News : POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Sue Altman the moderate

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

POLITICO New Jersey Playbook: Sue Altman the moderate

Jun 14, 2022

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By Matt Friedman

Presented by New Jerseyans for Affordable Rx

Good Tuesday morning!

The Moderate Party, brought to you by … one of New Jersey's most high-profile liberal activists?

Sue Altman, executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, helped organize the push for the new party, along with some moderate Republicans and others. They hope to put Tom Malinowski on the ballot under the Moderate Party this November in addition to the Democratic Party, and they're suing to make it happen. Altman, who recently moved from Camden to Lamertville, in Malinowksi's district, even circulated petitions.

Now, I'm sure some of you see that as more evidence that this is really just an effort to help Malinowski under the guise of something grander. And the effort is partly about that. Malinowski is obviously supporting it.

But the chance that this gets resolved before November seems really small. The bigger picture is that this is one of two court challenges that would upend the way New Jersey has long structured its ballot, coming shortly after a judge allowed a challenge to "the line" awarded by county political parties to move forward.

It's not a coincidence that Altman and two law firms are working on both of these cases. These are challenges to the structural dominance enjoyed by New Jersey's political party organizations on the ballot. In the county line lawsuit, it's the primary ballot. In this case, it's the general election ballot.

And it should be noted that Working Families has ballot lines in New York and Connecticut, two nearby states that do allow "fusion voting." So I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted one here, too.

Read more about it here.

DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 118

WHERE'S MURPHY? — No public schedule.

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "I can work under a lot of circumstances for a lot of varied candidates and politicians. But a situation where — and I think along the way, I've built up a pretty good, I hope, a good reputation for being honest and professional. And I didn't think what was happening was necessarily honest or professional at that point in time. So that led to me stepping away." — Bill Stepien during his taped deposition, parts of which were aired by the committee investigating Jan. 6 . (Stepien didn't testify in person because his wife was in labor).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Former Sussex Freeholder George Graham, journalism professor Deborah Howlett,

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

A message from New Jerseyans for Affordable Rx:

Costs in New Jersey are sky high – and that includes prescription drug costs. Every year, Big Pharma raises the price of life-saving medications. Fortunately, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) negotiate with drug companies to reduce Rx costs for patients. As this legislative session ends, let's remind our representatives to support patient advocates like PBMs and make all entities in the drug supply chain do their part to lower costs. https://www.affordablerxnj.com/.

WHAT TRENTON MADE

GUNS – "N.J. lawmakers could soon pass at least some of Murphy's gun control bills after mass shootings," by NJ Advance Media's Brent Johnson and Matt Arco: "With Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy urging them to act after the recent Buffalo and Texas mass shootings, top lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled New Jersey Legislature are negotiating how to pass at least some of a long-stalled package of bills Murphy is pushing to further tighten the state's already strict gun-control laws, NJ Advance Media has learned. It remains unclear how many measures — and in what form — may land on Murphy's desk, whether he'd sign a truncated package, or how much of the debate gets swept into talks between the governor and lawmakers in the final three weeks of negotiating a new state budget due June 30 … Discussions, according to legislative sources, include possibly altering a few bills to make them easier to pass. That includes legislation that would, as currently written, require people in the state to pass a training course to obtain a gun permit; increase the age for people to buy shotguns or rifles here from 18 to 21; and ban the future sale of .50 caliber weapons in the state. One bill that appears most likely to pass would make it easier to hold gun manufacturers liable in civil suits, sources said."

— Senate committee clears Murphy-backed gun safety bill, but changes are likely

SPONSORED BY STATE SEN. PETER PAN (D-NEVERLAND) — "NJ considers creating entirely new department to deal with children ," by NJ 101.5's Michael Symons: " Despite concerns about creating a new bureaucracy, legislators have given their initial endorsement to a plan to expand the state's Cabinet by establishing a Department of Early Childhood. The bill, S2475/A4178, would transfer state functions and responsibilities from four state departments into the new one, including the current Division of Early Childhood Education. Essentially, if it's part of a program relating to children from pregnancy to age 8, it would likely be consolidated. Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, D-Middlesex, said the proposal would eliminate the confusion and complexity of licensing and red tape that childcare providers face today … Association, worries the change will lead to confusion in school districts, duplication of efforts and maybe even inconsistent policy approaches. 'We believe it's critically important that our preschool system and our K-12 system be fully aligned as a single system,' Bradley said. Betsy Ginsburg, executive director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, said the change would create a new bureaucracy, both complicated and expensive. Better to improve what's already there, she said."

IF DOGS ARE PROPERTY THEN WHY IS MY DOG MY BOSS? — " Lacey woman who nearly drowned trying to rescue neighbor's dog is barred from suing: Supreme Court," by The Asbury Park Press' Kathleen Hopkins: "The state Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision made public Monday, ruled a person who is injured while trying to rescue a dog cannot sue its owners for placing their pet in peril. Unlike courts in some other states, the New Jersey Supreme Court decision sets a statewide policy that fails to extend a legal principle known as 'the rescue doctrine' to efforts to save a person's property from destruction. The rescue doctrine says that if a rescuer is hurt or put in peril due to the negligence or intentional wrongdoing of another, the injured person can recover damages from the wrongdoer. A pet is considered property under the law."

COME AND TAKE IT — "N.J. drivers could be spared speeding and red-light camera fines from other states," by NJ Advance Media's Matt Arco: "A New Jersey lawmaker well-known for his disdain for speed and red-light cameras says he wants to protect Garden State residents from getting ticketed from other states for those violations. A bill introduced by state Sen. Declan O'Scanlon cleared a legislative committee Monday with bipartisan support and can now head to the full Senate for a vote. It would prohibit the state's Motor Vehicle Commission from sharing a New Jersey driver's personal information for the purpose of issuing a ticket."

—" Universal free lunch is ending in schools. This plan could bring it back for some N.J. kids"

—" NJ evictions: How is landlord-tenant court going 5 months after moratorium ended?"

—New Jersey colleges may be required to publicly report student mental health data

—"Braz departing as Murphy deputy chief of staff to take top DOT post"

—" Armato interested in legislative comeback"

—"Pilots, airport owners plead for expanded state funding, more time to spend it"

DON'T MISS THE 2022 GREAT LAKES ECONOMIC FORUM: POLITICO is excited to be the exclusive media partner again at the Council of the Great Lakes Region's bi-national Great Lakes Economic Forum with co-hosts Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. This premier, intimate networking event, taking place June 26-28 in Chicago, brings together international, national and regional leaders from business, government, academia and the nonprofit sector each year. "Powering Forward" is this year's theme, setting the stage to connect key decision-makers with thought leaders and agents of change to identify and advance solutions that will strengthen the region's competitiveness and sustainability in today's competitive climate of trade, innovation, investment, labor mobility and environmental performance. Register today.

BIDEN TIME

VAN DRAW — "Van Drew, Alexander take opposing approaches to stopping school shootings," by The Press of Atlantic City's Michelle Brunetti Post: "Called the Protecting Our Kids Act, it passed the House with just five Republican votes, but Van Drew, R-2nd, said it is not expected to pass the Senate. The Protecting Our Kids Act would raise the age to 21 from 18 for buying semiautomatic weapons. It also would crack down on 'straw' purchases of guns by one person for another, and on the sale of untraceable "ghost guns" without serial numbers, and institute new standards for gun storage. People who are determined to cause harm can do so with handguns and rifles, Van Drew said, and can modify them to shoot multiple rounds like semi-automatic weapons. He believes putting armed former police officers or veterans at the entry of every school is the best way to keep those intent on harm away from children. His Democratic opponent in the November general election is civil rights lawyer and former law enforcement officer Tim Alexander, of Galloway Township, who said he would have strongly supported the bill."

—"Stock trading reform is now a campaign issue in NJ. These Dems paid fines for violations "

—"Those in N.J. who rely on assistance to buy food could get less cash as grocery prices soar"

—"Lesniak on the gun bill compromise: Democratic U.S. senators have failed us"

—" Opinion: How a possible 'Jersey first' primary would affect Democrats in 2024"

A message from New Jerseyans for Affordable Rx:

LOCAL

NEW LOOK, SAME SYSTEM — "With Sires' return to West New York politics, North Hudson politics gets a new look ," by The Jersey Journal's Jake Maher: "Hudson County Rep. Albio Sires triggered a shakeup in North Hudson politics by signaling last week his intent to run for mayor of West New York in 2023 after his 16-year run in Congress ends, a move that also has implications for the balance of power across the rest of the county … Current West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez was reported by NJ Globe to be in line for a seat in the state assembly representing the redistricted 33rd District, with the blessing of the HCDO … Rodriguez backed off saying for sure that he would run for that seat in the next term, but told The Jersey Journal 'I do intend to pursue the (state) Legislature in the future' … As part of a deal related to the last round of redistricting, North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco gets to choose one 33rd District seat and Rodriguez would be pitted against current 32nd District Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, the deputy speaker, who is a victim of the new boundaries. In a county where plenty of politicians are seen as pieces on the HCDO chess board, Jimenez — whose been in office since 2012 with the backing of the HCDO — indicated she won't back down from the challenge."

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE STATE — " Baraka and the hinges of power in Newark's runoff elections," by InsiderNJ's Max Pizarro: "The Newark runoff elections in three wards on Tuesday, June 14th contain the additional drama of what sources identify as the likely 2025 gubernatorial candidacy of Mayor Ras Baraka, and the hinges of citywide political power. With six races decided last month and the balance of power locked at 3-3, Newark's political establishment contemplates control of the City Council in the unfolding remaining three contests. Baraka continues to invest heavily in the South and West wards. If his candidates win in those wards (Pat Council in the South and Dupre "Doitall" Kelly in the West), the mayor will maintain a 5-4 edge of the governing body. If he loses one of those seats, he will lose the citywide power play to North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos."

—"Baraka deploys hometown hero Shaq on eve of Newark election"

ARCHAEOLOGIST TO SEARCH FOR LOOT IN THE TOMBS OF DEAD PASSAIC COUNTY MAYORS — "Why Paterson needs 'insurance archeologist' for two $48M lawsuits," by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico: "With millions of dollars possibly at stake, Paterson needs someone called an 'insurance archaeologist' to research city records that are almost three decades old. At issue is what type of liability insurance Paterson had in the early 1990s. That's when Ralph Lee Jr. and Eric Kelley were arrested by Paterson police and eventually convicted in a high-profile murder case. Now Lee and Kelley are suing Paterson for $48 million each, because their convictions were dismissed in 2018 after they spent more than 24 years in prison … As the legal battle unfolds, both sides have agreed they ought to find out what type of liability insurance Paterson had at the time of the arrests and convictions, according to court record. The insurance coverage would help determine how much Paterson taxpayers have at risk in the lawsuit. Lawyers for the city and the two men have agreed both sides would share the cost of hiring the insurance archeologist, according to court records. But several reports filed in the lawsuit say city officials have not cooperated with the research of the old records."

WHITE STUDENTS IN RICH, TOP-RATED, MOSTLY WHITE SCHOOL DISTRICT FACE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT — " A Mountain (Lakes) of public school curriculum criticism," by InsiderNJ's Fred Snowflack: "Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the school district in this affluent, Morris County community put together an e-pamphlet called "Seeking Justice from Reflection to Action," which reportedly encouraged political activism in support of "anti-racist" ideology. To some, this may have seemed like an appropriate response to a galvanizing event. But not to all. The district and its leaders are being sued, individually, in federal court for allegedly discriminating against white students. The suit claims that district curriculum and activities related to the Floyd case forced a 'racial political ideology onto its students' in violation of federal law. Moreover, such programming created a 'hostile educational environment" for students who were discriminated against because of their skin color.'"

NEW JERSEYANS ARE NOTORIOUSLY BAD AT MERGING — "N.J. courts will either order an August primary in Howell or allow candidates to merge petitions after signing ," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein : "In a case that could dramatically alter how candidates get on the ballot in New Jersey, a challenge to the nominating petitions of three Republicans running for the Howell Township Council is moving forward even though they already won the June 7 primary election. An appeal of Superior Court Judge Kathleen Sheedy's ruling in April to allow Fred Gasior and Susan Fischer on the ballot opens the door to the court invalidating the primary election results and ordering a new election, if the state appellate court finds that she misread the statute. But if Sheedy's decision in upheld, it will essentially set aside requirements that candidates get a minimum number of petition signatures in order to have their name appear on the ballot."

—"Paterson council set to vote on raises for mayor and other top officials"

—" How to stop partying teens in Toms River? Beachfront residents talk curfew options"

—" Ex-Little Falls fire chief lawsuit details 'tumultuous' relationship with officials"

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 our West Wing Playbook newsletter, 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.

EVERYTHING ELSE

CASINOS TO OFFER ODDS ON LIKELIHOOD OF STRIKE — "Union to vote Wednesday on authorizing Atlantic City casino strike," by The AP's Wayne Parry: "Atlantic City's main casino workers union will vote Wednesday on whether to authorize a strike against the city's casinos, with whom they have yet to reach new contract agreements. Local 54 of the Unite Here union says its members will decide whether union leadership can call a strike against any or all of the nine casinos. Contracts with the casinos expired nearly two weeks ago, and talks have yet to produce a new agreement. 'We've been saying for some time now that casino workers need a real raise,' union president Bob McDevitt said … No target date for a potential walkout has been set, but an obvious date would be the July 4 holiday weekend, which is crucial to the casinos' business plans as one of the busiest times of the year. A "yes" vote will not result in an immediate strike. It simply gives the union's negotiating committee, comprised of workers from all nine casinos, the power to call a strike if and when they see fit."

—Genovese: "New Jersey's 37 greatest diners, ranked"

—"From Syrian refugee to serving 'world's best shawarma,' N.J. restaurant owner lives his dream"

A message from New Jerseyans for Affordable Rx:

We can all agree that costs in New Jersey are already sky high – and that includes prescription drug costs. Year after year, big drug companies raise the price of life-saving medications to increase their profits. Patients deserve better. As this legislative session comes to an end, let's remind our elected officials in Trenton to hold Big Pharma accountable and make all entities in the drug supply chain find real solutions to increase access to affordable prescription drugs without impacting services. That means supporting patient advocates like Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that negotiate with Big Pharma to reduce Rx costs and put money back in the pockets of New Jersey families. It's time to stand up to special interests, cut unnecessary red tape, and let these advocates do what they do best - save patients money. https://www.affordablerxnj.com/.