News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Munoz likely the next Assembly GOP leader

Monday, October 18, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Munoz likely the next Assembly GOP leader

Oct 18, 2021

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by AARP New Jersey

Good Monday morning!

The race to replace Jon Bramnick as Assembly minority leader is apparently over.

David Wildstein reported late Friday that Bramnick's longtime running-mate, Assemblymember Nancy Munoz (R-Union), has the votes, and that two of her three rivals plan to drop out of the race.

That means in an era when anti- mask and anti-vaccine politics have gained traction with the GOP base, the party's leader in the Assembly will be a registered nurse who volunteered early in the pandemic as well as at vaccination sites later on. She was also one of just two Republican legislators to vote in favor of eliminating the "religious exemption" for school vaccine requirements.

So the Assembly will by all appearances continue to have a moderate Republican leader . The state Senate, however, is destined to get more conservative. While outgoing minority leader Tom Kean Jr. never did as much to push back on his party's right flank as Bramnick did in the lower house, the three running to succeed him — Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris), and Bob Singer (R-Ocean) — all come from far more conservative districts. And that race hasn't been settled yet.

I'd put in a caveat here that technically these Republicans could be running for Assembly speaker or Senate president, but nobody's even pretending that's a realistic possibility this year.

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

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Our democracy is fragile. And when you don't have party positions, only what the former president tells you what you should believe, then you're not a party. You're a cult." — Former Republican Gov. Christie Whitman

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Former Alpha Mayor Harry Zikas Jr. and New Brunswick BA Michael Drulis.

TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com

A message from AARP New Jersey:

AARP New Jersey is calling on candidates to make New Jersey a place where we can safely, affordably, and happily grow older.
50+ voters want lower prescription drug costs, retirement security, affordable housing, accessible transportation, and opportunities for community participation – which improves the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.
Learn where the candidates stand on issues that count for the 50+, and links to state resources on where and how to vote at aarp.org/njvotes.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

2019 WAS SUCH AN INNOCENT TIME — Cannabis Regulatory Commission approves 14 licenses for medical marijuana cultivation, by POLITICO's Sam Sutton: More than two years after the state Department of Health issued a request for applications to bolster New Jersey's medical marijuana supply, regulators on Friday awarded provisional licenses to more than a dozen operators. The move could expand New Jersey's legally-grown marijuana canopy by more than 350,000 square feet, more than doubling the state's current capacity. Four of the 14 companies granted provisional licenses by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission will receive vertically integrated licenses, which allows them to open dispensaries and production facilities as well … The provisional licenses granted Friday stem from a 2019 RFA launched through the Health Department, which had overseen the medical marijuana program until the Cannabis Regulatory Commission was formed earlier this year. The request was mired in litigation for more than a year over rejected applications. Once the legal challenges were resolved, the transition of the medical marijuana program to the newly-formed commission, coupled with the workload that went into forming new rules for the adult use industry, led to further delays."

F&&KING OFFENSIVE — " F-bombs, pizza, the Tuscan villa and the Red Sox: How Jersey is your candidate?" by The Record's Charles Stile: "In a now-infamous 30-second ad, an off-screen interviewer informs supposedly ordinary New Jersey residents about Ciattarelli's past 'effort to ban swearing.' They express faux shock and outrage over such a priggish policy … The ad is also the most inauthentic attempt to appear authentic I've ever seen. And It traffics in the stereotype of a crude and boorish Jersey persona — the tiresome, tell-it-like-is style that Chris Christie effectively marketed. The timing by the respondents is insincere and contrived. The idea that an average resident is as coarse as a Bada Bing barfly is insulting and implausible. We're blunt, direct and honest. But that crude?"

NEW JERSEY OFFICIALLY BECOMES EAST CALIFORNIA — "The most progressive governor in America?" by The Nation's John Nichols: " Frustration often accompanies high expectations, and Murphy still gets his share of criticism from activists, especially reformers who fret that he has not done enough to challenge the county Democratic machines—and their legislative allies—which have often been as bad as the Republicans when it comes to obstructing change in New Jersey. But many former critics acknowledge that the businessman turned politician has not merely kept his promises to address economic, social, and racial justice concerns in a state that until nearly four years ago was under the thumb of the bombastic Republican Chris Christie. Indeed, Murphy has often exceeded them. His record is particularly significant at a time when Democrats across the country are watching President Joe Biden struggle to implement his agenda and when many Democratic governors have earned mixed reviews—or worse. Consider the scandals swirling around Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, the downfall and resignation of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, or California Governor Gavin Newsom's (now averted) recall scare."

ABORTION — " Why abortion rights matter more in the N.J. governor's race this year than ever before," by NJ Advance Media's Susan K. Livio: "Ciattarelli: 'I have never not advocated for a woman's right to choose.' Ciattarelli made this statement during the first debate last month. But when questioned further, he said he supports a parental notification law for minors — a requirement in 10 other states — and a ban on abortion after 20 weeks, which 17 states have enacted, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. 'We know the baby feels pain during an abortion after 20 weeks. That's the science,' Ciattarelli said. But is it? According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, 'A human fetus does not have the capacity to experience pain until after viability.'"

GAR SEEYA — "Feds: Ex-Hoboken Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia indicted in large-scale Newark bribery scheme," by Hudson County View's John Heinis: "Former Hoboken Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia, also an ex-Newark official, has been indicted along with two Brick City businessmen, for allegedly soliciting corrupt payments in exchange for helping them acquire and redevelop properties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel Honig announced … This allegedly included securing Newark-approved redevelopment agreements (RDAs) to purchase and acquire various Newark-owned properties for redevelopment, and to ensure that Garcia did not use his influence and authority to act against their interests. Garcia also received jewelry, including multiple high-end watches and chains, from Valvano's and Sablosky's pawnbroker and jewelry business, including a Rolex watch with a 'Selling Price' of $8,900, a Cartier watch with a 'Selling Price' of $3,295, an Omega watch with a 'Selling Price' of $7,295, and a chain with a 'Selling Price' of $9,345."

WHEN YOUR PARTY'S LEADER BOASTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IT'S KIND OF DIFFICULT — "A battle for the GOP's soul," by NJ Advance Media's Adam Clark: "Alyssa Dawson's voice hardened as she realized where the conversation was headed. It was time to explain herself. Dawson, 28, is so tired of explaining herself. The gay political operative, with 19 tattoos and a metallic nose ring, says no one should give a crap who she loves. And she definitely has a problem with men telling women what they're allowed to do with their bodies. So naturally, Dawson is — ahem — a devout Republican. 'Every day I identify as a Republican, I have people look at me sideways,' said Dawson, chief of staff for state Sen. Holly Schepisi, R-Bergen. 'I have a lot of friends who are very, very liberal who say to me all the time, 'I can't believe you deal with this stuff.' Her unapologetic comeback? 'In order to change it, you have to be part of it,' said Dawson, a former Westwood councilwoman who subscribes to traditional conservative ideals like lower taxes and smaller government."

VAAD NEWS — "Lakewood Vaad will endorse Murphy," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Gov. Phil Murphy will be endorsed by the Lakewood Vaad on Tuesday, giving him the support of hugely influential religious leaders from the Orthodox Jewish community as he seeks to become the first Democratic governor since 1977 to win a second term … Lakewood is a heavily Republican municipality in Ocean County, but with the support of the Vaad, Murphy was able to win the township by 114 votes over Republican Kim Guadagno in 2017. Last year, Lakewood have Donald Trump 82% of the vote. Rep. Christopher Smith (R-Hamilton) carried the township with 83%. Eight years ago, Gov. Chris Christie won 82% in Lakewood."

CORRECTIONS NEEDS A CORRECTION — "N.J. continues to have worst racial disparities nationwide in its prisons, report says," by NJ Advance Media's Joe Atmonavage: "Even as New Jersey has dramatically reduced its prison population in recent years, the state continues to have the worst racial disparity among its incarcerated population in the country, according to a new report released this week. The Sentencing Project, a prison reform advocacy organization, found that in New Jersey Blacks are incarcerated at a rate over 12 times that of whites, a strikingly high number compared to the national average of Black Americans being incarcerated at nearly 5 times the rate of white Americans."

—" Ciattarelli slams Murphy for increasing N.J. budget by $11B. Here's where the money went"

—"GOP incumbents seek to defend 1st District gains"

—" Friendly Fire: The last debate, former Gov. Christie Whitman's warning to vote for Dems, and Gottheimer's gamble"

—"Trump and taxes! Taxes and Trump! Battle cry's the same in N.J. and Virginia gov races. Here's why"

—" All-important redistricting begins for NJ legislative map"

—"Correctional officer drugged, sexually assaulted gay prisoner, lawsuit says"

–Pizarro: " Hamm 67-mile march to Trenton speaks to far more than police brutality"

—Mulshine: "Phil Murphy's a poor man's Jon Corzine"

STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down and who really has the president's ear in West Wing Playbook, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today.

BIDEN TIME

BRENDAN BYRNE TO BE FIRST POSTHUMOUS EARLY VOTER — Jill Biden stumps for Murphy, urges early voting during New Jersey campaign stop, by POLITICO's Daniel Han: First lady Jill Biden returned to her home state of New Jersey on Friday to campaign for Gov. Phil Murphy's reelection, urging people to utilize the state's new early voting methods and tying Murphy's election in part to her husband. "[President] Joe [Biden] is honored to serve as your president. He's so grateful for the trust that you have given him and he's working hard for you," Biden, an Atlantic County native, said at an early voting rally at Middlesex College in Edison. "But that's why he needs a partner like Phil working beside him, to build on the progress." Biden, Murphy and other speakers at the rally — from state Democratic Chair LeRoy Jones to Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver — urged New Jerseyans to use the state's new early voting option. For the first time in the state's history, voters can go to the polls in person from Oct. 23 to Oct. 31, a move officials hope will boost turnout.

—"Early voting could cost N.J. $80M. But some election experts don't think it will make a difference"

IT'S HER PARTY AND SHE'LL CRY IF SHE WANTS TO — "At age 75, Christie Whitman's finest moment," by The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran: "Whitman's earlier attempts to move her party have met with spectacular failure. Her 2005 book 'It's my party, too' argued that Republicans needed to moderate their positions to build a broader coalition. This came just as the party lurched to the right. She was right about the politics, in the end. The Republicans who mocked her have since lost power in the White House, the Senate, and the House. But she could be ignored again. 'Anybody who listens to Christine Todd Whitman is probably already there,' says David Wasserman of the Cook Political Report. But unlike 2005, Whitman is not trying to persuade the party's base anymore and says that is hopeless as long as Trump holds their loyalty. She's looking for independent voters who normally lean Republican, along with Republicans who haven't joined the cult. That's smarter politics, more precise. If she and her allies can have even a small impact in a handful of districts, that could prove decisive in the tight competition for control of the House and Senate, says Julian Zelizer, a professor of politics at Princeton."

—" Rosario Dawson doesn't think SNL gets her boyfriend Cory Booker 'quite right,' and has some suggestions?"

A message from AARP New Jersey:

LOCAL

THE POLITBURO DOES THE PICKING — "This is the sixth time Montclair voters will be asked to end mayor-appointed school boards," by The Record's Julia Martin: "For the sixth time since 1940, Montclair voters are again deciding whether to change their school governance model from a mayor-appointed board of education to an elected board. The last referendum, in 2009, resulted in a vote to stay with an appointed board. Montclair is one of only 3% of school districts in the state with a so-called Type I board, consisting of seven members appointed by the mayor … Proponents of an elected board say an appointed board gives the mayor too much power. The fact that Mayor Sean Spiller is also the president of the New Jersey Education Association — the statewide teachers union — has increased concerns about the system. It's no coincidence that the ballot question initiative was rekindled last year during the prolonged battle between the Montclair Education Association (the local affiliate of the NJEA) and the school board over reopening schools during the pandemic."

TRADING BARBIEROS — "Parsippany mayoral candidates trade criminal accusations before civil debate," by The Daily Record's William Westhoven: "Issues related to redevelopment, budget deficits and traffic were among the expected topics debated Thursday night during an online forum pitting Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano against his predecessor and opponent James Barberio. What was not discussed during the hourlong forum ... were public statements issued earlier in the day by both candidates, each accusing the other of criminal malfeasance while in office. Barberio fired the first round, accusing Soriano of stealing township funds and resources. Copies of emails attached to the statement document Soriano directing township employees to hang banners in town congratulating the 2020 graduates of Parsippany and Parsippany Hills high schools. Additional emails show Soriano directing township officials to enter 'township' on a $1,528 invoice to pay for the banners, which were imprinted with 'Paid for by the Soriano Civic Association.' Barberio did not produce any evidence that Soriano did not direct reimbursement from his association, as one email indicated he would … Later in the day, the Soriano campaign responded with a statement that confirmed his promised reimbursement and accused Barberio of corruption while in office for two terms between 2010 and 2017 … The Soriano statement included copies of 2017 emails from a former full-time Barberio administration staffer negotiating a Barberio campaign lawn sign purchase with a printer. The emails originated from the staffer's township email account and copied to Barberio's personal email address."

V FOR VIEJO — "Tinton Falls' 97-year-old mayor faces three challengers in re-election fight," by The Asbury Park Press' Dan Radel: "At 97, Vito Perillo already defied the odds once when he won the election for mayor four years ago. He's attempting to do it again, but this time several candidates are trying to bump him out. Called to action nearly 80 years ago to fight in World War II, he again felt a sense of civic duty to run for mayor in 2017 when he was upset over his taxes going up and a pair of whistleblower lawsuits against the police department … With the passing of Booneville, Kentucky, Mayor Charles Long two years ago, who was the general consensus oldest mayor in the country at 99 — those records are not officially tracked — the distinction is now most likely Perillo's. But he does not want to talk about his age. In fact, his eyebrows turned up like a 'V' when a reporter brought it up in an interview. 'I don't want to be known for my age, I just want to be known for being the mayor of Tinton Falls,' Perillo said, about the town he's lived in for 60 years and raised his family. To keep that job though, he's going to have to hold off a pack of challengers in what has become a highly contested nonpartisan election. Including Perillo, there are four candidates for mayor: Councilman Brock Siebert, 40, retired school teacher; volunteer Ellen J. Goldberg, 59; and Michael S. Miles, 43, a businessman who works in the beverage industry."

—"HCPO investigating the potential existence of Oath Keepers members in local law enforcement"

—"Trenton faces radio shutoff as Council President McBride scuttles $4M transition plan"

—"Black in Stone Harbor: New documentary tells the story of Shore town's 'Miracle on 81st Street'"

—"Jersey City Ward E city council race: Incumbent Solomon vs. Team Fulop challenger Hudnut"

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EVERYTHING ELSE

—"With a college mindset and character education, these scholars attend one of the few suburban N.J. charters"

A message from AARP New Jersey:

AARP New Jersey is calling on candidates to challenge outdated beliefs about ageist stereotypes, and to make New Jersey a place where we can safely, affordably, and happily grow older.

50+ voters want lower prescription drug costs, financial security in retirement, affordable housing, accessible transportation, walkable neighborhoods, and opportunities for community participation – which improves the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.

The 50+ vote is a vote for all. We count. Our issues count. How we vote counts.

Learn where the candidates stand on issues that count for the 50+, as well as links to state resources on where and how to vote at aarp.org/njvotes.