"Clean" candidates get almost $3.6 million in state funds

Published August 22nd, 2007 in Star Ledger

Candidates participating in an experimental "clean elections" program have received $3,567,832 in state funding so far, the state Election Law Enforcement Commission announced today.

Young adults lead in lacking healthcare: report

Published August 8th, 2007 in Reuters

Adults aged 19 to 29 are the biggest group of the newly uninsured, according to an independent research group's report released on Wednesday.

Dumont's success story

Published August 2nd, 2007 in Begen Record

However, this is also a story about strength, tenacity and resiliency: three positive traits reflected in the makeup of the community. Dumont should serve as a model as to how both state and municipal government can work together and tackle problems for the common good.

Jersey tries test in clean elections

Published July 29th, 2007 in The Star Ledger

When Assemblyman Bill Baroni ran for re-election in 2005, he raised close to half a million dollars, with three-quarters of that coming from special interests such as unions, corporations and political action committees.

New Commerce Chief to Refocus on Service

Published July 19th, 2007 in Bergen Record

Rose said he picked Drennan, in consultation with Corzine's staff, after seeing him work in the Office of Economic Growth. "Kevin was the perfect choice," Rose said.

Rabner a Good Pick for New Jersey High Court

Published July 17th, 2007 in Philadelphia Inquirer

When Jon Corzine became New Jersey governor in 2006, I felt he made a good move in selecting Stuart Rabner to be his chief counsel. I admired that Rabner did not come from the political system, and would bring a fresh and unique perspective to the job. A year and half later, I still view Rabner, who later became state attorney general, in the same light. I enthusiastically support his move to the state Supreme Court as chief justice.

So Far, Obama Has Been Good For Hillary

Published July 13th, 2007 in New York Observer

Barack Obama’s entry into the presidential race is working out just fine for Hillary Clinton.

Youth won't hurt AG nominee

Published June 4th, 2007 in Star Ledger

He doesn't think that will be the case for Anne Milgram, 36, who is on her way to becoming the second-youngest state attorney general. Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to announce her nomination today, and the state Senate has final approval.

The Unkept Promise on Voting

Published May 16th, 2007 in The New York Times

Congress has done a terrible job of regulating electronic voting: It allowed A.T.M.-style voting machines to proliferate without requiring them to produce a paper trail that can be audited to ensure that the results are accurate. That has meant wasted time and money for the states, confusion for voters, and questionable election results. Fortunately, the nation’s delinquent lawmakers have a chance to set things right — through a bill introduced by Representative Rush Holt, Democrat of New Jersey, that would finally impose a paper trail requirement. There are some details that need fine-tuning, but Congress should move quickly to pass it.

Clinton and Obama Visits Suggest New Clout for Two States

Published May 15th, 2007 in The New York Times

New York and New Jersey have often been bit players in the presidential nominating process, with their primaries typically occurring after the nominees have been settled upon.

But the 2008 campaign may be different, with both states planning to hold their primaries on Feb. 5, when a slew of others, including California and Texas, are also holding theirs.

Booker to Endorse Obama, Calling Him a ‘Voice for Change’

Published May 13th, 2007 in New York Times

Mayor Cory A. Booker of Newark said yesterday that he would endorse Senator Barack Obama for president on Monday.

Mr. Booker’s endorsement is a coup for Mr. Obama. As mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, Mr. Booker is widely considered the most influential black elected official in the state, and his decision ends months of speculation over whether his support would go to Mr. Obama’s rival, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“I think Hillary is an excellent candidate, and I believe the same about a number of Democratic contenders,” Mr. Booker said. “But I really believe Obama has a rare opportunity in our history to be a prophetic voice for change in America. I think after years of America being divided, he has the ability to bring us together around our common ideals and our greatest aspirations.”

Records demanded in college loan probe

Published May 4th, 2007 in Star Ledger

Attorney General Stuart Rabner issued subpoenas yesterday to New Jersey colleges as part of a widespread probe into whether anyone offered the schools illegal inducements or used deceptive practices to steer students to loan lenders.

Hike elections turnout with voting by mail

Published May 1st, 2007 in Bergen Record

It's safe and inexpensive. And it works.

Local school elections were recently held in New Jersey. With little surprise, the turnout was unbelievably low all over the state, with North Jersey being no exception. When all was said and done, Bergen County's 70 towns had a turnout of 15 percent, 72,607 out of 485,106 eligible to vote.

The Widening College Loan Scandal

Published April 24th, 2007 in New York Times

Congress needs to address the college loan scandal that has unfolded since New York’s attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, began to investigate the troubling — and possibly illegal — payments to universities that steer students to so-called preferred lending companies. These kickbacks are part of a wider pattern of shady dealing that, we now find out, reaches into the federal government as well.

Reauthorizing Clean Elections Vital to Reshaping Campaigns

Published March 28th, 2007 in Trenton Times

Two years ago, New Jersey began a revolutionary political experiment with the po tential to root out entirely the cor rupting power that money holds over state legislative campaigns. In establishing the nation's first legislatively enacted system of publicly financed "Clean Elections," New Jersey began a journey to once again make voters, rather than big- money donors, the focus of election campaigns.

ROBERTS: FEDERAL CLEAN ELECTIONS BILL HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR NJ TO CONTINUE PUSH FOR PUBLIC FINANCING

Published March 27th, 2007 in New Jersey General Assembly

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. hailed the recent introduction of federal legislation that would enact a system of Clean Elections in Congressional election campaigns, saying the new bill highlights the need for New Jersey to continue being a leader in promoting publicly financed campaigns.

The Faint Hoofbeats? That’s the Dark Horse

Published January 28th, 2007 in New York Times

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON dashed to Iowa this weekend to hang an open-for-business sign on her new campaign operation. Barack Obama is besieged by admirers begging to join his team. And John Edwards has already dipped his toes into each of Iowa’s 99 counties — and started his second lap.

So is the Democratic stable too full for a dark horse presidential candidate to emerge?

Arlene Quiñones Perez Involved

Published January 27th, 2007 in Star Ledger

The lecture hall at Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics in New Brunswick was packed with students to hear a talk by Maggie Moran, an aide to James McGreevey, who was about to launch his campaign for governor.

Arlene Quiñones Perez was one of those students.

RETURNING TO HOME FRONT

Published January 26th, 2007 in Home News Tribune

JAMESBURG — The military base in Iraq was under attack Tuesday as Carlos Morales sat on an airplane waiting to leave for the last time.

Councilman returns from military combat

Published January 25th, 2007 in Sentinel

JAMESBURG - Francine Morales couldn't go more than a few minutes on the phone this week without another call clicking in or her cell phone ringing.

Everyone wanted to know details of the good news that Francine's husband, Carlos, was finally coming home after a tour of combat with the U.S. Air Force in Baghdad.

Mayor emphasizes his commitment to Carteret

Published January 8th, 2007 in Star Ledger

Daniel Reiman was sworn in yesterday to a second term as Carteret mayor, pledging to focus on quality-of-life issues and continue revitalization projects throughout the borough.

Belmar councilman seeks eminent domain ban

Published January 4th, 2007 in Asbury Park Press

Matthew J. Doherty, who took office Monday, said he wants to calm fears in town that the governing body has a redevelopment agenda broader than current plans to rebuild much of the commercial downtown from Main Street to 10th Avenue.

Muslim mayor avoids mixing politics, religion

Published January 3rd, 2007 in The Record

PROSPECT PARK -- The mayor's voicemail is full of pleas. Two residents want handicapped parking permits. A man who's moved out of state is trying to pay parking tickets. And there's a woman facing eviction.

Panter wants MVC review of lease deal

Published December 29th, 2006 in Asbury Park Press

A Democratic assemblyman from Monmouth County said Thursday he wants Motor Vehicle Commission officials to review the deal in which the MVC will close its Matawan office and relocate to a Hazlet building owned by the county Democratic Party chairman.

A push to reflect a changing Plainfield

Published December 24th, 2006 in Star ledger

Leading up to the election, there was a surge in Latinos registering to vote, he said. That momentum must be maintained, Estevez said. "We'll see in the new year how we can take this growth and translate it into action." When Blanco was elected to the council in 2004, "people started getting a taste of how we could have access into City Hall. All of a sudden we lost that. Latino citizens want that back. We're hearing the message loud and clear."

City middle school gets new principal

Published December 23rd, 2006 in Home News Tribune

Jorge Diaz, a technology specialist at Jose Marti Middle School in Union City and a Carteret councilman, is slated to be principal at Roosevelt Middle School.

Democrats Delay Picking Denver or New York for 2008

Published December 21st, 2006 in New York Times

Democratic Party officials are delaying their decision about where to hold their 2008 presidential nominating convention, a party spokeswoman said yesterday, as negotiations appeared to hit snags with both competing cities, Denver and New York.

Early 'Maybe' From Obama Jolts '08 Field

Published December 4th, 2006 in New York Times

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 — Senator Barack Obama’s announcement that he might run for president is altering the early dynamics of the 2008 Democratic nominating contest. The move has created complications for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as she steps up her own preparations and is posing a threat to lesser-known Democrats trying to position themselves as alternatives to Mrs. Clinton, Democrats said Sunday.

Young generation piles up debt

Published November 29th, 2006 in Home News Tribune

Dan Ramey, 25, a graphic artist, has one credit card that's maxed out at a low balance of $1,000, but otherwise he's got it together financially, he said recently.

Lack of women in office unfair, embarrassing

Published November 17th, 2006 in Home News Tribune Online

There was a day when New Jersey was a trend-setter in promoting women to high elective office. Sadly, such is no longer the case. In fact, one can fairly say that the Garden State's rough treatment of female political candidates in recent decades has become something of a national embarrassment, compared to what has happened in other corners of the country.

Holt pushes bill for paper trail to verify voting

Published November 16th, 2006 in Star Ledger

WASHINGTON -- Citing the disputed vote in a Florida congressional district, Rep. Rush Holt (D- 12th Dist.) yesterday urged Congress to approve his measure re quiring a paper trail for electronic voting.

Women Democrats are Seizing the Day

Published November 5th, 2006 in Star Ledger

As the Middlesex County's Democratic organization continues to deal with the fallout from power broker John Lynch's guilty plea on federal corruption charges, women in the local party see the change in leadership as an opportunity.

Democrats 2000 Pushes for Support of Young Democrats Running in Key Campaigns

Published October 25th, 2006 in Democrats 2000 Press Release

Jamesburg, NJ -In the final two-week homestretch of Election Season 2006, Democrats 2000, the state’s largest network of professional democrats under age 40, released its annual “Recommended List” to highlight younger generation candidates seeking election at all levels of New Jersey government.

The Inside Agitator

Published October 11th, 2006 in New York Times Magazine

Not all states are equal on an election map...

Freeholder candidate gets a Giant boost

Published October 3rd, 2006 in The Herald News

PATERSON -- Passaic County Democratic freeholder candidate Tahesha Way might be tempted to say she is running with the "Big Blue" party after members of the New York Giants came out in support of her campaign on Monday.

The Elephant Out of the Room

Published September 3rd, 2006 in The New York Times

IT is hard being a Republican in New Jersey today. The state government is dominated by Democrats, New Jersey hasn’t elected a Republican to the United States Senate in more than three decades and 1988 was the last time the Republican candidate for president managed to win the state.

Democrats' Stock Is Rising on K Street

Published August 17th, 2006 in The Washington Post

Washington lobbying firms, trade associations and corporate offices are moving to hire more well-connected Democrats in response to rising prospects that the opposition party will wrest control of at least one chamber of Congress from Republicans in the November elections.
In what lobbyists are calling a harbinger of possible upheaval on Capitol Hill, many who make a living influencing government have gone from mostly shunning Democrats to aggressively recruiting them as lobbyists over the past six months or so.

How to Grow a Democratic Majority

Published June 3rd, 2006 in The New York Times

RECENTLY, an internal disagreement in the Democratic Party made headlines. That probably sounds familiar, since disagreements over party strategy are nothing new in the Democratic Party.

Muslim Staff Members on Mission to Educate Congress

Published June 3rd, 2006 in The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The moment Nayyera Haq decided that she could no longer stay quiet as a Muslim on Capitol Hill came last summer when Representative Tom Tancredo talked about bombing Mecca .

House Call for Ballot

Published April 15th, 2006 in The Jersey Journal

Moved to action by a story in The Jersey Journal about a disabled Kearny resident who received an absentee ballot envelope without a ballot from his office, Hudson County Clerk Javier Inclán made a special house call today.

FEC Rules Exempt Blogs From Internet Political Limits

Published March 28th, 2006 in The Washington Post

In a unanimous vote yesterday, the Federal Election Commission left unregulated almost all political activity on the Internet except for paid political advertisements. Campaigns buying such ads will have to use money raised under the limits of current federal campaign law.

Spending Measure Not a Law, Suit Says

Published March 22nd, 2006 in The Washington Post

For anyone who took fifth-grade social studies or sang "I'm Just a Bill," how legislation turns to law always seemed pretty simple: The House passes a bill, the Senate passes the same bill, the president signs it.

Driven to Success

Published February 28th, 2006 in The New York Times

TRENTON, Feb. 27 — Of all the jobs in New Jersey politics, one of the most demanding may well be the position of personal driver — the behind-the-wheel assistant who must deliver the candidate on time and without incident to Main Street parades, chicken dinner fund-raisers, back-room meetings and other stops in between.

County Dems tout long-term focus as element for success

Published February 19th, 2006 in The Courier News

Outnumbered and underfunded, Somerset County's Democratic Party describes recent successes as proof that, although slowly, it is improving its foundation for long-term success.

RELEASE: DEMOCRATS 2000 NEWARK BEARS GAME

Published July 26th, 2005 in Democrats 2000

Democrats 2000 was proud to honor County Executives Joe DiVincenzo, Tom DeGise and Dennis McNerney at an event at the Bears and Eagles Stadium in Newark. More than 100 members and supporters participated in this event, braving the near 100 degree temperatures.

RELEASE: DEMOCRATS 2000 CAMDEN RIVERSHARKS GAME

Published July 20th, 2005 in Democrats 2000

More than 75 people joined Democrats 2000 as we honored Senator Jon Adler at Campbell's Field in Camden. Special thanks to Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts, Assemblyman Lou Greenwald, Camden County Freeholder Director Lou Capelli for attending the for their sponsorships, support and attendance at the event.

RELEASE: DEMOCRATS 2000 TRENTON THUNDER GAME

Published July 1st, 2005 in Democrats 2000

More than 75 people gathered at Trenton Thunder Stadium on June 13 th for the first of three Democrats 2000 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' events scheduled for 2005. Co-hosted by Assembly Speaker Albio Sires and Majority Leader Joe Roberts, this event raised nearly $15,000 for young candidates seeking office at the local, county and state level in November's general elections.

Campos to be Hoboken's Youngest Council President

Published June 30th, 2005 in The Jersey Journal

HOBOKEN - Fourth Ward Councilman Christopher Campos is poised to become the youngest City Council president in the history of the Mile Square City.

Former President: Find some way to serve

Published April 14th, 2005 in The Star Ledger

Former President Bill Clinton told students, faculty members and others at Drew University last night the country should spend more time helping people at home and abroad.

RELEASE : DEMOCRATS 2000 HOLDS CENTRAL JERSEY KICK-OFF

Published March 23rd, 2005 in Democrats 2000

Nearly 75 members and supporters braved an early spring snowstorm to attend Democrats 2000's Central Jersey Caucus Kick-Off Wednesday night in Union. The cocktail reception held at 22 West honored 2004 "Recommended" Candidate and Roselle Councilman Jamel Holley and raised more than $4,000 which will be used to support young candidates running for office and to get more young professionals involved in the Democratic Party.

Dems urge 'Silent 7' to speak up on Social Security

Published March 4th, 2005 in The Trentonian

The Democrats dubbed the GOP candidates the "Silent 7" for so far keeping quiet on President George Bush's proposal to take money from Social Security to create private investment accounts for workers.

Codey picks "sprawl czar" for smart growth

Published February 9th, 2005 in The Star Ledger

Acting Gov. Richard Codey tapped legislative staffer Patrick Gillespie as the state's powerful new "sprawl czar" yesterday, empowering him to push development projects into fruition.

Mayor sees progress on Carteret's horizon

Published February 3rd, 2005 in The Star Ledger

Carteret Mayor Daniel Reiman told more than 100 residents, borough employees and dignitaries that 2004 was a very good year for the northern Middlesex County borough, but 2005 will be even better.

Ex-reporter takes post with Dems

Published February 2nd, 2005 in Express Times

BELVIDERE -- A former Express-Times reporter is the new executive director of Warren County 's Democratic party.

RELEASE: DEMOCRATS 2000 TAKE HOBOKEN

Published January 24th, 2005 in Democrats 2000

Hoboken, N.J. – Just weeks into 2005, Democrats 2000 stormed into Hoboken on Thursday night, January 20, to launch their year-long efforts advancing the campaigns of younger generation Democrats. The gathering, which was attended by more than 100 people, was New Jersey’s only counter-inaugural event specifically for young, professional Democrats.

RELEASE: DEMOCRATS 2000 CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS

Published December 29th, 2004 in Democrats 2000

More than 150 members of Democrats 2000 came together on December 8 to celebrate the holiday season at New Brunswick-based Tumulty's Pub. Through the generosity of attendees, children’s toys and gifts were collected and donated to Grace Worship Center for distribution to underprivileged families who live in the New Brunswick area.

RELEASE: Escape From New York

Published August 30th, 2004 in Democrats 2000

Democrats 2000's 'Escape From New York' event attracted over 350 guests and raised nearly $40,000 which will be used to help elect Younger Generation Democrats at the local, county, state and federal levels throughout New Jersey. The event was held at Oddfellow's Rest in Hoboken on Monday, August 30, the first night of the Republican National Convention in New York City.