| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Health Care Association of New Jersey | I’m no math wiz, but it seems to me like a candidate for office getting four hours to speak his opinions on the state’s biggest radio station during drive time every weekday is worth more than $5,800. That’s the contribution limit the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission set this week for 2025 Republican gubernatorial candidates. And Bill Spadea, NJ 101.5’s far-right drive time host who’s basically been running for well over a year, declared his candidacy on Monday, only to be overshadowed by the George Norcross indictment. But NJ 101.5 has no plans to take Spadea off the air any time soon, saying he’ll continue to host the show “until he becomes a legally qualified candidate.” He’s already filed paperwork to run. Is that not legally-qualified? They may consider that to be when his petition signatures to get on the ballot are accepted. That won’t be until March — just months before the primary. ELEC wants answers. The commission voted 3-0 on Tuesday to issue an order to show cause to Spadea’s campaign and Townsquare Media, the parent company of the conservative talk radio station. They issued it Thursday, asking Spadea and the company to attend a June 26 hearing to explain “ why a determination should not be made that the candidate's radio airtime is an in-kind contribution from NJ 101.5 or Townsquare Media and therefore subject to the contribution limit.” ELEC, for its part, said in its order to show cause that Spadea “is a candidate in the 2025 gubernatorial primary election” as defined by three state statutes and administrative codes. He’s also a candidate according to his, uh, campaign. But the FCC’s definition of a “legally qualified candidate” includes that he “qualifies for a place on the ballot.” Spadea in a statement blamed the “Trenton swamp” for the hearing, saying his “opponents and their power broker pals are coming after me for one reason: they’re scared of what I stand for.” (Spadea is closely aligned with George Gilmore, arguably the most influential Republican power broker in the state, who’s being paid by Spadea’s PAC). His attorney, Charles Spies, said Spadea’s show “is not campaign related and as long as he avoids mentioning his campaign he has a Constitutionally protected right to continue discussing local issues important to everyday New Jerseyans.” I can see this winding up in court if ELEC rules against Spadea. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at Mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “[I]f you want to shorten meetings and have people speak less, don't shut down the public's right to speak. Stop doing stupid stuff. That will shorten the meeting." — Sayreville resident Jim Robinson on an ordinance passed by the council at the mayor’s behest to shorten public comment time at council meetings HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Al Barlas, Tennille McCoym, Jon Chebra, Beth Schroeder Buonsante. Saturday for Chris Jones, Jill Colvin, John Mulholland, Ravi Varma. Sunday for Daniel Han, Pedro Mejia, Michael Clarke, Burt Ray Simpson, Larry Yudelson, Asia Norton WHERE’S MURPHY? — Out-of-state until Sunday. Acting Gov. Way will be in Atlantic City Saturday at 8 p.m. to speak at "A Night of Love AC" R&B Night at the 2nd Annual North to Shore Festival | | | | A message from Health Care Association of New Jersey: Trenton must stop short-changing nursing home residents and the staff who take care of them. Instead of piling on unfunded mandates, critical resources should be spent on hiring more staff and improving care. Otherwise, more than 9,000 current New Jersey nursing home residents risk losing their homes. Tell your state lawmakers: The state must invest now in the welfare of its aging senior population. It’s not a choice, it’s an obligation. | | | |  | MENENDEZ CORRUPTION TRIAL | |
NO ENDEZ IN SIGHT — Sen. Bob Menendez’s second corruption trial in less than a decade is taking longer than expected and may end up lasting as long as his first. That 2017 trial took about nine weeks from opening statements to closing arguments and ended in a mistrial because of a deadlocked jury. This time around, the judge told jurors they could expect to be done with their duty by July 4. But witness testimony has consistently taken longer than expected and there is increasing concern about losing jurors as the trial stretches into the summer. One of Menendez’s two co-defendants, real estate developer Fred Daibes, came down with Covid-19, which delayed the trial by a few days. U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Stein has urged attorneys on both sides to hurry things along. “You’re focusing on too many leaves, not even the trees,” Stein said Thursday after a prosecutor walked an FBI agent through a detailed timeline. The current estimate is that prosecutors will finish with their witnesses by June 26 and the three defense teams will take a week and a half or two weeks total to put on their defense case. But prosecutors still have more than a dozen witnesses they might call next week, according to a Menendez defense attorney. That puts closing arguments toward the middle or end of the week of July 8, with jury deliberations to follow. — Ry Rivard — “Menendez searched for info about gold bars, prosecutors say at bribery trial” | | | | THE GOLD STANDARD OF POLICY REPORTING & INTELLIGENCE: POLITICO has more than 500 journalists delivering unrivaled reporting and illuminating the policy and regulatory landscape for those who need to know what’s next. Throughout the election and the legislative and regulatory pushes that will follow, POLITICO Pro is indispensable to those who need to make informed decisions fast. The Pro platform dives deeper into critical and quickly evolving sectors and industries—finance, defense, technology, healthcare, energy—equipping policymakers and those who shape legislation and regulation with essential news and intelligence from the world’s best politics and policy journalists.
Our newsroom is deeper, more experienced, and better sourced than any other—with teams embedded in the world’s most active legislative and regulatory power centers. From Brussels to Washington, New York to London, Sacramento to Paris, we bring subscribers inside the conversations that determine policy outcomes and the future of industries, providing insight that cannot be found anywhere else. Get the premier news and policy intelligence service, SUBSCRIBE TO POLITICO PRO TODAY. | | | | | | | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
NORCROSSED OUT — “George Norcross indictment is the latest sign: NJ's political old guard is dying,” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “Monday’s drama couldn’t eclipse the other political narrative that has been steadily unfolding over the past year: The political old guard in New Jersey is in full retreat. Change is coming swiftly. Light is streaming through cracks in the clubhouse windows. Norcross may have hoped to scare off Platkin by glaring in the front row — and maybe send a signal to potential witnesses — but the fact is, the era of unchecked Norcross power has been broken. The man who once bragged that eventually all governors had to come groveling to him because, in the end, they had no choice, was simply standing alone and frustrated, flanked by lawyers … It is this kind of conduct — the old-school Jersey intimidation and the below-the-radar racketeering under the aegis of acceptable hard-ball Jersey style politics — that has left voters dispirited and disgusted. It is this disgust that has been on a slow burn in the Democratic Party rank-and-file for years as Norcross and his allies wielded unchecked power. It’s a disgust that has fueled the drive for change.”
JEWS AND MUSLIMS CAN AT LEAST AGREE ON WHAT HELL IS: NINE HOURS OF TESTIMONY — “Lawmakers advance bill adopting antisemitism definition after nine hours of testimony,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Sophie Nieto-Munoz: “A Senate panel voted Thursday to pass a controversial bill that establishes a state definition of antisemitism, with the vote coming after hundreds of people testified during two hearings that took nine hours. Critics say the definition approved by lawmakers conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism and would restrict their rights to free speech, but supporters of the bill said it would not. ‘If you want to tomorrow talk about Israeli genocide and Palestine and criticize the United States for it, there is nothing in this legislation — that I hope will be signed by the governor — that will infringe upon those rights,’ said Sen. John McKeon (D-Essex). The measure would implement the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s 2016 definition of antisemitism into state law and policies. The definition includes 'claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor' and ‘drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.’” WITHOUT THE LINE, HE’S JUST A GUY — Half a dozen Hudson County officials plan to run on a slate next year with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop after the county Democratic organization pulled back its endorsement of Fulop. Fulop had quickly gotten the support of Anthony Vainieri, then the Hudson County Democratic Organization chair, after announcing his run for governor last year. But Vainieri recently left and the party is now led by Craig Guy. “Chairman Vainieri made a commitment that the HCDO would support our campaign, and Chairman Guy informed me on Monday that he has decided to break that promise and cited concerns he apparently now has about transparency and accountability positions I have publicly discussed for months,” Fulop said in a statement. Guy told POLITICO it’s his responsibility to sound out his members on the best candidates next year. The organization’s endorsement has implications for the “county line,” the favorable ballot position that groups party-backed candidates — should it exist next year. “We’re looking forward to meeting with all the electeds and find out if there’s a consensus for 2025. It’s as simple as that,” Guy said. Fulop said the following Hudson County candidates have committed to running with him: Assemblymembers Barbara McCann Stamato, John Allen, Jessica Ramirez, and Julio Marenco; sheriff Frank Schillari; and Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt. — “N.J. wants to kick out nursing home owners accused of $83M fraud in N.Y.” — “After 2-hour Amtrak, NJ Transit service suspension, trains start to roll” — “Should NJ mandate automakers sell only EVs and plug-in hybrids?” — “New directive limits — but doesn’t end — police use of baby blood samples” — “Emergency housing for NJ kids with disabilities is so scarce 'families often just give up'” | | | | A message from Health Care Association of New Jersey:   | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD POLITICAL CAREERS — “Lack of regulation for ‘zombie’ campaign accounts,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Benjamin J. Hulac: “Rodney Frelinghuysen has not been in Congress since January 2019. But his campaign is still active — in a sense. Just since 2023, Frelinghuysen’s campaign account has cut checks for 19 candidates running for Congress or elected positions in New Jersey, including a $2,000 donation to fellow Republican Jon Bramnick, who is running for governor. In March, Leonard Lance, who represented New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District until 2019, gave $500 to the campaign for Curtis Bashaw, the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate. And former Rep. Albio Sires, now mayor of West New York, gave $2,000 to the primary campaign of Rep. Rob Menendez … This overlooked world of post-election political spending has prompted bipartisan interest in Congress to require campaigns to close out these so-called zombie campaigns, placing particular focus on lobbyists and foreign agents. But legislation to do so is highly unlikely to become law soon, leaving former candidates the chance to use their donors’ money to scare off would-be rivals, aid political allies and give money to benefit their lobbying interests.”
PROFILES IN CORYAGE — New Jersey politics is on fire. Where’s Cory Booker? By POLITICO’s Mia McCarthy and Dustin Racioppi: Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) cuts an image as a moral authority in the Capitol, using his large social media platform and cable news appearances to condemn Republicans like Donald Trump and Brett Kavanaugh when he was a nominee for the Supreme Court. He’s a little more muddled when it comes to New Jersey — a state lately in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Booker took days to join the chorus calling for his friend and colleague Bob Menendez’s resignation from the Senate after he was indicted a second time. Now, Booker speaks in general platitudes after the state’s longtime Democratic kingmaker, George Norcross, was indicted by a state grand jury Monday. “Anytime you see public figures getting indicted it’s a sad time for our state,” Booker said in an interview when asked about the allegations against Norcross, adding that he had not read the indictment yet. “This is something that should be concerning.” — “U.S. bans on gasoline-powered leaf blowers grow, as does blowback from landscaping industry” — “Pro–Palestine uncommitted slate officially gets two delegate tickets to DNC” — “2026 World Cup Finals needs $620M security boost, [Gottheimer] says” | | | | JOIN US ON 6/26 FOR A TALK ON AMERICA’S SUPPLY CHAIN: From the energy grid to defense factories, America’s critical sites and services are a national priority. Keeping them up and running means staying ahead of the threat and protecting the supply chains that feed into them. POLITICO will convene U.S. leaders from agencies, Congress and the industry on June 26 to discuss the latest challenges and solutions for protecting the supply lines into America’s critical infrastructure. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | LOCAL | |
TURN(PIK)ING A PROFIT — “How a developer made $20 million flipping a Bayonne property for the Turnpike expansion,” by The Jersey Journal’s Mark Koosau: “A Bayonne developer is pulling off a $20 million flip on a piece of property near Route 78 by allowing the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) to take the land for the proposed controversial Turnpike expansion project. The Alessi Organization, the current owner of the former Marist High School site on Kennedy Boulevard, would be paid $31.1 million for the land under the eminent domain proceedings initiated by the NJTA in April … The $31.1 million offer was based on a optimal use value. The report described the ‘highest and best use' of the property as a ‘684-unit, multi-family rental project’ consisting of three- to six-story buildings and associated parking structures. Despite having knowledge of the NJTA’s interest in the property, the city approved a redevelopment plan that would’ve allowed Alessi, a campaign donor to Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, to build up to 14 stories of new housing, a six-story self-storage facility or office space there.”
THE MIDDLE-EAST BRUNSWICK — “'Highly unfortunate error’ led to swap of Jewish and Muslim student photos in N.J. yearbook,” by NJ Advance Media’s Brianna Kudisch: “Swapping a photo of members of a Jewish club with an image of Muslim students in East Brunswick’s high school yearbook was a 'highly unfortunate error’ made by an adult adviser, an investigator concluded. The mix-up, which was discovered after the yearbooks were distributed to seniors earlier this month, was not intentional or a bias incident, according to the investigation by a law firm hired by the school district … When the yearbook adviser searched “Jewish” to find the Jewish Student Union’s photo, the photo of the Muslim students appeared as a result because of the tag, according to the report.” ZIA LATER — “Former Atlantic City councilman says Zia didn't live in city apartment he calls home ,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “Former Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy II reluctantly testified Thursday that Councilman Muhammad Zia didn’t live in the home he calls his primary residence when Fauntleroy lived there for most of May. 'This is where it gets tricky because I work for the city,' Fauntleroy said, when asked to describe what he saw in different rooms of Zia’s purported home at 110 N. Brighton Ave. 'I don’t want no retaliation as far as my job is concerned. How I answer this gets a little weird.' Zia is an ally of Mayor Marty Small Sr., and his reelection to 5th Ward councilman in November by 44 votes gave Small a majority of supporters on City Council. His Republican opponent, Maria Lacca, is contesting the November election, alleging Zia lives in Egg Harbor Township … Fauntleroy eventually said he didn’t see any evidence that Zia was living there, not sheets on the bed, clothes in his room or toiletries in the bathroom. He lived there free of charge, he said, while waiting for his new rental house to be finished … "Photos taken Tuesday morning by Zia showed the bed made up, clothes in the closet and toiletries on the bathroom sink. But photos taken by Fauntleroy at the apartment in May showed a bare apartment with no sign of habitation, Fauntleroy acknowledged as he went through the photos with [Lacca lawyer Matthew] Moench. When subpoenaed, Fauntleroy said the paperwork asked him to provide any photos or video he had of the North Brighton Avenue property, and he did so. ‘What prompted you to take those photos?’ Moench asked him. ‘For my safety. This is politics. Sometimes you need some evidence just in case,’ Fauntleroy said.” — “Atlantic City councilman charged with witness-tampering at civil trial” SPILLER 2025 — “New lawsuit alleges Montclair, town manager retaliated against affirmative action officer,” by Montclair Local’s Liz George: “For nearly 10 years, Bruce Morgan, Montclair’s affirmative action officer, investigated some 15 discrimination complaints brought by Montclair employees. During that time period, Morgan did not find Montclair responsible for any discriminatory conduct. In 2022, the streak ended, when Morgan conducted two investigations and reported finding Montclair at fault. It’s also when the Township of Montclair and ‘high-ranking supervisory employees’ allegedly began a ‘campaign of retaliation’ against Morgan, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday. Morgan is suing the Township of Montclair and Michael Lapolla, the interim town manager, for violating New Jersey’s law against discrimination which bans third-party retaliation.” — “Rich NJ city [Summit] turns down affordable housing development to build pricey apartments" — “Ex-[Flemington] councilman admits selling cocaine to undercover cop, gets theft charge dropped” — “West Milford wins case that would have sent $11M to Newark in tax refunds. What happened” — “Family claims [West Milford] school district failed to protect student from bullying” — “In Jersey City, Watterman unveils 4 running mates: one is ex-Fulop opponent Spears” — “Jersey City charter school teacher charged in incident with student” | | | | A message from Health Care Association of New Jersey: Trenton must stop short-changing nursing home residents.
Nursing homes require additional staff, and those staff deserve living wages.
To support more staffing hours, state payment rates need to rise.
State lawmakers and regulators need to stop piling on unfunded mandates that drain critical resources that should instead be spent on hiring more staff and improving care.
If they don’t, more than 9,000 current New Jersey nursing home residents risk losing their homes.
Tell your state lawmakers: The state must invest now in the welfare of its aging senior population.
It’s not a choice, it’s an obligation. | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
— “How a tiny Montclair radio station came to play a continuous loop of one Boyz II Men song" — “N.J. delayed my gender-affirming care, woman says. Now she’s fighting back” — “We’re skipping ‘sham’ Rutgers disciplinary hearings, pro-Palestinian protesters say” — “Dead whale found floating in Delaware Bay near N.J.”
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