News: POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Murphy vs. Ciattarelli, in dollars

Thursday, October 7, 2021

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Murphy vs. Ciattarelli, in dollars

Oct 07, 2021

Presented by the Consumer Action Network

Good Thursday morning!

You can be forgiven for not realizing that Jack Ciattarelli's campaign has been substantially outspending Gov. Phil Murphy — by more than $3 million, in fact, $8.9 million to Murphy's 5.7 million.

That's because independent expenditure groups have more than made up for it, pumping millions of dollars into their own ads and efforts aiding Murphy while pro-Ciattarelli groups have only spent about $500,000. And chief among them, naturally, is the NJEA, whose super PAC has put $5 million into the effort.

That's allowed Murphy to spend less and sit on a $7.3 million cushion of campaign cash while Ciattarelli has $1.2 million in the bank.

Murphy and Ciattarelli are both taking public financing, which limits their spending to $15.6 million, each. The program was created in the aftermath of Watergate to lessen donor influence. But in an era when outside spending rivals and sometimes exceeds that of the candidates' themselves, does it actually have that effect?

See ELEC's analysis here .

WHERE'S MURPHY? In cyberspace for a 1 p.m. event with the governors of New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut to "take action to help prevent gun violence." Then in Moorestown for a 5 p.m. campaign event with Gabby Giffords.

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "It's clear the Lakewood School Board will pay Mr. Inzelbuch whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, with no accountability. [Acting) State Education Commissioner [Angelica] Allen-McMillan needs to explain to the parents and students in Lakewood why she won't act to stop this outrageous abuse of public tax dollars." — Education Law Center executive director David Sciarra on Lakewood schools attorney Michael Inzelbuch, whose annual compensation at the struggling district dependent on state funds has topped $1 million (Not a typo).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Princeton's Michael Hotchkiss, RP Consulting's Jessica Stewart, former statehouse reporter Timothy J. Carroll

PROGRAMMING NOTE — There will be no Playbook on Monday, due to the holiday. And Katherine Landergan will fill in for me for tomorrow's edition.

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

A message from the Consumer Action Network:

New Jersey families deserve access to health care that works best for them. The state legislature unanimously passed a bill that would allow patients to keep seeing their providers in a way that works best for them. The bill requires that doctors and nurses keep getting paid fairly, just as they have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Tell Gov. Phil Murphy: Sign the telehealth bill today. Make your voice heard.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

WEST NEW YORK THREATENS TO CHANGE ITS NAME — Border battle: New Jersey says MTA tolls a bridge too far, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: For decades, New York officials have been trying to reduce congestion in Manhattan. Now, with a plan to toll more cars coming into the city, some of the strongest objections are coming from New Jersey. Last week, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy revealed what he called the "nuclear option" for battling New York's plan. Without toll discounts for New Jersey commuters who already pay to enter the city, the governor said he would use his powers to halt business at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. That's one of the few ways a New Jersey governor has to get the attention of a New York governor.

CAUGHT OFF GUARDIAN — "Guardian claims he went after corrupt pols, but can't name one," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "A caller to Scott Cronick's radio show on WOND 1400 AM in Atlantic City said that while he was on hold to ask about Guardian's wrongful termination suit against Toms River, he heard a GOP radio ad where Guardian said he 'went after corrupt politicians' as an example of how he saved Atlantic City. 'Can you name two politicians that you went after?' the caller asked. Guardian stumbled. 'I can not,' he said."

— " WATCH: Mazzeo, Polistina teams debate for state Senate, Assembly"

13-YEAR-OLD ZOOM BOMBER FOR STATE TREASURER — "Assembly candidate: New Jersey should mine Bitcoin to pay off its debts," by Assembly candidate Kevin Ryan for The Star-Ledger: "The state's financial grade is an F and we are going to have to get creative to settle our accounts … Nations across South America and Africa are implementing or considering adding Bitcoin to their reserves, or even making it the reserve currency of their country. Countries like Nigeria, Vietnam, the Philippines, all riddled with economic issues, are trying to innovate their way into the future, I strongly believe that New Jersey should follow suit, becoming the first state in the union to add Bitcoin to its balance sheets. I am proposing New Jersey spends 1% ($448 million) of its annual budget per year buying Bitcoin. I would also introduce restrictions on selling the state's Bitcoin for 5 years after the transaction is complete. The Bitcoin can then be used to pay off the incredible amount of debt we have achieved, which means fully paying pensions, benefits, and we would also see major growth in the state's economy."

CHRISTIE'S OWN CHARLES KUSHNER — Former Christie transition lawyer among 8 fined in alleged straw donor scheme, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Eight partners at a now-defunct law firm, including a top lawyer for former Gov. Chris Christie's 2009 campaign and transition, were fined $62,500 by the state's law enforcement agency over an alleged straw donor scheme more than a decade ago. The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission on Wednesday released a consent order that showed the attorneys had agreed to pay the fine but admitted no wrongdoing. After receiving a partial payment, the agency reduced the fine to $50,000 ... Three others — Stefani Schwartz, Lawrence Schwartz and Denis Murphy — were also involved in Christie's transition team … Edelstein, who also served as an attorney for the Democratic State Committee in the 1980s and 1990s, has agreed to pay $37,400 of the fine, according to the consent order."

FERMENTED, JUST LIKE OUR POLITICS — "A state holiday for kimchi? Korean Festival pushes recognition for a spicy side dish," by The Record's Mary Chao: "The pungent fermented-vegetable dish is a staple of Korean cuisine, in both South Korea and the U.S., so Korean Americans are pushing New Jersey to become the second state to recognize it with an official commemorative day."

— "Murphy, raising poll worker pay to $300, leaves door open to further hikes"

— " Ciattarelli makes pitch to business community"

— "NJ governor's race: Murphy's record on pensions, debt"

— New Jersey to require weekly reports on Covid-19 vaccination rates, testing at schools

— Lassiter: "Acting Attorney General issued guidance regarding NJ's 90's-era law governing sex lives of people w/ HIV"

— " N.J's in-school COVID outbreaks increase to 69 with 379 cases among students, staff"

— "Attorney general creates state task force to focus on NJ gun violence"

THE MILKEN INSTITUTE GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2021 IS HERE: POLITICO is excited to partner with the Milken Institute to produce a special edition "Global Insider" newsletter featuring exclusive coverage and insights from one of the largest and most influential gatherings of experts reinventing finance, health, technology, philanthropy, industry and media. Don't miss a thing from the 24th annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, from Oct. 17 to 20. Can't make it? We've got you covered. Planning to attend? Enhance your #MIGlobal experience and subscribe today.

BIDEN TIME

STUNNING — "Biden and Harris endorse Gov. Murphy for re-election," by NJ Advance Media's Jonathan D. Salant: "Just weeks before New Jersey voters decide whether to give him a second term, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday received endorsements from his party's top two leaders: President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. 'Governor Murphy is getting folks vaccinated to beat the pandemic,' Biden said in a statement. 'He's delivering economic relief to working families and supports my plans to build back better by investing in our infrastructure and in our people — with child care, elder care, paid leave, and more.' … State Republican Chair Bob Hugin blasted both Biden and Murphy. 'As a Marine veteran, I am particularly ashamed that Murphy would be proud to accept the endorsement of the Biden-Harris team whose disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal is directly responsible for the deaths of 13 American service members,' Hugin said."

A message from the Consumer Action Network:

LOCAL

INZELBUCKS — "Murphy calls Lakewood school board lawyer's $1 million annual taxpayer pay 'eye-popping,'" by The Asbury Park Press' Joe Strupp: "Gov. Phil Murphy called Board of Education attorney Michael Inzelbuch's $1 million annual school district pay 'eye-popping' during a meeting with editors Tuesday but stopped short of calling for a state review of the payouts. 'I don't condone it,' Murphy said of Inzelbuch's compensation, which topped $1 million in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 and was the subject of a recent Asbury Park Press investigation. It found Inzelbuch also failed to fully detail what tasks he performed for more than half his pay, as required by his contract. 'But I also have to tell you as we sit here, I don't have insight into the particulars of it, the number is eye-popping,' Murphy said. Whether the state Education Department shares Murphy's view that the Inzelbuch payouts are 'eye-popping' is unknown. Department officials, who in the past have called the board attorney's pay into question, have yet to provide a response to Press requests for comment."

RETURN OF THE MACK — "'Where's the FBI?' McBride asks after Gusciora no-confidence vote fails," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "In impassioned remarks after a no-confidence vote in Mayor Reed Gusciora narrowly failed, council president Kathy McBride implored federal investigators to investigate corruption claims leveled against the administration by a former high-ranking member of Gusciora's cabinet. 'Where is the FBI? If they're not here, why aren't they here??" McBride said during Tuesday night's meeting.' Tuesday night's meeting. Drawing parallels between the old and current mayors, in a theatrical split-screen, McBride had clerk Matthew Conlon put up the resolution from October 2012, when a sharply divided council voted 4-3 that it had no confidence in ex-Mayor Tony Mack and called on him to voluntarily resign. McBride voted against the measure when Mack was in office, calling it petty 'nonsense,' but blasted colleague, South Ward councilman George Muschal, for voting against Gusciora's no-confidence measure."

— "Blakeley was at 'fundraiser' during virtual Trenton council meeting," by The Trentonian's Isaac Avilucea: "Lame-duck councilman Jerell Blakeley admitted Wednesday that he attended a restaurant fundraiser while simultaneously logged into Tuesday's council meeting. He acknowledged that the event was part of his day job responsibilities as an associate government relations director for the New Jersey Education Association. An online constituent called out Blakeley for hobnobbing during the meeting after overhearing the councilman ask wait staff for a quiet table so he could vote while he was logged into Tuesday's virtual conference session … Blakeley slammed The Trentonian for pursuing a 'stupid story' and refused to say which restaurant hosted the gathering."

CHECK NORTHJERSEY.COM FOR AN UPDATE — "Bergen County expected to end ICE jail contract Wednesday night," by The Record's Steve Janoski: "Bergen County is expected to formally end the controversial agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that allows it to hold federal immigration detainees at its county jail, officials said Wednesday afternoon. The county commissioner board must still approve the move at its Wednesday night meeting. But once it does, federal authorities will have 45 days to remove the remaining two dozen or so detainees from the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, according to the Sheriff's Office. 'Having seen federal enforcement priorities change and large fluctuations in the number of detainees in the jail, it is no longer the county's best interest to continue housing ICE detainees,' Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, a Democrat seeking reelection next month, said in a statement"

— "Records: NJ SCI, not AG, subpoenas Gusciora admin in Trenton corruption probe"

— " Newark has replaced nearly all its lead pipes in record time"

— "Resident calls for action on increasing the size of Middle Township's government"

— " Phil Murphy, in Teaneck, samples Bischoff's ice cream before going to closed-door meeting"

— "Is Jersey City councilman trying to evict Black-owned business to bring back police kiosk?"

— " Belleville official accused of double-dipping remains at work after suspension effort"

— "N.J. Working Families Alliance endorses Bhalla, Fulop, Solomon, and Lavarro for re-election"

— " As Davis celebrates CarePoint's nonprofit effort, Nadrowski continues fight against eminent domain"

HAPPENING TODAY – POLITICO'S FIRST EVER DEFENSE FORUM : President Joe Biden is making critical shifts in the Pentagon's priorities, including fully withdrawing all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, scaling back U.S. military presence across the Middle East and rethinking the positioning of military forces around the world to focus more on China. Join POLITICO for our inaugural defense forum to talk to the decision makers in the White House, Congress, military, and defense industry who are reshaping American power abroad and redefining military readiness for the future of warfare. REGISTER HERE.

EVERYTHING ELSE

ONLY THE FINEST LASER POINTERS WILL DO — "Special report: Athletics spending soared during Rutgers' financial crisis," by The Daily Targum's Hayley Slusser and Madison McGay: "At the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Rutgers declared a fiscal emergency and aimed to reduce the budgetary shortfall. The Athletics Department, though, continued spending money largely uninterrupted — purchasing everything from a $12,400 power nap machine, to $470 laser pointers for the football coaches, to a car service for a single track athlete totaling $4,400. Even as University officials laid off hundreds of workers last year, banned all non-essential expenditures, ordered all departments to cut their budgets and suspended all scheduled pay raises, the expense budget for Athletics in fiscal year 2021 jumped by 13 percent over the previous year — including a 24 percent rise in salary and fringe benefits for the department's staff, according to an analysis by The Daily Targum of individual unit budgets the University publishes annually … $4,692 paid on June 5, 2020, for 10 laser pointer remotes for football coaches. That is approximately $470 per pointer, when comparable models can be found on Amazon for $30 to $50 apiece."

MEANWHILE —Weinberg blasts Rutgers for faculty pay gap, by POLITICO's Carly Sitrin: Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg on Wednesday excoriated Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway's administration for allowing pay equity gaps to persist among faculty. "It appears that the university is doing half a job here. What's the point in adjusting pay if the result leaves in place the inequities?" Weinberg asked members of the Rutgers Board of Governors virtually during their meeting on Wednesday. "There is no reason — no reason at all — for the state's premier public university to perpetuate inequalities. It is out of step with New Jersey values. It is out of step with New Jersey laws." Weinberg also took the university and the Board of Governors to task for not paying "as much attention to pay equity as they do to football."

— "Rutgers wants to strip a Supreme Court justice's name from a campus building. But slaveholders' names remain"

R.I.P. — " N.J. man called 911 to report armed trespassers before being gunned down by police, recordings reveal," by NJ Advance Media's Noah Cohen : "The man fatally shot by police outside his Gloucester County home last month called 911 to report intruders on his property — including one with a gun — in the minutes before he was fatally shot by a responding officer, according to recordings released Wednesday … It was unclear if Sharp's claim in the 911 call about trespassing on his Mantua property was accurate. Details of his encounter with police before the shooting were also murky as the investigation continued, though one recording captured an officer giving commands to put down a gun … Investigators recovered a 'detailed replica of a .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun' near Sharp after he was shot, according to the Attorney General's Office."

— "Protest over Amazon air cargo facility at Newark airport"

— "In extraordinary move, N.J. Supreme Court decides to reconsider Lodzinski murder conviction"

— "N.J. Hall of Fame honors Sarah Dash. Patti LaBelle, Keith Richards to induct singer posthumously"

A message from the Consumer Action Network:

The COVID-19 pandemic proved that expanding access to care is critical for reaching medically underserved communities and making sure overburdened health systems can meet the needs of New Jersey families. That includes telehealth visits for low-income individuals, people of color, and others who have difficulty getting to a physical facility for their care. It's clear that New Jersey families deserve to have access to health care that works best for them. The state legislature has already unanimously passed a bill that would make this a reality, it's time for Gov. Phil Murphy to sign the bill into law. No state has vetoed a bill supporting expanded access to telehealth services since the pandemic began. New Jersey should not be the first. Tell Gov. Murphy: Sign the telehealth bill today. Make your voice heard.