| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by AARP New Jersey | Good Tuesday morning. Sen. Robert Menendez hasn't said much about the latest federal investigation against him. But his son, who goes by Rob and is running for Congress, recently did. In a statement, most of which has been published in New Jersey Monitor , the younger Menendez called the timing of the revelation of the probe, less than two weeks before the midterms, "interesting." "Nonetheless, I have unwavering confidence in my father, his long car eer as a public servant and his reputation for standing tall for families in Hudson County and across the state," he said. "In my life, I have seen countless detractors who refuse to believe a son of immigrants from Hudson County could rise to be one of one hundred and yet he's constantly proven them wrong. And thankfully those who know him and what he has stood for his entire career outnumber the naysayers." The statement sounds remarkably like his father's speech shortly after he beat corruption charges thanks to a hung jury. Menendez the Younger called the investigation a "distraction" from his campaign. And nobody expects him to lose in November. Not in the 8th District. And so far, most Democrats are publicly fully in support of the senator. But, of course, that could change. And if the father's fortunes change, so could the son's. Hudson County politics isn't exactly known for unbreakable loyalty. DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 268 TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com WHERE'S MURPHY? — At Middlesex County College in Edison to speak at the Middlesex County Strategic Plan announcement. Media: Morning Joe at 8 a.m. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Edward Teach (Black Beard) landed a crew and sent them up as far as Holmdel to seize cattle and hogs to provision his vessels. After they had secured their booty and were marching back, the irate farmers gathered on their rear and harassed them so that their rear guard made a stand in Middletown and quite a battle, but succeeded in getting away with their plunder." — Ernest Mandeville recounting an apocryphal tale in his 1927 book "The Story of Middletown" HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Kevin McArdle, Samantha DeAlmeida, Brendan Sciarra, Amanda Davila | | | | 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 | |
THE STRONGER AND FAIRER SEX — " Why did N.J. stop giving money to track how many women serve on powerful state boards? " by NJ Advance Media's Susan K. Livio and Kelly Heyboer: "Less than a year after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law requiring Rutgers University to create a database tracking the race and gender of state appointees and elected officials in New Jersey, the money is close to running out and the work is far from complete. Nothing was earmarked in the current fiscal year that began in July, although the budget for the last fiscal year ending in June contained a $350,000 line-item for the university's Center for American Women and Politics' work on the database.
"Exactly who is responsible for rejecting the request for more money is not clear , but the ultimate decision-making power rests in the hands of state Senate President Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, and Murphy. State Sen. Nellie Pou, D-Passaic, head of the Legislative Latino Caucus, said she submitted a resolution re-upping the appropriation in the latest budget, but it was rejected in the final hours of budget negotiations on June 27. 'I have no idea what happened. There was no indication to the contrary why it didn't make the final cut,' Pou said in an interview with NJ Advance Media." REDACTED — " More trucks, Bayonne development and aging bridges necessitate $4.7B Turnpike Extension widening project, engineers told NJTA ," by The Jersey Journal's Teri Wes t: "Increased truck traffic, development in Bayonne, and bridges and elevated roadways at the end of their lifespans are among the main reasons engineers cited in their report calling for the controversial $4.7 billion expansion of the New Jersey Turnpike's Hudson County Extension. … Commissioned by the Turnpike Authority, the 224-page report -- dated July 17, 2020, and based on studies the engineering firm conducted over several years -- includes multiple appendices and gave the NJTA initial reviews of factors like environmental impacts, types of replacement bridges to consider and potential changes in the roadway's route. The Journal initially sought a copy of the report in a June 30 OPRA request. While some of the appendices were delivered over the summer, it wasn't until late September that Turnpike Authority lawyers turned over the full report, but most of its summaries and recommendations were redacted. After the Journal indicated it was prepared to litigate to get an unredacted report, a copy with most of the redactions removed was sent last week. A section on specific non-Turnpike properties that could be affected by construction and/or changes in the route is still redacted." JUST GRIN AND BEAR IT — " Half of black bear incidents may go unreported. Why NJ is missing a growing danger ," by The New Jersey Herald's Bruce Scruton: "At least a third of this year's bear "incidents" in Sussex County have been handled by local police agencies, not the state Department of Environmental Protection. The result has been an undercount of interactions between bruins and humans in the part of New Jersey with the highest concentration of black bears. The estimate of underreporting comes from a survey of local police departments on how many bear incidents they handled this year as well as anecdotal evidence from residents. It adds to concerns already expressed by officials about the growing number of human-bear encounters. Add to the number those calls handled by New Jersey State Police — troopers cover about half of Sussex County — and the percentage of incidents not tallied by the state could be as high as 50%, according to the New Jersey Herald's reporting." POST-MURPHY —" Alfaro Post leaving Murphy staff to join PSEG ," by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: "Alyana Alfaro Post is leaving her position as press secretary to Gov. Phil Murphy to take leadership post at PSEG, one of New Jersey's top providers of gas and electric utilities. A former reporter for Observer New Jersey, Alfaro Post joined the Murphy administration in January 2018 as deputy press secretary and then moved into the press secretary position in May 2019. She will serve as the executive communications lead." —" Top N.J. election official warns voters of misinformation texts " —" How Sandy spurred voting changes " —" Beyond buildings, Sandy damaged people's health " —" A climate governor doesn't widen highways while neglecting bigger transit issues | Opinion " | | | | 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 | |
GOTWAYMOREMONEYTHANHENEEDSHEIMER — " Do Gottheimer and Sherrill really need last-minute charity from Mike Bloomberg? " by The Record's Charles Stile: "Bloomberg reportedly insisted that some of the $21 million that he has sent to House Democrats — including a $10 million donation sent to the House Majority PAC, which is aligned with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — be steered to the two North Jersey Democrats, according to a report by Politico. And last week, the PAC paid $2 million for ads to attack Pallotta in the New York market, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Bloomberg also steered $2 million to VoteVets, a Democratic-leaning advocacy group that works closely with the House Majority PAC. It should be noted that both Gottheimer and Sherrill endorsed Bloomberg during his presidential race in 2020 … So, in some ways, Bloomberg is returning the favor … So, while Bloomberg may be rewarding former allies with late-campaign largesse, his donations also serve as additional sandbags against a possible red wave. Gottheimer and Sherrill are hardly seen as vulnerable, but an angry electorate is hard to measure, especially in the closing hours of a race."
—" NJ midterms: Democrats top Republicans in fundraising, but super PACs are wild card " HEALEY IS TRYING TO STEEL THE ELECTION — " Healey attempts to galvanize Monmouth County ," by InsiderNJ's Fred Snowflack: "It seemed like a pretty sleepy Sunday morning and in truth it was, but that had no impact on the politics swirling around Monmouth County and the rest of New Jersey. '"This is the race to watch,' said Shaun Golden … Golden was talking about CD-3 where incumbent Andy Kim is trying to hold his seat against Bob Healey, the featured speaker at the GOP gathering at the Covered Bridge residential community. Most observers see CD-7 as the state's featured congressional district, but not Golden. He thinks CD-3 is the big one. Newly-revamped CD-3 has become more Democratic after redistricting, but Healey said, 'We're neck and neck.' A key, of course, is Republican-Monmouth County where Healey needs a big turnout – and a big win." —" N.J. woman, 81, joins lawsuit to force Medicare to pay for more home care " —" In 3rd district debate, moments of disagreement but many shared beliefs " —" Big push to rev up Democratic voters in 7th District " —" Pallone, Kiley at odds in NJ 6th District race over abortion, gas prices, student debt " | | | | A message from AARP New Jersey:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
CAM DEMS — Camden progressives want to expand City Council to 9 members , by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Progressive Camden activists, fresh off a summer success in which they got the city to enact a law that will require local employers to report where their workers live, have a new target in mind: Expanding the City Council. The Camden We Choose Coalition announced Monday that it is launching a petition drive to create two new ward-based seats on the council. The seven-member council consists of three at-large members and four members who represent wards. The new plan would expand the council to nine members — three at-large seats and six ward-based seats.
RAO SPILLERS THE BEANS — " Montclair, NJ Mayor Sean Spiller is a rising star. Could local scandals drag him back to earth? " by WNYC's Louis C. Hochman: "Interrelated, snowballing local scandals in Montclair, New Jersey, could be a serious political liability for the township's mayor, an up-and-comer in the Democratic Party — and even a contender for governor in 2025. That's the view of some politics watchers in the Garden State. In the latest of a series of controversies, Montclair Chief Financial Officer Padmaja Rao this month sued the municipality and its township manager, Tim Stafford. She claimed the manager subjected female department heads to bullying and toxic behavior for years, prompting some to leave their jobs … Rao's lawsuit, describing problems she says she tried to flag and fix, says the mayor signed off on an illegally awarded contract to investigate allegations about nepotism and mistreatment of Black promotions candidates in the Montclair Fire Department. She also alleges that the mayor and members of the council unlawfully received health benefits through a state program, with the OK of a since-departed township attorney. She alleges she was punished for bringing up those issues" —" Montclair voting on $188M bond for school renovations to protect 'reputation of our town '" PATERSON COPS — " The two Paterson cops who detained Felix DeJesus have been suspended without pay ," by The Paterson Press' Joe Malinconico : "The two Paterson police officers who detained Felix DeJesus on the freezing February night he went missing have been suspended for 90 days without pay for violating 10 different rules and regulations in handling the incident. The Paterson Police Department's Internal Affairs Division determined the two cops — Jacob Feliciano and Dodi Zorilla — committed neglect of duty and broke the police department's rules regarding body cameras, transporting citizens, patrol procedures, and preparing and filing reports … The IA decision does not address in any way what happened to DeJesus, a 41-year-old Haledon resident who disappeared on Feb. 2 after being handcuffed and placed inside a Paterson police patrol vehicle over a disturbance at a city bodega." FACEBOOK MAKES FRIED FEEL FRIED — " Robbinsville, NJ, mayor says he's had it with Facebook ," by NJ 101.5's Eric Scott: "Community pages are a common way for local residents to stay in touch with their community. They often feature local businesses, community events and public safety issues. However, it is also not uncommon for these pages to get hijacked by a small, but vocal, segment of the community. It is for that reason that Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried says he is done with visiting or responding to anything on those pages. He is urging other elected officials and public servants to do the same. 'I have encouraged all of our elected in town to stay off these alleged community pages. They do not represent this community in the slightest,' Fried said in a post on his own Facebook page. Fried singled out the page 'Around Robbinsville,' which he called 'horrible.' The mayor blamed a 'small group of Partisan keyboard warriors' for hijacking the page, and says residents often send him screenshots of content they find offensive." TO DEAL WITH THE CRUNCH, TOWNS NEED A FINANCE CAP'N — " New Jersey's local governments face cost crunch ,' by New Jersey Monitor's Nikita Biryukov : "New Jersey towns and counties face a surfeit of heightened costs on the verge of a broader economic downturn, and their cash crunch could be passed down to residents as local budgets start getting struck early next year. Inflation, increased pension contributions, rising health insurance premiums, and natural gas prices pushed upward by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, among other things, will add hundreds of millions of dollars in municipal costs statewide in the coming fiscal year. "We've often commented about death by a thousand cuts, but these cuts are getting bigger and deeper every year," said Michael Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities" ALL QUIET ON THE WEST SIDE FRONT — "' Mischief Night' was quiet in Hudson County. Is it a thing of the past? " by NJ Advance Media's Karin Price Mueller: "Some aspects of the 'good 'ole days' weren't so good. And one of those — the night-before-Halloween tradition of "Mischief Night" — appears to be going the way of the typewriter, VHS tapes and Blockbuster video stores. Police across Hudson County say the night of Oct. 30 — also known as Goosey Night, Cabbage Night or Devil's Night depending where you live — no longer holds the special allure it once did for young ne'er-do-wells who roamed the streets with eggs, soap and shaving cream in hand." R.I.P. — " Upper Saddle River firefighter dies; second Bergen County firefighter death in past week " —" After notorious nursing home goes bankrupt, Andover seeks help to plug $1.4M budget hole " — " Proposed Glassboro-Camden light-rail line is one step closer to reality " —" Records show Bordentown Police chief's blood alcohol level was twice legal limit " —" Enrollment doubled! The 10 fastest-growing school systems in NJ " —" South Amboy mayor challenged by political outsider in 2022 election " —" Jersey City BOE hopefuls debate fiscal responsibility, teacher shortages, test scores, & much more " | | | | 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 | |
—" We've been doing N.J. beach sweeps since the '80s. Do they actually make a difference? "
—" Republic First saga continues with exec changes, call for shareholders meeting " —" He stole thousands from N.J. nursing home residents, prosecutors say. He will avoid jail in plea deal " —" Rizzo tells judge uploading files to court website was challenging, asks for a lawyer " —" Will professors keep their jobs when 2 N.J. colleges merge? Union raises alarm about job losses " —" Offshore wind: Great-paying jobs are coming — ensuring there are workers ready for them is the challenge " —" New Jersey has the worst rated business tax climate in nation " | | | | 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 | | | | |
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