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Presented by AARP New Jersey: Matt Friedman's must-read briefing on the Garden State's important news of the day | | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by AARP New Jersey | Good Friday morning! It’s the final weekend before polls close. And Democrats, facing what increasingly looks like a bad election for them, have seized on a mailer by a Stephen Miller-led dark money group that’s hit inboxes in New Jersey and around the country. The mailer, which decries affirmative action policies and racial hiring quotas, said “Whites & Asians need not apply” and generally tries to stoke racial animosity. Democrats yesterday held a press conference in Paterson to denounce the flyer, but it got chaotic when Republican congressional candidate Billy Prempeh interrupted and yelled over them, saying they were using it to distract from issues like crime. I doubt this will do much to change the trajectory of this election year, but that’s beside the point. This flyer — the way it’s designed to pit groups of people against each other — is ugly. And a TV ad that Miller’s group is airing even more so. One under-covered aspect of all this is that we have no idea who’s funding it. These groups are typically called “nonprofits” because of how they’re organized under the tax code, but that really does a disservice to organizations that are set up for a social good, not just to grab power by race-baiting. It would be nice to know who’s putting their money behind these ads. But in our courts and legislatures, transparency has not triumphed. DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE’S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 271 TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com WHERE’S MURPHY? — No public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This is what happens after years of antiemitic comments from public figures, including, most recently, Kanye West, Kyrie Irving and others.” — Rep. Josh Gottheimer on the FBI’s warning of a “broad threat to synagogues in NJ” HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Saturday for Wayne DeAngelo, Brendan Gill, Mark Goldsack, David Brogan, Michael Mecca . Sunday for Nabila Baptiste, Jesse O. Kurtz, Axel Owen, Bill Thomson | | | | A message from AARP New Jersey: Caring for a parent, spouse or other older loved one can be financially and emotionally draining. Every day, family caregivers struggle to assist older loved ones often using money out of their own pockets. The average family caregiver spends about a quarter of their income on caregiving activities. That’s a huge burden. But NJ lawmakers can give family caregivers the relief they need by supporting the Caregiver’s Assistance Act (A1802/S2021). Tell lawmakers: support (A1802/S2021). | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | TERROR THREAT — FBI receives ‘credible information of a broad threat’ to New Jersey synagogues, by POLITICO’s Carly Sitrin: The FBI has “received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues” in New Jersey, according to a tweet from the agency's Newark office Thursday. “We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert," the office tweeted. “We are taking a proactive measure with this warning while investigative processes are carried out." NOBODY SHOULD HAVE GOOD PENSIONS EXCEPT ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO SUPPORT CUTTING PENSIONS — “ Pension costs latest threat to boost property taxes ,” by NJ Spotlight News’ John Reitmeyer: “County and municipal governments are once again preparing to pay more to cover employee pension costs, presenting another big challenge for officials aiming to hold the line on New Jersey’s record-high property-tax bills. The total cost of funding pension benefits for workers employed by county and municipal governments in New Jersey is set to rise in 2023 by nearly 10%, according to the latest billing figures made public by the state Department of Treasury." NOT NOT FOR PROFIT — “ Horizon, N.J.’s largest health insurer, wins state OK to get into for-profit health care business ,” by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the not-for-profit health insurance carrier that covers nearly one-third of all New Jersey residents, just received the state’s permission to broaden its business portfolio and reduce its tax burden, operating more like its for-profit competitors. "Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride announced on Tuesday night she had given the company approval to convert from a not-for-profit health services organization to a not-for-profit mutual holding organization. The corporate change means Horizon will immediately gain access to $300 million to form for-profit subsidiaries and pursue options such as investing in technology and buying physicians practices” EX-EIRA — Teixeira resigns as leader of Elizabeth Dems and member of the Union County Board of Elections , by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: Just days before the midterm election, Tony Teixeira, the former chief of staff to Senate President Nicholas Scutari who plans to plead guilty to federal tax charges, has resigned from his two other major positions — chair of the Elizabeth Democratic Committee and member of the Union County Board of Elections. —“ Gov. Murphy joins new campaign to encourage consumers to buy legal weed ” —“ Lawmakers may give auto insurance minimums another look ” —“ The New Jersey Globe Fall 2022 Voter’s Guide ” —“ Why early calls are unlikely on election night in New Jersey ” | | | | NEW AND IMPROVED POLITICO APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. With a fresh look and improved features, the sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. Already a POLITICO app user? Upgrade today! DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID . | | | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
WHAT ABOUT BOB? — Scandal-fatigued New Jersey Democrats sticking with Menendez — for now , by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: When one of New Jersey’s political power brokers saw the news that Sen. Robert Menendez was under federal investigation — again — he called around to get a sense of how serious it was. He was incredulous. How could Menendez (D-N.J.), having survived an indictment and two previous investigations over the past 16 years — the last just five years ago — find himself and his party in the same place again, two years before his own reelection? …
Publicly, Democrats in Menendez’s home-state are rallying around their senior senator as details of the latest investigation begin to emerge. … Privately, it’s a different story … Senator Menendez is always in touch with constituents and governmental, political and community leaders throughout New Jersey. His tireless advocacy on behalf of the state is supported by those relationships and has earned him a long and deep reservoir of good will,” Michael Soliman, a spokesperson for Menendez, said in an emailed statement. Soliman said Menendez intends to seek reelection in 2024. ANOTHER DUES-PAYING ANTIFA MEMBER — “ Sewell man pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges ,” by The Courier-Post’s Jim Walsh: “A Sewell man accused of pushing a bicycle rack into a police line during the Capitol riot has admitted guilt to felony charges, authorities said Wednesday. Philip S. Young, 60, was identified among the rioters in part through his jacket, which carried the logo of a South Jersey-based boilermakers union, a criminal complaint says … Young ‘briefly’ succeeded at getting past the barricades 'before being sprayed with a chemical irritant and pushed back,' the complaint says.” — Poll: New Jerseyans' support for abortion rights may not help Democrats in midterms —“ Gottheimer answered our questions on abortion, inflation and more, but Pallotta was silent ” —“ Mikie Sherrill used blue wave to win House seat. Paul DeGroot hopes red one will unseat her ” —“ Malinowski tells commuters Kean has no budget plan ” —“ Smith, Jenkins at odds over abortion, gun control in 4th District ” | | | | A message from AARP New Jersey:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
NEWARK — “ A gunman at large and 2 wounded cops: Why didn’t officials send out any citywide alerts? ” by NJ Advance Media’s S.P. Sullivan: “The first alert came in at 2:05 p.m. ‘PD setting up a perimeter, report shooter on a roof with long gun and large amount of rounds fired,’ came the message from Breaking News Network, a service that monitors police scanner traffic. The story of a supposed rooftop gunman in the heart of New Jersey’s largest city targeting two Newark cops soon spread throughout the city, drawing the attention of local and national news media and stoking the fears of city residents.
"It sparked a chaotic scene as hundreds of officers quickly descended on Newark’s South Ward, and residents desperately sought information. But for more than five hours, officials said nothing. No citywide alerts went out warning of a potentially armed and dangerous man … Even now, the circumstances that led to two cops being shot and wounded have yet to be fully explained by city and police officials” CLARK — “ In this N.J. GOP stronghold, will a racism scandal matter to voters? ” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates: “Clark Township, Mayor Sal Bonaccorso isn’t on the ballot in next week’s election. But a race for Township Council could still prove to be a referendum on the embattled mayor and his supporters amid a racism scandal this year that roiled the Union County suburb of 15,500 … [A] slate of Democratic candidates is hoping that voter anger over the scandal and its damage to Clark’s reputation and pocketbook will offset the strong headwinds they usually face." THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE DISPUTE WILL BE RESOLVED AT THE RUTT’S HUT SUMMIT — “ Free speech or hate speech? Clifton candidate's comments on Middle East may sway election ,” by The Record’s Deena Yellin: “Eighteen months later, a city school commissioner's critical comments about Israel's treatment of Palestinians are dogging him on the campaign trail — and fueling a debate over political speeches during public meetings." SETON HELL — ” In Newark, a community grapples with ‘manmade, urban flooding’ ,” by Gothamist’s Karen Yi: “Residents of Newark's Ivy Hill neighborhood say their homes routinely flood during major storms — a result, they say, of decades of nearby development that didn’t consider their neighborhood. … [R]esidents say the blame belongs to their next door neighbor: Seton Hall University.” — “ Judge clears way for Seastreak to take over Belford ferry route, raising rider prices ” —“ [Trenton] council violated open meetings act, judge rules in case brought by police union ” —“ Three ousted Wall football coaches remain on school payroll nearly a year later ” —“ Parties debate affordable housing, parks budget at Morris County commissioners debate ” —“ Middlesex County unveils ambitious plan to transform its college into regional destination ” —“ Redistricting leads to 'strangers' on ballot for some in Sussex, Warren counties ” —“ Seven candidates for four seats on Cape May Council ” —“ Bergen County buys long-abandoned railroad line to build pedestrian, bicycle trail ” | | | | DON’T MISS POLITICO’S 2nd ANNUAL DEFENSE SUMMIT ON 11/16: The United States is facing a defining moment in the future of its defense, national security and democratic ideals. The current conflicts and developments around the world are pushing Washington to reshape its defense strategy and how it cooperates with allies. Join POLITICO for our second annual defense summit, “At a Crossroads: America’s Defense Strategy” on November 16 in person at the Schuyler DC or join online to hear keynote interviews and panels discussing the road ahead for America’s national security. REGISTER HERE . | | | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | | MEN SO SECURE IN THEIR MASCULINITY THAT THEY CONSTANTLY TALK ABOUT HOW MANLY THEY ARE AND OBSESS OVER DRAG QUEENS — “ Proud Boys plan to crash ‘fem fest’ ahead of election ,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Jeff Pillets: “The tiny borough of Franklin in Sussex County … could become the destination for political extremists vowing to crash a Planned Parenthood benefit organized by local Democrats. Members of the Proud Boys, a right-wing group implicated in the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, say they’ll be on hand this Saturday for ‘The Roe Show,’ a six-hour concert of live music that bills itself as an LGBTQ-friendly ‘fem fest.’ … ‘We’ll be there!!’ promises Proud Boys New Jersey in a social media post Monday. ‘If you don’t want to see us out in front of your establishment, don’t invite children to your drag show.’ … "[Democratic Commissioner candidate Damaris] Lira said she expects a small crowd of about 100 to 200 supporters who will gather at a brewery along with several bands for six hours of live music. Despite reports being circulated by the Proud Boys and their supporters, she said, there will be no drag show.” THE ‘JERSEY SHORE ‘CAST ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT ‘GRENADES’ — “ Man found with bomb-making materials in Jersey Shore motel, cops say ,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman: “A 37-year-old man from Maine was arrested last week after he unsuccessfully tried to build a bomb in the Jersey Shore motel room in which he was staying, officials said. Wildwood police were called to the Mango Motel on Spencer Avenue around 8:30 a.m. Friday after several residents heard Joshua Bailey make comments about constructing a bomb, authorities said. Police planned to sweep the room but backed off after seeing copper wire wrapped around the doorknob of Bailey’s room.” —“ Man torched $1 million worth of commercial vehicles, authorities allege ” DANISH COMPANY MAY HAVE TO SLASH MORE THAN JUST ITS O — Largest offshore wind developer raises concerns about its East Coast projects , by POLITICO’ Ry Rivard: Ørsted, the Danish developer behind several of the largest offshore wind farms planned for U.S. waters, is worried about making money on projects approved in New Jersey and other states. In a Thursday earnings call, Ørsted CEO Mads Nipper said the company still believes in its projects, but may need better terms before some of them pencil out.” I’M ON THIS — ” Jay Lassiter’s 2022 Insider 100: Cannabis Power List ” —” More safe syringe sites needed to reduce infections from injecting drugs, study says ” | | | | A message from AARP New Jersey: Caring for a parent, spouse or other older loved one can be financially and emotionally draining. Every day, family caregivers struggle to assist loved ones often using money out of their own pockets. The average family caregiver spends about a quarter of their income on caregiving activities. Many take on debt or tap into savings to make sure their loved ones get the care they need. That’s a huge burden. And their sacrifices save the state and taxpayers money by keeping their loved ones out of costly nursing home facilities. New Jersey family caregivers provide more than $13 billion a year in unpaid care. It’s past time to give them some financial relief. NJ lawmakers can take action by supporting the Caregiver’s Assistance Act (A1802/S2021). This bill would provide a modest tax credit for family caregivers who pay for expensive care out of their own pockets. Tell lawmakers: support (A1802/S2021). | | | | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |  |
