Caption Contest: Rock on

by: Jason Springer

Sat Jan 23, 2010 at 02:49:02 PM EST

Sweeney announces new Committee chairs

by: Jason Springer

Fri Jan 15, 2010 at 01:15:00 PM EST

Committee	Chair	Vice Chair
Budget and Appropriations	Paul Sarlo	Brian Stack
Commerce	Nia H.  Gill	Ray Lesniak
Community and Urban Affairs	Jeff Van Drew	Ron Rice
Economic Growth	Ray Lesniak	Sandra Cunningham
Education	Teresa Ruiz	Jim Whelan
Environment and Energy	Bob Smith	Bob Gordon
Judiciary	Nicholas Scutari	John Girgenti
Labor	Fred Madden	Sandra Cunningham
Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens	Loretta Weinberg	Joe Vitale
Law and Public Safety	John Girgenti
State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation	Jim Whelan	Bob Gordon
Transportation	Nicholas Sacco
Military and Veterans Affairs	Jim Beach	Jeff Vandrew
Legislative Oversight	Barbara Buono

There were some changes to committees:

Sweeney added new committees would see their focus change. The Senate Environment Committee, which will also take up energy issues and be re-named the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, and the Senate State Government Committee, which will absorb the Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee and be re-named the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.  He has also created the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Full Senate to vote on Marriage Equality Thursday

by: Rosi Efthim

Tue Jan 05, 2010 at 02:01:31 PM EST

If you have ever testified on this issue, if this issue matters to you - gay, straight, married or single, at any age, this is a time to come to the statehouse in Trenton and make sure your legislature hears from you.

UPDATE #3: Statement from Speaker Joe Roberts:

As a strong supporter of marriage equality, I'm pleased to see the legislation will get a debate and a vote on Thursday in the Senate.

Our civil union law has failed to live up to even the most modest of hopes and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children. We cannot tolerate anything less than equal treatment for all committed couples, so I hope the bill earns enough support to pass the Senate.

If the Senate approves it, I will take the extraordinary step of bringing the bill directly to the Assembly floor for a vote during our Monday voting session.

UPDATE #2: There is a call to action for this Thursday at 10:30am in front of the statehouse, to march between the statehouse and the statehouse annex, and then talk to legislators before the vote.

More details, address, parking, and reception after the vote, after the jump ...

UPDATE #1 2:10pm: With confirmation that the full Senate will hear bill S1967 Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act, Senate President Dick Codey issues this statement:

Given the intensely personal nature of this issue, I think the people of this state deserve the right to a formal debate on the Senate floor.  I'd like to commend both sides of this issue for their passionate advocacy thus far and the heartfelt testimony that we have heard.

The Senate voting session is scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday, January 7.  Further information on accommodations for the media and the general public will be released tomorrow.

A new Marriage Equality letter - from 120 clergy in 19 NJ faiths

by: Rosi Efthim

Mon Jan 04, 2010 at 09:09:10 AM EST

I believe this, so therefore, your rights should be limited, because my belief tradition tells me they should.

News coverage focused on those people (even though plenty clergy in favor showed up), who while they feel strongly, were trying to apply private beliefs to public civic questions, claiming equality would endanger their religious freedom. In fact the reverse is true; clergy who are accepting and ready to perform marriage for same-sex couples cannot do that now. And opponents are only a slice of where New Jersey's faith community is on marriage equality. A letter - with a far broader representation New Jersey's religious leaders - in strong support of marriage equality, and signed by 120 clergy from 19 faiths, was sent today to Senate President Dick Codey and Speaker Joe Roberts. The letter asks that both leaders put the marriage equality bill to a vote before their full respective houses in this legislative session, without precondition.

It's a good letter; tough and direct. It points out that New Jersey's current marriage law is not religiously neutral but reflects the beliefs of leaders of a particular religion opposing marriage equality. And stands behind Republican Senator Bill Baroni's amendment to even further strengthen strong protections for religious freedom - ensuring no religious organization or facility can be sued because it follows its own conscience in which marriages it will accommodate, and which it will not. That America has never let one religious doctrine determine secular law, pointing out - as Asm Reed Gusciora did in his Dec. 7 testimony - that the state provides for divorce even though some traditions find it impermissible, and that New Jersey would never ban civil divorce.

And then it gently asks the state to "get out of our sanctuaries and uphold our religious freedom as clergy to marry whom we wish, or don't wish, under State law."

Full letter's under the fold. Is your family's faith tradition on this list? Or its leaders?

Quote of the Day: "Alot of punting going on"

by: Jason Springer

Sat Jan 02, 2010 at 03:48:30 PM EST

"Obviously there's a lot of punting going on," he said. "Sounds like a ballgame, and somebody's got to decide who's going to take the kick."

Codey said he will talk with other senators, but added they may not be willing to vote because of a perceived lack of support in the Assembly.

Politics is all in Dick's Head

by: Hudson Observer

Wed Dec 30, 2009 at 10:28:50 PM EST

While I recognize that you are a dedicated and well-meaning public servant, I believe that you simply do not have the proper law enforcement qualifications and counterterrorism background to head the nation's very delicate homeland security operations. It's time that the United States move away from political appointees and former governors, and put the Office of Homeland Security in the hands of individuals with real law-enforcement and counterterrorism experience.

Well I'm glad he could get to the basketball game

by: Jason Springer

Tue Dec 29, 2009 at 10:15:00 AM EST

When the big snow hit last weekend, it smacked right into New Jersey's odd rules of gubernatorial succession. Corzine was trying to get to California to visit his son's family. At home in Essex County, Senate President Richard Codey was waiting for word that Corzine had cleared Garden State airspace so he could reprise his understudy role as acting governor and oversee the state's response to the incoming nor'easter.

Then there was governor-elect Christie, at home in Morris County with basically no role whatsoever because he hasn't taken office yet (although people have started calling him governor and he seems to be playing the part already).

The result: a little confusion, Jersey-style.

Corzine's flight was delayed more than two hours. During that time, Codey's staff told The Auditor, they did not know whether their governor was THE governor or if Corzine was - and who, if anyone, was watching the storm response and preparing for a possible state of emergency.

In the end, no emergency declaration was necessary, and it was Codey who officially made that decision.

The governmental traffic jam also was cleared up. Corzine got to California and his office issued a statement applauding the cleanup efforts. Codey was in charge. Meanwhile Christie and his wife and kids joined the family's plow guy to dig out their place in Mendham.

Codey said he did a quick personal inspection of road conditions Saturday night. "I checked out the highway when I went to the Seton Hall game," he said. "It was fine."

Yet we find out that there was a disconnect and confusion over who should even declare how bad the snow was. Just another reason why we now have an elected Lieutenant Governor. Ultimately there was no state of emergency, just congratulations for the hard work of those during the storm. I think one should have been declared and a better job should have been done on many roads. Yes people worked hard during a bad storm, but the roads in West Orange on the way to Newark are not a barometer for how successful or flawed efforts around the state may have been and how serious a storm those efforts were facing.

Caption Contest: Before they go

by: Jason Springer

Mon Dec 14, 2009 at 03:00:00 PM EST

Quote of the Day: Dick Codey Edition

by: Rosi Efthim

Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 04:18:49 PM EST

Walking out of the 2nd floor caucus room, here's what Codey had to say about what happened behind closed doors, as he was forced to give up the role of Senate President that he has held since 2002. Star-Ledger:

A lot of blood on the floor there.

Big day at the statehouse today. The lame duckiest. Leadership votes: Sheila Oliver's the new Speaker of the Assembly, first African-American woman elected to that office. Joe Cryan is the new Majority Leader. Mike Doherty is sworn in to the Senate.

And more than 300 supporters of marriage equality crowded into the statehouse, beating out the opposition by 4-1. Pictures here. And here.  

Paging Dick Codey. Dick Codey to the Floor, please.

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 12:50:54 PM EST

He's going to respect the prerogatives of the people who voted on November 3rd, and I certainly respect his prerogative.  It's a four year term.  It's not a three year, 10 month term.

Christie was talking about his former opponent, Jon Corzine, and the power he still wields until that cold day in January. But it's just as true of Dick Codey, Senate President.

Steve Sweeney thinks he's got the Senate Presidency sewn up. Maybe he does. But no matter how the leadership vote goes, that comes in mere days, Dick Codey is Senate President, and presides over the Senate in lame duck. And unlike Corzine, Codey is not going anywhere.

Senator Codey - you are one of Marriage Equalities powerhouse backers. I hope you're working the phones, and talking to your Senators, particularly since Steve Sweeney's disappointing wind shift last night.  

To the 20,000 municipal leaders conferencing in Atlantic City right now - if you read this, and support equality, please make your feelings known to every Senator and Assemblyman you see on the floor today. Including senators Codey, Sweeney and Sarlo. Don't underestimate your power to represent us.  

Leadership votes on November 23

by: Hopeful

Tue Nov 10, 2009 at 01:06:42 PM EST

"If the bill stands a chance, it stands a chance now," Oliver said. "Gov. Christie isn't going to sign any bill on his desk to this effect and there are concerns now with how anti-groups have pumped up the volume across the state. Legislators are afraid to move forward, but I think that there should be an opportunity to vote up or down. Without question, in the assembly, there are a significant number of members who would not support the bill.

"I support the bill because I believe gay marriage is a civil rights issue," added Oliver, who also favors up or down lame duck session votes on a long languishing wrongful death bill, and on a bill enabling people who are adopted to have access to their birth ceritificates.

She says she has not spoken with Bonnie Watson Coleman recently. The second interesting article is about Dick Codey and redistricting:

"I intend to make one of those appointments and leave a second appointment for Steve," former Gov. Codey told PolitickerNJ.com.

That sounds like good news to me, because it suggests Codey doesn't intend to stay in the Senate Presidency with Republican votes.

Should U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg be asked to resign?

by: rachael'sdad

Mon Nov 09, 2009 at 03:06:25 AM EST

1) ...after seeing him speak in public numerous times at a dramatically reduced level of performance than in the past...

...and...

2) ...after last week's gubernatorial election results...

...and...

3) ...assuming that the aspiring Governors that are currently serving in the State Senate and State Assembly are not going to be willing to rescind the power that the Governor currently has to fill vacated U.S. Senate seats, I think that Democratic Party leaders, electeds, and rank-and-file members should reach out en masse to Senator Frank Lautenberg and ask him to resign his seat.

Reflections on the Election

by: Senator Loretta Weinberg

Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 12:37:11 PM EST

Let's get the negatives out of the way first:   We lost!  Property taxes, unemployment, property taxes, property taxes.  That was it in a nutshell.

To some of my colleagues whose egos might be a little out of control:  Ray, was it really necessary to trash the Governor within 24 hours?  Perhaps if you had joined us just once on one of those 18 hour days on the campaign trail, we might have gotten a couple of more votes out of your home base.  Dick, did you have to share that White House anecdote?  We could have saved that one for "the book".  How about the party officials who couldn't join us for a very graceful concession.   And how about that Jeff Tittel?  He seemed to go out of his way to be mean and condescending.  The Sierra Club endorsement is one thing - your meaness of spirit another altogether.  Jeff, it's not ALWAYS about you!  

Now to some of the more positive recollections:  Our stars who were always there in full force.  Thank you to Assemblywomen Annette Quihano, Linda Stender, Grace Spencer, Milla Jassey, and Nellie Pou,  Senators Theresa Ruiz, Nia Gill,  and Mayor-elect of Camden Dana Redd and to Mayor Colleen Mahr of Fanwood,  Mayor Wilda Diaz of Perth Amboy, Mayor-Elect Toni Ricigliano of Edison (who must be related to half her constituents), the "WeDo" women of Passaic County, the Demo women's groups of Bergen County and of Essex County and so many more.  To our Congressmen Frank Pallone, Steve Rothman, Donald Payne and Bill Pascrell who joined us many times on the campaign trail.   Another "shout out" to our two Senators Lautenberg and Menendez.

Of course, our President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton gave us so much of their time and insight.  I'll tell you in my next posting what he suggested to me to follow up.    Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Shultz and Loretta Sanchez joined us on the campaign trail and made women elected officials very proud. Fran Adubato runs a great progam in Newark.  The labor community could not have done any more to help us.  Charlie Wowkanich, Laurel Brennan, Ray Pocini and the building trades and my personal favorite, Buzz Dressel, were fully involved.  The labor
bus with "the painter and insulator guys" was not a bad way to get around.

The campaign was energizing and I thank the Governor for giving me a wonderful opportunity to travel the great state of New Jersey, to meet many terrific NJ citizens, and for giving me a statewide voice to talk about the family values we share.  I wouldn't change a moment of it.....oh yes, except the losing part!

I have so many anecdotes to share and hope to do that over the next few weeks.  Jason Springer and Jay Lassiter along with those brave breast cancer survivors met me at the street fair rain and all.  So we used pink umbrellas and carried the hand-colored pink Corzine/Weinberg signs right up the street.  

The various Garden State Equality headquarters were always filled to the rafters and their members worked tirelessly.  DFA came through for the Governor and me with a resounding endorsement.  Rosi sent emails of encouragement.   That picnic in Willingboro where I met 92 year old Miss Lizzie who is still actively engaged in civic life and their wonderful Mayor Jackie Jenkins.   All those unairconditioned headquarters where folks worked in the heat of summer and never gave up.  THANK YOU.

My friend and colleague, Rocco Mazza, put more than 12,000 miles on his trusty car.  Rocco, the GPS and I traveled together for three months sometimes 14 or 18 hours a day.  The only thing I got tired of was the voice in the GPS!  My own campaign protectors Tory Singleton and Cecelia Fassano,  made me feel comfortable every step of the way.   Sometimes, there was a little too much "hovering" from the staff, but hey - it was great being part of an effort which had common goals.

Would I change anything?  Perhaps better communication on the really good things Jon Corzine did these last four years.  Perhaps one or two positive ads spelling these out a little more clearly.  But that's all hindsight.  I thank Governor Jon Corzine from all of us for working his heart out for New Jersey's residents.

Let's now join together with a newly installed Assembly, a newly organized Senate and figure out what the voices of our party should sound like; how we address the people's mistrust of their elected officials; how we make sure we have together taken a strong stand against corrupting influences in our body politic; and how we work with a Republican Governor on the things necessary to improve the lives of New Jersey residents.

Thanks for what?

by: rachael'sdad

Sat Nov 07, 2009 at 11:33:15 AM EST

Is it for buying a Senate seat in 2000?

Is it for turning the balance of power in the state's political dynamic towards the bosses that backed Jim McGreevey, enabling him to run unopposed in 2001 instead of being challenged by former Morris County Prosecutor, Michael Murphy, who earned the attention of a lot of people during the 1997 Democratic gubernatorial primary as a result of his candor, honesty, and solid, third-place showing in that year's gubernatorial primary without the support of a single Democratic machine?

Codey talks about conversations with the White House and Corzine ending his run

by: Jason Springer

Thu Nov 05, 2009 at 03:00:00 PM EST

Codey said he got a call from the White House a week after Vice President Joe Biden appeared at Corzine's poorly attended primary night kickoff rally in West Orange in June. "They wanted to talk about what's going on with the governor's race," he said. "They would call me every week, every two weeks."

By July, Codey said there was growing concern from the president's advisers as Corzine's polls declined even as he poured money into anti-Christie ads. It grew worse after 44 arrests on July 23 in a corruption and money-laundering case.

Corzine privately mused to the White House he was having second thoughts about continuing his campaign, Codey said.

"He was, mentally, as low as you can get," Codey said of Corzine, even before July 23. "Then this ... hit. It was understandable he was having a moment where he was saying 'to hell with this.'"

"I told Gaspard I was going to be seeing Mr. Corzine in Trenton. I told him I felt duty-bound in terms of being a gentleman to tell Corzine. I sat with Corzine. I told him what I knew. I said 'as a friend, I just wanted you to know.' I said 'bottom line is you're the decision-maker. You want out, just do me a favor let me know as soon as possible. If you're going to stay in there, I'm with you.'"

"I did not hear back from the White House."

Obama Robocalls for Corzine

by: Jason Springer

Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 05:42:03 PM EST

"Hi this is President Obama," says the robocall, "I want to apologize for disturbing you, but there's an important election in New Jersey this coming Tuesday.

"Last year we started the movement for change," he says. "Now we need to keep it going."

"That's why I'm asking you to get behind Governor Jon Corzine. Together we can fix our schools, improve health care, turn around the economy so it works for all Americans.

"So please get out to vote on Tuesday. And vote for my friend and your governor Jon Corzine. Thanks for listening."

Sweeney says he has the votes for Senate President

by: vincent solomeno

Wed Sep 30, 2009 at 01:24:14 PM EDT

According to a Sweeney press release:

Fourteen senators from North, Central and South Jersey have endorsed Stephen M. Sweeney (D-3rd) to be the next State Senate President, propelling him to the majority he needs to gain the upper chamber's top position in the new session starting in January. The statewide coalition of senators said Sweeney would bring new, bold leadership at a critical time in the state's history. The 12 senators announcing their support for Sweeney today are Barbara Buono, Bob Smith, Nicholas P. Scutari, Raymond J. Lesniak, M. Teresa Ruiz, Nia H. Gill, Paul Sarlo, Jeff Van Drew, James Whelan, Fred Madden, Dana Redd and James Beach. Sen. Brian Stack endorsed Sweeney last week. Today's endorsements, plus Sweeney's own vote, gives him the majority needed to become the new State Senate President.

It's long been rumored that Sweeney, who currently serves as Majority Leader, aspires to replace State Senator Dick Codey (D-Essex) in the upper chamber's number one spot. Those rumors bubbled to the surface in recent weeks as the two engaged in a very public back and forth about who is best qualified to lead the Democratic Caucus.  

Sweeney's announcement, coupled with the news that Assembly Democrats are coalescing around Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) for Speaker, suggests that Sweeney supporters are working to preserve the longstanding tradition of balancing the top posts between northern and southern New Jersey.  Today's developments also indicate that powerful forces are working against Codey, the second longest serving Senate President in state history.  That said, Codey has proven time and again he is one of Trenton's most effective operators.  No one should count him out.

Quote of the Day: Capable of walking and chewing gum

by: Jason Springer

Thu Sep 24, 2009 at 04:15:00 PM EDT

Regarding the intra-party Trenton scuff-up between Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland) and Andrews's South Jersey colleague, Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and the possibility of that spat spilling with negative consequences into the gubernatorial contest, Andrews said, "That doesn't affect the governor's race at all. There are about 100 people engaged in that fight and they are all capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time."

Sarlo and the Senate Presidency

by: Jason Springer

Tue Sep 22, 2009 at 02:15:00 PM EDT

The Wood-Ridge Democrat refused to say last week whether he would support Codey or Stephen Sweeney, the current Senate majority leader from South Jersey who is likely to challenge Codey this fall and after the governor's race.

"I'm not answering," Sarlo said while milling through the Bergen County Senior Citizens Picnic in Paramus last Tuesday. "It's an internal family conflict that should be worked out by the family behind closed doors."

Sarlo's non-answer actually spoke volumes. Translated, the family feud is a time of opportunity for Sarlo. While Codey and Sweeney duke it out over the Senate president's perch, Sarlo sits in the catbird seat.

Sarlo could very well emerge as a key, North Jersey swing vote, which puts him in the position to leverage his next move up the political food chain in the state Senate. For example, Sarlo could cut a deal with Sweeney, agreeing to support him for Senate president in exchange for the Senate majority seat, a role that Sarlo failed to win in a bitter caucus contest against Sweeney last year. (Imagine the irony of that scenario: Despite the clamor for political reform that led to the state's first ban on dual elected office holding, the Senate would continue to be led by two power brokers exempted from the ban.)

The threat of a Sarlo defection to the Sweeney-Norcross camp could force Codey to compete for Sarlo's support, with possibly more pork, appointments, or just about anything else that can legally be steered to Sarlo's south Bergen-based 36th Legislative District.

Last year, Codey showered Sarlo with several high-profile consolation prizes since Sarlo's failed bid for the majority leader. He was named chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, the first non-lawyer to hold that role in more than three decades. He was also named vice chairman of the Senate budget panel and was enlisted in Codey's leadership circle as a deputy majority leader.

Stack to endorse Corzine for Governor, supports Sweeney for Senate President

by: Jason Springer

Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 01:32:07 PM EDT

Sources say that State Sen./Union City Mayor Brian Stack will announce next week that he has endorsed the re-election of Gov. Jon Corzine.  Stack, who had openly flirted with the prospect of backing Republican Christopher Christie, committed his support of Corzine during a meeting of the Hudson County Democratic Organization today.

"I am confident in Senator Sweeney's ability to lead the Senate, as we prepare to address matters that are critical to the residents of New Jersey," Stack said in a statement.

"Senator Sweeney has demonstrated both strong leadership and sound judgment during his tenure as Democratic Majority Leader, and I am certain that he will make an outstanding Senate President as he continues to fight for the families of our State. His prominent record as a labor leader conveys his understanding of the needs of New Jerseyans at a time when it is particularly important for working families to have their interests represented in the Statehouse."