| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Good Thursday morning! It makes sense to be skeptical of internal polls. They’re released or leaked for a reason, even if you often don’t know exactly why. But we now have our first look at an independent poll of the 7th Congressional District from the Monmouth University Polling Institute. It shows that two Democratic internal polls – which measured Republican Tom Kean Jr. up by two points against Democratic challenger Sue Altman – were not outlandish. The poll shows the same margin, with Kean leading 46 percent to 44 percent. At this point, unless they’re looking at completely different data, you have to wonder why national Democrats have been reluctant to get heavily involved in this district. Especially considering it looks like some members of South Jersey’s Democratic machine have worked against Altman. And this has raised suspicions among at least one experienced New Jersey political observer that these two things could be related. “I’m not trying to recklessly throw around an allegation. I have no idea. There’s got to be an explanation, and maybe it’s that internally somebody’s been poisoning the well. That’s what I’m left to wonder,” Rasmussen told me. Indeed, there’s no evidence of this, and I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist. But given the history, it’s not an outlandish suggestion. If this really is a 2-point race, or anywhere near it, how can national Democrats afford to ignore it when control of House is so close? Rasmussen’s talking about Rep. Donald Norcross, who once gave Altman this ringing endorsement. I reached out to his campaign and his brother George. George declined to comment and I didn’t hear back from the campaign. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Sean Darcy, Stephanie Lagos, Digna Townsend, Adam Kraemer, Tim O’Neill QUOTE OF THE DAY: “For the record, [Redacted] is a racist idiot whose moronic posts are helping to raise money for Democrats.” — Jeanette Hoffman, a consultant for Republican Senate candidate Curtis Bashaw, after an influencer who pulls stunts for attention accused Democratic candidate Andy Kim, who’s of Korean heritage, of wearing a tie that he falsely said looks like the North Korean flag. (Name redacted by me because why give him any more notoriety?) WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule.
|  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | AND I SAID WHAT ABOUT CAMPAIGNS BY TIFFANY — “ After hard-fought congressional campaign, Hoboken Mayor Bhalla focuses on state assembly,” by The Jersey Journal’s Teri West: “Mayor Ravi Bhalla was already looking for a bigger district to govern earlier this year when he ran for a seat in Congress. Now, it appears he has his eyes set on another opportunity, the 32nd District assembly seat, multiple Democratic insiders say. A run for state assembly would end an eight-year run in the mayor’s office at the end of 2025, since the assembly seat and the mayoral seat will be on the same November ballot next year. Bhalla would not comment on his political future Wednesday, but the Hudson County Democratic Organization isn’t happy with this plan and has been actively asking individuals whether they would want to challenge Bhalla, sources said. Hoboken Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said she was asked whether she would run … ‘I’m exploring and talking with people every day and talking to try and get feedback and support,’ Fisher said.” NEW JERSEY DRIVE — “Car thefts and burglaries are still on the rise in NJ. Why it's such a problem for police ,” by The Record’s Lucas Frau: “Crime is reported on a daily basis, but are we currently seeing more offenses in New Jersey? In terms of property crime, the data from state police and the FBI show as whole property crime in New Jersey has stayed flat, but motor vehicle thefts are on the rise … A spike of motor vehicle theft occurred in 2021, an over 40% increase from the previous year, according to New Jersey State Police data. Since 2016, motor vehicle thefts have increased by over 45%, said NJSP statistics. Just this past year, reports of burglaries to unlocked vehicles ran rampant one week in Glen Rock. This past summer, a total of eight vehicles were burglarized in the span of one week. Teresa Giudice, a cast member of Bravo's ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ also had her car stolen from her Montville driveway in February 2023.” —“New Jersey has some of the lowest crime rates. Why do some residents still feel unsafe?” —“NJ's biggest cities critical to state efforts to reduce crime. A look at their progress” — “ University leaders urge state oversight, financial support to keep colleges afloat” | | BIDEN TIME | |
CD7 — In scandal-plagued New Jersey, a competitive House race focuses on ethics, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Bob Menendez will not be on the November ballot in New Jersey following his conviction, but he’s still playing into this campaign cycle. In the state’s preeminent House race — one of the most competitive in the country — Menendez has been mentioned in campaign materials from incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) and his Democratic challenger, Sue Altman. They’re both trying to boost their ethical bona-fides at a time of broad voter distrust of government, but it is a particularly resonant message after Menendez’s corruption charges — and eventual conviction — added to New Jersey’s sordid history of political scandal.
UNKIMPEACHABLE — “Andy Kim, who would be the first U.S. senator from South Jersey since 1955, defied the state’s political bosses. Will they get over it?” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Amy S. Rosenberg: “Kim seems not in the slightest bit entrenched. He’s never been a George Norcross guy, not even given a nod to the bare-fisted South Jersey Democratic power broker over the years. And he brazenly stared down New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy, in a crusading primary battle in which he managed to get a judge to throw out New Jersey’s practice of allowing each county Democratic Party to grant preferential primary ballot position (”the line”) to their chosen candidate … The governor still hasn’t endorsed Kim. In fact, later the same day that Kim was navigating through Essex and Union Counties cashier by cashier and driver by driver, Murphy went on radio and said he would be willing to endorse Kim — but Kim would have to ask him. Never mind. Kim has said he has other things to worry about. It’s people’s health care and housing costs, the world his kids will grow up to inhabit, that keep him up at night, he said, not Murphy’s endorsement protocols.” THERE’S A GREEN PARTY CANDIDATE NAMED BROWNFIELD — “ What voters need to know about New Jersey’s 1st District candidates: Teddy Liddell, Donald Norcross, Robin Brownfield,” by WHYY’s P. Kenneth Burns: “Robin Brownfield, Green Party Brownfield is a former union organizer with the United Farm Workers. She also taught sociology at Rutgers and Rowan universities and Camden County College. The Collingswood resident said she is “fairly well known” in Philadelphia’s art community, practicing mosaic art after becoming disabled. Brownfield identifies herself as Jewish and said she is also the only candidate ‘opposed to the genocide in in Gaza in the West Bank, and the expansion of military actions into Lebanon and Iran.’” HARRIS VISIT — Vice President Harris landed at Trenton-Mercer Airport for a campaign stop in... Pennsylvania. But some New Jersey Democrats were there to greet her, according to a pool report: Andy Kim, Tammy Murphy, Bonnie Watson Coleman, George Helmy, Tahesha Way and Dan Benson. And other than fundraisers, that's probably about as much presidential campaign activity as New Jerseyans can expect to see. —“ Kim scolds Bashaw in NJ Spotlight News debate” —Video: “Conversation highlights: Andy Kim and Curtis Bashaw ” —“Andy Kim has cash lead in Senate race’s final weeks” —“In key House race, candidates tussle over town halls” | | LOCAL | |
R.I.P. — “N.J. prosecutor’s office detective killed in home invasion shooting ,” by Matt Gray for NJ.com: “A detective with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office was shot and killed during a home invasion at her residence Tuesday night, according to police. Police responded to the 600 block of Buckshutem Road in Bridgeton around 10:30 p.m. for a report of several people kicking in a front door at a residence, according to Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari. Officers found the victim, Detective Sgt. Monica Mosley, 51, shot. She died of her injuries at the scene, Gaimari said. The investigation led officers to Inspira Health Center in Bridgeton and eventually to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where one person who had been treated for a gunshot wound was detained by New Jersey State Police troopers for questioning, according to Gaimari. Police have not released the suspect’s name.”
KEVIN SMITH’S NEW CAREER — “Why is debt-ridden Lakewood district spending up to $400,000 on two new state monitors? ” by The Asbury Park Press’ Joe Strupp: “For the first time since it came under state oversight 10 years ago, Lakewood schools has hired two state monitors to oversee the district. Together the pair could make up to $400,000 in the next year as the district remains in debt and seeking millions in state loans. State and local officials offered no specific reason for the double hire, which occurred earlier this month when Louise Davis, a former Little Falls administrator, signed a year-long contract on Oct. 7, 2024, for $125 per hour. She joined Kelvin Smith, a former Willingboro school administrator who was appointed on Sept. 1, 2024, to a similar post at the same rate … ‘The district’s extreme fiscal crisis occurred under the watch of previous state monitors. It’s hard to imagine that these two are going to make any difference,’ said David Sciarra, former executive director of the New Jersey Education Law Center, a longtime district watchdog. Assemblyman Avi Schnall, D-Lakewood, agreed.” MERCURY RISING — “ Mercury issue in Upper Township has temperatures rising,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Bill Barlow: “Stephen Murphy wants answers about potential contamination from mercury and other substances in his well water, and he wants them much faster than he expects to receive them. ‘Frankly, I’m [angry] at how slow this seems to be moving,’ Murphy told members of the Township Committee on Tuesday, one of several residents to raise concerns about contamination discovered in nearby wells and how far that contamination could have spread underground. Recent tests found levels of mercury in private wells above the concentrations considered safe for consumption, prompting a response from the state Department of Environmental Protection … On Thursday, officials with the DEP and the Department of Health met with Cape May County and Upper Township officials to discuss the matter, and the next steps, according to DEP spokesperson Caryn Shinske. The same day, the residents of the 11 properties were notified by the county health department that they have the option to temporarily relocate, with the costs covered by the Spill Fund” LAZARCHICK IS AN EVEN BETTER NAME THAN BROWNFIELD — “ Disability advocate Lazarchick challenges Bertino for western Atlantic County commissioner,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s : “Democrat Susan Lazarchick, an amputee and advocate for the disabled from Hamilton Township, is challenging longtime Republican 5th District Atlantic County Commissioner James Bertino, of Hammonton. ‘I have a strong environmental background,’ Lazarchick said in an interview Wednesday. She raises exhibition poultry and has served as chair of the Township of Hamilton Green Team through Sustainable Jersey, and said she would work on implementing sustainability programs countywide.” —“ [Vineland] police chief accused of assault won’t be paid during suspension” —‘“ Jersey City Council again reviews capping cannabis dispensaries at 48 during caucus” —“Gillian’s Wonderland Pier is already being painted over three days after closing for good” —“Asbury Park's new e-scooters are keeping people out of their cars” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
THIS ONE’S FOR CORY BOOKER: KHAAAAN! — “Chris Christie joins Brian Kahn defense in probe of failed fund,” by Bloomberg’s David Voreacos: “Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor, is helping to defend Brian Kahn, a former key client of B. Riley Financial Inc., in an ongoing criminal investigation into the collapse of hedge fund Prophecy Asset Management. Christie … has met with prosecutors who are nearing a decision on whether to charge Kahn over the fund’s 2020 failure, according to people familiar with the matter. Kahn worked as a money manager at Prophecy. Chris Porrino, a former attorney general in New Jersey, is also defending him, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private conversations … Prophecy co-founder John Hughes pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and is cooperating with investigators, court records show … As part of their case, prosecutors referred to Kahn as an unindicted co-conspirator in their case against Hughes, Bloomberg has reported.”
ISRAEL — “Free speech groups decry jailing of NJ journalist Jeremy Loffredo in Israel ,” by The Record’s Hannan Adely : “Advocates for press freedom are urging U.S. officials to intervene on behalf of a journalist from New Jersey whom Israel charged with “aiding the enemy during wartime” after his reporting on the impact of Iranian missile strikes. Jeremy Loffredo, formerly of Toms River, was arrested Oct. 8 with four other journalists at a checkpoint in the West Bank and held for four days in Israeli detention. The allegations stem from his reporting for The Grayzone, which included information about the locations of strikes launched at military targets inside Israel this month. A judge ordered Loffredo’s release on Friday after it was shown in court that other media outlets had published similar reports about sites hit by missiles” A DENIAL WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE BALONEY — “Disbarred N.J. lawyer admits stealing more than $1M from clients,” by NJ Advance Media’s Deion Johnson: “A former New Jersey real estate attorney admitted on Tuesday to stealing $1.18 million from clients, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced. Steven Salami, 49, of Hazlet, pleaded guilty to second-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity before Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua, authorities said. Salami, who was based in Hazlet in Monmouth County, took money from his clients for ‘various real estate transactions’ and never did the work he was expected to do, authorities stated” —Moran: “Greedy union leaders undercut the labor movement” —“ The Change Project: Next steps in NJ efforts to curb food insecurity and hunger” —“Forgotten John Basilone monument unearthed in Newark set for Bridgewater-Raritan unveiling”
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