| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | | Good Thursday morning! Yesterday I noted that ELEC agreed with the shadowy PAC Jersey Freedom’s contention that the proper venue to challenge its actions is with the ELEC, not in civil court, where a Republican lawsuit against it is pending. If Judge Michael Blee agrees, we likely won’t see much reveille about the inner workings the PAC unless and until ELEC decides it violated the Elections Transparency Act and releases a complaint against it. Even then, those complaints are usually dryer than years-old paint and about as interesting to read as having watched it dry. But there’s a chance that even if Blee dismisses the case, Jersey Freedom’s inner workings will find their way into a courtroom. David Wildstein reported Wednesday that the Attorney General’s Office has launched a criminal probe into the PAC, which promoted alleged phantom candidates to siphon votes from Republicans while hiding the source of its funding (South Jersey Democrats) until three weeks after the election. Of course there’s no way to tell how far this investigation will go. If there was any explicit fraud or wrongdoing as to how this group was funded, that could be cut-and-dried. But even if you and I see overwhelming circumstantial evidence that independent “conservative” candidates Giuseppi Costanzo and Maureen Dukes-Penrose never intended to actually campaign, establishing a case to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt seems a lot more challenging. How do you show what’s in someone’s heart? Still — and I don’t want to speculate too much — if investigators find candidates got something in exchange for running fake campaigns, I could see that going somewhere. Meanwhile, it’s worth keeping an eye on this case in Florida, where they prefer the term “ghost candidates” over “phantom candidates.” TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Josh Zeitz QUOTE OF THE DAY — “This is a manageable situation and I suspect it will continue to be. But most importantly, please God, as a nation, comprehensive immigration reform once and for all. In the meantime, no stunts. Let’s sit at a table and figure this out.” — Gov. Phil Murphy on the migrant buses WHERE’S MURPHY? — In Ewing at 11 a.m. to talk about last year's shooting and homicide statistics, then Middlesex College at 5 p.m. to for a swearing-in ceremony, then Jersey City at 6:15 p.m. for another swearing-in ceremony.
| | | | A message from AARP: New Jersey’s older residents deserve quality, affordable options for care services at home. But too many can’t afford to pay out of pocket, and they’re left waiting for Medicaid approval for services to start. While they wait, seniors who are likely to qualify for Medicaid are often forced out of their homes and into nursing homes which costs taxpayers more money. Tell Governor Murphy: Seniors can’t afford to wait. Support A4049/S3495. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
CHINESE OFFICIALS SPYING ON NJ TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO BETTER RIG BALLOTS — “New Jersey used COVID relief funds to buy banned Chinese surveillance cameras,” by 404’s Media’s Jason Koebler: “State and local agencies in New Jersey bought at least $35 million worth of equipment from a local company that rebranded banned Chinese surveillance cameras made by Dahua Technology, a company that has been implicated in the surveillance of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. At least $15 million of the equipment was bought using federal COVID relief funds, according to a federal criminal complaint. The feds charged Tamer Zakhary, the CEO of the New Jersey-based surveillance company Packetalk, with three counts of wire fraud and a separate count of false statements for repeatedly lying to state and local agencies about the provenance of his company’s surveillance cameras. … In 2019, the U.S. government banned the purchase of Dahua cameras using federal funds because their cameras have “been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in Xingjiang.”
UNITED STATES VAN LINES — “Officials say 23 buses have dropped off more than 1,000 migrants in New Jersey,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Ken Serrano: “Since New Year's Eve, the number of migrants arriving at NJ Transit rail stations by bus has grown to more than 1,000, according to figures released Wednesday. Following a teleconference call between Gov. Phil Murphy and mayors in North Jersey, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli issued a statement saying that 23 buses have arrived in the state in all, carrying 1,017 migrants. Of those, 953 traveled on to New York by train and the 64 others went elsewhere, Gonnelli said. Some were picked up by family members, officials said.” JERSEY CITY WON’T TURN ITS BACK ON IMMIGRANTS THE WAY THE STATUE OF LIBERTY'S BACK IS TURNED ON JERSEY CITY — “In shadow of Statue of Liberty, Fulop and Jersey City officials say they won’t turn backs on migrants,” by The Jersey Journal’s Mark Koosau: “Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and other leaders in a city often dubbed the ‘Golden Door’ of America said they will welcome migrants from the southern border who are being shunned by New York City officials as well as some in New Jersey. Fulop said on social media Tuesday that ‘we must be smart in how we approach this and have statewide solution, but also we must be compassionate first here,’ in response to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi’s declaration that migrants aren’t ‘welcomed here.’ … Other local officials such as Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman, Councilmen Yousef Saleh and James Solomon, and Hudson County Board of Commissioners member Bill O’Dea also said they would welcome migrants to the city that considers the Statue of Liberty — where 12 million immigrants passed through between 1892 and 1954 — its own. “We should be welcoming,” Saleh said.” —“In potential 2025 preview, Ciattarelli and Fulop spar over migrants arriving in N.J.” BEER BEFORE LIQUOR — Compromise booze bill on fast track, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: A compromise bill that would lift brewery restrictions and narrowly open up the availability of liquor licenses is on the legislative fast-track. The bill, S4265, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Thursday, and was done in consultation with the governor’s office, according to sponsor state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth). The measure mirrors "much" of what was in the governor's related November conditional veto on the matter, he said, although it will be different. … The latest compromise bill is smaller in scope than the conditional veto for opening up liquor licenses. … The latest bill does keep in place lifting restrictions on breweries, allowing them to serve food, host unlimited on-premise events and up to 25 off-site events annually.
| | | | A message from AARP:   | | | LAME DUCK, FAST BILLS — Fast-tracked legislation aims to keep powerful Democrat representing cannabis industry, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman and Daniel Han: A last-minute bill scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday would slightly ease the state’s conflict of interest law so a powerful Democratic official and others could continue to serve in an appointed state board post while representing the cannabis industry. The bill, which has not been formally introduced, would permit “certain special State officers to represent licensed cannabis and casino businesses," according to a brief synopsis on the committee’s agenda. The legislation appears designed at least in part for Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer, an attorney who was confirmed for a seat on the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in May. ... Schaffer, who’s also vice chair of the Democratic State Committee, said that after joining the authority she was advised that the law prohibited her from directly representing cannabis industry. She said she has several clients all over the state. So she reached out to the governor’s office about it. “I was told that it was an error in drafting and that they never really intended to prohibit people from serving on volunteer boards on commissions,” Schaffer, whose sport authority role is unpaid, said. — “Ørsted pulled out of NJ. What comes next for wind power at the Jersey Shore” —“New Jersey’s business tax surcharge lapses as funding needs loom” —Hospital price transparency getting pushed by Vitale and labor unions —Egea: “New Jersey taxpayers cannot tolerate a $1B shortfall for NJ Transit. We deserve solutions” —Mottola Jaborska: “Family leave bill misses opportunity, leaving behind 1M workers who need job protections” | | BIDEN TIME | |
THE QAT IS OUT OF THE BAG — “Menendez case focuses on how Qatar trades its riches for clout,” by The New York Times’ Vivian Nereim and Tariq Panja: “When Senator Robert Menendez arrived in Qatar in 2022 to attend the country’s lavish production of the men’s soccer World Cup, he gave an unusual interview to the authoritarian government’s news agency praising the progress that Qatar had made on labor rights. The tiny Gulf state was facing an onslaught of international criticism over its preparations for the world’s biggest sporting event, including over the exploitation of migrant workers. … While the indictment does not accuse the Qatari government or the Qatari royal family member of illegal activity, it is the latest in a line of cases in which Qatar, a major natural gas exporter, has appeared to seek greater influence in the United States and Europe by forging relationships with powerful government officials, or people connected to them. On Tuesday — the same day that the updated indictment was released — Barry Bennett and Doug Watts, Republican political consultants, admitted in court filings to violating American foreign influence rules over their lobbying activities on behalf of Qatar. That case came just over a year after Belgian authorities announced charges against a vice president of the European Parliament, saying that she had traded political decisions benefiting Qatar for bags of cash.”
SENATE — Another Democrat enters the U.S. Senate race to replace Menendez, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: A labor leader is the latest Democrat to join the campaign to replace the indicted Sen. Bob Menendez. Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, formally announced her candidacy Tuesday morning in a campaign video. Campos-Medina, 50, immigrated to the United States as a teenager from El Salvador as it was undergoing a civil war. “My parents worked hard as hotel housekeepers, office cleaners and restaurant workers so that I could have the opportunity to build my American dream,” the Califon resident said in her video. “I am running for the United States Senate because I wanted to make sure all our children have the opportunity I had.” — Christie punches back at Sununu: ‘I remember when Chris used to care about Donald Trump’ —“South Jersey farmer sentenced to prison for shoving against police lines during Capitol attack” —“Local “Hitler-mustache” neo-Nazi released from prison” —Mayorkas: Texas governor's migrant busing is a 'failure of governance' —“A look ahead to the 2024 political season in NJ”
| | | | A message from AARP: New Jersey’s long-term care system is broken.
Older residents deserve quality, affordable options for care services at home—where they want to be. But too many can’t afford to pay out of pocket for this care, and they’re left waiting for Medicaid approval for services to start. While they wait, seniors who are likely to qualify for Medicaid are often forced out of their homes and into nursing homes, which costs taxpayers more money.
AARP is fighting for legislation that allows residents who are likely to qualify for Medicaid to begin receiving services in their homes when they need them. It’s time to transform our long-term care system and make it easier for New Jerseyans to age in their homes and communities. Seniors who need care should not be forced from their homes because Medicaid approval takes too long. Tell Governor Murphy: Seniors can’t afford to wait. Support A4049/S3495. | | | | | LOCAL | |
R.I.P. — “Imam is fatally shot outside New Jersey mosque," by The New York Times' Claire Fahy and Mark Bonamo: "An imam was shot and killed outside a New Jersey mosque early Wednesday, the authorities said. The imam, Hassan Sharif, was shot outside the Masjid Muhammad mosque in Newark. ... The gunman remained at large on Wednesday evening, and the motive for the killing was still unknown. Ras J. Baraka, Newark’s mayor, said the authorities would 'bring the perpetrator to justice, no matter how long it takes.' ... Matthew Platkin, New Jersey’s attorney general, said at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon that there was no indication that the shooting was motivated by bias or that it was an act of terrorism, but he acknowledged the heightened sense of anxiety and fear among New Jersey’s Muslim population. ... In August, [Council of Imams in New Jersey's Wahy-ud Deen Shareef] said, Mr. Sharif was attacked at the mosque in a similar circumstance, as he was on his way to morning prayers. In a post on his Facebook page, Mr. Sharif had described the encounter as a “definite test” in which a man approached him after he got out of his car and put a gun to his head. Mr. Sharif was able to wrestle the gun away from the attacker, who fled the scene."
THE BENEFITS OF PUBLIC SERVICE — “Indicted N.J. officials ask court to decide how to count work hours,” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates: “At City Halls across New Jersey, local elected officials play roles far different from the cop who patrols the street or the public works crew that plows it. So how should the hours they work be calculated? That’s a question that two Wildwood officials accused of public corruption are now asking a judge to decide. City Commissioner Steve Mikulski and former Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. are charged with defrauding taxpayers by illegally signing up for government health insurance benefits. Prosecutors say they falsely claimed they worked full-time to qualify for the coverage, though they held other jobs and allegedly only put in part-time hours. But in a lawsuit filed last week, Mikulski and Troiano insisted they are the victims of bad rulemaking, saying state regulators dropped the ball by failing to specify how an elected official’s hours should be calculated and ignoring the unique duties that those roles carry.” SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUFFRAGE — “Ocean County won't yank polling places from Toms River schools, so remote learning stays,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Jean Mikle: “Members of the Toms River Regional Board of Education have again asked Ocean County's Election Board to remove polling places from school buildings, so students no longer have to rely on remote learning on election days. But that seems unlikely to happen. George R. Gilmore, chairman of the county's Board of Elections, said board members had previously discussed the school board's request, but had not wanted to move polling places from school buildings. On Election Day, which is Nov. 5 this year, the schools will have a virtual learning day, with students studying at home. Gilmore said the solution would be for the state to declare both primary and general election days to be state holidays, which would make the issue moot.” KRAMER IS OUT OF THERE AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT — “Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer, who was police chief for 26 years, steps down,” by The Record’s Marsha A. Stoltz: “Old Tappan Mayor John Kramer, who was police chief for 26 In 1962, the U.S. faced a Cuban Missile Crisis, Jackie Robinson entered the Baseball Hall of Fame and John Kramer began his decades-long service to the borough as a volunteer fireman. The 84-year-old stepped down on Tuesday after eight years as mayor, 16 years on the Planning Board, 19 years on the Council and 34 years in the Police Department, 26 of them as chief.” — “In Asbury Park, gang violence impacts the community. What's being done to stop it?” —“[Paterson] cop who hit suspect with flashlight 14 times wants to rejoin force, get back pay” —“Paterson cop suspended for 30 days after being charged in domestic violence case” —“Jersey City Council sticks with Watterman as council president to the dismay of Rivera” —“As Atlantic City adds more security cameras, 2 men are killed in areas already covered by them” —Snowflack: “The Full Montville – The town that sued itself” —“Romano named to 1st full term as chair of Hudson County Board of Commissioners” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
JUST AS RUTGERS LAW STUDENTS WERE SO CLOSE TO SOLVING ISRAEL-PALESTINE — “Student sues Rutgers Law School over a ‘cancerous culture’ of antisemitism,” by NJ Advance Media’s Tina Kelley: “A Rutgers Law School student who says he faces possible suspension sued Rutgers University Tuesday, criticizing 'an escalating pattern of antisemitic incidents' at the state university. In a suit filed in Essex County Superior Court against Rutgers Law School, four of its deans, and several administrators, Yoel Ackerman, 36, a first-year law student, said school officials retaliated against him for reporting a troubling video posted in a Student Bar Association group chat. … The suit says the video falsely states that there were no rapes during the Oct. 7 attacks, denies that there were killings at the Re’im Music Festival in which at least 260 people died, and said attackers were ‘kind’ and 'merciful' to Israelis. The video accused Jews of lying by using ‘atrocity propaganda.’ … According to the suit, Rutgers officials 'allowed a witch hunt' against Ackerman, who faces a disciplinary hearing over what the university calls ‘defamation, disorderly conduct, bullying, intimidation, and harassment.’ But the hearing has been postponed twice. The suit said he could be suspended or expelled."
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