| | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good Thursday morning! That is, if you’re George Norcross and his five co-defendants, who all had the massive corruption indictment against them dismissed by Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw. Warshaw was convinced by the defense arguments that hard-edged business dealings aren’t a crime, especially by someone like Norcross who, though one of the most powerful people in New Jersey, has never held an elected office. It wasn’t close. None of the 13 counts survived Warshaw’s nearly 100-page decision. Attorney General Matt Platkin is already in the process of appealing. But this is a big blow to the political aspirations pretty much everyone involved in New Jersey politics assumes Platkin has. To quote Omar Little from The Wire: “You come at the king, you best not miss.” If you disagree with putting Norcross in the same context as an early 21st century Robin Hood, maybe Machiavelli is more fitting. Norcross isn’t at the pinnacle of his power, but he’s still formidable and the decline has been due to political realignment, not this case. Now the Norcross defense team is trying to turn the table on Platkin — and putting things on it. During a Zoom press conference Wednesday, eight defense lawyers in the case spent an hour savaging Platkin, mocking him for not holding a press conference about the dismissal like he did in June when he announced the indictment. Norcross’ attorney, Michael Critchley, even said a civil lawsuit was “on the table.” “Did I miss the press conference today by Mr. Platkin? Because now, there’s nothing but silence. But he did a lot of damage to people: professionally, financially, to their families, to their wives, to their children, and there must be redress from that. He cannot just walk away from his conduct,” he said. “The indictment was undeniably the product of naked political ambition,” Kevin Marino, attorney for Norcross’ brother and co-defendant Phil, said on the call. “[Platkin] should step down and grow up.” I asked Platkin’s office for comment. “These baseless threats by defense counsel merit no response,” he said. “His decision was not simply wrong, but without precedent: no one has identified a single case in which a judge granted a motion to dismiss like this one, without even reviewing the months of evidence on which the grand jury relied. If allowed to stand, this decision would send a message to every resident of our State that there are two systems of criminal justice — one for the absolute most wealthy and well-connected few, and one for everyone else. We have already filed our notice of appeal and look forward to presenting our case to the Appellate Division.” It wasn’t limited to the lawyers. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh told me he thinks Platkin should resign. Sayegh has been critical of Platkin’s decision to take over his city’s trouble police department. “Incompetence comes at a cost. It’s the taxpayers of New Jersey who have to foot the bill,” Sayegh said, noting the Appellate Division’s decision that Platkin had overstepped his authority in taking over the Paterson PD and his office’s collapsed shooting case against a Paterson cop. (Sayegh told me he’s never met Norcross). State Sen. Joe Cryan, a frequent Platkin critic not known as a Norcross ally, called the dismissal “the latest embarrassing black eye for the [Attorney General’s] Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.” Read more about it here. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: William Spearman, Jackie Cornell, Joe Egan, Patrick McCarthy, Vik Rupani WHERE’S MURPHY? Leaving New Jersey until Monday. Acting Gov. Tahesha Way will be in Clark at 10 a.m. for a grand opening ceremony and in Fair Lawn at 7:30 p.m. for a swearing-in. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “...” — Jack Ciattarelli, Bill Spadea and Ras Baraka on the Norcross dismissal TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com
| | | | A message from Uber: Uber Expands Safety Features. New Jersey residents can ride with ease thanks to safety features in the Uber app. Riders can share their trips with loved ones and reach 911 directly through the app. Plus, Uber's RideCheck feature automatically checks in case something may be wrong. Learn about Uber's commitment to safety. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
EXTREMIST PARTY VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHT FOR FISSION VOTING — New Jersey's Moderate Party vows to continue legal fight over fusion voting, by POLITICO's Madison Fernandez: The New Jersey Moderate Party is planning to appeal a Wednesday decision from an appellate panel that upholds state law prohibiting candidates from appearing multiple times on the ballot with different party affiliations for the same office, also known as fusion voting. It’s the latest blow in a long-running saga for the minor political party, which was founded by allies of Democratic former Rep. Tom Malinowski as he ran for reelection in 2022. The state Superior Court’s appellate division heard arguments over the case in December — two years after Malinowksi lost his bid to Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. “Appellants and amici argue that there are strong public policy interests supporting fusion voting,” Judge Robert Gilson wrote in the decision. “They contend that anti-fusion statutes help to perpetuate the two-party system. They also argue that minority parties can help to balance political divisiveness and reduce threats to our democratic system of government. Many people considering those arguments may find them compelling’. But those arguments, he said, ‘do not support declaring” the law unconstitutional.’”
I NEED TP FOR MY BUDGET HOLE! — “Raising taxes? As Trump rages and affordability rules NJ politics? Really?” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “Any time a Democratic governor of New Jersey talks about raising taxes, the ghost of Gov. Jim Florio’s tax hike of 1990 is summoned from the party’s political graveyard. … The planned tax increases in Gov. Phil Murphy’s $58.1 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026 are far smaller in scale. … Yet, it's worth remembering that the rallying cry symbol of Florio’s tax plan was a small item — toilet paper. … One veteran Democratic lobbyist standing in the Assembly chamber minutes before Murphy delivered his final budget address recalled the trauma and seem perplexed that Murphy’s plan calls for a series of blue-collar taxes on bowling alleys, of all places. There may be a legitimate policy rationale for all of them, the lobbyist observed, but: ‘This was not a good time. It has too much of that kind of feel of Florio.’” MISSING THE BUS — “NJ school bus reforms haven't protected kids with disabilities. Mom asks ‘How many more?’,” by The Record’s Gene Myers: “It's been three years since New Jersey lawmakers passed school bus safety legislation, motivated in part by a 2018 highway crash that killed a 10-year-old Paramus girl and her teacher. But the state has been slow to promulgate regulations since, and disability advocates say the changes have mainly focused on the physical condition of vehicles − and not the needs of riders with medical conditions that make them uniquely vulnerable. There's an urgent need for reforms and more accountability, said Paul Aronsohn, the state ombudsman for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. One glaring omission: the bus companies hired for the task don't bear the same legal obligations as school districts. ‘What is really disconcerting and speaks to the main problem here is there seems to be a lack of accountability. No one is responsible for this,’ Aronsohn said.”
| | | | Donald Trump's unprecedented effort to reshape the federal government is consuming Washington. To track this seismic shift, we're relaunching one of our signature newsletters. Sign up to get West Wing Playbook: Remaking Government in your inbox. | | | | | DEMS THE BREAKS — “N.J. Democrats face an identity crisis. Why the party is fractured,” by NJ Advance Media’s Spencer Kent: “Democrats are fractured and suffering from an identity crisis after their devastating showing in November’s election, some political insiders tell NJ Advance Media. As a result, the New Jersey party is trying to figure out its messaging, its tone and even what it stands for as it strategizes to keep Drumthwacket this fall in Gov. Phil Murphy’s final year in office. But it’s clear Democrats are still shaken by President Donald Trump capturing the popular vote — and his surprisingly strong showing in the once solidly blue Garden State. ‘The bottom line is they don’t trust that Democrats can win any seat,’ said a top advisor to a Democratic gubernatorial campaign. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly discuss conversations within the party. ‘And they also think Democrats are weak.’ Behind the scenes, elements of the party are in panic, some say, unsure of itself and its ability to send a clear message on core issues, such as immigration and transgender rights. Others quietly question if it should even stick with those issues.” STACCO— “Sacco backing Tony Hector & Frank Alonso in anticipated Assembly brawl in LD-33,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco will back former Board of Education Trustee Miguel ‘Tony’ Hector and Hudson County Director of Weights and Measures Frank Alonso in the 33rd District Assembly race, the team announced. ‘My campaign for state Assembly is going to be about exposing Brian Stack’s bossism, corruption, waste and endless lust for political power, to protect the taxpayers of North Bergen, Union City, West New York, Gutenberg and Weehawken. We need independent Democrats who will fight for the people, not Boss Stack,’ Hector said in a statement. A North Hudson developer and landlord, Hector also accused Stack of trying to ‘take over’ North Bergen by smearing Sacco and punishing taxpayers in the process.” —“Candidates for New Jersey governor have mixed reactions to the George Norcross dismissal” —“Paterson lawyer to enter 35th District Assembly race, challenging Dem ticket” — “Baraka Names three powerful women, including Regena Thomas, as campaign co-chair” [And Lizette Delgado-Polanco] —Ciattarelli ally plans 'Subscription Sham' legislation in response to Spadea fundraising —“Should cellphones be banned in schools? No way, these N.J. parents say” — “Casino association opposes sports betting and internet gaming tax increase in $58B budget plan” —“NJ school aid destined for big changes?” —Snowflack: “Murphy’s last budget address: A reflection” —“Small business owner joins former Teaneck deputy mayor in LD-37 bid” —Scutari hesitant on higher weed taxes
| | | | A message from Uber:  
| | | | | TRUMP ERA | |
REPRESENTS THE POOREST COUNTY IN NJ —“Van Drew falls in line as House Republicans push through severe budget bill,” by NJ Spotlight News’ Benjamin J. Hulac: “After a frantic day of arm-twisting and vote-watching, the House narrowly adopted a budget plan that could deliver punishing cuts to national social and health programs, including Medicaid, while increasing spending for the Trump administration’s military and immigration objectives. New Jersey’s Republicans in the House — Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd), Chris Smith (R-4th) and Tom Kean (R-7th) — voted for the proposal … Wary of potential deep cuts to Medicaid and how those cuts would land in their home districts, Republicans, including Van Drew, had been unsure how they would vote as of Tuesday evening. … How $880 billion in health cuts could be found without that money coming out of Medicaid seems unclear.”
GOTNOCOMMENTHEIMER — “Gottheimer doesn’t deny that his congressional campaign is funding gubernatorial super PAC,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “Ever since a new super PAC called Affordable New Jersey started spending millions of dollars on ads supporting Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly)’s gubernatorial campaign, speculation has abounded that the PAC’s money is coming from Gottheimer’s own enormous congressional campaign account, which can’t spend directly on a state campaign. Gottheimer isn’t denying it. The New Jersey Globe attempted to ask Gottheimer multiple times – both in person at the Capitol and via his campaign – whether his congressional campaign, which has amassed $20.7 million as of its most recent filing, was sending money to Affordable New Jersey. The congressman steadfastly declined to comment.” —“Richard Barilla, an independent, files to challenge Rep. Rob Menendez in 2026” —“Pro-Trump ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ store shutting down after 3 years in N.J.” —“Trump may use an N.J. military base to detain immigrants. What do the base’s local congressmen think?”
| | | | A message from Uber: Rider safety ensures peace of mind on every trip
Uber's RideCheck feature automatically checks in when something may be wrong. Using GPS and sensors, it detects issues like crashes or long stops — and riders and drivers get notifications to confirm safety or take action, like using the emergency button.
And that's just one of many safety features in the Uber app that riders can count on. Riders can also share their trips with trusted contacts, access safety agents and reach 911 through the app.
Explore more safety features. | | | | | LOCAL | |
STATE FINE FOR EMR FIRES EQUIVALENT TO .00005 PERCENT OF ITS STATE TAX CREDIT — “Camden metal recycler whose fire caused evacuations had a history of violations,” by WHYY’s Sophia Schmidt: “The metal recycling company whose South Camden scrapyard went up in flames Friday, forcing around 100 residents to evacuate, had a history of violations in the city, according to records from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. … ‘It’s been a serious ongoing problem,’ said Kevin Barfield, director of Camden for Clean Air and the former president of the Camden County NAACP. … EMR runs a metal recycling complex along the Delaware River waterfront in South Camden, where the fire took place, as well as a salvaged auto parts store and a scrapyard that buys cars and appliances along I-676 in the city. State environmental officials have cited EMR’s Waterfront South sites for several violations in recent years, according to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection enforcement records. These violations included emitting smoke and air pollutants that could have posed a “potential threat” to public health, operating front-end loaders, claw grabbers and industrial magnets without permits, allowing trucks to idle and otherwise failing to operate equipment in line with permits. In 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection charged EMR a penalty of $9,500 for two fires that occurred in 2020 and 2021 at the company’s Kaighn Avenue facility, where it stores large piles of auto-shredding waste known as ‘fluff.’ The agency later settled the matter with EMR, accepting a lower penalty of $7,600.”
TOMS RIVEN — “Toms River mayor's opponents strike first, name candidates for GOP primary fight,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Jean Mikle: “ A Republican primary battle is shaping up for four ward council seats after Republicans for Toms River, one of the township's two GOP clubs and frequent opponents of the township's mayor, nominated their candidates for the positions Feb. 24. Ward 3 Councilman James Quinlisk and Ward 4 Councilman David Ciccozzi are seeking re-election. They will be joined by Ward 1 candidate Robert Bianchini and Ward 2 candidate Clinton Bradley on the Republicans for Toms River ticket. … Quinlisk and Ciccozzi, allies of [Mo] Hill, the former mayor, have been staunch critics of Rodrick, and are expected to be challenged by candidates who support the mayor. Rodrick's allies on the council — Council President Justin D. Lamb of Ward 1 and Councilman Bill Byrne of Ward 2 — are expected to run.” —“Neighbors angry as ICE arrests owners of popular Jersey Kebab restaurant in [Haddon Township]” —“Levinson optimistic after meeting with DCA commissioner over casino PILOT lawsuit” —“Democratic Margate music educator enters race for at-large Atlantic County commissioner” —“Atlantic City hiring former Pleasantville police Chief Riggin as public safety director” —“Why were geese found dead at a Sayreville park?” —“Bird flu found in live poultry market in [Union County] marking first domestic case” —“[Trenton] pays $100K to settle sexual harassment case” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
KING OF THE HILL OF BEANS — “Controversial Goya Foods boss speaks out after leadership change. ’I will not be silenced,’” by NJ Advance Media’s Murjani Rawls: “The embattled CEO and president of Goya Foods has spoken out following a recent board vote regarding his employment with the company. Robert Unanue, who has led the Jersey City-based Hispanic food brand since 2004 — and later sparked backlash against Goya Foods, following his vocal support of President Donald Trump — said in a Monday press release he’s been “left in limbo” and ‘has no real answers’ after a board vote, which appears to have removed him from his position. In a statement provided to NJ Advance Media Tuesday, a spokesperson for Goya Foods confirmed ‘a change in leadership,’ but would not provide specifics on the company’s ‘internal operations.’ The spokesperson added the change “has absolutely no connection to politics or media appearances.” … While Unanue did not confirm his departure Monday, he seems geared toward an exit from the company. He said he intends to focus on his philanthropic efforts, namely eliminating the child trafficking.”
IF HE GETS A LIGHT SENTENCE, THEY'LL CALL HIM FLIPPER — “Ex-United Airlines employee among 3 convicted in bribery, fraud scheme,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman: “Three men, including a former United Airlines employee, have admitted to a widespread multi-million dollar bribery and fraud scheme at Newark Liberty International Airport. The ex-United employee, Edward Dolphin, influenced which companies received lucrative contracts and was paid $1.6 million in bribes and kickbacks from multiple companies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey said Tuesday. The CEO of one company paid Dolphin nearly $1 million over eight years to win a busing contract.”
| | | | 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 | | | |
