Why I did a fundraiser for Newark City Councilman Ron Rice Jr.

by: baratunde

Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 12:46:29 PM EST

To finish the business of the 1969 Black and Puerto Rican Convention by decentralizing the decision-making process of the city of Newark by example in the West Ward and to empower West Ward stakeholders to create a holistically stable ward for all of its residents.
The West Ward Collective is organized and run by workgroups and ward based organizations and non-profits... Each workgroup is made up of West Ward residents, community based organization leaders, ward business owners, etc. that have expertise and/or interest in working on these issues directly for the benefit of the West Ward. It is ward based.

John Wisniewski, what's your plan?

by: Rosi Efthim

Wed Jan 20, 2010 at 12:00:00 PM EST

But what I want to know, is where Wisniewski wants to take us, and how. I'm less interested in the personalities of who leads the state party than in what - specifically - they're doing to change party infrastructure and methods. Transparency. Platform. Outreach.

I'll tell you a story of something I got very wrong, before I got it right. I host Hunterdon DFA, and I'm one of the people who organized the state DFA-NJ. It would have killed Howard Dean if the surging grass/netroots organizing that grew up behind his campaign came to a dead stop after he stopped running, as Democratic organizing so often peters out behind unsuccessful candidates. So Democracy for America was born. And in the early days of it, some of us got a call: What did we think of Howard Dean running for DNC Chair? Well. I was against it - a solid no. I wanted Dean to re-emerge as candidate for president, again.

But when I took the question to Hunterdon DFA, they set me straight: If we don't have somebody who can fix the party infrastructure, who can change everything, we won't win anything - not the White House, or the House, or the Senate.

Lightbulb. Really, sometimes I can be so slow.

When Howard Dean ran for DNC Chair, he ran on a clear organizing principle: Reform Democratic spending and focus; less to hidebound inside-Beltway consultants, and more to training and underwriting energetic organizers to fan out and work locally (thank you). End the focus on "target" races only; concede no voter, no District, no state.

He told everybody what he was running on. It was out on the table. And he was right. So, John Wisniewski, I want to know your plan.

Taking my lesson from Hunterdon DFA, the challenge NJ Dems face is every bit as critical as the Bush White House that Dean stared down. The vectors aren't ours right now. NJGOP has a reason to live for the first time in a decade of looking stupid. They're high on life, and we are not. We face a GOP executive riding high. And the rootin'-tootin' corruption shooter Chris Christie is our boots 'n spurs tough-talking George W. Bush. The wind isn't going to shift in our direction without change from within. I think we're owed hearing how Wisniewski is going to be New Jersey's Howard Dean.

This is in no way an indictment of Joe Cryan, who I like a great deal. And I was in the room for this meeting too, and I agree about the man Wisniewski is. This isn't personal.

The NJDSC will have a Vice-Chair, too. I'm told in confidence it's likely to be someone I know. I hope she comes forward with her proposals, too, and I hope I never see anything like this happen again. And Steve Sweeney, with the awesome party power of his office, will I hope also be public about how he can and will change the party's paradigm.

Assemblyman, that's what I want to know.

Blue Jersey, what do you want to know?

Progressive Lobby Day for Marriage Equality - 300 of us, less than 75 of them

by: Jay Lassiter

Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 09:35:56 AM EST

Update 12:01pm 300 pro-equality lobbyists - gay and straight - showed up on our side, with people still coming. Fewer than 75 people showed up to tell your state legislators to keep marriage only for us straight folks. 300 is 4 times 75, babies. Fierce turnout!

Update! 11:44am Our press conference begins at noon.  Video to follow.

Update! 11:08am.  Senator Cardinale just arrived.  He's at his irrepressible best which means all is well with the world.  One thing I've noticed about our opponents is their thinking is a generation behond  for a good reason:  They tend to be older.  I'm thirty-seven and I'm an elder statesman on my side.  On their team,  I'd be the youngest buck.

Update!  10:20 am and the pro-equality crowd is so massive that we're still filing through security.  In fact the progressive coalition's now filled yet another committee room to capacity. The pro-marriage crowd looks young and vital while the haters have a look that says "time is NOT on our side."

It's 9:20 am and it's officially on.  If juicy lame duck is you're thing, the State house is the place for you.  

The Senate Judiciary hearing room is packed to max with marriage equality friend and foe.

But little do they know, we have reinforcements.  See below.

If you can't make it personally, maybe you can make some phone calls.  You guys know the drill:  Sweeney and Sarlo need to hear from you.  Every day.

Monday Lobby Day for Marriage Equality

by: Jay Lassiter

Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 06:23:14 PM EST

There's been a lot of buzz about the progressive coalition headed to Trenton Monday to lobby towards Marriage Equality.  (details below, hat tip Alison Pelzman)

I'll be there.  Lots of my friends and allies will be there too.  Will you?  Consider this a pre-lobby day open thread.

Rally with the Garden State Equality/BlueJerseyACLU-NJ/DFA in Trenton Monday, November 23.

We're meeting at:
Garden State Equality's New Jersey Office
110 W. State Street, Trenton
Monday, November 23, 2009
8:30 a.m.

If there's a day to take off work for a cause, it's Monday. Your day off could mean a lifetime of equality for families in New Jersey.

If you live in another state, just promise to help us raise hell, deal? If we win, we'll celebrate at the Atlantic City boardwalk. If we lose, we'll go to the casinos and take bets on what we'll see first: civil rights for New Jersey's gay families or a lesbian Miss America.

2009 Candidates endorsed by DFA-NJ

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Oct 29, 2009 at 07:02:12 PM EDT

Jon Corzine & Loretta Weinberg
It's enough that Jon Corzine's running against a candidate as unacceptable Chris Christie. But above that, we find Corzine an admirable governor struggling uphill against a national economic downturn (read: George Bush). Expanding health coverage for NJ kids. Paid family leave. First-in-the-nation economic recovery program, ditto return-to-work. Ready to sign Marriage Equality. Expanded early childhood education. Choice. Ends the death penalty. Corzine stands with Obama, and that's the future. Christie's a product of Bush, and we don't want to go back. But for us, when Corzine chose that corruption-busting, pro-transparency, no-nonsense progressive hot chick Loretta Weinberg, this race took off. She's our ally. There's nothing tempered, or guarded about the way we admire her. Website.

Doug Singleterry & Cecilia X. Birge for Somerset Freeholders Cecilia was born in China and spent part of her childhood in Chinese labor camps where her Western-educated parents were sent. As a student, she was in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, then came to America for college. She put her Wall Street background to work on Montgomery Twp council. And in 2007, she became the only Asian-American woman mayor in NJ history. Cecilia & North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry focus on DFA core issues: transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, pay-to-play. Website.

Marianne Rampulla & Chan K. Leung for Raritan Twp Committee Raritan Twp's the center of one of the toughest GOP strongholds in the state. Every race is uphill. But this year, the Dems already have one of their own on committee, so if Marianne & Chan both win, the population center of red Hunterdon swings to Dem majority. Running for the 2nd time, they started early, came on strong. They're both very well-known in the community, both professionally and in high-level municipal and volunteer capacities. Website.

Naomi B. Collier for Hawthorne Mayor First woman ever to run in the general election for that position. An attorney, Naomi is sensitive to issues that face families, both young and old. Serves on the Executive Board of Woman Lawyers in Bergen County, & Trustee/Treasurer for the Jean Robertson Foundation. Volunteers for Alternatives to Domestic Violence. Instrumental in bringing the hugely successful farmers market to the borough. Priorities include developing a sustainable economic plan, revitalizing downtown & improving services to seniors and families. Website.

Dan Benson for Mercer Freeholder
Dan Benson was appointed March 2008 as a Mercer Freeholder to an unexpired term and won a special election later that year for a 1-yr term.  Dan's priorities are to expand on his progressive record of fiscal responsibility, open space preservation and job creation through infrastructure investment, and ensure Mercer County has a progressive voice in government.  He is running for a full 3 year term. Website.

Tammeisha Smith for NJ-23 Assembly First time Hunterdon DFA members heard Tammy speak, it was on the need for health care reform, with a strong personal story and concern for her elders. It was a surprise that she works in the insurance industry. But there, she manages outreach programs to bring access to affordable medical/prescription coverage to the community. Health care reform is her passion. Website

Randy Bishop for NJ-11 Assembly
Randy is a Neptune Township Committeeman and the 3rd openly gay Mayor in NJ history. Randy believes that service to your community is one of the highest callings.  His community background includes time serving on boards. He's been the local  Chamber of Commerce President.  In his professional background, Randy has both corporate experience, and is a small business owner. His priorities: job creation, meeting resident's health care needs and stemming the flight of families and businesses spurred on by our tax and regulatory structure. Website.

Jeff Grayzel for Morris Twp Committee Elected in 2007 with the help of many DFA members, he was the first Dem elected to  Morris Twp. Committee in 34 years. Since Watergate. Jeff works hard for open & participatory government and citizen involvement, against pay to play & for improved land use.  His grassroots efforts have won him the support of many Independents.  Seeking a second three-year term. Website.

They will try to Wellstone Ted Kennedy. Don't let them.

by: Rosi Efthim

Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 03:45:14 PM EDT

That struck me. I count two things as the engines behind everything I'm doing in politics right now. Howard Dean's What I want to know ... speech. And the massive arena celebration of the lives of Paul & Sheila Wellstone. Sen. Wellstone was not perfect; he was not angelic. But what he was, was brave. An ordinary, everyday guy with a Minnesota Senate seat.

Ted Kennedy was a very different guy. Tried most of his life to connect with the ordinary. And you bet there's going to be an effort to remind grieving congressional Democrats that health care was the cause of Kennedy's life. They'd better damn well pass it. And there's no way the right will not challenge that.

The answer to that question - How long? - is now. Today, Rush Limbaugh ridiculed Wellstone's memorial, that arena brimming with people who knew early that change was coming, and there was work to be done. Forward-thinkers, progressives, and fearless local organizers. There was more loss, and backlash, before there was winning. But that memorial - those people, those speeches - meant everything to me. And I can't just sit and listen to what was just said on the radio, without saying this:

Paul Wellstone didn't die. Not like they wanted him to.

He's now called Wellstone Action.
He's called Democracy for America.
You can call him the 2008 Senate, House & White House, if progressive.
He's called Barack Obama. Called Michelle Obama. Aim higher, he'd say.
He is called first-time voters, and change.
Canvasser. Phonebanker. Local organizer.
He's called Organizing for America. PDA.
Union.
They call him janitor, and educator, and factory worker. New immigrant.
He is called the Congressional Black Caucus, and Progressive Caucus.
He's the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and those who didn't made it.
He's a first-time candidate, who thinks politics isn't about winning, it's about improving people's lives.
He's not going to let up on Marriage Equality.
He demands the public option.
He's called the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party.
And he's called 50-State Strategy.
He is called Loretta Weinberg.
Paul Wellstone is called Senator Al Franken now.

And he's called Blue Jersey.

Take that, Rush Limbaugh. You disrespectful son of a bitch.

DFA-NJ Training - Day Two

by: Adam L a/k/a clammyc

Sun Jun 07, 2009 at 08:30:39 AM EDT

So here we are at Day 2 of DFA training.  Matt and Rosi kicked it off with a few announcements - including one by Rosi regarding our humble liveblog today.

And with that, welcome to all new Blue Jersey users and DFA participants!!!

Today is a bit different from yesterday in that there are breakout sessions instead of everyone taking the same sessions.  While it is tough to choose between fundraising, issue advocating, canvassing/phonebanking, media, stump speeches and volunteer management - but it looks like there are more than enough sessions to play to each participants' strengths.

For me personally, I am looking forward to the online organizing and new media sessions (and not just because "obi Juan" Melli, who is the New Media Director for the Jon Corzine09 campaign, will be teaching it).

So......what are you looking forward to learning today?

DFA Campaign Training Sat-Sun - open to all, but nearly filled

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Jun 04, 2009 at 03:13:34 PM EDT

But it's time to get tough. This weekend people are coming from all over NJ - and trainers are flying in from all over the country - to train on new media, messaging, advocacy, fundraising - all the skills we need to drive new victories. The DFA Campaign Training is intense work, and great fun. And this year for the first time it's in the busy City of Newark, at Rutgers Law School. It's not too late to join us. Jump to the next page and meet  four who did, and see how they changed everything:  

DFA Training Academy Returns to New Jersey

by: Jeff Gardner

Tue May 26, 2009 at 05:16:14 PM EDT

Registering is easy!

DFA Chair Jim Dean will be here, along with top campaign consultants with decades of experience to give you the skills to run a winning campaign. Topics include: field planning, voter contact, fundraising, communications, volunteer recruitment and more.

It's a tremendous opportunity for candidates, campaign staff, volunteers, activists and anyone who wants to learn from the best at one of the most fun, inspiring and informative trainings you will ever attend.

As the saying goes: "You have the power, now learn the skills!"

So, what are you waiting for? RSVP now!

Howard Dean's in New Jersey tonight

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Apr 09, 2009 at 01:34:29 PM EDT

Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont, DNC Chair, DFA founder, and strong proponent of a public option to safeguard American health care needs, is in New Jersey and speaking tonight at a free public event at Kendall Hall, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). More info here.

TCNJ College Democrats are the sponsor of tonight's event and they promise there will be time for an extensive Q & A with Gov. Dean.

TCNJ students will be admitted for seating one hour before the general public, at 6:30pm.

I know I can't get there tonight, as part of my family is celebrating Passover. But if you go, Blue Jersey would love to hear about it, and see your pictures.  

Announcing my Kickoff for a 2nd Term

by: Ron C. Rice

Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 05:59:49 PM EDT

Last night's DFA parties in NJ & Howard Dean's new mission

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Mar 26, 2009 at 03:43:57 PM EDT

Last night, Howard Dean rolled out an initiative on health care on the occasion of his return to the organization he founded - Democracy for America - and its fifth birthday. NJ DFA members and allies, including Gov. Corzine, were at gatherings all over the state and connected on a national conference call.

There was outrage in some quarters when President Obama passed Dean over for HHS Secretary once, then again. But Dean has a history of walking right past disappointment and finding alternative ways to make change. This time he navigates right between those demanding nothing less than single-payer and the culture of those worried that that would mean losing their own insurance options, and suggests we can accommodate both.

Dean lauded President Obama's actions on health care reform, and the president's assertion that those who like their current health insurance policies should be able to keep them. Dean's focus is on pressuring Congress to make sure there is a public insurance option for those who cannot get, or cannot afford private health insurance. An option to buy-in to a Medicare-style insurance coverage.

The health care system is broken, even for those who are covered, some of whom find themselves denied coverage when they get sick, can't get coverage for pre-existing conditions, or get private insurance where their dollars are funneled into profit-making for the insurance company. We know that, and it's revolting, that this country cannot do better.

Dean anticipates using DFA's million-strong email list to generate a quarter-million petition signatures, clearly aiming to pressure Congress for a public option, and perhaps to encourage Obama not to step back in that resolve. Much of DFA's focus over the next year will be about this, including here, with canvasses, house parties and lobbying among the tactics.

Sign the petition.

New Jersey was well-noticed in last night's Dean hook-up. There were several mentions that Corzine was in attendance, at the party in Hawthorne organized by Jeff Gardner, where Corzine spoke for 30 minutes in a packed house of about 75 people. And DFA presented three stories, recorded in the voice of DFA activists, telling Dean what he's missed since he's been gone from DFA for 4 years. One of them was mine, about how we used both DFA and Dean's 50-State Strategy to win in crimson red Flemington. The New Jersey story and the rest of the call are here.

Full-disclosure: Jeff Gardner & I are both co-Chairs of DFA-NJ, and staff members here. Blue Jersey & DFA are separate entities, but there sure is a lot of cross-over.

Happy 5th Birthday DFA - Corzine to Join the Celebration!

by: Jeff Gardner

Wed Mar 25, 2009 at 11:25:45 AM EDT

DFA is celebrating its 5th birthday tonight, Wednesday, March 25th, and, well, here's what DFA founder Howard Dean has to say about it:

It is hard to believe it's been five years since I founded Democracy for America. I came back to an organization even larger than when I left. The original Dean Dozen has turned into over 575 progressive candidates successfully elected in positions up and down the ballot. They've started a training program that has trained over 20,000 activists and candidate in the skills to win. It is great to be working with DFA again.

So, in celebration of DFA's 5th Birthday, and Howard Dean's return, there are house parties tonight across the nation, including 5 parties here in New Jersey, where DFA members, friends and supporters are gathering for a look back at the successes of the last 5 years, and a look ahead to what's next. Governor Corzine is coming to the party in Hawthorne, and of course, the Blue Jersey community is invited to attend any one of the parties:

We're partying in Clinton,... and Hoboken,... and West Orange,.. and Red Bank! ... Yeeargggghh!! (Ok, I couldn't resist.)

Gov. Dean, along with DFA Chair Jim Dean and other special guests will be on a live conference call beginning at 9:00 p.m. to link all the parties together. Wherever you live, find the party nearest you, and join us.

And, even if you can't get to a party in person, you can listen to the call online, or call in yourself:

Call-in number - (888) 346-3950
Passcode - 5661518 #

We have much to celebrate - Happy Birthday DFA!

A Victory Garden in Flemington

by: Rosi Efthim

Fri Mar 20, 2009 at 12:57:36 PM EDT

Today, next to her kids' shiny new swingset, Michelle Obama will begin digging for a little vegetable garden, the first food-producing garden at the White House since Eleanor Roosevelt planted her Victory Garden.

Cilantro, tomatilloes, hot peppers. Lettuces. Spinach, chard, collards, kale. Berries. Herbs and heirloom tomatoes. That's what the Obamas will plant, alongside school children and a local-foods expert the family brought to Washington.

On Monday night, some people in Hunterdon will ask Flemington Borough Council for permission to plant on a grassy plot by one of its water towers. Iff they say yes, we'll plant an organic garden we'll call The Victory Garden.

It will be a community garden, meaning many will participate, growing things together on one blessed, slightly sloping piece of land.

How is this political? This idea emerged from a group I've worked with for five years, Hunterdon's Democracy for America (DFA). These folks have become a permanent progressive community where - believe me - nobody expected one.

The group's met in the same hip little coffeehouse since 2004 in Flemington, a red town in a red county. We've made that town a kind of workshop for grassroots action. A tipping point came one frigid February day in 2007. That same heady night, the first candidate to emerge wholly from Hunterdon DFA, announced she'd run next. And with that win, this town's direction shifted. Democrats now drive the agenda.

None of them owe us anything; they owe their voters more. But we hope that this new Council will see The Victory Garden as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds, improve nutrition and environmental awareness, and provide for our neighbors in need, some of whom will tend garden and some simply receive good food.

This feels like a very American, progressive and patriotic thing to do right now, and we're encouraged by how many people show up ready to work and advise. We have a new President who speaks of self-reliance, community-building, and responsibility for the people around us. The economy is dark, and the times are challenging. But we remember our elders and the resourcefulness, how 20 million Americans on the homefront produced up to 40% of the vegetables consumed nationally.

Community gardens are popping up all over, in nearby Readington, East Amwell, maybe in High Bridge. The Victory Garden, if we get the land, will have a built-in mission of addressing some of the needs of people living paycheck-to-paycheck, or worse. If you're a local, join us Monday.

A weak moment

by: FogerRox

Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 02:09:06 AM EST

Wyka TV Ad for the final week

by: FogerRox

Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 04:47:36 PM EST

Tom Wyka always tells everyone that will listen, how he was inspired by the late Senator Paul Wellstone. A graduate of Camp Wellstone, Tom is following in the foot steps of many a great progressive democrats, wishing to run a people powered campaign, a campaign that values boots on the ground over Washington DC consultants and big time media buys. In spite of soliciting small donations from average voters, and not big donars, Wyka for Congress has raised enough money for TV and radio.

Heres the ad that has been playing in NJ-11 this week.  

Blue Jersey Radio Tonight at 7:00pm with DFA's Arshad Hasan

by: Jeff Gardner

Wed Oct 29, 2008 at 02:01:48 PM EDT

DFA Executive Director Arshad Hasan

This week: Our guest is DFA Executive Director Arshad Hasan, who's in New Jersey today and tomorrow stumping for DFA-endorsed candidates Linda Stender and Dennis Shulman. He'll be calling in from the big Somerset Gala this evening, and then joining the big Shulman canvass tomorrow (4p - Shulman for Congress Wyckoff Office - 681 Lawlins Rd., Wyckoff).

Plus, he'll be joining the Morris DFA folks for some socializing after tonight's big phonebank at Morris Dem HQ (6p-9p - 11 Washington St., Morristown), which is where I'll be heading right after the show.

So, if you're not at the Gala, or phonebanking in Morristown this evening, give us a call tonight at 7:00 p.m. and have your say with Jeff, Jason and Arshad. Then come out and see us (minus Jason) in Morristown at the Famished Frog tonight at 9:00pm. Should be fun!

We're live from 7:00p-7:30p tonight, and would love to hear from you. Just call: 646-652-2773

Talk to you then!

Rodneys lack of Main St. & internet presence

by: FogerRox

Wed Oct 29, 2008 at 12:36:43 PM EDT

SO the first page of hits has 4 Rodney Frelinghuysen videos and 6 Tom Wyka videos.

1st hand account: The last debate in NJ-11

by: FogerRox

Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 03:33:38 PM EDT

This morning there was a debate at the Temple Beth Am in Parsippany, between the candidates vying for the NJ-11 Congressional seat, Democrat Tom Wyka, Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen and Independent Chandler Tedholm. I took 4 pages of notes and have reconstructed some it here.

Before the debate started, I walked over to the Congressman to shake hand..

Good luck Congressman, we're within single digits and closing  :-)

The moderator took questions from the floor, which consisted of a majority of about 50 Wyka Supporters and about 12 Frelinghuysen supporters, with another 70 attendees not showing any affiliation.

On 2 occasions the same republican supporter interrupted, complaining about the selection of questions from the floor. Well my friend, you should have dug deep and got some friends to show up.

Frelinghuysen has been masquerading as a supporter of Vets issues

by: FogerRox

Fri Oct 24, 2008 at 02:47:45 PM EDT

Wyka did secure an endorsement this week from Washington, D.C.-based Veterans Alliance for Security and Democracy. Guy Stevens, a board member, said they were "very disappointed" with Frelinghuysen in votes on health care and education. He particularly noted Frelinghuysen voted against a new G.I. Bill.

Frelinghuysen explains why he voted against the New GI Bill for the 21st Century:

Frelinghuysen supported a second version of the new G.I. Bill, which he said offered "improved benefits" for spouses and children of soldiers.

But on May 11th 2006, Roll Call No. 144, 109th Congress, 2nd Session, Motion to recommit, Failed: 202-220, Rodney Frelinghuysen voted to  cut benefits for orphans and widows. If Rodney Frelinghuysen and 9 other congresspeople had voted yes, this would have moved forward.

http://capwiz.com/dav/issues/v...

Tom Wyka supports the Bill of rights for Military Families, but as I cited above, Congressman Frelinghuysen voted to cut benefits for Widows and Orphans, but yet tries to reconcile is lack of support on this issue by saying he voted for a 2nd rate GI Bill because it offered "improved benefits" for spouses and children of soldiers. Congressman Frelinghuysen wants it both ways.