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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 Monday morning! It’s less than 24 hours until polls open, and things are looking — well, I don’t know. There’s been little public polling in New Jersey . But it’s clear Democrats in the state are fearing a repeat of the type of electoral environment that greeted them in 2021, which was something of a disaster for the party. With so little data to go on, much of that seems based on gut feelings. Even so, gut feelings are often based on what people are encountering — things like, say, the size of crowds at rallies. The polling data nationally is mixed , and when it was off in the last two cycles, it was off in Democrats’ favor. But it’s never a good sign when two Democrats in districts considered only mildly-competitive — Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer — are getting millions in Mike Bloomberg money to shore themselves up and, in Gottheimer’s case, getting his old boss Bill Clinton to stump for him . Whatever the case, if this is a Republican wave, the freshman Republicans will, based on recent reports , likely begin their first terms in the midst of a Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign. If that happens, will they push back on his inevitable attacks on the democratic process, or will they behave more like Democrat-turned-Republican Jeff Van Drew, who voted to overturn 2020 election results ? It’s a lot easier to avoid talking about the former president when you’re not sharing a ballot with him. DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE’S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 274 TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com WHERE’S MURPHY? — At the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center in Ewing to “address auto theft” at 11:30 a.m. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Eventually, people march on the capital of the United States and try to overthrow our government and attack police officers. Eventually, an 82-year-old man is beaten on the head with a hammer because he happens to be married to the speaker of the House of Representatives.” — U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski at a recent rally in Rahway | | | | 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 | | CANCERINOS — “ Smoking and gambling go ‘hand in hand.’ But maybe not for long ,” by The New York Times’ Tracey Tully: “Mark Giannantonio, the chief executive of Resorts and the new president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said he recognized that ending smoking was most likely a matter of when, not if. But he opposes the effort to do so right now. ‘There is a time for this, at some point,’ Mr. Giannantonio said. ‘It’s just not the right time.’ He pointed to what he sees as several economic threats to New Jersey’s gambling industry: the lingering effects of the pandemic; the risk of a prolonged recession; and the three new casinos that could be built in or near New York City. ‘The economics are real,’ he said. "But employees who say they fear for their health in a workplace filled with potentially deadly secondhand smoke consider the policy craven, even immoral. ‘They know all the harmful effects of smoking,’ Roger Colao, a craps dealer at Resorts, said on a recent morning between rolls. ‘Yet they sell us out for money.’” BECAUSE THE KIDS HAVE NOT SUFFERED ENOUGH— ” To make up for learning loss, N.J. bill would allow for extended school day — or year — in struggling districts ,” by the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Melanie Burney: “Students in some New Jersey public school districts could spend more time in the classroom under a bill to help make up for learning losses they experienced from COVID closures. Under the bill sponsored by state Sen. Shirley K. Turner (D., Mercer), 20 N.J. districts could join a three-year pilot program to provide more instructional time. Those districts could opt to increase the length of the school day or school year, likely beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year, she said.” —“ Upgrades enacted for NJ unemployment, but you’ll have to wait ” —Murphy: “ I pledged to do something about New Jersey’s notorious taxes and I have ” | | | | 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 | |
STOP THE COUNT! — “ NJ election results: 600,000 have already voted — a look at the trends ,” by NJ 101.5’s Michael Symons: “More than 600,000 New Jerseyans have already voted in the 2022 general election, and it’s possible that nearly one-fourth of those who ultimately cast ballots will do so without going to a polling place on Election Day itself. Democrats, who have embraced early voting in greater numbers, accounted for 61% of the early ballots cast through Thursday, with an edge in every congressional district. Republicans tend to favor Election Day voting and account for 22%. The remaining 17% are unaffiliated or registered with one of the minor parties.”
PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT NEW JERSEYAN BEHIND THE CAMPAIGN — “ Rabbi Shmuley Boteach’s daughter suing Dr. Oz for breach of contract ,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein : “A New Jersey-based fundraising firm headed by the daughter of prominent Rabbi Shmuley Boteach filed a lawsuit in federal court on Friday alleging that Dr. Mehmet Oz’s U.S. Senate campaign stole a list of predominately Jewish donors and then cheated them out of their commission. Light Nation Media, LLC, and its head, Shterny Glick, claim that the Oz campaign signed a fundraising contract ‘with an ulterior motive' of accessing a large network of ‘established donors to political and other causes drawn from the American Jewish community' to help fund his bid for a United States Senate seat in Pennsylvania … Boteach, an early Oz supporter, has bashed the TV doctor recently.” POLL POSITION — ” A year after Murphy’s election scare, N.J. Dems are clearly worried going into Tuesday’s midterms ,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jonathan D. Salant and Brent Johnson: “Last year’s elections were a shocker for New Jersey Democrats. Gov. Phil Murphy won a second term, but by a closer-than-expected margin. A little-known Republican ousted state Senate President Stephen Sweeney. And Democrats’ legislative majorities in Trenton shrunk by seven seats. Now the worry for Democrats is whether those results weren’t anomalies but precursors to what could unfold in Tuesday’s crucial midterm elections, both in the Garden State and across the nation … ‘There’s anxiety’ state Sen. Richard Codey, D-Essex, a former New Jersey governor, said of Democrats’ mood as Tuesday approaches. ‘Anybody can read a poll.’ That concern is matched by Republicans’ optimism. ‘We definitely are feeling momentum,’ said state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth.” IF THIS RACE IS TIED, THE ONE VOTER WHO MIGHT BE MOVED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE — “ Tulis Gabbard takes sides in NJ-3 with late endorsement for Bob Healey ,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a 2020 presidential candidate, has endorsed Republican Bob Healey for Congress in New Jersey’s 3rd district, allowing the GOP to grab former colleague of incumbent Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) and a prominent leader of the Asian and Pacific Islander community.” —“ Refuting polls, Democrats have a strong case to make to voters on the economy, Booker says ” — ” Bill Clinton slams Republicans for ‘destructive, divisive misconduct’ at N.J. campaign stop for Gottheimer ” —“ Kim, Healey deliver final pitches in 3rd district campaign’s waning days ” —“ What’s driving these Latinas to the N.J. polls this midterm election? Not the reasons you think | Calavia-Robertson ” —“ Mikie Sherrill used blue wave to win House seat. Paul DeGroot hopes red one will unseat her ” —“ Prices are climbing. NJ voters are mad. So which party has a better plan for inflation? ” —” [Cryan] calls for review of state office that prosecutes public corruption cases ” | | | | A message from AARP New Jersey:   | | | | | LOCAL | | FLAT EARTHER BELIEVES OTHER DUMB STUFF — “ Kyrie Irving’s antisemitic comments cut deep in N.J. hometown with heavy Jewish population ,” by NJ Advance Media’s Matthew Stanmyre: “Others from Irving’s hometown of West Orange — which boasts a large and vibrant Jewish population — were grappling with similar emotions of betrayal and surprise in light of Irving’s actions. He moved to West Orange when he was 2 and remained until college at Duke. His father, Drederick Irving, still lives in West Orange, and Kyrie Irving even moved back to his hometown in 2019 after signing with the Nets.“ ‘It’s very upsetting, the whole thing’ said Sen. Richard Codey, who raised his family in West Orange, coaches basketball locally and knows Irving and his father.” AC — “NAACP, Fellowship of Churches oppose nonpartisan elections for Atlantic City ,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “The Fellowship of Churches of Atlantic City and Vicinity, and the NAACP of Atlantic City both recently released statements against the move. Voters will decide the issue Nov. 8 via a ballot question. If approved, future municipal elections would be nonpartisan and conducted in May, rather than June primaries and November general elections. Candidates would run as individuals with no party affiliation. A Nov. 1 Fellowship statement signed by its President, the Rev. R. Fulton Hargrove II, called the attempt to change the way elections are held here an attack on democracy. ‘We see the threat against Democracy taking place right before over very eyes all around the nation,’ Hargrove wrote, blaming former President Donald Trump and his followers for encouraging ‘individuals who want to change our form of government.’” CAMDEN DEMS DO HALLOWEEN BEST WITH PHANTOM CANDIDATES— “ Edgewater Republican candidates say Dems played tricks — over Halloween candy ,” by The Record’s Kristie Cattafi: “ Edgewater Republican candidates Mark Capra and Christina Ling said they were initially stopped from setting up a Halloween table and passing out candy at a borough event because it wasn't meant to be "political" but about kids and family. Capra and Ling agreed, signed up for the event as residents and bought hundreds of dollars' worth of candy with their own money and not campaign funds. When they showed up to set up the table, however, they were told by a Recreation Department employee that the town was looking to pull it from the event. About 15 minutes before the event was about to start, Capra and Ling were allowed to set up and hand out candy, but they were warned repeatedly not to do anything ‘politically motivated.’ … Capra and Ling said they were disheartened to see they were being watched so closely, while the candy table of the mayor and council was handing out tote bags and campaign literature about voting for Democrats Vincent Monte and Donald Martin.” HUDSON POLS ASSUME ‘5K’ MEANS A BROWN BAG STUFFED WITH $5,000 — “ Jersey City councilman challenges assemblyman to 5K race, and extends offer to every Hudson pol ,” by The Jersey Journal’s Joshua Rosario: “Hudson County elected officials better get into shape. And fast. Jersey City Councilman Frank Gilmore has challenged 31st District Assemblyman Will Sampson IV of Bayonne to a 5K race and he’s coming for them next. The first-year Bergen-Lafayette councilman, in a video taken outside of 33-year-old Sampson’s office Sunday, called out ‘the youngest state legislator’ after taking a jog from his office in Ward F to Sampson’s office in Bayonne … Gilmore said Wednesday the competitive run is open to any official willing to accept. He hopes to use it as an opportunity to raise awareness for obesity and promote healthy living.” R.I.P. — “ ‘An angel who loved Camden’: Msgr. Michael Doyle, 88, pastor, peace activist, and advocate for city and its people, dies ,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Kevin Riordan: “Msgr. Michael J. Doyle, 88, an Irish-born Catholic priest who became one of Camden’s most eloquent and effective champions, died Friday at his home across from Sacred Heart Church, the city parish he pastored for close to half a century. Diagnosed with cancer of the jaw in 2016, Father Doyle retired in 2020, and after contracting COVID-19 about two months ago, he had been recovering in a nursing care facility in Cherry Hill. But he wanted to return to his modest rowhouse where he enjoyed seeing children come and go to Sacred Heart School and did so two weeks ago … Father Doyle oversaw a complete restoration of Sacred Heart Church and its artworks, which took several decades, and in 1985 established Heart of Camden, a nonprofit community development corporation that has renovated and sold 250 homes in what is now called the Waterfront South neighborhood” —“ Tired of delays and inaction, Weehawken group plans rally to tell NY Waterway: Get out! ” —“ Top-Dem Hughes considers demolition for Mercer Med Center ” | | | | 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 | |
SYNAGOGUE THREATS — “ FBI locates suspect who made ‘credible’ threat against N.J. synagogues. Man reportedly held ‘extremist’ views ,” by NJ Advance Media’s S.P. Sullivan, Brent Johnson and Brianna Kudisch: “Federal law enforcement officials say the individual who made ‘broad threats’ against New Jersey synagogues — prompting the FBI’s Newark field office on Thursday to issue a rare public alert urging caution at temples around the state — ‘no longer poses a danger to the community.’ The FBI did not identify the suspect or elaborate on the specific threat … A person briefed on the matter, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly, told NJ Advance Media that the FBI had made contact with the suspect and interviewed them, though it was not immediately clear if that person would face charges.”
N.J. POLICE CHIEFS BLAME CANNABIS LEGALIZATION — “ N.J. school bus driver charged with drunken driving after crash with kids aboard ,” by NJ Advance Media’s Camille Furst: “A New Jersey school bus driver was arrested for several motor vehicle offenses after he allegedly drove students to school Friday morning while under the influence of alcohol, officials said. Juan Gonzalez, 51, of Paterson, was driving high school students to Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne when the bus was involved in a collision with a parked car near McBride Avenue and Squirrelwood Road in Woodland Park, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. No students in the bus were injured from the crash, authorities said.” —“ In the eye of the storm In a remote corner of N.J., a watch is kept on climate change, rising seas…and sometimes hurricanes ” —“ Calls grow for climate-resilience measures ” —” New Jersey’s battle with antisemitism ” —“ Drug use infections add to death toll from opioid use in NJ ” —“ Fine dining on neighborhood weeds? Foraging gaining popularity in the wilds of N.J. ” | | | | 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 | | | | |  |
