| | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Working New Jersey | Good Monday morning! If there’s anyone who could be considered a frontrunner in the Democratic gubernatorial race, it’s Mikie Sherrill. So I thought going into the first Democratic gubernatorial debate Sunday night that the five other candidates on stage might go after Sherrill. That didn’t happen. In fact, the person who got most bludgeoned at the debate is one of the few New Jersey citizens over 30 not eligible to run this year: Phil Murphy. Joey Fox, reporter for New Jersey Globe — which hosted the debate at Rider — asked the candidates to grade Murphy’s performance. No one gave him higher than a B+. That was Ras Baraka. The lowest was a C-, from Steve Fulop. Even Sean Spiller, president of the NJEA, which has had a particularly tight relationship with Murphy, just gave him a “C+, maybe a B.” It was like they were looking at my middle-school report cards. The candidates tended to praise Murphy for fully funding the pension system while faulting him for the state of delay-plagued NJ Transit. Fulop faulted Murphy for not being bold enough, arguing that even though some progressive policies happened in his administration, like weed legalization (through a referendum) and $15-plus an hour minimum wage, New Jersey was “late to the party” compared to other Democratic states. “I would say that while we beat up on Gov. Murphy here, most of the things he’s done have been difficult to do in prior administrations,” Baraka responded. It was a two-hour debate, and it covered a lot of ground. The candidates rarely went after each other by name. Fighting Trump administration policies was mentioned a lot, but it didn’t dominate the discussion. Steve Sweeney seemed most comfortable with policy details, showing his long experience in as a former Senate president. At one point Sweeney talked about writing legislation on reverse auctions on PBMs (forcing me to google that to figure out he was talking about pharmacy benefit managers). Baraka tended to have the best lines, especially when he suggested the others were cowering on trans issues. “You should check their votes and see if they [stood up for trans people] or not. That’s the way you really can tell. I mean, everyone is gonna say 'yeah' when we’re up on this panel,” Baraka said, though he didn’t say what votes he was referring to. “When we have our transgender rally, I'm going to invite them all to be there and support transgender in public, on Main Street, not just at the Globe debate,” he said. One interesting disagreement came in response to a question of whether governors should continue to respect the unwritten rule on partisan balance for the state Supreme Court, in which no more than four of the seven members belong to one party. Fulop and Baraka want to blow it up, considering it decorum that just puts Democrats at a disadvantage to more ruthless Republicans despite New Jersey’s Democratic tilt. Sweeney and Sherrill want to keep the system in place. “Democrats need to fight and have a tenacity to show a backbone. The Republicans don’t play by those rules,” Fulop said. “If (New Jersey) becomes red, do you think the Republicans are going to say ‘well, this is the way it’s been historically.'” Sweeney noted he fought former Gov. Chris Christie “to the death” on Supreme Court partisan balance and noted how bipartisan it is, with most of its decisions unanimous. Sherrill said she’s learned from serving in the House that Washington isn’t a good example. “I come from a place that has gotten so partisan that it is almost impossible at different times to reach across the aisle and come to deals,” she said, while also, without prompting, backing another unwritten rule: senatorial courtesy. While New York City’s congestion pricing has been one of New Jersey’s top political stories, Josh Gottheimer was the only candidate to mention it, saying “we’ve got to stand up to NY and their outrageous congestion tax." The Republican debate will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m. WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Jeff Giertz, Bert Lopez, Tayfun Selen, one of my two Uncle Bills QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Chris Christie? The guy, he's going big, huh? It's not just time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee, it's time for traffic problems in Teaneck and Tenafly. It's time for traffic problems in Weehawken and West New York. It's time for traffic problems in Hoboken and Ho-Ho-Kus. Thank you, Chris Christie, for that hair-raising insight.” — MTA CEO Janno Lieber, on Christie’s advice about how New Jersey should have fought congestion pricing, via Ry Rivard TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com | | | | A message from Working New Jersey: Sean Spiller is the only candidate for New Jersey Governor with a statewide track record of defending our economic interests. As Governor, he'll stand up to MAGA extremists and fight for an economy that works for all working families. Support Sean Spiller for Governor. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
R.I.P. — “The Star-Ledger chased the biggest stories, investigations and work that resonated,” by NJ Advance Media’s Ted Sherman: “The news from Seton Hall University in South Orange that morning was grim. Three students were dead in a pre-dawn dormitory fire and dozens seriously hurt, several suffering life-threatening burns. With firefighters still on the locked-down campus, editors in the newsroom of The Star-Ledger raced to deploy a team of reporters on a cold January day some 25 years ago, responding to what could only be imagined as every parent’s worst nightmare. How could this happen? And why? Covering the big stories — sometimes on deadline, others in deeply reported investigative stories — was long part of the DNA of New Jersey’s largest daily newspaper, which offered a unique window that enabled readers to look out not only over their own backyards but to the world far beyond. Last night was the last deadline for the print version of The Star-Ledger, which took readers through major wars; told stories of train crashes and aviation disasters; exposed power and corruption and backroom political deals; and reported on unspeakable crimes.” — “Lights out: A final word from N.J.’s only editorial board” — “Two former editors reflect on The Star-Ledger’s history, its legacy and the days they’ll never forget” — “A Sopranos tribute to the Star Ledger on their last day in print” — “What The Journal stood for: The good fight will continue | Jersey Journal editorial” — “The voice of Hudson for 157 years: Looking back at The Journal’s long history” STUDY — Marc Pfeiffer: “The future of New Jersey journalism: Evolution, not extinction” — “Is New Jersey’s groundbreaking tobacco law failing? See the surprising result,” by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “Although New Jersey was the first state in the nation to raise the legal smoking age to 21, nearly half of all minors have been able to buy cigarettes and other nicotine products, a new study co-authored by Rutgers University has found. Underage buyers 18 to 20 years old who assisted the study made nearly 2,700 attempts to purchase tobacco from 70 different convenience stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other retailers in a 25-mile radius from New Brunswick from 2019 to 2022, according to the study. Only 60% of cashiers asked to see the purchaser’s identification, as required by law, and nearly half of the underage customers, 49.5%, succeeding in buying cigarettes and other products, the study found.” THE GRAND OLD GARDEN PARTY — “Two reasons why a Republican could win this year’s race for governor,” by The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran: “Starting next month, I’ll be writing a weekly column on national politics, and leaving New Jersey politics behind after nearly 30 years. So, allow me to offer this final thought: Democrats could lose this coming election for governor if they’re not careful, even though they have the strongest field of candidates I’ve ever seen. One reason is the surprising strength of Donald Trump, even here … On immigration, which may generate more heat than any other issue this year, Jersey voters are open to his spiel … The second reason is the shameless behavior of Democrats in New Jersey in recent years. There is a rot at the core of the party’s establishment that leaves the brand vulnerable.” JUST REARRANGE THE WORDS AND CALL IT ‘STRUT’, AS IN ‘STRUT INTO OFFICE’ — “NJ deserves government we can see and understand. We must build new trust,” by Matt Platkin for Gannett: “I know that, right now, too many in our state feel that the wealthy and well-connected play by a different set of rules. Corruption, when left unchecked, destroys the fundamental agreement between the government and the people we swear an oath to serve. It fosters a cynicism about public servants that is all too pervasive today. And ultimately, it undermines our democracy as a whole. And too often, it has turned New Jersey into a national punchline. But it does not have to be this way. That is why I recently announced a first-of-its-kind commission designed to strengthen the connection between my office and the people of New Jersey. The 13 members of the TRUST — or Transparency and Reliability Uniting to Secure Trust — Commission were specifically chosen for their perspective, expertise and shared commitment to promoting a fair and just system of government.” — “MAGA billionaire Musk’s company PAC gave money to 2 Dems running for N.J. governor” — “Another blow to NJ’s offshore wind industry” — “NJ will combine applications for ANCHOR, StayNJ property tax relief programs” — “New Jersey to require 50 hours of supervised driving for permit holders under 21” — “Senate panel approves school funding overhaul” — Video: “Former Gov. Kean on Trump and the GOP|Chat Box” | | | | A message from Working New Jersey:  
| | | | | TRUMP ERA | |
INTIMIGRATION — “N.J. advocates slam ICE raids, say Trump vilifies immigrants,” by NJ Advance Media’s Ted Sherman: “[T]he message out of the White House is no longer to prioritize the arrests, detentions and deportation of violent criminals as a part of its purge of immigrants. Now, any undocumented immigrant is being cast as a criminal. ‘If you are an individual, a foreign national who illegally enters the United States of America, you are, by definition, a criminal,’ said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt last week … That does in fact mark a major shift, which has been striking no small level of panic in New Jersey’s immigrant enclaves. 'In the past, there was an understanding that it was not feasible and not good policy to deport everyone,’ said Lori A. Nessel, director of Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Clinic at Seton Hall University School of Law. At the same time, Nessel said there was official guidance regarding so-called 'sensitive locations,' that kept ICE agents from going into courts, schools, hospitals to make arrests — a directive thrown out the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration.”
— “This Newark building could house ICE detainees if it reopens after a lawsuit against NJ,” by The Record’s Ricardo Kaulessar: “A pending lawsuit whose outcome could allow a detention center to open in Newark to house ICE detainees has immigrant support groups concerned about the center's management company's track record of preventable detainee deaths and inhumane conditions — and its potential to profit from the mass deportation plan that President Donald Trump has set in motion. Delaney Hall, a detention center surrounded by truck stops and warehouses in an industrial area across from the Essex County Correctional Facility on the outskirts of Newark, once held immigrant detainees — and may soon do so again.” EVERYTHING FINE. JUST PURGING THE PEOPLE WHO INVESTIGATED A COUP ATTEMPT — “Senior FBI official forcefully resisted Trump administration firings,” by NBC News’ Ken Dilanian, Tom Winter, Jonathan Dienst and Ryan J. Reilly: “Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll on Friday refused a Justice Department order that he assist in the firing of agents involved in Jan. 6 riot cases, pushing back so forcefully that some FBI officials feared he would be dismissed, multiple current and former FBI officials told NBC News. The Justice Department ultimately did not dismiss Driscoll, the head of the bureau’s Newark field office who is temporarily serving as its acting director. The Senate is currently considering whether Kash Patel, President Trump's pick for FBI director, should be confirmed … ‘All FBI employees will be protected against political retribution,’ Patel said under oath on Thursday. Just over 24 hours later, Driscoll notified the FBI workforce that he had been ordered to remove eight senior FBI executives by Emil Bove, the acting Deputy Attorney General and Trump’s former personal defense lawyer. Driscoll also said he had been told to turn over the names of every FBI employee involved in investigating Jan. 6 rioters.” — “‘Summer of hell’ Amtrak, NJ Transit problems inspire bills to give commuters refunds” — “Keansburg man ends four years of 'all-consuming' White House job with note for successor” — “Rev. Al Sharpton, N.J. leaders rally at Costco to support its DEI efforts” | | LOCAL | |
MCDEVLIN — “Bob McDevitt promises 'safer, cleaner' Atlantic City in announcing mayoral bid,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s John Russo: "Bob McDevitt has a vision of a safer and cleaner Atlantic City. McDevitt, a former union president who was born in the resort and has lived here most of his life, announced Saturday afternoon his plan to challenge Mayor Marty Small Sr. for the Democratic nomination in this year’s mayoral election. The primary election is scheduled for June 10. ’It’s clear there is a crime problem,' McDevitt said on a windy, sunny day in front of a small crowd on the Boardwalk at California Avenue. 'You cannot walk the streets without looking over your shoulder.' McDevitt was joined by at-large City Council hopefuls John Devlin, a retired police officer and former school board and municipal utility board member, community activist Steve Young and community leader Mohammed Akbar Hussain. All three join McDevitt as staunch critics of the Small administration."
H2 UH OH — “Water utility was cited for 132 pages of violations over 20 years, N.J. consultant finds,” by NJ Advance Media’s Steven Rodas: “New Jersey’s capital city utility has long had a troubled history. This week, just how troubling things have gotten at Trenton Water Works gained new attention after two new independent reports, which combine for more than 300 pages, were released by the state. The latest analysis … highlights that between 2001 (when electronic records first became available) and March 2024, Trenton Water Works’ filtration plant was cited for 132 pages worth of violations.” BRIAN DIBASED — “N.J. cop accused of having sex in front of kids will be fired, police say,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman: “The Hamilton police department in Mercer County said Friday it plans to fire an officer facing child pornography charges after suspending him without pay. Hamilton police officer Brian DiBiasi, 39, and his wife, Elizabeth DiBiasi, 42, who also works in law enforcement in Mercer County, were arrested Wednesday at their home in Hamilton and remain held ahead of a detention hearing next week. The couple are accused of having sex in front of children and recording multiple images and videos of child pornography, authorities said.” CRANBURY BO(N)G — “Cranbury's marijuana company looks to sell legal weed to everyone,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Mike Davis: “One of the state's oldest medical marijuana dispensaries that has long been growing and selling cannabis exclusively to medical marijuana patient is looking to dip its toes in the far more lucrative adult use legal weed market. Breakwater Treatment and Wellness, based in Cranbury, is seeking approval to begin selling legal weed to adult use customers at their satellite dispensary in Roselle Park, according to an agenda posted by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. If approved by the commission, Breakwater would grow cannabis for adult use and manufacture it into products at its Cranbury facilities, but adult use sales are prohibited there by township ordinance.” THIS IS THE KIND OF S**T WHERE MOTHERF***ERS WANNA HAVE A LEGACY — “Fulop delivers 12th and final Jersey City State of the City, lauds progress,” by Hudson County View’s Daniel Ulloa: “Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop delivers his 12th and final State of the City address last night, lauding progress on multiple fronts since he took office in July 2013. ‘In many ways, I feel I’ve grown up in front of you, starting as a councilman at 26 years old,’ Fulop admitted. ‘Over the past 12 years, we have faced together tremendous challenges. We navigated a global pandemic. We endured the largest cut ever imposed by Trenton to any municipality with regards to aid. We weathered hurricanes like Irene in 2021. We experienced a mass shooting. We confronted transit reductions,’ he said regarding his tenure.” — “Paterson city officials issued DUI, suspended license charges in same month” — “EPA 'Finalizes' long-awaited cleanup of Newark's Diamond Alkali Site” — “Camden schools brace for potential ICE operations” — “Commuters adapt to temporary shutdown of Hoboken PATH station” | | | | A message from Working New Jersey: As a former educator and son of immigrants, Sean Spiller knows what working families need and he is the only candidate for New Jersey Governor with a statewide track record of defending our economic interests. As Governor, he'll stand up to MAGA extremists and fight for an economy that works for all working families, not rich corporations. Now more than ever, New Jersey needs a leader who stands for our values. Support Sean Spiller for Governor. | | | | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
HUSTLE & FLUORIDE — “New Jersey dentists advocate for fluoridated water as debate over the chemical continues,” by WHYY’s Zoë Read: “Dr. Elisa Velazquez said the number of young patients she sees with cavities at her Ocean County, New Jersey dental practice is staggering. The dentist is one of several statewide, and across the country, advocating for fluoridated drinking water. About three-quarters of U.S. residents have fluoridated water, which has been shown to reduce cavities. However, most New Jersey residents are not exposed to fluoride in drinking water, and dentists say it’s impacting kids’ health. 'We know statistically that it’s actually one of the most chronic diseases, because cavities are considered a bacterial disease in the nation. And in New Jersey, it really is a significant problem,' Velazquez said.”
A WOLFE IN DOG’S CLOTHING — “Controversial N.J. dog trainer bitten by the state. Her nonprofit was shut down over ‘mind-boggling’ expenses,” by NJ Advance Media’s Rebecca Everett: “A used Lexus. A deposit on a mansion. Clothes, spa services and about $25,000 in personal credit card debt. Oh, and there was that ticket to a Paul McCartney concert. Those were some of the items paid for by Merlin’s Kids, a New Jersey nonprofit that promised to provide service dogs for children and veterans. Over more than a decade, it generated more than $2.5 million in donations, thanks to families who raised as much as $17,000 to bring home what founder Janice Wolfe promised would be a specially trained service dog to help their special needs children. But a judge ordered Merlin’s Kids be shut down Wednesday and barred Wolfe from ever starting another charity or fundraiser in New Jersey after finding she and the nonprofit violated charity laws.” — “Jailed sex offender escapes, N.J. State Police say” — “N.J. ice fishing is making a comeback. But for how long?” | | | | 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 | | | |
