DCCC Looking at 5th District

Democrats target Ferguson by tying him to the president
Sunday, December 18, 2005
BY J. SCOTT ORRSTAR-LEDGER WASHINGTON BUREAU WASHINGTON

-- He represents a strongly Republican district, has been re-elected twice by solid majorities and expects to spend more than $2 million on his 2006 campaign. It's hard to see Rep. Michael Ferguson (R-7th Dist.) as vulnerable. Yet the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says he's one of its top targets in next year's election. For months, the committee has attacked Ferguson in news releases that portray him as a disciple of the Bush administration and ally of Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), the former Republican House leader charged with breaking campaign finance laws.

As Democrats hope to capitalize on the drop in President Bush's popularity and legal woes of other prominent Republicans, they are looking at seats like Ferguson's with renewed optimism. "He is one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the House," said DCCC spokeswoman Adrienne Elrod. The GOP's problems "create a difficult environment for all Republicans, making every Republican-held seat vulnerable," she said. Ferguson scoffs at any notion he's in jeopardy, and says the Democrats are exaggerating their chances of regaining control of the House. "This is the same thing they did last time, and the time before that," said Ferguson, who was first elected in 2000. "They're playing a numbers game because it doesn't help for them to say they're going to take back two or three seats, they have to say they're going to win back control." Republicans control the House, 232-202, meaning Democrats would have to take 16 Republican seats and retain all their own to regain the majority.

Amy Walter, an analyst with the non-partisan newsletter Cook Political Report, said those numbers have led the Democrats to target Republicans like Ferguson whose districts are comfortable, but perhaps not totally safe. "Ferguson's is not an easy seat for Democrats to pick up by any means, but it is certainly a more receptive district than many in the country," Walter said. She added that the political terrain in 2006 likely will be "the best Democrats have had in a very long time." But she noted Ferguson's seat probably ranks far below the top Democratic opportunities, such as the 18 Republican-controlled districts that backed Democrat John Kerry over Bush in 2004.

There also are 27 Republican incumbents who won in 2004 with 55 percent of the vote or less. Ferguson won with 57 percent, and his district went for Bush. Still, David Rebovich, a political scientist at Rider University, said Ferguson is less secure than other New Jersey House members. The other five Republicans and six Democrats are pretty much locks to win re-election, he said. (Democrat Rep. Robert Menendez's move to the Senate creates an open seat, but his district is solidly Democratic.) "If the Democrats are willing to fund someone, they could make a run (against Ferguson)," Rebovich said. "The Democrats are constantly sending e-mails to folks here criticizing him, but it takes more than e-mails to unseat an incumbent who has won consistently."

The 7th District stretches across Central Jersey from Holland Township on the Delaware River through suburban areas of Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Union counties to Woodbridge. Two Democrats have announced they're seeking the party's nomination to oppose Ferguson: Assemblywoman Linda Stender, a former freeholder and Fanwood mayor, and Joe Tricarico, former mayor of Hillsborough. Stephen Brozak, an Iraq War veteran who challenged Ferguson in 2004, said there is no way to knock off the incumbent without the national party kicking in significant cash. "If they're serious about this, they're going to have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk," Brozak said. Elrod refused to say if the DCCC planned to invest money in Ferguson's district or anywhere else in the state. She said the committee is also closely watching the 5th District, where Paul Aronsohn, a one-time aide to former Gov. James E. McGreevey, is challenging Republican Rep. Scott Garrett. Garrett is considered even more secure than Ferguson, having won by 17 points in 2004.

Ross Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers University, said all of New Jersey's congressmen "are so firmly established that it really would take a major personal scandal to dislodge any of the incumbents." Ferguson isn't sweating. "I feel very favorable about the election," Ferguson said. "But I don't take anything for granted." Scott Orr covers government and politics. He may be reached at sorr@starledger.com or (202) 383-7800.

Conaway to be Appointed Committee Chairman

Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-7) is expected to be named the new chairman of the powerful Health and Human Services Committee. Conaway, a 5 term Democrat, represents the 7th District which includes parts of Burlington and Camden Counties. His partner in the assembly, Assemblyman Jack Conners is the chairman of the powerful Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in the assembly. The legislators earned a near 2-1 victory over Republican opponents making the 7th District a safe district now.

Menendez Leads Kean in Poll

QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY POLL

BOB MENENDEZ
44%

TOM KEAN JR.
38%
Gov.-elect Jon Corzine has named Stuart Rabner, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, as Chief Counsel to the Governor.

Row Downing Jr. and James Devine are no longer with the website. We welcome Mark Otto, Jeremy Melissari, Dana Wefer, Avery Hart, Larry Jones, and Joni Jones to JerseyPolitics.com

Two Physicians Left....

with the defeat of Assemblyman Bob Morgan (D-12), there are only two remaining physicians in the 120 member New Jersey State Legislature - One is Eric Munoz (R) and the other Herb Conaway (D) - Conaway remains the only member of the legislature to hold both a medical degree and a law degree.

Rothman content for now

Rothman content for now to stay out of running for Corzine's seat

By DONNA DE LA CRUZ Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON
Rep. Steve Rothman is a rarity these days: the only New Jersey Democratic congressman who does not want to fill Jon Corzine's unexpired U.S. Senate term. That does not mean Rothman doesn't want to be a U.S. senator _ he does. Just not right now, he said Friday.

Rothman would like to see one of his colleagues get Gov.-elect Corzine's soon-to-be former job and has thrown his support behind Rep. Robert Menendez. As governor, Corzine gets to pick the person who will take his seat for the next year and has said he will make his decision next week.

So, as Rothman's six Democratic colleagues vie to replace Corzine, the Bergen County politician described himself as at peace with his decision not to join the Senate seat scramble.

"I hope I would have the opportunity to run in the future," Rothman said during a telephone interview. "At the moment, I'm enjoying my position on the House Appropriations Committee and also enjoying the time that I have with my kids as they complete high school."

"Although a number of people suggested I would make a good candidate as well, it was not difficult for me to make this decision," Rothman said. "Bob is personally at a point in his life where the kind of campaigning and fundraising that are necessary work for him."

Menendez has more than $4 million in his campaign war chest. The money is significant because of an anticipated contested primary for the Senate seat in 2006. Republicans already have tapped state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. for the race.

Rothman, who lives in Fair Lawn, said although all of his colleagues would make terrific senators, he thinks Menendez is the best candidate and the most deserving.

"Bob Menendez has earned the right to represent the Democratic Party and has proven himself an exceptionally effective congressman in terms of bringing home federal money from Washington and in articulating the Democratic Party's positions on a whole host of issues," Rothman said.

Rothman, 53, was first elected to the House in 1996. An attorney by trade, he was the mayor of Englewood from 1983 to 1989, and was a Bergen County Surrogate Court judge from 1993 to 1996.


December 02, 2005 04:32 PM EST

GOP Refuses Springsteen his glory days

Bruce Springsteen

APTV
CAPITOL HILL

Republicans refuse to give Bruce Springsteen his glory days

CAPITOL HILL (AP) _ Bruce Springsteen was famously "born in the
U-S-A," but Senate Republicans seem determined to show him who's
boss.

An effort by New Jersey's two Democratic senators to honor the
veteran rocker was shot down today. Republicans are apparently
still miffed a year after Springsteen lent his voice to the
campaign of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.

The chamber's G-O-P leaders refused to bring up for
consideration a resolution to honor Springsteen's long career and
the 1975 release of his iconic album, "Born to Run."

No reason was given, according to a spokesman for New Jersey
Senator Frank Lautenberg. Telephone calls to Senate Majority Leader
Bill Frist's office seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Lautenberg says he can't understand why anyone would object to
the resolution.

No Exit Polls

No Exit Polls this year as the media simply didn't want to pay for them.

What did the GOP members of congress have to deal with today?

THE AP Reports:

Associated Press New Jersey Daybook for Wednesday, Nov. 9.

NEW JERSEY

NEW

BUDGET CUT PROTESTS _ New Jersey Citizen Action hosts caravan planning visits to offices of five congressmen to protest cuts to food stamps, student loans, Medicaid and other initiatives.

9 a.m. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen. Location: 30 Schulyler Pl., 2nd Fl., Morristown

10:15 a.m. Rep. Michael Ferguson. Location: 45 Mountain Blvd., Warren

12:15 p.m. Rep. Chris Smith. Location: 1540 Kuser Rd., Suite A9, Hamilton

1:45 p.m. Rep. James Saxton. Location: 100 High St., Mount Holly

3:45 p.m. Rep. Frank LoBiondo. Location: 5914 Main St., Suite 103, Mays Landing

Contact: (NJ Citizen Action) 732-778-3459

Vin Gopal is in DC. He reports that all the offices on capitol hill have closely monitored the elections throughout the day. The race, especially in Virginia where President Bush campaigned for the GOP candidate, will determine where exactly the Republicans stand on the national scene and looking ahead for Congress 2006.

What happens if Forrester wins?

It can be argued that Sen. Jon Corzine's political career is over. Why should NJ voters re-elect Jon Corzine in 2006 after he spent millions of dollars campaigning for a different job in 2005? There is no way Jon Corzine can defend that arguement made against him....

It is all or nothing for Jon Corzine....I guess you could say it is all or nothing for Doug Forrester as well, as far as statewide office, Republican voters won't pass him by a third primary after failing 2 prior.

What happens if Corzine wins?

Reprinted from http://davenetics.com/newsmonger

If Corzine wins today, he will have to name a replacement to his vacant Senate seat. Given that the popular Tom Kean, Jr will be running for the GOP next year, Corzine's choice takes added importance. This column is a great look at all the machinations.

What makes Democrats energized and fearful is the looming Senate candidacy of a Republican with a magical name in New Jersey - Tom Kean Jr.

The 37-year-old state senator from Westfield and son of the former governor and 9/11 commission chairman has already told party activists he plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2006. Secret polling by Democrats indicates that Kean would easily beat every Democratic candidate, except one - Dick Codey.

The other source of Democratic nervousness is Rep. Robert Menendez, the powerful, ambitious Hudson Democrat.

Menendez, the third-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, has long dreamed of becoming a U.S. senator. But Democrats worry he has too much baggage, notably a former girlfriend who reportedly obtained lucrative contracts as a lobbyist.

The fear here is that Kean would be seen as a clean candidate, with Menendez as too closely tied to the state's pay-to-play corruption racket.

"He's out," a strategist said of Menendez. "The pressure on him to not run will increase."

Menendez said in an interview he plans to fight for the Senate seat and has already raised $4.1 million for a campaign. But a source close to him said Menendez fears he is already being out-maneuvered by national party leaders who favor Codey.

Menendez insists his own polling of voters indicates he can run close to Kean. But Democratic strategists say that is at best wishful thinking and, at worst, a gamble few party leaders want to take. Consider how emphatically one party official dismissed Menendez: "He would get trounced. He has no chance."


Democrats need to run squeaky clean in 2006. And every other year, for that matter.

Students Put Their Sping on Election

STUDENTS PUT THEIR SPIN ON ELECTION
Parsippany H.S. has surprise pick

BY ROB JENNINGS
DAILY RECORD

PARSIPPANY -- The winner of Parsippany High School's student poll for governor wasn't Republican Doug Forrester or Democrat Jon Corzine.

Socialist Party candidate Tino Rozzo, at 21.6 percent, narrowly edged Corzine and three other contenders in a survey of 270 freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors last week.

Rozzo, whose platform includes a $12-per-hour minimum wage and a "socialized healthcare system under workers' and community control,"would seem an unlikely favorite at a high school in relatively wealthy, Republican-dominated Morris County.

Still, he had some proud backers among students attending Monday's 1 p.m. debate in the high school's auditorium, with students standing in for five of the candidates running for governor.

"I believe we need to get rid of these capitalist ways," said Steven Honickel, 14.

Teacher Joseph Kyle, whose senior AP politics and government class organized last week's poll and four debates Monday, said people shouldn't read too much into the poll's outcome.

"I don't think it's a statewide bellwether," Kyle said.

In the poll, Corzine -- the front-runner, albeit by a thinning margin, in surveys of likely voters leading up to Tuesday's election -- was second at 20.2 percent, followed by Forrester at 18.1 percent.

Green Party candidate Matt Thieke and Libertarian Jeff Pawlowski had 15.7 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

Before the 1 p.m. debate, Kyle took a shot at the media for overlooking minor-party candidates in a race that has mostly focused on Forrester and Corzine. The media, he told students on Monday, "pretends there are only two political parties."

More than 100 students attended. Moderated by teacher Denis Mulroony, the 40-minute forum offered a fair hearing to all sides.

It featured a lively back-and-forth that, to some extent, was more issue-oriented and less focused on personal attacks than what has transpired in the actual election.

Kevin Schultz, 17, representing Pawlowski, drew the loudest cheers and laughter after he endorsed legalized prostitution.

Ben Zhou, 17, standing in for Rozzo, also grabbed attention with plans to permit students to fire their teachers and impose heavy taxes on the "filthy rich."

Nirav Shah, 17, representing Thieke, lobbied for vigorous environmental protection.

Samuel Lim, 17, played Corzine and touted his business background.

Stephanie Foltzer, 18, ably stood in for Forrester, though Kyle made it clear that the Republican wasn't a popular choice in her senior class.

"The Libertarians were highly desired. So were the Democrats. Nobody wanted to be the Republican," Kyle said.

"Stephanie, who's truly not a conservative, was forced into that role," he said.

Foltzer, though, showed no hesitation in sharply going after Corzine and his $470,000 donation in 2002 to former girlfriend and state employees union leader Carla Katz.

"Carla Katz was his girlfriend and he donated her a rather large sum of money. Yes, the relationship has ended ... but how can the people of New Jersey be assured that Corzine will not get another girlfriend," she said.

Lim, as Corzine, defended his actions.

"It does not reflect a conflict of interest. It was a gift from an old friend," Lim said.

Several students posed questions to candidates near the end, including Spencer Antonucci.

Asked whom he would vote for if he could, Antonucci, 17, said he was "kind of thinking socialist."

Fed up with negative campaigning, voters head to polls

Fed up with negative campaigning, voters head to polls
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 11/8/05

BY KATHLEEN HOPKINS,
A. SCOTT FERGUSON
AND KAREN SUDOL
STAFF WRITERS

Turned off by negative campaigning, high taxes and pay-to-play politics, citizens went to the polls throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties today, hoping to make a change.

"They're worse than two kids fighting for a toy," Raymond Lemanski, 78, a retired sheet-metal worker from Dover Township, said of gubernatorial candidates U.S. Sen. Jon S. Corzine, D-N.J., and Republican Douglas Forrester.

"It stunk," Lemanski said at the polls at Toms River High School East. "There were more about personal attacks than the issues."

Lemanski would not reveal who he voted for for governor.

The last week of the campaign, during which the candidates together spent more than $70 million, was dominated by allegations of marital infidelity, back-room political deals and advertisements seeking to cast both Forrester and Corzine as unfit to serve as New Jersey's next governor.

But all of the negative ads left some voters holding their noses as they went to the polls and wondering about the difference $70 million would make in areas hard hit by recent natural disasters.

"I think a lot of that money that went into those ads could have been given to the people in New Orleans," said Marian Bauman, a 49-year-old Neptune resident and director of the township's library. "I think it would have been better there than buying more ads so they could attack each other. It was very dirty at the end."

Gloria Asay, a Dover Township homemaker, said she voted for Forrester because she thought he is "a honest and reputable person" and "a family man." But Asay said that negative campaigning should be banned and high property taxes influenced her vote.

"Real estate taxes are certainly a big issue," said Asay, who then touted Forrester's plan to reduce property taxes 30 percent in three years. "It's very expensive to live in New Jersey. Gov. Forrester said we're going to receive 30 percent in three years. It sounds good to me."

Shortly before 9 a.m., 50 people had already cast their ballots at Toms River High School East, said poll worker Joni Keller.

"For us, that's pretty good," Keller said. "For school board elections, we're lucky if we get 20 people all day."

Outside the Monmouth County Hall of Records Tuesday morning, Freehold Borough voters had mixed opinions on the local and state races. All polled, though, criticized the negative campaigning that became routine at the close of the governor's race and said they had strong hopes their votes would contribute to changing the way government operates.

Ruth Walker, 66, said she came to the polls because of high property taxes in the borough.

"They're too high. In fact it just went up $700 - a quarter," she said.

The retired nurse said she voted for Corzine because she believed he would better manage the state's affairs.

When asked whether Corzine should run for re-election to the U.S. Senate seat next year if he loses the gubernatorial election, she replied, "He's not going to lose."

She also said she would have spent the combined $70 million the candidates used in their run for governor on victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

"Maybe if you have millions, you should look at the needy, not the greedy," she said.

Borough resident Teresa Boyle, 62 and a director of a Burlington County hospital unit, said statewide issues and the governor's race drew her to the polls, not so much the local race.

"There is so much corruption (in the state)," she said, adding that high property taxes bothered her and the way funds are distributed to the schools throughout the state.

Her reasons for choosing Forrester for governor? She said Corzine "has no principles. So how can he run the state?"

She characterized the governor's race as the worst campaign she'd seen in her life, saying it evolved into pure nastiness and caused her to ponder further which candidate she would select.

When commenting on the candidates spending a combined $70 million to run for governor, she said, "Can you imagine how many people we could feed with that money?"

Ronnie Ingram, a 53-year-old operator for Western Monmouth Utilities, said locally, he's pushing for an education system that will better prepare students for the work world and emphasize to future employers the need to care for their employees via continued health care benefits and further education for example.

On the state level, he said he wished Corzine or Forrester would have addressed the need to simplify health benefits for seniors. He referred to the difficulty he has in interpreting benefits for his father.

He said he tuned out the negative campaigning of Forrester and Corzine but was upset the candidates didn't focus more on their policies and stances.

He chose Corzine because he believed Corzine is more aware of "the working man's problems."

"Forrester had good ideas but he's not in touch with the working people of New Jersey," he said.

Election Day!

Check back every hour or so for updates

Kennedy in NJ, Forrester Calls on GOP

The Corzine Campaign didn't heavily publicize a visit from 'The Liberal Lion' - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. Kennedy arrived in New Jersey early Saturday morning and attended a union rally with Sen. Jon Corzine in Paramus. One of Kennedy's primary strengths is his popularity with unions. Kennedy and Corzine split sometime mid-morning and Kennedy went to Camden for an 'invitation only' event with the Camden County Democrats. The event was closed to the media but attracted some 150 people. The Senior Senator from Massachusetts headed back to his home state sometime around lunch. Sources say The Corzine Campaign paid lodging, transportation, and other expenses in his visit to New Jersey.

Realizing that many conservatives might sit home on election day, the Forrester Campaign has reached out to former opponents as well as general Republican elected officials and stars within the state party. Bret Schundler sitting home and not actively campaigning for Forrester might just cost Forrester the governorship. However....

Below are letters that former Forrester opponent Assemblyman Paul DiGataeno and 2004 Congressional Candidate Bill Spadea sent out to supporters...

---

Dear Friend,

In nearly a quarter of a century in public office, you have been among my most valued supporters. We have worked together on a wide range off issues and together we have built a record of solid accomplishment for our state. As we approach Election Day, November 8th, I want to take this opportunity to both thank you for your efforts on my behalf in the past and to ask you to be there for those who will carry on our work in the years ahead.

Doug Forrester and I have known one another for years. As one of the candidates who sought the nomination for Governor in June, this year I also came to know Doug as an opponent. I respected Doug before we ran against one another, and I respect him even more today as both a fair adversary in the Republican primary and for the aggressive effort he now wages as our nominee in the General Election. Doug has often been unfairly criticized by Jon Corzine’s campaign. For example, Jon Corzine attacks Doug Forrester for his 30-in-3 Property Tax plan, which is based on legislation developed by the Republicans in the state Assembly to roll back property taxes 30% in the next 3 years. As the Assemblyman who sponsored the spending CAP provision of the 30-in-3 plan, I can assure you that this formula is both well thought out and tested. The state of Colorado alone returned billions to taxpayers using key components of Doug Forrester’s plan for New Jersey.

From policy issues to personal character, Doug Forrester is the clear choice this Tuesday. He has served our state with distinction. The Star Ledger said it best in endorsing Doug Forrester: “a former director of the state pension fund and a former mayor, [Doug Forrester] has a better grasp of how New Jersey government, and particularly its budget process, works.” In the closing days of this campaign, let’s all do our part to make Doug Forrester Governor. I know, for the next four years, we will be proud that we did.

Sincerely,

Paul DiGaetano

---------

Open Letter to the Editor
November 04, 2005
Not Another Four Years...

Some of my conservative colleagues are saying that they're going to sit this election out. The problem is that Democrats win when conservative voters stay home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This election is about empowering the right person to make decisions to put our state back on track. It's about what the next Governor means to the taxpayers. Doug Forrester has the experience to successfully manage people, process and money. He's got the common business sense to know that you can't, more appropriately shouldn't, spend what you don't have. I know Doug and he's a moral man with high integrity. He also understands that business, like government, has to operate efficiently in order to protect the money paid to it by the taxpayers. Quite different from the Democrats in Trenton who believe 'why get a job done with one qualified person when you can hire six of your friends and cronies?' Government spending is out of control, rising more than six billion dollars in a few short years. Higher taxes and fees are putting additional and unnecessary burdens on working families just barely getting by. To make it worse, the arrogant, irresponsible politicians in Trenton spent every dime and then borrowed billions, exploding the state deficit. Many government programs are rightfully rejected by fiscally responsible voters because of the grotesque way government wastes money and redistributes wealth.

Look at the tragedy occurring in Abbott school districts. Throwing money into areas wrought with corruption isn't helping the kids in the poorest areas of our state. Government does have a responsibility to provide critical services needed to help the impoverished get back on their feet and to keep our communities safe. The current financial crisis is preventing these basic functions of government from serving the public interest. Doug Forrester is the only man in this election ready willing and able to stop the nonsense and end the Corruption of... ...Mismanagement that has created thousands of wasteful taxpayer funded jobs and sent billions of your tax dollars toward a school construction project that is barely constructing schools.

Negligence that has homeland security money being used for pay raises and patronage instead of emergency equipment for First Responders and state workers campaigning for their jobs instead of doing their job. ...Arrogance shown by Party bosses as they manipulate members of the executive branch and the legislature, usurping the democratic process further with every dirty back room deal. That's the real corruption that is bankrupting our state while our taxes continue to rise. That's the corruption that continues in earnest if Jon Corzine is our next Governor. We need a common sense business leader to make tough decisions that will lead us to financial solvency and political stability. Doug Forrester is that man. It's time for a property tax solution that returns hard earned money to struggling working families to make it easier for them to meet their family budgets. Doug has a plan.

It's time for an elected auditor to roll up his or her sleeves and stop the patronage jobs and the wasteful spending. Spending that includes 28 million dollars for government grants used to fund research on Cambodian dance techniques and Ukrainian Easter Egg decorations. Government needs to work more like a business. We need accountability, integrity and hands-on leadership. Doug Forrester is the man that will deliver it. We need a governor that will lead with strength and ensure that money intended to keep the public safe from another terrorist attack or a natural disaster is spent doing just that.

Electing Doug is only the beginning. It's the first step toward rebuilding the Republican Party and restoring responsible leadership at all levels of New Jersey government. Join me as we take the fight down to the wire to turn out the vote and win. See you at the polls...

Sincerely,

Bill Spadea Bill Spadea Campaign Committee

Jindal for Forrester, Rice Jr. Out

Doug Forrester will campaign with Louisiana Congressman Bobby Jindal today afternoon. Jindal will join Forrester in Iselin to try to rally support from the Asian American Community. Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, a co-chairman of the NJ Dems Victory 2005 and announced congressional candidate, has led the movement of Asian American support for the Corzine ticket. Chivukula has campaigned for assembly candidates all over the state. Jindal/Forrester will attempt to take away some of the Asian American support from the Chivukula/Corzine side this afternoon.

Ron Rice Jr., son of State Sen. Ronald Rice, has withdrawn his name for consideration in the open assembly seat of the late Assemblyman Donald Tucker. "My commitment is to run for the West Ward Council Seat and to fight to improve the lives of Newark residents," stated Rice. Rice, who lost by 250 votes in 2002, is running on a ticket with mayoral candidate Corey Booker. Rice's father, Senator Rice, previously announced he will also be challenging incumbent Mayor Sharpe James.

Districts 7 and 11

In a major blow to 7th District Republicans Mike Stavala and Joe Donnelly, The Courier Post has endored Herb Conaway and Jack Conners for re-election to the assembly. The Courier Post recently endorsed Republican Doug Forrester for Governor but will side with the Democratic incumbents for state assembly.

Assemblyman Steve Corodemus held a successful fundraiser with State Senator Tom Kean Jr. this past Friday. The Middletown event charged $150 per ticket in support for Corodemus' re-election bid. Corodemus and his partner Sean Kean face a well-financed challenge from District 11 Democratic Challengers Jim Reilly and Matt Doherty.

Clinton and McCain in NJ

Senators Clinton, McCain campaign for gubernatorial candidates

By ANGELA DELLI SANTI Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
EDISON, N.J.

The contenders in the campaign for New Jersey governor called in some party bigwigs Friday as recent polls showed the race tight with less than three weeks to go.

Democratic nominee Jon Corzine appeared alongside fellow U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Republican contender Doug Forrester brought in Arizona Sen. John McCain.

The events marked the continuation of a strategy that's become common this election season: visits by charismatic, nationally known politicians to stump for the multimillionaire candidates embroiled in one of the nation's two gubernatorial races.

At the Corzine rally in Edison, a crowd of 1,500 women heard Clinton talk about what she said were President Bush's failed policies and about why Corzine would be a good governor.

"He really does have what I consider to be the best combination for public service," Clinton said. "He has a great mind, big heart."

Clinton said she got to know Corzine when both were new to the Senate.

"John and I stood together as they tried to roll back the rights of Americans and particularly the rights of women," Clinton said. "He was a strong, staunch ally."

Corzine, who spoke before Clinton, told the crowd, "Elections are about choices. Women understand the word 'choice' because that is something that is absolutely essential and needs to be defended."

"I need your help on Nov. 8," Corzine said. "Women make up 52 percent of the population and 54 percent of the electorate. I can't win without their support."

Both Corzine and Forrester support abortion rights.

Speaking to about 200 Republican Party faithful at Brookdale Community College in Middletown, McCain said now is the time for reform throughout America.

"You've got a candidate that can restore that faith and confidence and integrity in the Statehouse of New Jersey," McCain said.

Forrester sounded his familiar theme of ending government corruption and called it alarming that state residents see corruption as a bigger issue than education and health care.

"We're engaged in a struggle here in 2005 in New Jersey," said Forrester.

Corzine already has appeared with former President Bill Clinton and has plans to campaign with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, who electrified the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Forrester, meanwhile, campaigned with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Florida Sen. Mel Martinez last week. First lady Laura Bush also made a recent swing through New Jersey for the Republican.

Recent polls show the race as either about even or with Corzine holding an apparent lead.

The New Jersey race already is the most expensive in state history. The candidates, who are mostly financing their own campaigns, have spent a combined $45 million as of Oct. 11. Corzine, 58, is a first-term senator and former CEO of the Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs. Forrester, 52, is a former mayor and the co-owner of a prescription benefits company.

Friday's rally was to mark the second time McCain made a New Jersey appearance for Forrester. In 2002, McCain appeared for Forrester during the businessman's unsuccessful U.S. Senate bid.

Virginia is the other state electing a governor this year.

State Legislator Passes Away

Longtime Newark official dies at 67

Tuesday, October 18, 2005
BY JEFFERY C. MAYS
Star-Ledger Staff

Donald K. Tucker, Newark's longest-serving councilman who was renowned for his community activism and legendary fiery temper, died last night at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. He was 67.

"I want to thank everyone that has been so supportive," said Tucker's son Kiburi. "We are not surprised, but we are humbled."

Tucker, who had 31 years of continuous service as a councilman-at-large, was council president in the 1990s.

"He brought so much to the council, his knowledge of history, his leadership. It's a huge loss," North Ward Councilman Hector Corchado said last night, choking back tears.

Tucker also served as a Democratic state assemblyman, representing Newark since 1998. He had been speaker pro tempore, the third-highest leadership position in the Assembly, since 2002.

At the time of his death, Tucker was chairman of the New Jersey Black Issues Convention, an organization that provides a forum for discussion of issues affecting the black community. It also maintains a statewide action alert network to mobilize public opinion in the black community.

"He was not the first trailblazer in that city, but clearly he became a champion of civil rights for Newark," acting Gov. Richard Codey said last night. "He put the issues of the black community to the forefront not only locally, but statewide and on a national level because of his creation of the Black Issues Convention."

As his health declined in recent years, friends suggested he retire. Tucker resisted, telling numerous people he would die in office.

"My job is not a job. My job is my life," Tucker said in an interview with The Star-Ledger last year.

He founded The Centre, an organization that serves thousands of Newark families, providing child care and serving as a hub of activity for senior citizens.

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1129617983234130.xml&coll=1

Race for the White House

In yesterday's Hotline Report...

A Strategic Vision (R) poll; conducted 10/8-10; surveyed 800 likely NJ voters; margin of error +/- 3%; party ID breakdown: 39%D, 28%R, 33%I (release, 10/13). GOP subsample: 244 GOPers; margin of error +/- 5.9%. Dem subsample: 312 Dems; margin of error +/- 5.6%. * Bush selection of Roberts as Chief Justice.


'08 WH Dem Primary (Dems only)
Now 9/16 8/18 7/19

Hillary Clinton 42% 40% 42% 40%

Al Gore 10 13 10 10

John Kerry 9 11 10 12

Joseph Biden 5 4 5 7

John Edwards 5 3 3 4

Wesley Clark 3 3 3 4

Ed Rendell 2 3 6 8

Bill Richardson 1 1 2 1

Russ Feingold 1 1 na na

Tom Vilsak 1 1 1 1

Evan Bayh 1 1 1 1

Barbara Boxer 1 1 1 1


Bush As Pres. Now 9/16 8/18

Approve 35% 38% 43%

Disapprove 58 53 49



Bush Selection Of Miers Now 9/16*

Approve 47% 53%

Disapprove 39 33


Like SCOTUS To Overturn Roe? Now 9/16

Yes 29% 31%

No 59 59


Expect Future Terrorist Attack?
Now 9/16

Yes 66% 63%

No 12 18

Rudy Joins Doug

Doug Forrester will be on Imus in the Morning today at 8:30AM - Forrester will also campaign today with former NYC Mayor Rudi Giuliani and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson. With recent polls showing the governor's race to be anybody's game, the National Republican Party is putting more resources into turning NJ red in November.

Columnists Join, More to Come

JerseyPolitics.com Introduces Four New Columnists:

Amod Choudhary Esq. - Former Colts Neck Democrats Vice Chairman, Amod current works as a corporate attorney and serves as an elected member of the Colts Neck Township School Board

Terence M Wall - Terence is currently serving his third term in the Holmdel Township Council.

James Devine - Owner and CEO of Devine Media, Newspaper Publisher and Democratic Strategist

Ron Rice, Jr. Esq. - Former Newark City Council Candidate, Son of State Senator Ronald Rice, Ron is a political activist who is running for Newark City Council in 2006.

Spadea for Senate?

Chris Obudho will begin doing consulting work for 2004 Congressional Candidate Bill Spadea. Obudho, a Republican operative and former campaign manager for Rep. Mike Ferguson stated:

"Earning 40% as a first time candidate for public office in a district gerrymandered for a Democratic incumbent shows the strength of this candidate. He ranks 17th among 157 Republican challengers from 2004 in percentage of vote earned."

Spadea has announced he will not challenge Rep. Rush Holt in 2006 but is rumored to be pondering up a challenge against State Sen. Tom Kean Jr. for the GOP Nomination for US Senate. Spadea is expected to make an official announcement after the November election. Spadea has been organizing and raising money since the day he lost against Holt in 2004 for his political future.

Obudho's consulting firm, CJO Campaigns, is also doing work for Assembly Candidate Catherine Barrier for Assembly in the 17th District. Barrier is running an uphill battle against incumbent Democrats Upendra Chivukula and Joseph Egan. Barrier points to her endorsements from The Middlesex County Women's GOP Club, 2004 Republican Congressional Candidate Bill Spadea, and the Private Enterprise Political Action Committee as key strengths of her 2005 campaign.