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GOP brandishes poll showing tie in 16th district Senate race
Republicans say Pappas, Zwicker race is close; poll shows Murphy in dead heat in Ciattarelli’s old Assembly district
By David Wildstein, July 02 2021 6:56 pm
A Republican internal poll in the 16th district is showing a tie between the two candidates for the open seat of retiring GOP State Sen. Christopher Bateman (R-Branchburg).
The poll, conducted by 3D Strategic Research and reviewed by the New Jersey Globe, shows Republican Michael Pappas, a former congressman, and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-South Brunswick) are even at 44%.
“The closeness of the state senate race is not being driven by name ID, but by a favorable political environmental where unaffiliated voters side with Republicans,” said pollster David Kanevsky.
The poll shows Gov. Phil Murphy in a statistical dead heat with Jack Ciattarelli in the legislative district the GOP gubernatorial candidate represented for six years. Murphy leads Ciattarelli, 44%-43%.
“Both Ciattarelli and Pappas are overcoming the Democratic registration edge in this district because they are winning Unaffiliated voters by between 14% and 20%,” Kanevsky said. “Unaffiliated voters in this district are looking for a change from Democratic control in Trenton as a majority – 52% — think the state is off on the wrong track and 51% are unfavorable to Governor Murphy.”
Somerset County has not elected a Democrat to the State Senate since 1902, but the county and the 16th legislative district have shifted heavily Democratic over the last six years.
Bateman won his fourth term by just 574 votes in 2017 against Democrat Laurie Poppe, 50.5%-49.5%.
Joe Biden carried the 16th district by 28,165 votes, 61%-38%, over Donald Trump. Both the Assembly seats in the district are occupied by Democrats, and all countywide offices in Somerset are held by Democrats.
The 16th has 21,198 more Democrats than Republicans, up from 5,275 when the district was first drawn ten years ago.
Zwicker captured an Assembly seat in 2015, ousting incumbent Donna Simon (R-Readington) by 78 votes in a once-solidly Republican district that became competitive after 2011 redistricting replaced heavily-GOP Bridgewater with the Democratic strongholds of Princeton and South Brunswick.
A Democratic poll conducted weeks before the 2015 election and obtained by the New Jersey Globe showed Ciattarelli with relatively low name identification. He had a statistically even approval rating in his old legislative district of 18%-19% and favorables of 23%-15%.
Ciattarelli won his third term that year by a relatively narrow margin. He ran 347 votes ahead of Simon and 534 votes in front of Democrat Maureen Vella.
The 57-year-old Princeton University physicist easily won re-election in 2017, with Roy Freiman (D-Hillsborough) capturing the second seat against Simon.
Freiman replaced Ciattarelli, who have up the 16th district Assembly seat to seek the GOP nomination for governor.
Republicans also say they are playing for two Assembly seats in the 16th, which includes parts of Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer and Middlesex counties.
“The generic state legislative ballot shows voters evenly divided between a Republican and Democratic candidate at 46% each,” Kanevsky stated.
Freiman is seeking re-election to a third term. Former Montgomery Mayor Sadaf Jaffer is the Democratic candidate for Zwicker’s open seat.
They face Republicans Vincent Panico, the president of the Hunterdon Central Regional Board of Education, and Manville Councilman Joseph Lukac. Lukac, an IBEW Local 102 member, has snared endorsements from the New Jersey AFL-CIO and the state Building and Construction Trades Council.
“This data proves that New Jerseyans are laser focused on replacing Phil Murphy and his Democrat enablers in the Legislature who have made our state weaker and unfairer in just four short years,” said Dan Scharfenberger, the executive director of the Senate Republican Majority Campaign Committee. “Senate Republicans have a better message and better messengers across the state to win these close races and make a difference in Trenton.”
The GOP poll was conducted for the New Jersey Senate Republican Campaign Committee and sampled 300 probably voters with a margin of error of +/- 5.66%.
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/19/2020
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/19/2020
Friends- Friday it was announced that the New Jersey Adjutant General and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs resigned, alongwith the heads of the Menlo Park and Paramus veterans homes. In response, the NJGOP is filing Open Public Records Requests for the work schedules of the fired employees to ascertain the extent of their interaction with Murphy Administration officials.
NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt issued the following statement:
“Governor Murphy continues to prove that his greatest leadership quality is his ability to point fingers and lay blame. He failed New Jersey’s veterans and seniors when he sent COVID infected patients into long term care facilities untested. The NJGOP has demanded that Governor Murphy come clean about his Administration’s work with these facilities, but he has failed and refused to respond. While Phil Murphy protested, some 200 veterans and 6,900 seniors perished. Their families deserve answers and we deserve leadership. If the Governor can’t admit he failed, he’s the one who should resign.”
NJGOP In The News 
Steinhardt: Murphy must say how he’ll address COVID spikes
Republican State Chairman Doug Steinhardt called on Gov. Phil Murphy to release his plan to deal with the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
“COVID hit New Jersey hard the first time around and Governor Murphy’s policies were so bad that they are under DOJ investigation,” Steinhardt says. “Many New Jersey families have a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility. As COVID spikes again, we need transparency from the Murphy Administration and a plan that proves he won’t be sentencing our senior population to certain infection.”
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Motorists lining up outside of facilities in the pre-dawn hours, no less than six sites closed due to COVID, and countless residents frustrated by a system that has let them down, is what New Jersey residents face at DMV facilities. This has become business as usual for New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t hear another horror story from a constituent who has been mistreated by a broken system,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco. “It is painfully obvious that customer service is buried low on MVC’s list of priorities, and New Jersey residents deserve better.”
Bucco was contacted this morning by a resident who was texting in the dark outside an agency more than two hours before the facility would open its doors.
“While writing this note to you I sit in the dark by the moonlight at the DMV in Randolph on a line that wraps around the building with an air temp of 49 degrees,” the constituent said. The text went on to note the irony of the government requiring residents to congregate with hundreds of other people during a public health emergency.
“I don’t understand how Governor Murphy and his administration can allow this to happen. It is a disgraceful way to treat our citizens,” Bucco said. “We should have mobile facilities set up to safely service motorists renewing paperwork, and we should have an appointment system so people can schedule times to conduct business with MVC.
“You can order a Big Mac on your phone and have it delivered to your door, yet this state agency is mandating residents to wait in lines for hours, only to be given a number so they can come back later in the day and wait in another line.”
Bucco began sounding the alarm and warning of impending problems at MVC early in the pandemic. On May 7 and again on May 19, he wrote to NJMVC’s chief administrator, B. Susan Fulton.
“I suggest that you consider alternate ways to complete some of these services remotely in the interim. Perhaps you can consider what other states are doing in this area. Procedures such as on-line title transfers and issuing temporary licenses to new drivers under a protocol you develop to help lessen the anticipated overwhelming need when the agencies reopen,” Bucco wrote. “In an effort to lessen the anxiety of my constituents, I would respectfully request an overview of your plan for reopening.”
In the letters, he advised hiring more staff and transitioning more processes online. There has been no indication Bucco’s warnings were heeded, and the horror stories began unfolding in real life on July 7 as agencies reopened for the first time since March 15.
“It has been more than three months since MVC reopened, but the problems persist,” Bucco said. “The lines this morning in Randolph and at facilities across the state are the direct result of the failure to plan, adapt, and adjust by a bureaucracy that can’t seem to get out of its own way.
“I will continue to press the Governor’s Administration to fix the MVC and provide the level of service New Jerseyans expect in return for their hard-earned tax dollars.”
State Committee Update From Chairman Steinhardt:
Hello State Committee,
I hope you're all doing well today. It was a pleasure to see most of you in person, and many of you virtually, at the Woman Of The Year event in Mountain Lakes a few weeks back.
As we enter the stretch run of the campaign I wanted to update you on two major things the NJGOP has under way.
1. You've heard us talk this year about how our fundraising has been up leaps and bounds, in spite of the pandemic. Well, I'm happy to report that we're turning those dollars into votes. In addition to funding the lawsuits the State Party has filed on behalf of the citizens of our state, we've also launched an aggressive paid voter contact program, focused primarily hyper targeted digital advertising and texting, that we anticipate will give us nearly 1.5 million more voter contacts between now and Election Day. This effort is focused on chasing ballots, driving people to njgop.org/VBM to learn how to cast their vote, and making sure no stone is left unturned. We're constantly refreshing our target lists for these projects, focusing only on Republicans with unreturned ballots, making sure not a penny goes to waste.
2. The State Party and Victory program has surpassed ONE MILLION voter contacts so far this year as of last weekend. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work of all of you, grassroots Republican activists, our dedicated staff, and strong county and municipal committees. We've set an ambitious goal of one million additional volunteer voter contacts from now through Election Day, which is very aggressive, but with everyone pulling together, I know we can get there. Thank you for all your help on this, and for all you will do to help our candidates finish strong.
These projects are, of course, in addition to all the work we're doing to assist our great county parties, municipal committees, candidates for office, and others.
Finally, I'm pleased to announce that the NJGOP has completed the RNC's GROW program. Our completion of this program certifies that the NJGOP has done everything that the RNC believes a strong state party should be doing. We're one of the only state parties in the country that has completed this program, and we're now eligible for additional support from RNC.
I know you're all busy, so I will leave it there. Let's get out there and knock one more door, make one more call, write one more check, host one more event, and leave it out on the field as we press forward toward Election Day.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Chairman Doug Steinhardt
State Troopers union backs Smith, Richter, Becchi
FIVE STORIES PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS
Twitter’s Partisan Censors
-The Wall Street Journal
“The political actions taken Wednesday by Twitter—and to a lesser extent Facebook—went far beyond normal content moderation,” The Wall Street Journal editorial board writes. “Silicon Valley's partisan interference flies in the face of American instincts about democracy, fair play, and the spirit of the First Amendment.” First Lady Melania Trump: ‘My Personal Experience with COVID-19’
-WhiteHouse.gov
“It was two weeks ago when I received the diagnosis that so many Americans across our country and the world had already received—I tested positive for COVID-19. To make matters worse, my husband, and our nation’s Commander-in-Chief, received the same news,” First Lady Melania Trump writes.
MORE: “Give focus to our next generation,” the First Lady says The Senate Should Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and Quickly
-The Hill
“The unfortunate vacancy left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg must be filled in a timely manner to continue the important role of the judiciary. The Constitution is clear—the president has a solemn duty to make a nomination for the Senate’s consideration. President Trump fulfilled his duty by putting forward Barrett, and now the Senate must do its job,” Chase Martin writes.
WATCH: Why Amy Coney Barrett says she answered the call to serve Trump Administration Announces Deal With CVS and Walgreens to Administer Coronavirus Vaccine to Seniors in Long-Term Care
-CNBC
President Trump just announced “a deal with CVS Health and Walgreens to administer coronavirus vaccines to the elderly and staff in long-term care facilities,” Berkeley Lovelace Jr. writes. “The vaccine will be free and available for residents in all long-term care settings,” including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
WATCH: Seniors will be first in line for a safe and effective vaccine! Operation Legend: Over 5,000 Arrests Made to Reduce Violent Crimes After a 4-Year Old’s Murder
-The Daily Caller
“Since the start of the [Justice Department’s Operation Legend] in July there have been over 5,000 arrests including federal offenses, drug charges, and murder charges,” Kimberly Eade reports. Violent crime spiked across major U.S. cities following riots this summer. “Kansas City has a 40 percent increase of homicides compared to last year. President Donald Trump promised to protect cities that have high rates of violent crimes.” Share These Graphics!
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Events This Week!
MONDAY
19 OCTOBER
Camden County GOP October 2020 Happy Hour
MONDAY
19 OCTOBER
Morris County Women’s Republican Club 2020 Annual Wine and Cheese Meeting
TUESDAY
20 OCTOBER
Fundraiser for Morris County Freeholder Tayfun Selen
WEDNESDAY
21 OCTOBER
Fall Reception for Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi
WEDNESDAY
21 OCTOBER
Hamilton GOP Club October 2020 Meeting
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Fundraiser for Hunterdon County Freeholder Sean Van Doren
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Atlantic County Young Republicans October 2020 Meeting
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Parsippany Phone Bank and Debate Viewing Party
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Saddle River Reception Honoring Frank Pallotta for Congress
Submit An Event!
Thank you for your continued support !
Phil Valenziano
Executive Director
New Jersey Republican State Committee
DONATEGROW 21 CLUBPAID FOR BY THE NEW JERSEY REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE
150 WEST STATE STREET, SUITE 230 • TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08608
APRIL BENGIVENGA, TREASURERNOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE COMMITTEEOur email list is the best way we have of staying in regular contact with supporters like you and letting you know about the work Republicans are doing in New Jersey. Click here to update your preferences or unsubscribe from our supporter list, but if you leave, it will be harder for you to stay involved in the organization that you’ve been such a critical part of. This organization is powered by you, and we'd love to hear your ideas. Send us any comments, criticisms, or feedback here, or just reply to this email!
Thanks for supporting our party.
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/19/2020
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/19/2020
Friends- Friday it was announced that the New Jersey Adjutant General and Commissioner of Military and Veterans Affairs resigned, along with the heads of the Menlo Park and Paramus veterans homes. In response, the NJGOP is filing Open Public Records Requests for the work schedules of the fired employees to ascertain the extent of their interaction with Murphy Administration officials.
NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt issued the following statement:
“Governor Murphy continues to prove that his greatest leadership quality is his ability to point fingers and lay blame. He failed New Jersey’s veterans and seniors when he sent COVID infected patients into long term care facilities untested. The NJGOP has demanded that Governor Murphy come clean about his Administration’s work with these facilities, but he has failed and refused to respond. While Phil Murphy protested, some 200 veterans and 6,900 seniors perished. Their families deserve answers and we deserve leadership. If the Governor can’t admit he failed, he’s the one who should resign.”
NJGOP In The News
Steinhardt: Murphy must say how he’ll address COVID spikes
Republican State Chairman Doug Steinhardt called on Gov. Phil Murphy to release his plan to deal with the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
“COVID hit New Jersey hard the first time around and Governor Murphy’s policies were so bad that they are under DOJ investigation,” Steinhardt says. “Many New Jersey families have a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility. As COVID spikes again, we need transparency from the Murphy Administration and a plan that proves he won’t be sentencing our senior population to certain infection.”
Every NJ Voter Is Receiving A Ballot In The Mail!Frequently Asked Questions
Recent News
Register to Vote
Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations
Where to Vote in Person
Motorists lining up outside of facilities in the pre-dawn hours, no less than six sites closed due to COVID, and countless residents frustrated by a system that has let them down, is what New Jersey residents face at DMV facilities. This has become business as usual for New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t hear another horror story from a constituent who has been mistreated by a broken system,” said Senator Anthony M. Bucco. “It is painfully obvious that customer service is buried low on MVC’s list of priorities, and New Jersey residents deserve better.”
Bucco was contacted this morning by a resident who was texting in the dark outside an agency more than two hours before the facility would open its doors.
“While writing this note to you I sit in the dark by the moonlight at the DMV in Randolph on a line that wraps around the building with an air temp of 49 degrees,” the constituent said. The text went on to note the irony of the government requiring residents to congregate with hundreds of other people during a public health emergency.
“I don’t understand how Governor Murphy and his administration can allow this to happen. It is a disgraceful way to treat our citizens,” Bucco said. “We should have mobile facilities set up to safely service motorists renewing paperwork, and we should have an appointment system so people can schedule times to conduct business with MVC.
“You can order a Big Mac on your phone and have it delivered to your door, yet this state agency is mandating residents to wait in lines for hours, only to be given a number so they can come back later in the day and wait in another line.”
Bucco began sounding the alarm and warning of impending problems at MVC early in the pandemic. On May 7 and again on May 19, he wrote to NJMVC’s chief administrator, B. Susan Fulton.
“I suggest that you consider alternate ways to complete some of these services remotely in the interim. Perhaps you can consider what other states are doing in this area. Procedures such as on-line title transfers and issuing temporary licenses to new drivers under a protocol you develop to help lessen the anticipated overwhelming need when the agencies reopen,” Bucco wrote. “In an effort to lessen the anxiety of my constituents, I would respectfully request an overview of your plan for reopening.”
In the letters, he advised hiring more staff and transitioning more processes online. There has been no indication Bucco’s warnings were heeded, and the horror stories began unfolding in real life on July 7 as agencies reopened for the first time since March 15.
“It has been more than three months since MVC reopened, but the problems persist,” Bucco said. “The lines this morning in Randolph and at facilities across the state are the direct result of the failure to plan, adapt, and adjust by a bureaucracy that can’t seem to get out of its own way.
“I will continue to press the Governor’s Administration to fix the MVC and provide the level of service New Jerseyans expect in return for their hard-earned tax dollars.”
State Committee Update From Chairman Steinhardt:
Hello State Committee,
I hope you're all doing well today. It was a pleasure to see most of you in person, and many of you virtually, at the Woman Of The Year event in Mountain Lakes a few weeks back.
As we enter the stretch run of the campaign I wanted to update you on two major things the NJGOP has under way.
1. You've heard us talk this year about how our fundraising has been up leaps and bounds, in spite of the pandemic. Well, I'm happy to report that we're turning those dollars into votes. In addition to funding the lawsuits the State Party has filed on behalf of the citizens of our state, we've also launched an aggressive paid voter contact program, focused primarily hyper targeted digital advertising and texting, that we anticipate will give us nearly 1.5 million more voter contacts between now and Election Day. This effort is focused on chasing ballots, driving people to njgop.org/VBM to learn how to cast their vote, and making sure no stone is left unturned. We're constantly refreshing our target lists for these projects, focusing only on Republicans with unreturned ballots, making sure not a penny goes to waste.
2. The State Party and Victory program has surpassed ONE MILLION voter contacts so far this year as of last weekend. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work of all of you, grassroots Republican activists, our dedicated staff, and strong county and municipal committees. We've set an ambitious goal of one million additional volunteer voter contacts from now through Election Day, which is very aggressive, but with everyone pulling together, I know we can get there. Thank you for all your help on this, and for all you will do to help our candidates finish strong.
These projects are, of course, in addition to all the work we're doing to assist our great county parties, municipal committees, candidates for office, and others.
Finally, I'm pleased to announce that the NJGOP has completed the RNC's GROW program. Our completion of this program certifies that the NJGOP has done everything that the RNC believes a strong state party should be doing. We're one of the only state parties in the country that has completed this program, and we're now eligible for additional support from RNC.
I know you're all busy, so I will leave it there. Let's get out there and knock one more door, make one more call, write one more check, host one more event, and leave it out on the field as we press forward toward Election Day.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Chairman Doug Steinhardt
State Troopers union backs Smith, Richter, Becchi
FIVE STORIES PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS
Twitter’s Partisan Censors
-The Wall Street Journal
“The political actions taken Wednesday by Twitter—and to a lesser extent Facebook—went far beyond normal content moderation,” The Wall Street Journal editorial board writes. “Silicon Valley's partisan interference flies in the face of American instincts about democracy, fair play, and the spirit of the First Amendment.” First Lady Melania Trump: ‘My Personal Experience with COVID-19’
-WhiteHouse.gov
“It was two weeks ago when I received the diagnosis that so many Americans across our country and the world had already received—I tested positive for COVID-19. To make matters worse, my husband, and our nation’s Commander-in-Chief, received the same news,” First Lady Melania Trump writes.
MORE: “Give focus to our next generation,” the First Lady says The Senate Should Confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and Quickly
-The Hill
“The unfortunate vacancy left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg must be filled in a timely manner to continue the important role of the judiciary. The Constitution is clear—the president has a solemn duty to make a nomination for the Senate’s consideration. President Trump fulfilled his duty by putting forward Barrett, and now the Senate must do its job,” Chase Martin writes.
WATCH: Why Amy Coney Barrett says she answered the call to serve Trump Administration Announces Deal With CVS and Walgreens to Administer Coronavirus Vaccine to Seniors in Long-Term Care
-CNBC
President Trump just announced “a deal with CVS Health and Walgreens to administer coronavirus vaccines to the elderly and staff in long-term care facilities,” Berkeley Lovelace Jr. writes. “The vaccine will be free and available for residents in all long-term care settings,” including nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
WATCH: Seniors will be first in line for a safe and effective vaccine! Operation Legend: Over 5,000 Arrests Made to Reduce Violent Crimes After a 4-Year Old’s Murder
-The Daily Caller
“Since the start of the [Justice Department’s Operation Legend] in July there have been over 5,000 arrests including federal offenses, drug charges, and murder charges,” Kimberly Eade reports. Violent crime spiked across major U.S. cities following riots this summer. “Kansas City has a 40 percent increase of homicides compared to last year. President Donald Trump promised to protect cities that have high rates of violent crimes.” Share These Graphics!
Follow Us On Social Media!Help us spread the word! If you're not already doing so, please follow the NJGOP and Chairman Steinhardt on social media and share our channels with a friend!
Click below to follow the NJGOP on Facebook and Twitter!FacebookTwitterClick below to follow Chairman Steinhardt on Facebook and Twitter!Events This Week!
MONDAY
19 OCTOBER
Camden County GOP October 2020 Happy Hour
MONDAY
19 OCTOBER
Morris County Women’s Republican Club 2020 Annual Wine and Cheese Meeting
TUESDAY
20 OCTOBER
Fundraiser for Morris County Freeholder Tayfun Selen
WEDNESDAY
21 OCTOBER
Fall Reception for Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi
WEDNESDAY
21 OCTOBER
Hamilton GOP Club October 2020 Meeting
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Fundraiser for Hunterdon County Freeholder Sean Van Doren
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Atlantic County Young Republicans October 2020 Meeting
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Parsippany Phone Bank and Debate Viewing Party
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Saddle River Reception Honoring Frank Pallotta for Congress
Submit An Event!
Thank you for your continued support !
Phil Valenziano
Executive Director
New Jersey Republican State Committee
DONATEGROW 21 CLUBPAID FOR BY THE NEW JERSEY REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE
150 WEST STATE STREET, SUITE 230 • TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08608
APRIL BENGIVENGA, TREASURERNOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE COMMITTEEOur email list is the best way we have of staying in regular contact with supporters like you and letting you know about the work Republicans are doing in New Jersey. Click here to update your preferences or unsubscribe from our supporter list, but if you leave, it will be harder for you to stay involved in the organization that you’ve been such a critical part of. This organization is powered by you, and we'd love to hear your ideas. Send us any comments, criticisms, or feedback here, or just reply to this email!
Thanks for supporting our party.
Trump letter on Coronavirus
Articles and Blogs
Political Perspective: From a Princeton Republican
Political Perspective: From a Princeton Republican
Responses by Dudley Sipprelle, Edited by Lisa Jacknow
What is it like to be a Republican in Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey? When working on this elections issue, many Republicans or conservative-leaning voters were reluctant to speak their minds. They feared retaliation from the liberal majority. Current records indicate slightly fewer than 2,000 Princeton residents (of just under 21,000 registered voters) are registered Republicans, though several “independents” may share their views. To expand on the views of the local Republican party for those that align with it and to enlighten everyone else on what the “other” party thinks, we reached out to the Chair of the Princeton Republican Committee, Dudley Sipprelle, to get his perspective on today’s political climate.
- What is it like to be a Republican in Princeton today?
Being a Republican in Princeton in 2020 is not unlike being a Republican in Mercer County or in the State of New Jersey. Republicans are in the distinct minority of registered voters in our “blue” State (23%) and County (15%), but even more so in our Town (10%).
Princeton is an exemplar of a phenomenon that has been building in America in recent years. What we are witnessing is a geographical sorting and ideological clustering of Americans. The location of a renowned Ivy League university in town which is also Mercer County’s largest private employer has attracted many people to Princeton who share the university’s progressive liberal mind-set.
- Can you explain what the Princeton Republican Committee is/does and how it compares to other local republican organizations?
The Princeton Municipal Republican Committee is a legal entity defined in State Statute. It is composed of publicly elected members, two for each of Princeton’s 22 voting districts who are elected in the primary every four years. The local committee members are also members of the Mercer County Republican Committee. The members represent the political interests of their constituents within the party. The role of local Republican committees is similar throughout the state and includes the recruitment and endorsement of candidates for public office and promotion of the Republican brand. The success of local committees is directly related to the number of Republicans in the community, the ability to raise funds, recruit qualified candidates and volunteers and to put it bluntly, the availability of patronage, that is, the power of appointment to coveted municipal boards, commissions and committees. This appointment power lies with our elected Mayor and the six Council members, all of whom are Democrats.
- If you could impart some experiential wisdom as head of the Princeton Republican Committee, what would you like local Democrats and unaffiliated voters to know about what their vote means?
Although there are 11,519 registered Democrats in Princeton, the party
apparatus is essentially controlled by a relatively small group of “insiders” or what is known as the political “establishment” which decides policy. This group is often the most partisan party members and has a low tolerance for dissent. The insiders include a number of elected officials and members of the Democratic Municipal Committee. The Municipal Committee’s campaign endorsement means the endorsed candidate has “won the line” and will appear in the official Democratic column.
Why is this important? Because the overwhelming majority of Democrats vote the “straight party line,” that is, straight down the party column from top to bottom. It is widely understood that winning the Princeton Democratic primary decides who will be elected to office in the general election. It is virtually impossible for dissident Democrats, independents and Republicans to win election to office in Princeton. In addition, 75-80 percent of the registered “unaffiliated” vote for Democratic candidates. The party faithful are quick to unite around the Democratic party primary winner. Having gained office, elected officials turn their focus on remaining in office and the way to do that is not “make waves,” that is, don’t depart from the party policy line.
- There is a concern, amongst some, that this year’s election process could be flawed due to mail-in voting, provisional voting, etc. What is being done locally to ensure the democracy of this process?
We can count on a flawed election process owing primarily to the Governor’s hasty and poorly thought-out decision to go to an almost total vote by mail (VBM) election without a reorganized system and trained staff in place to handle millions of paper ballots. The perpetual vagaries of the U.S. postal system are well-known: undelivered mail, misdirected mail, lost mail, delayed mail, trashed mail. Add the pandemic which is affecting staff. The instructions for the VBM ballot are complicated and confusing and result in a high percentage of ballots being rejected and voters disenfranchised. The voting process is directed by the County Board of Elections and there is not much we can realistically do locally beyond carefully filling out our ballots and using the VBM drop box at Municipal Hall.
- What key issues would you like local voters to understand regarding the 2020 elections?
The viral pandemic is on everybody’s mind and has upset our lives and economy. We will overcome this pandemic in due course as we have in the past. We will not see a return of economic strength and prosperity, however, if we don’t lower taxes and our debt. This is topical locally where taxes continue to rise and our community is consequently adversely affected.
- There are several uncontested local races in this year’s election, with Democratic candidates running unopposed. What does that say about our local politics?
(The unwavering partisanship that impacts the local political environment has been discussed above in section 3.)
- Our municipality and county tend to lean Democratic. What must be done to broaden opportunities and gain more Republican leadership?
“Diversity” is the mantra that suffuses every political campaign in Princeton. Every type of diversity one can think of is promoted and accepted. The one exception is political diversity. The idea of a Republican, however qualified, being elected or appointed to a position is not seriously entertained. Until a significant number of Democrats subordinate their partisanship and consider merit as a basis for election or appointment to office, Republicans cannot gain traction.
- What can be done locally to help Republicans in higher office win this area (i.e. Congress, Senate, Presidency)?
We must overcome the demoralization of many local Republicans who have experienced defeat in recent elections in spite of valiant efforts and highly qualified candidates. We can help candidates for national and statewide office by increasing Republican turnout and encouraging candidates to recognize they have a role to play in energizing local Republicans.
- As a Princeton Republican leader, what else would you like to share with our readers?
Local government as exemplified in Princeton is too often characterized by elected officials pursuing their own agendas, lack of community involvement, torpid bureaucracy, over-regulation and a lack of transparency and accountability. Our community deserves better but will continue to be plagued by high taxes, indecision and outcomes that have questionable benefit to local residents and taxpayers until voters accept that party labels alone do not produce good government and are willing to vote for change.
Dudley Sipprelle, originally from Compton, CA, is Chair and member of the Princeton Republican Committee (2005-2020). A retired teacher of History, Economics and English and a coach in the California Public School System, he was a Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State for over 30 years, responsible for political/economic reporting and analysis, protection of American citizens, immigration, refugee & human rights affairs. Sipprelle was a Diplomat-in-Residence and Visiting Professor of International Relations at Lehigh Univ. and received a Presidential Meritorious Performance Award from President Reagan. In retirement, he enjoyed a year as assistant girl’s basketball coach at Stuart Country Day School, was Chair and member of Princeton Regional Sewer Operating Committee, and has been involved as an ESL Certificated Tutor, as well as with Princeton University International Center, Mercer County Literacy Volunteers, YWCA Princeton ESL program, and Nassau Christian Center.
Republican chairmen formalize opposition to marijuana legalizationhare the big news
Republican leaders from all 21 counties back resolution urging supporters to vote no on ballot measure
By Nikita Biryukov, September 10 2020 11:46 am
New Jersey’s Republican county chairs are united in their opposition to a ballot measure on marijuana legalization.
The Republican County Chairmen’s Association on Thursday unanimously voted to adopt a resolution opposing the referendum and urging their supporters to vote it down.
“We also are strongly opposed to using our State’s constitution to legalize pot. Pro-pot legislators couldn’t get a bill passed, so, instead, they’re trashing our constitution,” Hudson County Republican Chairman Jose Arango said.
Arango was elected to chair the Republican County Chairmen’s Association at the same meeting.
Democrats moved legalization to the ballot after trying and failing more than once to pass it legislatively. While the legalization bill faced few issues in the Assembly, moderate Democrats in the Senate prevented it from getting the 21 votes needed to pass the chamber. No Republicans backed the measure, though State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-Little Silver) was willing to vote yes in exchange for certain changes to the bill.
Instead, Democrats pushed the issue to November’s ballot, and voters — polls show a solid majority of voters support legalization — will ultimately decide whether legal weed becomes the law of the land.
The arguments against marijuana legalization have remained largely unchanged over the past decade. Foremost are concerns about underage smoking and driver impairment.
“Pro-pot legislators may not care about the damage that legal pot will do to our children, families, schools and neighborhoods, but as an organization deeply dedicated to promoting a healthy and safe New Jersey, my chairmen colleagues and I felt obligated to speak out against the ballot question,” Arango said.
It’s not clear whether the Republican chairmen’s resolution represents any sort of resource commitment in the ballot referendum fight.
The pro-legalization side has its fair share of adherents, including the New Jersey branches of the ACLU, the NAACP, the Latino Action Network and NJ CannaBusiness Association, among others.
Schirmer Selected as GOP Chair, Dems Re-elect Plumeri for Second Term
By ELIZABETH MEYERS
July 28, 2020 at 3:03 PM
HAMILTON, NJ -- For the first time both of Hamilton Township's major political party organizations will be led by women following Monday night's reorganization meetings of both the local Republicans and Democrats.
At their reorganization meeting at the VFW 491 Post, the newly elected committee members of the Hamilton Township Republican Committee made history by unanimously electing their first woman as the Party's chair -- former Hamilton Township Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer. She also is the first Hispanic to take the reins of the Committee.
Following the meeting Schirmer said "The energy at tonight’s meeting was very exciting and inspiring. I am ready to work together with our great committee men
“The Hamilton Republican Committee will be a professional, inclusive organization with the focus on engaging, educating and developing future Republican leaders. This new chapter in the organization reflects a new beginning with Republicans who are excited and ready to engage all for the betterment of the township, county and state that we all love," said Schirmer.
Hamilton Township Democrats re-elected Barbara Plumeri to serve a second term as chairwoman of the party. She presided as local chair during the election of Mayor Jeff Martin as well as the two election cycles of the Hamilton Township Council which is now unanimously held by Democrats.
Via a virtual meeting with in-person voting available at the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the local Democrats also re-elected Councilman Rick Tighe to serve as vice-chairman, Keith Platt as treasurer, Sarah Kevett as secretary and John Kroschwitz as sergeant-at-arms.
The Hamilton Republican Committee similarly chose members of the executive board which now include former Cranbury Mayor Win Cody as vice-chairman, treasurer Denise Peck and corresponding secretary Nicholas Macharski.
In November, Hamiltonians will go to the polls for a special election for one council seat.
New Jersey's All-Mail Vote Debacle Is a Warning for November
COMMENTARY
RealClear Politics
By Jason Snead
Even as New Jersey voters look to the general election, many are still coping with the aftermath of the state’s first all-mail vote. Paterson, the Garden State’s third-largest city, is mired in a burgeoning election scandal. One in five ballots have been rejected. The local NAACP has cried foul. And now, four men — including a councilman and councilman-elect — have been charged by the state’s attorney general with criminal election fraud.
The state’s May 12 election was conducted entirely by mail on Gov. Phil Murphy’s order. Ballots were automatically sent to every registration. That makes Paterson an early test of the vote-by-mail model now being pushed in unison by the political left. The fact that it immediately went off the rails is a warning to the nation that we would be foolish to ignore.
Concerns began mounting before voting had even ended. Undeliverable ballots piled up in trash cans and apartment lobbies. Even though state law forbids anyone from collecting more than three ballots, roughly 800 ballots were found bundled together — 400 were stuffed into one mailbox, and 360 more were found in another in a completely different town. That evidence of illegal vote harvesting led officials to reject them all.
Another 1,214 votes were disqualified because the voters’ signatures did not match official records, and 1,000 more because the “bearer” — the person who collected and delivered the vote — didn’t properly report doing so. Voters reported never receiving ballots even though they are listed as having voted — in other words, someone else purportedly cast their vote.
Ultimately, nearly 20% of ballots cast on May 12 were invalidated. Paterson NAACP leader Rev. Kenneth Clayton summed it up best: “These kinds of acts make people not want to vote anymore.”
Unsurprisingly, the four people recently indicted face charges that they illegally possessed or tampered with ballots. Fresh accusations are coming to light that one of the defendant’s campaigns hired workers to churn out fraudulent votes in bulk.
The simple fact is, mail voting is more susceptible to error and fraud than voting in person. Bad actors can get their hands on mail ballots and alter, forge, or destroy them. Anytime voting takes place away from the controlled and observed confines of a polling place, it is less secure. Fifteen years ago a commission co-chaired by President Jimmy Carter warned that mail-in voting is likely to increase the risks of fraud and of contested elections.”
That’s as true today as it was then.
Jury-rigging a vote-by-mail system doesn’t just risk fraud. The New Jersey Spotlight reported that one in 10 ballots cast statewide were rejected for various reasons. Many arrived too late to be counted, a stark reminder that mail ballots can be lost or delayed. Roughly a third of rejected ballots had something wrong with the ballot itself: the ballot was not enclosed, for instance, or was missing information necessary to be processed.
These sorts of mistakes — to say nothing of innocent errors like voting for too many candidates in a single race — are easily fixed at polling places. Not so when those votes are mailed in. Studies show that first-time absentee voters are more likely to make mistakes that force officials to disqualify their ballots. Let’s not forget, an unprecedented portion of the electorate this fall will be first-time mail voters. Imagine the nightmare of a November election decided by a hair, but with a sizable percentage of ballots thrown out.
Vote-by-mail proponents retort that the obvious solution to the problem of rejected ballots is to discard the rules and safeguards that lead to ballots being invalidated. Liberal groups and their allies have filed dozens of partisan lawsuits across the nation to force this plan on states. Its core pillars: Automatically mail ballots even to voters who are likely deceased or have moved away, allow vote harvesting, and dismantle the systems that states use to stop vote tampering and ensure each vote is cast by a lawful voter.
In other words, the aim of the vote-by-mail crowd is to create all the conditions that made the Paterson election ripe for fraud, but remove the tools that allowed that fraud to be detected, stopped, and prosecuted. Do they really believe no one will take advantage of that free-for-all?
Most voters understand that in fair elections it must be both easy to vote, and hard to cheat. Fraud, both real and perceived, turns people off.
States are down to the wire to finalize their plans for voting this fall. Vulnerable voters need to be able to request absentee votes, but that is a far cry from the all-mail election that activists are pining for. Their plan is a recipe for disaster. If we implement it, we may soon be asking ourselves how we could have ignored Paterson’s warning.
Jason Snead is executive director of the Honest Elections Project.
NJGOP files long-threatened borrowing bill lawsuit
Published on July 16, 2020 by The Staff
TRENTON, N.J. – On the same day that both chambers of the legislature approved an illegal borrowing bill, New Jersey Republicans filed a long-promised lawsuit to stop the Governor from moving forward with the scheme.
“We will fiercely fight this bonding scheme which is unconstitutional and fatally flawed at every level,” said state Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), one of the lawsuit’s plaintiffs.
NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt announced the lawsuit (filed Thursday afternoon by the law firm of state Senator Mike Testa) on Twitter; Steinhardt’s organization is lead plaintiff in the action:
2020 Budget Open Letter to Hamilton Mayor and Council
To: Mayor Jeff Martin, Hamilton Township Council
From: Win Cody
Date July 20, 2020
I am trying to enlighten residents and help with questions that they may want to ask as well as finding places the council may want to consider for savings. I have a few comments and questions that I hope will be helpful. I will not be able to attend Tuesday’s budget and wanted to share these thoughts in advance. I will post publicly so all residents can see. While I am now a resident of Hamilton, I was previously a Mayor of a New Jersey municipality and understand the budget process.
I am concerned that in this difficult time for many people, a large tax increase is being proposed. From what I have seen, taxes on increasing 8-10% for most people. While I realize that it is only an estimate and would get trued up during the 4thquarter. But when taxes are increased, they tend not to go down.
- While I see most staffing increases in departments were controlled, there is an overall staffing increase from 523 to 528 people. The largest areas of increase are the administrative departments – Business Administrator, Clerk, Human Resources, Budget/Purchasing and Financial Administration.
- For these Departments, overall salary and other expenses have increased 18% over last years adopted budget and 15% over the revised budget 2019.
- The Business Administrator Department budget increased 38% with staff going from 2 to 4 people.
- I see the lower paid employees (less than $65,000) took a furlough saving $500,000. But, that was not a true savings for taxpayers. Federal funds of $700,000 - $800,000 were used to pay the employees so they would not have an income reduction. This funding comes from taxpayers.
- Why not have a furlough of the higher paid employees and get some true savings.
- It was stated the furlough only caused a “minimal disruption of services”. If that is the case, why not make these changes permanent saving more money?
- The revenue was reduced over $2 Million for the year, primarily due to COVID-19. There are expenses associated with generating much of this revenue, why weren’t expenses reduced. If a private business lost revenue, they would need to reduce expenses. Shouldn’t the town do the same thing.
- $300,000 for loss in Municipal Court Fees. If courts were closed, shouldn’t some employees be furloughed?
- $450,000 loss of interest on Deposits? Taking money market rates of 1% and assuming that is over 3 months, that would mean $180 Million in delayed deposits, that sounds exceedingly high.
- $150,000 lost interest on delinquent taxes? Aren’t there penalties for paying late taxes that would make up for this?
- Capital Budget issues. While the public has not received details about what was closed from the historical capital budget, I had thought many older approved items were closed in 2019 which would allow the township to reduce the overall debt and reduce interest. In this difficult time, I would question some new capital items.
- There is $6 Million in road repair. Is all this necessary? Can township employees be used for some of this. There are state road grants, are these being used?
- There are $380,000 in improvements for the Sayen Gardens house and Kuser Mansion. While these facilities are important for the town, are all these necessary this year, especially when they have not even been opened for most of 2020?
- There are $152,000 in improvements for the Senior Center (including $20,000 for a bocce court). While the center is important for the seniors in town, not all residents benefit from the center. Are all these necessary this year when the center has not even been opened for most of 2020?
- There is a $125,000 expense for repaving the tennis courts in the budget. There is a proposal on July 21 meeting to spend $137,000 to repave 2 courts for pickle-ball. Is there duplication here? Do we need to spend $137,000 for pickle-ball?
- While it is important to be current with technology, there are $1.6 Million in new expenses. Many organizations have outsourced the management of technology infrastructure to professional firms (US based) that do this for a living. They can provide economies of scale and professional skill to keep the expense under control. Has this been investigated before making such a large investment?
- The surplus comments were confusing. Based on the budget documents, surplus for 2018 was $5.1 Million, for 2019 was $6.6 Million and 2020 ending with $3.5 Million. This means $3.1 Million of the surplus is being used to fund ongoing expenses. The introductory commentary states that $9.2 Million was available in the prior year, but the budget says it was $5.1 Million.
- I see that in the council meetings, they reduced the $108 Million budget by $35,350 which is about 0.03%. Is that all that was done, has there been more scrutiny done to find more reductions to help taxpayers.
Thank you for your review.
NJGOP Lawsuit against Phil Murphy
As you know, today, the NJGOP filed a lawsuit against Governor Phil Murphy. Below you'll find a round up of some of the press coverage on this.
We filed this lawsuit, not to encourage lawlessness or conflict, but to stand up for everyday citizens across New Jersey who have had their livelihoods threatened by Governor Murphy's unconstitutional actions.
Chairman Steinhardt said it best when he said:
“The Bill of Rights may be above Phil Murphy’s pay grade, but it’s not above ours. Our interventions may not matter to him, but they matter to us. This lawsuit lets Plaintiffs plead their case to the Courts, since the Governor made clear that if you disagree with him you should move to another State."
You can see the full release here: Read more here...
Here's what they're saying about the NJGOP lawsuit:
NJ.com: N.J. Republicans sue Murphy to force him to reopen small businesses
NorthJersey.com: NJ GOP, business owners sue Murphy over stay-at-home order
NJ Globe: NJ GOP suit seeks to end business closures
Save Jersey: Republicans, N.J. businesses file suit against Murphy challenging constitutionality of closures
Politico Pro: New Jersey GOP sues Murphy to allow businesses to reopen
InsiderNJ: Describing NJGOP Lawsuit, Testa Turns Murphy’s Sports Analogies Against Him
NJGOP Files For ELEC Investigation Against Murphy For Governor
Trenton, NJ - This past Friday it was announced that Katie Brennan settled her lawsuit against Gov. Phil Murphy’s campaign and the State of New Jersey for $1 million.
According to the $1 million settlement, the State will pay $800,000 and the Murphy for Governor campaign’s insurance company will pay $200,000.
Today, the NJGOP filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission an official request to investigate: 1). the State’s $800,000 allocation of the settlement as an illegal campaign contribution to the Murphy for Governor Campaign; and 2). the $200,000 payment by the Campaign’s insurer and whether the payment is a qualifying expenditure against the Governor’s 2021 campaign spending cap.
"Governor Murphy uses taxpayer dollars to bail him out of all kinds of financial mismanagement, but he can’t skirt campaign finance laws, and it is illegal for him to use the State as his personal piggy bank to pay for his campaign committee’s scandals," said Chairman Steinhardt. "I am happy that Katie Brennan is receiving some of the justice she deserves, but with more than 1.1 million New Jerseyans unemployed and billions of dollars in anticipated revenue shortfall, taxpayers have no business paying for the bad judgment and illegal behavior of the Murphy for Governor campaign committee and its employees.”
Old Bridge Councilman Mark Razzoli: ‘Murphy’s Law’
Murphy’s Law
By Mark Razzoli, Old Bridge Councilman
As the adage goes, if something can go wrong, it will; and in the worst possible way and at the worst possible time. It will cause the most damage at the most expense.
If this isn’t a cause for New Jerseyans to stop and say “WTF?” nothing is; especially with the real Murphy and his made-up laws in place. Murphy and his law have no plan for economic recovery, besides begging the federal government for a bail out. If there is a plan, he hasn’t shared it.
Does anyone else not see what it clearly going on here? Murphy has already told us to our collective faces that he doesn’t give a rat’s ass what we think, what we feel, how much we petition or protest. His wise-ass comment to the people who put up with him in office, is to tell us to move to another state.
Since Murphy is not from New Jersey, perhaps he needs some old-fashioned Jersey-style schooling on what happens when you dare us to do something.
Think about this for a minute; what would Murphy do if we all decided to call his bluff and actually leave the state? What would New Jersey look like in Phil Murphy’s utopian society filled with nothing but sanctuary towns, overrun with illegal immigrants who are waiting for him now to figure out how he will pay for their free online college, their health insurance, rent subsidies, meals, legal aid, and driver’s licenses? Who would pay the enormous property taxes, gas taxes, overblown tolls on the GSP and NJ Turnpike? Where will he get his favorite take-out dinner now that the restaurants are boarded up because business owners finally had enough of his totalitarian form of governing.
We have our own Murphy’s Law in Trenton, and it is scarier and more negative than any idiom. By his own admission, knowledge of the Bill of Rights is above his pay grade. Perhaps the snarky lexicon that is the context of his daily social media rants has taken over his brain, or he truly does not get that what he is doing by crippling our economy and forcing people into bankruptcy, is going to be irreversible in our lifetime. Either way, it is surreal that this one person who let power go to his head, is leading us down the path to economic destruction.
We need a concise, phased-in plan for reopening our economy and we need it now, Phil Murphy. Show us the plan; don’t just say that you have one…prove it.
Perhaps if he doesn’t like what we have to say, he should move to another state!
Trump Addresses Recent Riots the remarks made prior to SpaceX speech
Trump Addresses Recent Riots the remarks made prior to SpaceX speech
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/12/2020
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/12/2020
A note from Chairman Steinhardt:
Friends-
We are in the home stretch of this election and every vote makes a difference! Chairman Steinhardt is here with an important update and details on how to make sure your vote is cast for our GOP team!
NJGOP Calls For Nursing Home Death Transparency
Following the crushing story of a Marine veteran who passed away from COVID in a state run nursing home in New Jersey, the leaders of a state run veterans home in Massachusetts being indicted on criminal charges , and the federal investigation into the Murphy Administration, the NJGOP is calling for more transparency:
“New Jersey families need to know that they are safe from Governor Murphy’s policies,” said Chairman Steinhardt. “The state run nursing and veterans home COVID deaths are a despicable tragedy. The fastest way for us to heal and or have any confidence that our loved ones are safe, is for Governor Murphy to start being honest with his constituents. The NJGOP is calling for a full and immediate disclosure of the Murphy Administration’s communications with all state run veterans and nursing homes.”
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Governor Murphy’s executive orders have placed youth and amateur hockey games on ice since the pandemic began, and Senator Anthony M. Bucco said it’s time to take another look at restrictions that are having a devastating effect on the sport and the ice rinks that depend on it.
“Hockey is a popular participation sport in New Jersey, and the players have been more than patient with guidelines intended to keep everybody safe,” said Bucco. “But with the resumption of so many other sports, it is starting to feel like hockey has been stuck in the penalty box. We are in a position now where we have the knowledge and precautions that will allow the return to safe competition.”
USA Hockey, the national governing body for the sport in the United States, reasons the risk of contracting COVID while playing hockey is minimal. The organization published detailed guidance for rink owners, leagues, teams and parents, including a series of resources for safely returning to rinks and mitigating risks.
“Hockey should not be perceived as having any more COVID risk than other similarly classified sports like volleyball, lacrosse, soccer, softball and baseball, and they have all been cleared to resume games,” said Bucco. “The state should capitalize on USA Hockey’s extensive experience and broad influence to confidently allow live competition to resume with appropriate precautions in place.”
In July, Governor Murphy issued an executive order allowing the resumption of outdoor practices and games for medium-risk sports, and non-contact practices in indoor settings.
“The state’s guidelines fail to consider the unique characteristics of hockey and the controlled environments of the ice rinks,” Bucco noted. “Hockey facilities are designed to maintain appropriate ice conditions, with outstanding ventilation systems and air circulation. The conditions are not that different than being outside. In addition, players are covered from head to toe with protective equipment, and the games take place on a large playing surface.
“These are unique circumstances and they must be taken into consideration by the Governor,” said Bucco. “The administration should take another look at how the COVID rules apply to hockey. If they do, they will realize it is safe to resume competition.”
Van Drew Offers to Match State Troopers’ Reward for Intel Re. Monument Desecration
Locked in a dogfight for his congressional seat, U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2) today told InsiderNJ he would match the $5,000 reward offered by the State Troopers Fraternal Association for information leading to the arrest of whoever desecrated Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman’s memorial.
“I know the Zimmerman family and was at the dedication of this very memorial which was in part the work of a local Eagle Scout,” said Van Drew. “It’s just around the corner from where I live and serves as a constant reminder to all of us who pass by that our brave men and women in law enforcement, particularly those like Trooper Zimmerman who made the ultimate sacrifice don’t deserve to be demeaned, diminished, or defunded.
“The Defund the Police movement has no place in South Jersey and I am willing to match the $5,000 reward being offered by the State Troopers Fraternal Association, the State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association, and the State Troopers Superior Officers Association for information leading the arrest and conviction of those responsible,” the congressman added.
Yesterday, the roadside memorial in honor of Trooper Bertram T. Zimmerman, III, located on State Highway 83, in Dennis Township, Cape May County, sustained a savage desecration and vandalization by “a cowardly vandal or group of vandals,” according to the New Jersey State police.
Trooper Zimmerman served with the New Jersey State Police with honor and distinction and was assigned to a special task force in 2004, in response to a string of armed robberies of convenience stores in the Dennis Township area. Trooper Zimmerman, in his brave response to a robbery call made the ultimate sacrifice after his troop car struck a utility pole on State Highway 83.
The three state police unions, the State Troopers Fraternal Association, the State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association, and the State Troopers Superior Officers Association stated jointly that the disrespect or degradation of our state troopers and all men and women who serve in law enforcement will not be tolerated.
“The State Troopers Fraternal Association, the State Troopers Non-Commissioned Officers Association, and the State Troopers Superior Officers Association are offering a reward of $5000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the classless actors who perpetrated this heinous crime,” the officers said.
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FIVE STORIES PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS
Thousands of Health Experts Sign Declaration Calling for End to Lockdown, Warn of ‘Irreparable Damage’
-The Daily Wire
“Thousands of medical and public health experts have signed on to a declaration calling for an end to lockdown policies in favor of a more targeted approach to combatting the coronavirus pandemic,” Tim Pearce writes. “As infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists we have grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing COVID-19 policies,” the declaration states.
Return Respect to Nomination Process
-Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
“We should not allow the toxic politics of recent Supreme Court nominations to turn this nomination into a partisan circus. Judge Barrett and our country deserve a fair and respectful hearing,” Arkansas Lt. Governor Tim Griffin writes. “In a less polarized time, a nominee as eminently qualified as Judge Barrett would receive a nearly unanimous vote for confirmation.” Schools Aren’t Super-Spreaders
-The Atlantic
Across the United States, “fear and bad press slowed down or canceled school reopenings,” Brown University economist Emily Oster writes. “It’s now October. We are starting to get an evidence-based picture of how school reopenings and remote learning are going . . . Schools do not, in fact, appear to be a major spreader of COVID-19.”
In Afghanistan, As We Enter Our 20th Year, It's Time to Come Home
-Fox News
“As someone who volunteered for service, fought in Afghanistan, and watched good friends give their lives for the mission there, it’s difficult to accept that 19 years hasn’t been enough. As President Donald Trump signaled on Twitter on Wednesday American involvement in the Afghan conflict should end, our service members should come back to their families, and our country should move forward,” Nate Anderson writes.
National Association of Scholars Calls for Revoking the 1619 Project Pulitzer Prize
-The Federalist
“An impressive array of academics associated with the National Association of Scholars signed a letter to the Pulitzer Prize Board calling for it to revoke the prize it ceremoniously awarded to Nikole Hannah-Jones this year for her lead essay in The New York Times’ deeply troubled and historically challenged 1619 Project,” Glenn Stanton writes. “Hannah-Jones and the Times secretly deleted the most fundamental claim of her lead essay for the project: that slavery was the central reason for our nation’s founding.”
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Events This Week!
SUNDAY
13 OCTOBER
Point Pleasant GOP Club Meeting with Congressman SmithPoint Pleasant
WEDNESDAY
14 OCTOBER
Rosemary Breakfast with Paul Miller
FRIDAY
16 OCTOBER
BingSickles 2020 Comedy Show Fundraiser
Hasbrouck Heights
SATURDAY
17 OCTOBER
South Toms River Campaign Breakfast
MONDAY
19 OCTOBER
Monmouth County GOP & Ocean County GOP Family Picnic Barbecue
Wall
TUESDAY
20 OCTOBER
Fundraiser for Morris County Freeholder Tayfun Selen
WEDNESDAY
21 OCTOBER
Fall Reception for Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi
THURSDAY
22 OCTOBER
Fundraiser for Hunterdon County Freeholder Sean Van Doren
Asbury
SATURDAY
24 OCTOBER
Leadership Breakfast with Somerset County Republican Organization and Bridgewater Republican Municipal Committee Chairs
Bridgewater
SUNDAY
25 OCTOBER
Oktoberfest 2020 with Assemblyman Jay Webber
Rockaway Submit An Event!
Thank you for your continued support !
Phil Valenziano
Executive Director
New Jersey Republican State Committee
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NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/6/2020
NJ GOP Weekly Update - 10/6/2020
Hi Friends,
Democrat politicians in Trenton have come together on yet another income tax and another election year tax gimmick.
Check out this quote from NJGOP Chairman Steinhardt responding to the new tax:
“Blink and you’ll miss the next Trenton tax hike. That’s how fast Phil Murphy and his Democrats are spending your money. Let’s be clear, these newest tax schemes will land in the same place every other Democratic tax scheme lands: in the pockets of New Jersey’s middle class. At a time when Trenton should practice restraint and find creative ways to spend less so you can save more, they don’t, can’t and won’t. NJGOP will continue the fight for leadership that will have the government give back to the people when times are tough, not ask even more of our overburdened citizens.”
Senator Anthony M. Bucco said Governor Phil Murphy shouldn’t divert budget funds that have been dedicated for decades to a statewide litter abatement program that has helped to clean-up New Jersey while providing savings for property taxpayers.
“Over the past several decades, New Jersey has made great strides through the Clean Communities program to collect litter, educate residents, and protect our environment,” said Bucco (R-25). “The program has been so successful that no governor or Legislature has proposed cutting funding over the past two decades, even in the toughest of fiscal times. I’m sure that if Governor Murphy takes the time to examine the many successes of Clean Communities, he’ll understand why there has long been bipartisan opposition to raiding the program’s dedicated funds for other purposes.”
Clean Communities is New Jersey’s only statewide, comprehensive, litter abatement program. The program provides grants to municipalities and counties, allowing local governments to fund trash cleanups along roadsides and around stormwater drains without imposing an additional burden on property taxpayers.
Click here to view 2020 Clean Communities grant awards.
In his FY 2021 State Budget proposal, Governor Murphy proposed diverting $10 million from Clean Communities — half of the program’s annual funding — to support unrelated executive branch payroll expenses.
“Everyone’s budgets are tight these days, but that doesn’t mean we should gut funding for a program that has continually produced such an amazing benefit for both the New Jersey environment and our property taxpayers,” added Bucco. “I urge the governor to rethink his budget and join us in protecting New Jersey Clean Communities.”
A recent editorial by Pat Ryan, the first president of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council, highlighted the massive long-term environmental progress achieved by the Clean Communities program and called for the funding to be restored.
Candidate Spotlight🔦
Billy Prempeh CD-9
Billy Prempeh takes pride in his conservative values and has been a Republican since 2009. He listens to his constituents and is committed to representing them on the issues they care about.
Campaign website: https://billy2020nj.com/
Donation link: https://secure.winred.com/the-billy-prempeh-for-congress-committee-inc/donate
Follow Us On Social Media!
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A note from Chairman Steinhardt:
Friends-
Over the last week, the nation was shocked to hear the news of positive COVID test results for President Trump, the First Lady, Governor Christie, and New Jersey natives Kellyanne Conway and Bill Stepien. Each of these strong leaders is resilient, receiving the best of care, and I know they will beat this deadly virus. I, and the entire NJGOP family are wishing President Trump, the First Lady, and Governor Christie a speedy recovery. Everyone impacted by COVID-19 in New Jersey and around the world is in our prayers.
NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt On Governor Murphy’s Budget Signing
“With this budget, Governor Murphy might as well be signing a letter addressed to every New Jersey taxpayer that reads ‘move to FL or PA. I don’t care.’ This $32.7 billion budget is the most callous and crippling in New Jersey history. In the middle of an economic crunch made worse by his decisions, Phil Murphy’s lack of understanding for struggling New Jersey businesses and families was never more evident.”
NJGOP In The News!
Crime guns and reoffending criminals are killing New Jersey. Murphy won’t stop them, but we can. | Steinhardt
A trio of statewide crises face New Jersey. We have the Corona virus, and the ever-changing, politically tainted executive orders that have come with it. There is unrestrained borrowing of billions, with no plan to repay it. And now, we have a surge of violent gun crime by repeat offenders across our State. While Governor Murphy basks in the artificial glow of his hollow, progressive policies, crime-guns and reoffending criminals are killing New Jersey citizens, and our Demcoratic leaders are too weak to stop it.
Republicans Snatch TomMalinowski.com and Expose His Fake No Corporate Tax Pledge!
Van Drew Honors Vietnam War Veteran
MAYS LANDING - U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd secured constituent Petty Officer 1st Class David Leininger’s medals from his time in the service in the U.S. Navy.
Rosemary Becchi Meets With Madison Area Residents
Congressional candidate Rosemary Becchi met with Madison area residents at a Meet and Greet event last Sunday,, September 27. The casual gathering, which took place in a Madison backyard, was co-hosted by the Madison Republican Committee and a local family. Rosemary addressed the crowd of 50+ Madison area residents, which was comprised primarily of women voters who were eager to meet Rosemary and express support for her campaign. Rosemary shared her priorities for CD-11 and discussed her commitment to putting people over politics.
Showing their support for the families of the more than 7,100 lives lost in long-term care facilities due to the tragic mistakes made under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senator Anthony M. Bucco both spoke at the ‘Voices for Seniors’ New Jersey Rally at St. Joseph’s Senior Assisted Living and Nursing Center in Woodbridge on September 30, 2020.
“So many families have been impacted by the pandemic, but those who have lost loved ones in nursing homes,, veterans homes, and long-term care facilities are still seeking answers about this preventable tragedy,” said Kean (R-21). “For the past five months, Senate Republicans have called for a thorough, bipartisan, and transparent investigation into the more than 7,100 deaths in long-term care facilities. The families and loved ones of victims deserve to hear the truth and be given the peace of mind to know that those responsible are being held accountable.”
More than 7,000 residents of New Jersey’s nursing homes, veterans’ homes, and long-term care facilities have died from COVID-19. A full 50% of the state’s coronavirus deaths have occurred among these vulnerable populations.
Whistleblowers from within the New Jersey Department of Health have hinted that dangerous policy directives, misrepresented data, and arbitrary decision-making by the administration in Trenton contributed to preventable outbreaks and the unnecessary loss of life in our long-term care facilities.
Senate Republicans have launched an online petition to enlist the public’s support to convince legislative leaders to allow a special bipartisan committee with subpoena power to investigate the massive loss of life in New Jersey’s nursing homes, veterans’ homes, and long-term care (LTC) facilities due to COVID-19.
The online petition can be signed at https://www.senatenj.com/petitions/nursinghomes/.
“The efforts of ‘Voices for Seniors’ honor the many thousands of lost loved ones in our nursing homes and the countless others who still can be saved,” said Bucco (R-25). “Each one of those 7,000 people who perished were loved, are sorely missed, and they deserve our efforts to find out what went wrong and to fight to prevent any additional, unnecessary loss of life. I urge all residents to sign the petition. Together, we can be the strong, unified voices that our seniors deserve.”
FIVE STORIES PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN'T WANT YOU TO MISS
September Jobs Numbers Best Since Reagan-Era, Don't Panic America
-Fox Business
America added 661,000 jobs last month, according to today’s jobs report, while the unemployment rate fell to 7.9 percent. “You may read elsewhere about an economic slowdown but September’s very positive jobs numbers actually confirm that we are still experiencing the most dynamic economic recovery in American history,” Andy Puzder writes.
BY THE NUMBERS: September Jobs Report Shows American Grit
Cuts in Policing Have 'Led to 710 Murders and More Than 2,800 Gunshot Victims' Across the US
-Daily Mail Online
“Major cities across the United States are seeing a 'dramatic and widespread spikes in homicides' after police funding cuts,” Lauren Fruen reports. University of Utah Law Professor Paul Cassell dubbed this rise in crime the “Minneapolis effect,” explaining that “as a result of de-policing during June and July 2020, approximately 710 additional victims were murderedand more than 2,800 victims were shot.”
Liberals Should Love Amy Coney Barrett
-The Washington Times
“Liberals should love Amy Coney Barrett. As an independent woman who has held prestigious positions in legal academia, private practice and the judiciary, she embodies the ideal of professional excellence for feminists . . . If tenacious women like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg prepared the way for women to practice law, formidable women like Judge Amy Coney Barrett have paved it,” attorney Kelly Tshibaka writes
NBC News Misrepresents Internal DHS Memo About Their Response to the Kyle Rittenhouse Case
-Townhall
“NBC News misrepresented an internal memo given to Department of Homeland Security officials that was meant to brief them on the Kyle Rittenhouse situation the week it occurred in August. NBC News reported ‘officials were directed to make public comments sympathetic’ about Rittenhouse and it included quotes from the document.” In reality, these “‘sympathetic’ talking points were not talking points at all,” Julio Rosas reports.
Trump Nominated a Third Time for Nobel Peace Prize
The Hill
“President Trump has received a third nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize,” Aris Folley reports. “Four Australian law professors recently nominated the president for the high honor, with one of them, David Flint, citing his recent role in helping broker relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).”
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Events This Week!
6 OCTOBER
Warren County GOP Golf Outing Fundraiser
Washington
7 OCTOBER
Cumberland County Freeholder Candidate Fundraiser
Vineland
7 OCTOBER
Keyport Republicans Campaign Meet & Greet
Keyport
8 OCTOBER
Cocktails and Conversation with Bernards Township Committee Candidates
9 OCTOBER
Camden County 2020 Fall Gala
16 OCTOBER
BingSickles 2020 Comedy Show Fundraiser
Hasbrouck Heights
19 OCTOBER
Monmouth County GOP & Ocean County GOP Family Picnic Barbecue
Wall
29 OCTOBER
Event for Tara Buss & Michael Viola for Colts Neck Township Committee
Colts Neck
Thank you for your continued support !
Phil Valenziano
Executive Director
New Jersey Republican State Committee
