| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by AARP New Jersey | Good Thursday morning! We've seen little public polling in New Jersey this cycle, so I, at least, was interested to read a new Stockton University poll that shows a 16-point generic ballot voter enthusiasm gap that favors Republicans. While Democrats in New Jersey have a 10-point generic ballot lead , 47 percent to 37 percent, you'd expect that in a state with about a million more registered Democrats than Republicans, and it says nothing specific about the competitive districts. The Republican enthusiasm advantage — 70 percent of GOP voters say they're "very enthusiastic" compared to 54 percent of Democrats — looks like a more telling measure. So does President Joe Biden's 47 percent negative to 46 percent positive favorability rating. Not great in a state he easily won. But there are some really big caveats here. The poll was conducted from early to mid-October, so it wouldn't capture any later developments' effect on the public mood — say, for instance, declining gas prices. And it's a poll of registered, not likely, voters, despite how late it is in the election cycle. And let's be honest, Stockton has whiffed some races in recent years. But if Democrats want to take solace in that, they may want to note that, in those polls where Stockton was most off, they overstated Democratic support. So, the data's not great. But it beats internal campaign polling "memos" that are intended for public consumption while giving out little of the actual data. DAYS SINCE MURPHY REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER HIS WIFE'S NON-PROFIT SHOULD DISCLOSE DONORS: 270 TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com WHERE'S MURPHY? — No public schedule QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The city's education system is obviously, according to the state tests, in crisis. We're in recovery mode. There is no conference at all that is necessary for them to go to at this moment. And it's a slap in the face for teachers who have to plan months in advance to document and rationalize, in a five-page application, a trip to the Turtle Back Zoo." — Newark Teachers Union President John Abeigo on the many school district staffer trips to conferences in warm, sunny locations in recent months . HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Assemblymember John Catalano, Rocco Mazza | | | | 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 | |
O'Pal — " Can we agree on anything? A NJ Democrat and Republican debate the state of 2022 politics ," by The Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: "New Jersey state Sens. Vin Gopal and Declan J. O'Scanlon Jr. are a bit of an anomaly in this polarized political world: two representatives from different parties who like and respect each other … O'Scanlon noted that, while there are plenty of areas where the two disagree, there are others where they have found common ground. They have sponsored more than 100 bills together … Gopal and O'Scanlon came together to discuss their friendship, their legislative style and their stance on several important issues during an online forum, "Can We Agree on Anything?" moderated by Dustin Racioppi, politics and government editor for the Atlantic Region of USA TODAY Network. The two legislators, who each represent parts of Monmouth County, discussed everything from permitting residents to grow their own marijuana to vaccine mandates and brewery regulations. You can watch the whole form on YouTube. Here's their take on several big issues facing New Jersey ….
"What do they think of Gov. Murphy's new hair style? 'It's haphazard and joyful,' O'Scanlon said, adding … He contended, though, that Murphy's chief of staff, George Helmy, "has much better hair than the governor." 'Who am I to judge?"'Gopal joked. Describing his own hair, he said, 'I am fading in a lot of places here.'" TAKE A SOUNDBITE OUT OF CRIME — " Gov. Murphy scolds GOP for 'racial' focus on crime, which he says is down in NJ ," by NJ 101.5's Michael Symons: "Murphy, appearing on MSNBC, was asked about crime being used as a political issue by Republicans in this year's elections … 'The other guys play the crime card relentlessly and shamefully it seems every election,' Murphy said. 'That doesn't mean that crime is not an issue. It doesn't mean that we're not focused on it. But I will just say that in New Jersey this year, violent crime, shootings, homicides are all down meaningfully, between something like 15 and 30 percent.' … The Governor's Office referred questions about the crime statistics to the New Jersey State Police, which didn't respond to a request for details Tuesday. The most recent publicly available data published by the state police is from January through March of 2021 … Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cumberland, said Murphy 'is not focused on crime, and it shows.' 'Gov. Murphy has blinders on when it comes to the legitimate public safety concerns of our families, communities and law enforcement,' Testa said." LEGISLATURE PUNTED WEED TO VOTERS BUT HAD NO PROBLEM PASSING THIS — " Online gambling in NJ may be causing a serious problem with young men, boys ," by NJ 101.5's Michael Symons: "Arnie Wexler, a certified counselor and former director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, told the Assembly in recent testimony that America is destroying its youth by making it so easy to develop a gambling addiction. 'Today it's easier to place a bet than to buy a pack of cigarettes or get a can of beer,' Wexler said. Wexler says over the past year, he's gotten a lot of calls from younger residents – as young as 12. He's also hard from parents who say their kids don't want to go to college but instead want to become a professional gambler." —" Man who faced disenfranchisement can vote despite 'MVC Never Never Land' " —" New Jersey Latinos say politicians snub them — until election season begins " —Schepisi: " We must end a Trenton logjam to improve protections for temporary workers " —Mulshine: " Phil Murphy has a partisan view on bipartisan cooperation " —" N.J. special elections for state Legislature also on Tuesday's ballot " —" In NJ's 2022 elections, more South Asian Americans running for office " | | | | 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 | |
BIG TENTS SOMETIMES HOST CIRCUSES — " After Paul Pelosi attack, why the NJ GOP condemns violence - but not extremism ," by The Record's Charles Stile: "It would be ridiculous to suggest that the New Jersey Republicans' attack rhetoric are in any way directly responsible for the bizarre and violent conduct in the attack. David DePape, 42, is accused of yelling 'Where is Nancy?' after entering the couple's home and attacking Pelosi. By most accounts, DePape was wallowing in a stew of far right conspiracies, antisemitism and hate … Still, the toxic ecosystem of paranoia, grievance, racism and xenophobia that has long found safe harbor in the Republican Party feeds off its hatred and anger of Pelosi and other Democratic Party elites … Some Republicans have condemned the violence, although others around the country and New Jersey turned it into a cautionary tale about the danger of rising crime … In fact, Kean, Bramnick and the state Party were all, in their way, refusing to confront the the extremists that have taken over the GOP's Big Tent."
RACE-BAITING FLYERS: The Paterson branch of the NAACP has a press conference scheduled for today at 11 a.m. at the court house on "denouncing hate!" According to Assemblymember Shavonda Sumpter (D-Passaic), the event is a response to this flyer by a group run by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller that seeks to stir up racial resentment, mostly over hiring preferences for some minorities over whites and Asians. —" Gottheimer complains about stolen cars " —" Where N.J. congressional candidates stand on inflation, abortion and other big issues " | | | | A message from AARP New Jersey:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
'ISN'T IT IRONIC?' - ALANIS MORRISETTE REFERRING TO THE NAME OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY — " Judge throws out corruption case against suspended Saddle Brook police chief Robert Kugler ," by The Record's Steve Janoski: "A state judge has dismissed the corruption case against suspended Saddle Brook Police Chief Robert Kugler, a former candidate for Bergen County Sheriff whose campaign was derailed by allegations that he illegally ordered his officers to escort processions leaving his privately-owned funeral home. In a 56-page decision issued Wednesday, state Superior Court Judge Marilyn C. Clark said the township ordinance the chief allegedly broke did not apply to funeral processions, as state investigators alleged. Clark also said prosecutors left out key pieces of information when they made their case to the grand jury, whose indictment led the state attorney general to charge Kugler with conspiracy, misconduct and corruption of public resources in March 2021. 'I recognize fully that the proof needed to obtain an indictment is relatively low,' Clark wrote. 'But presenting evidence in fair context and presenting material exculpatory evidence is certainly required.'"
—" Bergen GOP flashpoint: 'Don't pick up a musket, pick up a ballot' " COPS SHOT — " Gunman accused of shooting 2 Newark police officers arrested as manhunt ends ," by NJ Advance Media's Jeff Goldman and Richard Cowen: "A 30-year-old man accused of shooting and wounding two Newark police officers serving an arrest warrant at an city apartment building Tuesday has been arrested, ending a massive manhunt that spanned two days and forced residents from their homes, officials said. Kendall Howard, of East Orange, was taken into custody shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. 'Within the past half-hour, they've caught the guy — the bad guy,' Gov. Phil Murphy said." — " Man in 'Where is Nancy?' T-shirt, posing with skeleton, is N.J. school board candidate ," by NJ Advance Media' Tina Kelley and Camille Furst: "A candidate running for a school board seat in Hunterdon County, pictured in a photo on social media, said he wore a T-shirt on Saturday saying 'Where is Nancy?' for a Halloween party … Tom Gregor, who is running unopposed for a three-year term on the Bethlehem Township school board, said he dressed as a 'home intruder.' … When asked by NJ Advance Media what his shirt meant and who Nancy was, he said, 'I don't know who Nancy is.' … David DePape, the suspect charged in the attack against Paul Pelosi, also carried zip ties, tape, and rope, police said. He told investigators he wanted Nancy Pelosi to answer his questions truthfully or he would break her kneecaps. He was charged with attempted murder and other crimes. When pressed as to why he wrote Nancy, Gregor replied, 'No reason,' then added, 'it's what was in the current event of the week.'" —" Atlantic City mayor dreams big with American Rescue Plan funds " —" The 2022 West Orange political prism " —" Newark Symphony Hall CEO steps down amid $50M renovation " —" Sussex Aviation at center of conflict in Wantage that could be creating danger, owner says " —" Race for Clifton City Council heats up with 17 candidates " —" Meet the 12 candidates for three Old Bridge Board of Education seats " —" Can Passaic County's long-term Democrats fend off GOP in commissioners' race? " —" In the end, critics fail to halt Hoboken planning board approval of Story Dispensary " —" Hoboken BOE candidates talk responsible spending, referendum, partisanship, & more " —" Court rejects bid to overturn Jersey City plan to designate area of Downtown for redevelopment " | | | | 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 | |
HIGHER ED— " Rutgers lifts mask mandate, again, over objections of some professors ," by NJ Advance Media's Rob Jennings: "Rutgers University has reversed its rules on wearing masks in classrooms and libraries again as it awaits a final decision on complaints filed by three faculty unions citing COVID-19 concerns, campus officials said. The latest rule change — which went into effect nearly two weeks ago — comes as the university and union officials are awaiting a final decision by the state Public Employment Relations Commission in December on whether some mask rules should be left in place at the state's largest university. Rutgers required students and faculty to wear masks in classrooms during the pandemic before dropping the indoor mask mandate Oct. 3. But, the university reinstated mask rules in libraries and in classrooms where professors requested face coverings two days later in response to an order from PERC after campus unions filed complaints. Then, Rutgers officials dropped the mask mandate for a second time on Oct. 21 after PERC reversed its earlier ruling and allowed the university to waive face covering rules again until the commission makes its final decision in December."
THE TRIAL OF THE PREVIOUS CENTURY — " Researcher sues state to allow DNA testing in Lindbergh kidnapping ," by New Jersey Monitor's Dana DiFilippo: "A Princeton woman has sued the state to get access to evidence in the 1932 Lindbergh kidnapping case in a quest to exonerate the New York man executed for abducting the toddler from his East Amwell home and killing him. Margaret Sudhakar wants to use technology from this century — DNA testing — to 'clarify longstanding historical discrepancies and uncertainties' in last century's so-called crime of the century … She had filed public records requests for access to 14 sealed envelopes and 11 stamps police said Bruno Richard Hauptmann used on ransom notes, as well as wood from a ladder the kidnapper used to climb into 20-month-old Charles Lindbergh Jr.'s second-floor nursery. Murphy's office rejected her request, saying they aren't the custodian of those records, while the state police and Attorney General's Office failed to respond or provide a written explanation of any denial, according to the lawsuit." THE WAY THE WIND BLOWS — " PSEG may cut offshore wind investment ,' by NJ Spotlight News' Tom Johnson: "Public Service Enterprise Group is reviewing its option to invest a 25% stake in the Ocean Wind I offshore wind farm, a decision driven by the higher costs of the turbine components, supply chain costs and inflationary pressures. The Newark-based energy company is approaching a "final investment decision'' on retaining its equity in the state's first offshore wind farm with Ørsted, a Danish developer that is seeking to build a 1,100-megawatt project off Atlantic City. PSEG also has an option for a 50% stake in Ørsted's nearby Ocean Wind II project. The hesitation over continuing its investment in the projects appears to be over whether the company would profit more from investing in building offshore wind transmission systems than spending money to produce electricity from offshore wind turbines." THE NECKLACE — " A nationwide catalytic converter theft ring made hundreds of millions of dollars, feds say ," by NBC's "Jonathan Dienst, Courtney Copenhagen and Ken Dilanian: "The Justice Department on Wednesday announced what officials called the first national takedown of a criminal enterprise profiting from the rampant theft of catalytic converters. The scope of the car parts operation was huge: Officials said they will seek $545 million in forfeitures of cash, luxury cars and real estate … Agents raided a $1.7 million home in Holmdel, New Jersey, allegedly owned by one of the accused, Navin 'Lovin' Khanna. On his Instagram account, he posted a photo of a necklace with a pendant made to look like a catalytic converter." — " NJ native Kosha Dillz takes on Kanye West, antisemitism with 'Death Con 3 (Ye Diss)' song " " | | | | 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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