| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good Friday morning! It’s the final weekend before the election, so let’s take stock of where we are. Donald Trump’s most ardent backers insist New Jersey is in play. I’m pretty sure I heard Trump allude to making a play for New York and New Jersey in 2016 and 2020. Of course, he lost by double digits both times. Is this year any different? I don’t see why it should be. I’m not going to try to predict the outcome of the presidential race nationally, which polls tell us is pretty much tied. But here in New Jersey, all signs point to a status quo election. A recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll put Kamala Harris up over Donald Trump by 20 points. That’s a bigger margin than Democrats have won New Jersey in every recent presidential election, but not by much. I won’t be surprised if their margin is a little lower. And as I explained yesterday, Elon Musk’s misleading tweet about Republicans having a slight edge in the early in-person vote ignores Democrats’ massive lead in vote-by-mail ballots. Statewide, three recent polls show Andy Kim with a big lead over Republican Curtis Bashaw, notwithstanding a Bashaw internal poll from August that showed a closer race. Bashaw is independently wealthy but hasn’t turned that into a fundraising advantage against Kim. And Kim’s favorables are off the charts — at least to voters familiar with him. That leaves us one truly competitive major race: Tom Kean Jr. vs. Sue Altman. This one is probably too close to call, but I’d give Kean the edge based on the makeup of the district and the financial advantage he’s had through most of the campaign thanks to help from national Republicans and Musk’s super PAC. But all that spending is just working around the edges of the national political environment. This race will probably largely hinge on the top of the ticket. And if those Eagleton numbers prove prescient and Harris carries New Jersey by 20 points instead of the mid-double digits like Democrats have the last two presidential elections, Kean is in trouble. Early voting numbers in the district as of Tuesday (mail and in-person combined): 62,053 Democrats, 54,211 Republicans to 35,187 unaffiliated. Those are my thoughts. I’d be happy to read yours. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "And by the way, Elon Musk is really creepy … I wouldn't let my best friend date Elon Musk, let alone let him buy our elections." — Democratic congressional candidate Sue Altman, whose opponent Tom Kean is being helped by about $1.5 million from Musk’s super PAC. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Michael Torrissi, Amanda Davila, Kevin McArdle, Samantha DeAlmeida, Brendan Sciarra. Saturday for Crystal Pruitt. Sunday for John Catalano, Rocco Mazza, Jim Kostopli WHERE’S MURPHY? Monmouth Battlefield State Park at 11 a.m. to launch New Jersey’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution | | | | A message from Amazon: Energy drink company NOOMA turned to Amazon when it was looking to grow. NOOMA uses Amazon tools like Fulfillment by Amazon to help with shipping products. “The great thing about Amazon is it’s a la carte, it's easy to pick what works best for us,” said Jarred Smith, co-founder of NOOMA. Discover more. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
DR. NO MEANS NO — “The business of hate: How far-right activists rose from obscurity to become major players in N.J. politics,” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates and Spencer Kent: “Dr. “Stephen Soloway sits in a book-lined office in front of a screen, taping yet another interview with grassroots right-wing media. This time, the host is a Rumble producer from Hackensack. Soloway, as he does in so many of his appearances, mixes self-promotion with red meat … Among New Jersey political insiders, Soloway is hardly a household name. His inflammatory rhetoric falls well outside the moderate GOP messaging that has long dominated the party in New Jersey. But he is among a professional class of influential right-wing activists who have emerged here, remaking themselves as fearmongers to raise money, galvanize a grassroots base and promote themselves — all while promising to transform a deep blue state in their crimson red image … ‘Everyone’s a racist,’ Soloway said in a November 2022 interview on WSMN radio in Manchester, New Hampshire. ‘If you don’t agree with the leftists, you’re a racist. If you look at a woman sideways and she’s a leftist, you’re a rapist too. You’re everything.’ Six months later, Soloway was sued in Superior Court in Cumberland County for sexual harassment. The allegations were made by a registered nurse who worked for Soloway for nine months in 2021. During that time, the suit charged, Soloway repeatedly pressured her to enter into a romantic relationship with him, made crude sexual comments to her and, on two occasions, touched her thigh and moved his hand toward her lap before she intervened. The nurse, who is of mixed race, said other employees told her, ‘Dr. Soloway loves his dark skin girls,’ according to the suit.”
AN UN-AUTH-ORIZED CAMPAIGN — Frank Pallotta eyes 2025 Statehouse run , by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: Frank Pallotta, the Republican nominee for a blue-leaning House seat the last two election cycles, is now setting his sights on Trenton. The former investment banker from Mahwah said he's formed an exploratory committee that will position him to challenge 10-year incumbent Republican Bob Auth for the Assembly seat in Bergen County's 39th Legislative District. The district "needs a representative who understands the needs of our community, not someone coasting on tenure," Pallotta said in a statement to POLITICO. "If this is what Assemblyman Auth calls 'politics as usual', it’s time for a change." — McDonald: “New Jersey media’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day” — “ Decline of NJ’s local news outlets felt far and wide” — “ Nearly every N.J. county clerk has reached settlement agreement in county line case” — “N.J. troopers broke woman’s leg by slamming car door during arrest, lawsuit says” — “Double-digit returns for major NJ public-worker pension fund” — “ Fight brewing over new state rule to cut ‘dirty diesel’ truck emissions” — "Renewed relief bill for Ida survivors now law in NJ " | | | BIDEN TIME | |
IN IT TO UYEN IT — “ New Jersey voters with swing-state envy are knocking on doors in Pa.’s ‘Trump alley’,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Amy S. Rosenberg: “New Jersey Democrats … are finding their purpose in Pennsylvania, mostly through knocking on doors. They’re driving themselves over and back, sometimes staying for a few days or a month, or boarding multiple buses, most recently arranged by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone. ‘To me, Trump is a clear and present danger to my country,’ said Ben Forest of Red Bank. ‘If I want to do anything to serve my country, this is the time.’ Forest has been coming to Pennsylvania several times a week. He would prefer to be canvassing out of New Jersey, or that the national vote was a popular vote, not an electoral one, and his vote would matter as much as those in his neighboring state. But he says he has found deep meaning in Pennsylvania, with its ties to New Jersey … Uyen Khuong, the founder of Action Together New Jersey, has relocated to the commonwealth for a month to oversee canvassing efforts. She is working out of a six-bedroom ski chalet loaned by a friend, and has coordinated upward of 800 door-knockers. ‘We house volunteers from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, California, and New Jersey of course,’ she said. ‘If you’re here to do the work, we all stay here. We have dinners together. I have made pho here three times.’ They launch most weekends out of the basement of the Tandoor Palace a few miles from the Camelback Ski Resort. ‘Democracy happens in the basement of a Tandoor Palace in Tannersville,’ Khuong said.”
— “Is Kean ‘extreme’? Is Altman ‘radical’ — fact-checking the claims” — “The 2024 New Jersey Globe Voter’s Guide” — Snowflack: “ Hey conservatives, Bashaw is all right” | | | | A message from Amazon:   | | | | | LOCAL | |
THEY HAD THE INSPIRATION BUT THEY COULDN’T DEAL WITH THE POLITICAL PERSPIRATION — ”One of N.J.’s largest school districts [Edison] decides to keep transgender policy after 7-hour meeting ,” by NJ Advance Media’s Tina Kelley: “One of New Jersey’s largest school districts will keep a policy that protects the privacy of transgender students after its school board previously voted to drop it. The Edison school board reaffirmed its transgender policy in a seven-hour meeting Tuesday night that drew lengthy public comments from both advocates of LGBTQ+ rights and parents rights. The school board, which oversees the state’s fifth-largest district, drew criticism after its Sept. 30 vote to rescind Policy 5756. The policy says school staff are not required to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender in school … The Edison school board took its September vote to drop the policy without listing the issue on its public agenda, and without allowing any public comment … This time, multiple people spoke in favor of keeping the policy during the public comment portion of the meeting.”
TOMS RIVEN — “Toms River Regional stares into school budget crisis abyss: Who will voters choose to lead? ” by The Asbury Park Press’ Jean Mikle: “An ongoing budget crisis and charges of political interference have dominated this year's election for a pair of three-year terms representing Toms River on the Toms River Regional Board of Education. Two candidates are also seeking one open seat representing South Toms River on the nine-member regional board. Toms River Regional schools have about 14,500 students and 18 school buildings. Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick, who is supporting school board candidates Maria Matarazzo and Diane Oxley, charged the school district and Superintendent Mike Citta with trying to ‘interfere’ in both the Board of Education and Township Council elections, while Citta countered that Rodrick is spreading false information and taking sides in what is supposed to be a non-partisan election.” DON’T BE STUPID, BE A SMARTY, COME AND CELEBRATE DIWALI! — “ A Facebook post on the meaning of a swastika blew up in this North Jersey town. Here's why,” by The Record’s Ricardo Kaulessar: “After the Montville Township Police Department received a few phone calls about swastika sightings in October, it posted on Facebook to explain why. The reason? Diwali. ‘With Diwali coming up this October, I want the residents and citizens to be aware that a common symbol of this holiday is a Diwali swastika,’ the Oct. 16 post read … The swastika is the ancient East Asian symbol appropriated as the emblem of the Nazi Party in Germany in the 1920s … Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano said in an interview with NorthJersey.com that the post came about after the police got several recent phone calls reporting swastikas.” IT’LL BE FUN LIKE DURING SANDY — “Hoboken PATH station will be closed for most of February, Port Authority says,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “The Hoboken PATH station will be closed from 1:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 30th until 5 a.m. Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 ‘for significant track and station upgrades’ as part of their two-year $330 million PATH Forward program, the Port Authority said. ‘This closure will undoubtedly pose challenges for Hoboken riders, and we recognize the impact it will have on their daily routines,’ Port Authority Chair Kevin O’Toole said in a statement … Former 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco slammed Hoboken City Hall after his successor, Paul Presinzano, announced the upcoming PATH closure on X.” LITTLE ACZAR’S — “New 'homelessness czar' for Atlantic City seeks to streamline services, promote homeownership,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “The city is getting some help addressing homelessness — a tough problem that has persisted for decades in spite of the efforts of dozens of nonprofits and government agencies. The state Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Homelessness Prevention has hired city resident Debra Evora White, who has a background in community building and promoting homeownership, to be a special adviser to the city on the issue. ‘All roads led to working on homelessness in one shape or form,’ White said of her background. Her previous job was director of business services for the Chelsea Economic Development Corp.” PALMER HAS A REALLY BIG, UH, PROBLEM — “N.J. mayor ‘weaponized’ internal affairs against police chief, lawsuit says,” by NJ Advance Media’s Anthony G. Attrino: “A police chief suspended from his duties in a Middlesex County borough filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the mayor and other officials, alleging harassment, retaliation, and violations of his rights. Philip Corbisiero, the police chief of Spotswood, claims in court papers that Mayor Jacqueline Palmer, who took office in January 2021, has a pattern of interfering in police department matters. The complaint states Palmer’s administration 'weaponized' internal affairs procedures, creating a work environment where certain officers were reportedly penalized or pressured based on Palmer’s personal views.” HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER TO BECOME PAPER OF RECORD FOR LEGAL ADS — “Jersey City could lower the voting age for municipal, school board elections to 16,” by The Jersey Journal’s Ron Zeitlinger: “Two Jersey City mayoral candidates are working together on legislation that would make the city the first in the state to lower the voting age for municipal elections to 16. Former city school board President Mussab Ali and City Council President Joyce Watterman Wednesday unveiled their plan outside City Hall prior to the City Council meeting. The press conference and rally included dozens of student members of Vote@16 Jersey City, who held signs with messages like ‘Young, Engaged and Ready 4 Change.’” — “ Protesters told to put signs away as Burlington officials celebrate shelter groundbreaking” — “ Jersey City school district’s acting business administrator resigns on same night new $216K contract OK’d” — “Despite objections, plans to demolish a dam and drain this 19th century [Gloucester County] lake move ahead” — “Scotch Plains mayor facing two challengers for reelection. Here's a look at the candidates” — “ Famularo calls GOP threat to dissolve ACUA ‘political stunt’” R.I.P. — “Former Jersey Journal publisher Scott Ring dies ” | | | | A message from Amazon: NOOMA ships their product using Fulfillment by Amazon, which costs 70% less on average than comparable two-day shipping options, to help fuel their growth.
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A FOWL SPORT — “Mike Tyson, Marlon Brando, G.I. Joe: The old-world art of pigeon racing,” by The New York Times’ Tracey Tully: “At the Lyndhurst Homing Pigeon Club, it is said that all members are friends until race day. That’s when bragging rights and the potential for thousands of dollars in prize money unleash a fierce competitive streak. And on a recent Saturday night, the first race of a new season was hours away. Joe Esteves, the club’s president, toted a crate holding 25 pigeons into the clubhouse on the outskirts of the working-class township of Lyndhurst, N.J., 11 miles west of Manhattan. Each of the birds had been raised from birth for the obscure yet centuries-old pastime of pigeon racing. And while the first race of the pigeons’ lives would be a 100-mile sprint, the margin of victory could be a matter of seconds … Similar scenes were playing out that night in the more than two dozen homing pigeon clubs that still operate in New Jersey … In recent years, dwindling open spaces and fast-fading traditions have winnowed the field of participants, threatening a pursuit that can trace its roots to ancient Egypt. Animal rights activists, who consider the races abusive and unethical, say good riddance.”
— “ Montclair State changes protest policy after complaints it was 'excessive'” — “Rutgers hires search firm to find ‘dynamic’ new president ” — “Meet North Jersey's 'Forrest Gump.' NYC will be Montville man's 150th marathon” — “Severe drought spreads to 11 N.J. counties as record-breaking dry streak lingers” TWEET OF THE DAY: “After Camden County is created from parts of Gloucester County in 1844, we will later create a city called Gloucester City.” “Sir, and will Gloucester City be in Gloucester County?” “No. It will be in Camden County. But there will also remain a township called Gloucester Township.” “Sir, will that stay in Gloucester County?” “No. It will be in Camden County.” — Assemblymember Bill Moen’s spin on the SNL George Washington sketch | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
