Menendez's strange banking habits

Presented by Clean Energy Action Now! (CLEAN): Matt Friedman's must-read briefing on the Garden State's important news of the day
Sep 26, 2023 View in browser
 
New Jersey Playbook

By Matt Friedman

Presented by Clean Energy Action Now! (CLEAN)

Good Tuesday morning!

Will someone get Sen. Menendez the number to a bank with a decent savings interest rate? Maybe even a mutual fund?

During an in-person statement Monday, Menendez gave an explanation for the hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash stuffed in envelopes and his clothing that the feds claim was the proceeds of bribery. “For 30 years I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account which I have kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba,” Menendez said.

The senator didn’t take questions, and did not address the gold bars the feds said they found and provided pictures of. Nor did he address the feds’ claims that some of the cash-stuffed envelopes contained fingerprints or DNA from co-defendant Fred Daibes or his driver. And certainly if the senator has withdrawn nearly half a million in cash over the last 30 years, he should have the receipts — literally.

Just hanging on to hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash that you claim to have withdrawn from your savings accounts isn’t a smart investment. Imagine the hit Menendez must have taken during this last period of high inflation alone. And think about how insecure that is. A burglar? A fire? That cash is gone and uninsured. Ask Minn Matrone.

No matter. It also became quite clear yesterday that nobody in the Senate, save for Democrats John Fetterman of PennsylvaniaSherrod Brown of Ohio and Pete Welch of Vermont had followed New Jersey politicos’ lead and called for Menendez to resign. Nor the president. Meanwhile, contrary to reports Sunday, the senator did not address whether he still plans to run for reelection.


TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “[I]t is a strange world that I work in when someone will run into a burning building to save the virtue of the Senate over hoodies and shorts, but will simultaneously embrace gold bars in a mattress or envelopes stuffed with so much cash that would make the Goodfellas blush.” — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who’s seen far more criticism from colleagues over his slovenly dress than Menendez has over his corruption allegations. And Fetterman plans to return the $5,000 Menendez donated to his campaign last year in envelopes stuffed with $100 bills.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  Christie Whitman, Sal Anderton, Jennifer Mancuso.

WHERE’S MURPHY? In New Brunswick at 11 a.m. for Middlesex County's Annual Business Summit, then in Camden at 4 p.m. for Camden Community Partnership's 2023 Annual Meeting.

 

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WHAT TRENTON MADE


HERE’S A LITTLE DITTY ABOUT PHIL AND DIANE  — Murphy names DOT Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti next chief of staff, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday named Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti his next chief of staff. Gutierrez-Scaccetti, who has served as DOT commissioner since the start of the Murphy administration in 2018, takes over from Murphy’s longtime chief of staff George Helmy. The move elevates Gutierrez-Scaccetti to one of the most powerful unelected positions in state government. She's expected to begin her new role Oct. 2 and will remain as DOT chief until January. “Diane has been a dedicated member of our Administration since day one and I am looking forward to welcoming her to our senior leadership team in the Governor’s Office,” Murphy said in a statement.

NJ DEMOCRATS MEANT TO SAY THEY WANTED TO BE A ‘SANCTIMONIOUS STATE’ NOT A ‘SANCTUARY STATE’ — Migrant housing is now an election issue in New Jersey, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: The Biden administration’s decision to float Atlantic City International Airport as one of 11 potential sites to house migrants living in New York City put New Jersey Democrats in a tough spot. It was merely a suggestion. But with state lawmakers up for reelection in November, Gov. Phil Murphy and other state Democrats — many who’d previously pledged to make New Jersey a “sanctuary state” — immediately pushed back … But it came at the unofficial start of a campaign season in which all 120 seats in the state Legislature are on the ballot, and as Democrats have already struggled to unify around a campaign message as Republicans hit them on the culture war issue of trans rights and harness the quickly-decreasing popularity of the Murphy’s wind power plans. Just the specter of housing large numbers of migrants from New York City threatens to nationalize an election in a deep blue state where Biden’s approval rating is underwater and its senior U.S. senator, Democrat Bob Menendez, is under pressure to resign after federal authorities indicted him Friday on bribery charges. “The issue of migrants, an out-of-control border and the problems that are now emanating from sanctuary city policies are now inexorably tied to Democrats,” said Chris Russell, a Republican consultant in several South Jersey legislative races.

THE PARENTAL RIGHT — “Are anxious NJ Dems turning from Platkin's parental rights fight? It looks like it,” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “[W]ith just six weeks left in the fall campaign for the 2023 legislative elections, New Jersey Democrats are eager for Platkin to dial down the energy. And one of the things that they would now like to see happen? They'd like to see Platkin's Division on Civil Rights cool its heels and stay out of the courtroom. Specifically, Democrats are less than thrilled with having the division, under Platkin's guidance, clashing with three Monmouth County school districts over their new policies requiring staff to notify parents when a child has expressed a change in gender preference. In the eyes of vulnerable, swing-district Democrats — and their local party bosses, who hold considerable sway over the purse strings and strategy of reelection campaigns — Platkin's legal crusade helps convert the fringe parental rights issue into a full-blown Republican Party advantage. It has inflamed grassroots New Jersey Republicans and may attract votes from independents and some Democrats who support school notification. ’I think the lawsuits are a terrible way of trying to enforce a law that I voted for,’ said state Sen. Joe Lagana, D-Bergen, referring to the 2017 law requiring schools to protect the confidentiality of transgender students.”

Reconciling rising unemployment and strong job growth: NJ’s uncertain fiscal outlook,” by NJ Spotlight News’ John Reitmeyer: “New Jersey’s unemployment rate has steadily risen over the past year and now ranks among the highest in the nation. But while some economists and others suggest that’s a cause for concern, the topline numbers may not tell the full story. The state unemployment rate has soared from 3% to 4.2% over the past year, according to the latest jobs report released by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. That easily tops the national jobless rate of 3.8% … Yet at the same time, New Jersey has also enjoyed healthy employment gains over the past year. Nearly 70,000 jobs have been added over the prior 12 months, according to the latest jobs report.”

—“New Jersey residents initiate their own reparations discussion after state bill fails” 

—“$60M for rail bridge project over Passaic will cut train delays. Here's how much” 

 

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LOCAL


WANNA BE A BHALLA, SHOT CALLER — ”Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla may enter primary against younger Menendez in NJ-8,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “With U.S. Senator Bob Menendez under indictment on federal bribery charges, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is considering a Democratic primary campaign against the senator’s son, Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City). If Bhalla does enter the race, it would set up a competitive and volatile contest in the majority-Hispanic district. Bhalla is making calls to Democratic leaders in the area signaling his interest in running, the New Jersey Globe has learned. ’Mayor Bhalla is focused on delivering for the residents of Hoboken,’ Bhalla spokesperson Rob Horowitz said. ‘He is also seriously considering running for Congress. If he decides to run, he will be a formidable candidate with the capacity to raise the necessary amount of money to get his message across to 8th district Democratic primary voters.’”

The son of Sen. Bob Menendez says he’s seeking reelection in the House three days after father’s indictment

GOLDILOCKUPS — “A word rarely mentioned in Menendez’s Senate disclosure forms,” by The New York Times’ Tracey Tully: “The word ‘gold’ appears 26 times in the federal indictment unsealed Friday against Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey along with his wife, Nadine, and three businessmen. There are details about the senator’s internet searches for the price of gold and Ms. Menendez’s trip to a jeweler to sell gold and photos of the serial numbers stamped on some of the 13 gold bars found in their home. Yet gold is rarely mentioned in the financial disclosure forms he is required to file annually as a senator, showing up for the first time last year. The three-count indictment — which charged the couple with accepting bribes in exchange for Mr. Menendez’s willingness to use his clout as a powerful Democratic senator — raises questions about the accuracy of those disclosure forms.”

NJ’S BIGGEST DEFENDER OF INDICTED FORMER PRESIDENT CONDEMNS INDICTED CURRENT SENATOR —“Van Drew mulls Senate run, focuses on avoiding government shutdown,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “He called it a unique opportunity for a conservative Republican to win statewide. ‘I think people have finally had enough,’ Van Drew said. ‘It's not just Sen. Menendez's woes. It's the taxes we pay, what’s going on with the border ... and the education of children in the younger grades that are relevant issues.’ … If Menendez does not get his party's nod and chooses to run as an independent, that would split the vote three ways and give a GOP candidate a better chance in deep-blue New Jersey.”

History Offers Democrats a Way Out of the Menendez Problem

—Stile: “Yes, Bob Menendez said he is defiant. But he is clearly weary” 

—Moran: “From Menendez, defiance and deceit” 

—Opinion: “Menendez indictment looks bad, but there are defenses he can make

—“Longtime pals, not longtime pols, stand behind defiant Menendez at news conference” 

—“Malinowski name circulates in the 2024 Senate parlor room” 

—“An interview with Andy Kim” 

—“South Jersey defendant expected to admit guilt to Capitol riot charge” 

 

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LOCAL


THE CREAMM OF THE COP — “Another Jersey City police officer who was fired for cannabis use is ordered reinstated,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “Jersey City has lost yet another round in the battle against its cannabis-using police officers. But despite mounting losses, the city is apparently refusing to back down from the fight. In a decision released last week, the state Civil Service Commission ordered that Police Officer Omar Polanco, who was fired on March 1 for off-duty cannabis use, be reinstated onto the force immediately, affirming a ruling by the Office of Administrative Law in his case … In a similar case, the Civil Service Commission upheld an Office of Administrative Law decision that the city immediately reinstate Police Officer Norhan Mansour, who is also represented by Rubas. The city has fired or disciplined multiple officers for testing positive for cannabis in defiance of a state law, the CREAMM (Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization) Act, explicitly states law enforcement officers cannot be fired or disciplined for using cannabis while off-duty, as long as they are not under the influence while on the job.”

SCHUNDLER’S RACE TO THE BACK — “Homeowners took liberties extending their backyards. Now a former Jersey City mayor is suing to get the land back,” by The Jersey Journal’s Mark Koosau: “On a stretch of Garfield Avenue between Myrtle and Wilkinson avenues in Jersey City sits a row of homes on the east side of the street, unremarkable except perhaps for what appears to be unusually large backyards — one with an in-ground swimming pool and patio and others with sheds, patios and fencing. But it turns out that portions of those backyards don’t belong to the property owners of those houses. The land is part of a long-vacant parcel and the new owner, former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler is taking it back as part of a large charter school complex. Schundler and his ‘Friends of Quality Education LLC’ nonprofit announced plans in January to build a campus on the empty six-acre site nestled between the backyards of the Garfield Avenue homes and the Cinelease Studios. But it appears the homeowners, who have come to think of that extra real estate as their own, don’t appear ready to give it up easily.”

STUDENTS GET EARLY LESSON ON THE 4TH AMENDMENT — “N.J. district can seize, examine kids’ cell phones under new rules to battle cyberbullying,” by NJ Advance Meida’s Jackie Roman: “A New Jersey school district says it will allow officials to search the contents of students’ cell phones under a new electronics policy enacted after a 14-year-old who was allegedly bullied died by suicide last year. The Central Regional School District in Ocean County said it is also requiring middle school students to store phones in special cell phone pockets while in class and high schoolers must either turn cell phones off and put them away or place them in cell phone pockets at school … Although schools in New Jersey have the authority to search a student’s cell phone, experts advise they try less intrusive methods of getting information about an incident before a student’s property is searched. Searching students’ cell phones also raises concerns about the broader issue of surveillance in schools, some critics say. ‘The current state of the law seems to give school boards broad discretion to do these types of searches. But, this is part of a broader issue of school surveillance and the erosion of students’ rights to privacy,’ said Joe Johnson, policy counsel for American Civil Liberties Union-New Jersey.”

‘CAUSE TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT WHEN THREE BECOME ONE — “3 N.J. school districts could become 1 under merger plan,” by NJ Advance Media’s Rob Jennings: “Voters in Monmouth County will decide this week whether to merge three school districts into one. The grades K-6 school districts in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands would join the grades 7-12 Henry Hudson Regional School District, which already serves both municipalities, under the proposal on Tuesday’s ballot. The regionalization ballot proposal is the first in New Jersey since 2013, when voters in Hunterdon County approved merging four school districts into the South Hunterdon Regional School District, according to the New Jersey Boards Association.”

—“Bridgewater struggling with Airbnb, short-term rental crackdown ordinance. Here's why

—“One of the tallest buildings in Central Jersey proposed in Middlesex County” 

—“Library with 80K books will be moved to make space for N.J. police station under new plan” 

—“CRDA approves keeping open container rules for Atlantic City” 

—“With 1 jury acquittal, former [Trenton] cop looks to another trial to clear his name” 

 

Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here.

 
 
EVERYTHING ELSE

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—“Toms River's 'Miss Liberty' has never been camera shy. She is now, and needs a hand” 

 

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Profits — plain and simple.

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Legislators can put consumers first and stand up to gas industry lies and misinformation. Learn how.

 
 

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