2007 
|
|
Sat Oct 31, 2009 at 01:16:33 PM EDT
|
|
There's been a lot of supposition over the years that the US Attorney's office under Chris Christie leaked like a sieve, slipping information damaging to Democrats to the press while holding tight to information that could hurt Republicans.
The evidence was largely circumstantial. How did the press find out about the subpoena to Bob Menendez just weeks before the Senatorial election? Why was Brian Thompson standing around as subpoenas were served on Democrats in the Christmas Tree investigation?
Back on March 1, 2007 we wrote:
There is surely no fire here, and maybe only a scent of smoke from far away. But the actions and subpoenas of the past seven months are exactly what a US Attorney who was told to put pressure on the Democrats would start doing. Every time a Democrat starts gaining points, hit them with a subpoena. Every time a Republican needs to score points, make an announcement.
Well, now there's fire to go with the smoke. The Corzine FOIA requests for Christie's communications have unearthed actual phone slips of calls from the media to Christie late on the afternoon of February 27th, 2007 -- the day before subpoenas were dropped on three Democratic legislators.
Here's Brian Thompson of television's NBC News, talking with Christie the afternoon before the subpoenas dropped: 
And here's Michael Gartland of The Record talking the same afternoon: 
Both Thompson was hanging out at the statehouse just in time for the subpoenas on February 28th, 2007 ensuring quick coverage on television and the Internet.
It's no stretch to think that Christie was the leak, telling reporters about secret Grand Jury actions -- which is, by the way, a crime. Christie has to answer for this, and either reveal what he talked about with Thompson and Gartland that day or tacitly admit that he personally was the leak.
Before today it was easy to believe Christie used leaks from his office to aid in his political goals. After today it is hard to refute.
|
|
Discuss
:: (22
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Thu Nov 08, 2007 at 05:54:47 PM EST
|
|
While this year's elections represent a setback when compared to 2005, due to the off-year trough, the results are a significant improvement relative to the more apt standard of 2003. Even though the changes in the legislature were relatively minor this year, the trend towards Democrats is evident, especially in South Jersey. Graphs/analysis of the General Assembly results on the flip.
|
|
There's More...
:: (3
Comments, 564 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 10:16:54 AM EDT
|
|
By Stephen Yellin
"Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, hates poor people. Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan hates immigrants. And state Sen. Gerry Cardinale, R-Demarest, loves bankers."
Alfred Doblin began his Friday political column in the Bergen Record with those words. Doblin is an equal-opportunity critic of politics, who calls out politicians on both sides of the New Jersey aisle for corruption. As you may know, Garrett was one of just three Congressional Republicans in New Jersey to vote against the S-CHIP override. Lonegan is an anti-immigrant crusader who was recently caught employing illegal immigrants. So it's good to see that Doblin is "playing fair" and telling the truth about Gerry Cardinale and his Republican cohorts - that they are hypocritical ideologues.
|
|
There's More...
:: (1
Comments, 522 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Thu Oct 18, 2007 at 01:04:56 PM EDT
|
|
By Stephen Yellin
From the way Republican State Senator Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale (the leading obstructionist in New Jersey's legislature) talks about ethics, you'd think he was a spotless, blameless white knight of New Jersey politics. After all, he chaired the Ethics Committee in Trenton when the Republicans ruled the roost, and is on record as saying "I can't be bought with a trip". Furthermore, Cardinale has ceaselessly railed against New Jersey's Democratic Party, blaming Governor Corzine, State Senate President Codey, Speaker Roberts and numerous government officials for New Jersey's problems. The real "problem", though is with hypocrites like Gerry Cardinale, who will say and do anything for a vote - or a free vacation. As the old saying goes, "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones", and this axiom is true for Cardinale.
|
|
There's More...
:: (0
Comments, 838 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Wed Oct 17, 2007 at 09:56:56 AM EDT
|
|
In my last article on New Jersey's 39th Legislative District, I discussed how Republican State Senator Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale has become entangled in the "culture of corruption" (to borrow a national term) that plagues New Jersey. To recap, in 2000 Cardinale introduced four pieces of legislation to improve profits for the banking industry; over the next two months, he received nearly $6,000 in vacation money from the same industries he was proposing to streamline. Coincidence? I don't think so, Gerry. Luckily, Democrat Joe Ariyan, his opponent has been taking it to Gerry on the stump and in their debates. You can learn more about him at Voice for the 39th - Ariyan, Fletcher and Manna
|
|
There's More...
:: (2
Comments, 478 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Fri Oct 12, 2007 at 12:38:10 PM EDT
|
|
I suppose one could call this a "breaking" news story, but in a way it's not: the story goes back several years, and revolves around a Republican State Senator in New Jersey who's been around for 28 years - Gerald Cardinale. "Gerry" (as he's more commonly known) is an out-of-touch conservative obstructionist in a progressive state, and he's in the fight of his life this November against Democratic challenger Joe Ariyan (Here's his website) . But Cardinale's fight just got a bit tougher, as he's now being accused of violating the state's legislative ethics laws. Which, in fact he has repeatedly done over the years, to his advantage and to the disadvantage of his constituents.
Read on to see what I mean...
|
|
There's More...
:: (1
Comments, 794 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Thu Oct 11, 2007 at 09:07:55 AM EDT
|
|
On his new campaign website, Republican State Senator Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale explains in a video clip why he's established the site: "So that you can know the truth about my record." I'll be happy to take Mr. Cardinale up on his offer, as I have been doing for the last month, and bit by bit reveal to you, the reader his extraordinarily extreme record in 28 years as a New Jersey legislator. For example, Cardinale talks a good game when it comes to government transparency, but did you know that he prefers cutting off newspaper advertisements of public meetings? I didn't either at first. But if you get to know the real Gerry Cardinale as I have, you'll understand as well as I do why he needs to be defeated on November 6th.
Read on if you want to know the dirty details?
|
|
There's More...
:: (1
Comments, 665 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Sat Oct 06, 2007 at 10:10:40 AM EDT
|
|
By Stephen Yellin
Just yesterday I wrote about New Jersey's upcoming referendum on Stem-Cell research, and why the proposal is an excellent one for New Jersey both economically and as a step in a progressive direction for the state. But while the voters of New Jersey will have their say on November 6th on the issue, they'll also have their say on 40 legislative districts across the Garden State. One of the most competitive ones that will be decided is one I have covered extensively before - New Jersey's 39th Legislative district, located in Bergen County. And one of the biggest opposition leaders in Trenton to the Stem-Cell referendum is Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale, the GOP's State Senator in NJ-39. Think Mitch McConnell as a purely New Jersey-style legislator, and you've got Cardinale. And like Mitch McConnell, Gerry Cardinale must be defeated.
Click here to learn more about his opponent
|
|
There's More...
:: (5
Comments, 544 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Fri Oct 05, 2007 at 11:26:41 AM EDT
|
|
By Stephen Yellin
In my last diary (on New Jersey's 39th legislative district), I briefly discussed how New Jersey has the potential to be what Wisconsin was under "Fighting Bob" LaFollette 100 years ago - a progressive laboratory for the United States. To do this will require in part the election of more Democratic and progressive leaders to serve in both the state legislature in Trenton and on the county and municipal levels. However, there is another factor apart from elections that can make a state truly progressive: the support of the public for a progressive vision for their state and country. LaFollette introduced the concept of the initiative, the referendum and the recall to Wisconsin, and some states still follow that legacy. Now, New Jersey's Democratic leaders are trying to make New Jersey a progressive bastion as well - through a ballot referendum this November on Stem Cell Research.
|
|
There's More...
:: (1
Comments, 567 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Sun Sep 30, 2007 at 01:10:01 PM EDT
|
|
Up until now, I haven't made any financial pleas for New Jersey's 39th Legislative District. This is because I feel as if "getting the word out" about the district, its out-of-touch Republican incumbents (Gerry Cardinale, John Rooney and Charlotte Vandervalk) and the Democrats taking them on (Joe Ariyan, Esther Fletcher and Carl Manna) was more important. In fact, it still is, because turning NJ-39 blue - with your help - will not only be a tremendous victory for New Jersey and its Democratic Party, but will serve as a textbook example of how to turn the suburbs and exurbs of America Democratic as well. I'm working hard to turn State Senator Cardinale and his Assembly running mates out of office - and now I need your help.
http://www.voicefor3...
|
|
There's More...
:: (2
Comments, 1141 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Sun Sep 23, 2007 at 12:17:05 PM EDT
|
|
- By Stephen Yellin
In my last two articles on New Jersey's 39th Legislative District, I discussed why the Republican incumbent, Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale was too extreme to represent a rapidly changing district (towards the left, I might add), and why it's time to fire him. Today, I want to introduce you all to his Democratic opponent, and why he should be hired to serve in the New Jersey State Senate. His name is Joe Ariyan, and he'll be an excellent State Senator for New Jersey. His life and credentials will tell you why.
My previous articles on NJ-39:
http://www.bluejerse...
http://www.bluejerse...
http://www.bluejerse...
|
|
There's More...
:: (9
Comments, 916 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Tue Sep 18, 2007 at 08:47:28 AM EDT
|
( - promoted by Juan Melli)
Promoted from the diaries -- Juan
Yesterday I profiled New Jersey State Senator Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale and his ultra-conservative positions that he's taken throughout his 25-year career. However, I deliberately did not mention his most extreme belief - on gun control. Let me be clear: New Jersey is NOT an NRA-friendly state. In fact, one reason former Governor Jim Florio nearly won reelection in 1993 after dropping to an 18% approval rating was because of his courageous efforts to promote gun safety and reform the state's gun laws. One of his chief opponents in that fight was Gerry Cardinale. And after 25 years as a State Senator, Cardinale continues to promote an extreme, NRA-style agenda on gun control that is way out of line with New Jersey voters.
|
|
There's More...
:: (5
Comments, 641 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Mon Sep 17, 2007 at 05:08:36 PM EDT
|
By Stephen Yellin
A few days ago, I introduced you all to New Jersey's 39th Legislative District, and why it matters to New Jersey and the country at large in 2007. You can read the article at http://www.bluejerse... . Today, I want to start tackling the opposition; for, even though NJ-39 has moved leftward, the incumbents have stayed on the far-right of the political spectrum. And that is especially true of Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale, the district's State Senator since 1981. In many ways, Cardinale is a New Jersey version of Mitch McConnell; arrogant, divisive, out of touch with political and social changes and blindly loyal to the special interests who back his campaigns. Cardinale's platform and values better echo 1907 than 2007, and today I'm going to show you why.
|
|
There's More...
:: (0
Comments, 529 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Tue Sep 11, 2007 at 12:47:42 PM EDT
|
|
By Stephen Yellin
This diary is an introduction to what I believe will be one of the most exciting races to watch in 2007 - and a race that is a microcosm of the United States at large. New Jersey's 39th Legislative District is worth watching for three reasons:
1. The changing dynamics of the suburbs of America - both in New Jersey and across the country. A victory in NJ-39 would serve as a template for races across America.
2. Clearing obstructionist, out-of-touch Republicans out of office, in order to better present a progressive agenda for New Jersey. After all, would you want a State Senator who opposes a woman's right to choose - even for rape and incest? Or a State Assemblyman who bullies his constituents? Again, this would serve as a template for both state and Congressional races all over this country.
3. A Democratic ticket that represents a microcosm of the suburbs - a young, driven attorney for State Senate, a teacher and community activist for one Assembly seat, and a Wall Street manager and business leader for the other. Joe Ariyan, Esther Fletcher and Carl Manna represent an impressive coalition of the Democratic Party's membership and values.
|
|
There's More...
:: (8
Comments, 1115 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Thu Aug 30, 2007 at 10:15:17 PM EDT
|
|
(crossposted at Daily Kos, http://www.dailykos....
Starting today, I'm going to be concentrating on New Jersey's legislative races, which are up this November. New Jersey, while nominally a Democratic state has many pockets of Republican strength remaining, and I'll be working this fall to add some blue to those "reddish" areas of the state. More about that soon.
Tonight, however I want to tell an inspirational tale from the "heartland" of Republican New Jersey: Morris County. The Democratic candidate in question is running for the State Senate in District 25, against Republican incumbent Anthony Bucco. He has no website, no blog, and no money. He is in many ways your typical "sacrificial lamb" candidate. Yet Frank Herbert is in some respects very, very different from the sacrificial lamb type. Let me tell you about him and his remarkable story.
|
|
There's More...
:: (2
Comments, 1249 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Thu Jun 28, 2007 at 05:27:37 PM EDT
|
( - promoted by njdem)
510PM: I am at Gina Genovese's (http://www.ginagenov...) headquarters in Bekrley Heights, New Jersey (588 Springfield Avenue, for those not in the know), where the campaign team is about to formally open for business at 6PM. In reality, we have been open for several weeks now, in a comfy brick building along a busy intersection. From 11 in the morning 'till 8 at night, Gina's headquarters has been teeming with activity. And today we're inviting Democrats from all over the 21st Legislative District (and elsewhere) to see what we're up to.
We're going to take out Tom Kean, Jr. in November 2007. Today is the first day we show why.
(More below, w/pictures tomorrow)
|
|
There's More...
:: (7
Comments, 975 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 10:53:33 PM EDT
|
( - promoted by njdem)
I'll keep this brief, because I'm tired and want to go to bed, but I thought this would be of interest.
In Morris County, the GOP had its open primary for Freeholder. An elderly frequent candidate, James "Jim" Murray decided to run, and was initially kicked off the ballot by County GOP boss John Sette. Murray was successful in getting back on the ballot, however. Now, he has his revenge. With 97% of the vote in, he's ousted Freeholder John Inglesino from his seat! Results in the extended entry...
|
|
There's More...
:: (1
Comments, 129 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 11:48:11 AM EDT
|
( - promoted by jmelli)
Today is a special day in my life.
Today is not the first time I will be voting (my fourth, actually), but it is the first time I have seen my name on an official ballot.
Today is not the first time I have run for an office (I was active in my high school political organization, JSA, and ran for Mayor of the group in 2005), but it is the first time I am running to serve with adults, not just people of my own age.
Today I am voting for myself for Union County (NJ) Democratic Committeeman. It is a strange feeling, to say the least.
|
|
There's More...
:: (5
Comments, 667 words in story)
|
|
|
|
Tue Jan 16, 2007 at 06:53:54 PM EST
|
(Updated - promoted by jmelli)
Update: The room is full with some people having to stand. There's about 250-300 people attending the rally.
Update 2: More people are still arriving. The unions say "we stand up for the people who have always stood up for us."
Update 3: In attendance: HPAE, Local 164, laborers local 592, CWA, Firefighters union district 37, Garden State Equality, Phyllis Salloway-Kaye of Citizen Action
Update 4: Also attending: Amy Goldsmith of the NJ Environmental Federation, SEIU, UFCW, Mike Herson of the Sierra Club.
 Join us Wednesday, January 17 at 4 pm in Paramus at a HUGE RALLY of union leaders and progressive activists to support Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblyman Gordon Johnson and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle.
Wednesday, January 17 at 4 pm
IBEW 164 Union Hall Auditorium
205 Robin Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
4 pm: Loretta, Gordon and Valerie hold a pre-rally meeting with progressive activists -- they want to talk to us before the hoopla. A photographer will be present to take photos of each of us with the legislators.
5 pm: The rally itself. A who's who of labor and progressive activists across the state -- it's going to be amazing.
Here's why the event has historic significance: There aren't enough times when we progressives join with our incredible friends from the labor movement in political action. New Jersey, as you know, is per capita the most unionized state in America. And thanks in huge part to Blue Jersey, its bloggers and their other respective organizations, New Jersey right now is the hottest place for progressive activism in America.
Imagine all we can achieve when progressives and labor unite!
This event is also when we progressives, almost all of us staunch Democrats, stand up to a county party machine when it strays from the values of progressive, clean and open government that we cherish by not expressing sufficient support for incredible legislators like Loretta, Gordon and Valerie - reformers and champions of justice everyday in every way.
What an incredible signal we're sending with this event, one that will reverberate politically statewide.
So join us
Wednesday, January 17 at 4 pm
IBEW 164 Union Hall Auditorium
205 Robin Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
Please don't hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions. Best, Steven, cell (917) 449-8918, Goldstein@GardenStateEquality.org.
Love you, Blue Jersey!
|
|
Discuss
:: (5
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Mon Jan 15, 2007 at 03:10:27 PM EST
|
(I just signed the pledge. Dana is a great investment. Great idea Tex, I hope she goes for it! - promoted by njdem)
 I've watched for two years now as Dana Wefer has struggled to bring good government to the citizens of Morris County. For two years in a row, she has logged more miles, shaken more hands, and tallied more votes than any Democrat running for Freeholder in Morris County in decades. There is no doubt in my mind that, were she to run for Freeholder this year, she would break her own records once again.
But, as badly as she is needed to help within Morris County, there is somewhere she is needed even more - in Trenton. As an Assemblywoman.
New Jersey has a shortage of women who are willing to step out in front and lead the parade. Yes, the Assembly isn't quite the "good ol' boys club" it used to be, but it is in desperate need of fresh faces, strong young voices, and new ideas. Dana, I believe, is more than qualified to be the first of our next generation of Democrats that will make New Jersey proud.
If you want to be a force for change in New Jersey, then join me by signing this pledge and convince Dana to run.
|
|
Discuss
:: (24
Comments)
|
|
|
|
|
| Featured Stories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
