COVID wedding boom?"

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