October 24, 2007 - 5:36pm
It's all about Riley in district 8
By Matt FriedmanThe eighth district legislative race was all about Democratic Assembly candidate Tracy Riley today.
In Mount Holly, Riley held a press conference to condemn Republicans for a controversial campaign flyer they had issued. Republicans, in turn, accused Riley of trying to line the pockets of her running mate, Fran Bodine, with a backroom land deal in Mount Laurel, where she serves as a councilwoman.
At the press conference, held in front of the Burlington County office building, Riley condemned her Assembly opponents over a controversial mail piece that featured a picture of masked men carrying automatic rifles in what appears to be a terrorist or paramilitary organization in the Middle-East.
The flyer was based on Riley’s husband’s court-appointed representation of alleged Fort Dix plotter Shain Duka.
“He came to our country illegally. He plotted with other Islamic radicals to kill American soldiers at Fort Dix Now, Tracy Riley’s family’s law firm is defending him… and your tax dollars are paying them to do it,” reads the mailer, which ends with the ominous note “Whose values will she represent in Trenton? Ours? Or theirs?”
Riley had held the mailer up at a debate last weekend, criticizing the Republicans for what she said negative nature of their campaign.
“I just wanted to make it very clear that I was outraged about it, that it was unacceptable and I wanted to the public to understand exactly where I stood in terms of who I would represent in Trenton – that I would always stand up for the honest, hard working taxpayers of Burlington county,” said Riley today in a phone interview.
The controversy began over the summer, when three Republican mayors of towns surrounding Fort Dix wrote a letter to Riley saying that her husband should not defend Duka. The mayors claimed it was a legitimate concern and not a campaign ploy, although they did not ask the Democratic mayor of another neighboring town for input.
Riley, who has been criticized by some Democrats for not getting in front of the issue sooner, wants to draw attention to what she considers an unfair attack.
“In America, our legal system is the cornerstone of our democracy. To trivialize our Constitution and terrorist threats in the name of petty, partisan political gain is truly disgraceful,” said Riley in a press release.
But just after Riley finished her press conference, Riley’s Republican Assembly opponents made an attack of their own, accusing Riley of trying to set up a sweetheart land deal between the city of Mount Laurel and the top of her campaign’s ticket, Assemblyman Fran Bodine.
At issue is a 3.5 acre vacant lot owned by Bodine’s wife, who inherited it from her father. At a town council meeting, Riley suggested that the town might be interested in acquiring it as part of an ongoing program to purchase adjacent open spaces.
“There is a property owned by Fran Bodine’s family across the street that is for sale and we might be interested,” Riley was reported as saying in the minutes of a September 24th Mount Laurel council meeting.
The lot is worth $175,000, according to tax records provided by the Republicans.
“It’s crystal clear that Tracy Riley’s intent was for Mount Laurel taxpayers to foot the bill for the purchase of Bodine’s land, and that Riley was using her elected office to try and make that happen,” said Republican Assembly candidate Scott Rudder in a press release.
Riley said that the council had been talking about acquiring open space. Land acquisition issues had come up at the meeting, and she knew that the lot was for sale by Bodine’s family. She added that she found nothing improper in suggesting it, especially since she made it a point to note that the lot belonged by Bodine’s family.
“I was not advocating or encouraging the township to purchase the property in any way,” said Riley, who said she did not know how large it was or what it was worth. “I was just indicating that it was for sale. I drive past it every day and if the town continues to purchase property that has been adjacent, I brought it to the town council’s attention.”
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Worse everyday
Riley needs to get a grip.
People have made up their minds on her relationship to the Duka case. She claims to only care about the Constitution which is why they took the case. Yet everyday she is claiming an American citizen, Sen. Bark, guilty for something she has never been charged with. Down right hypocritical.
But, the fact she states on record, then confirms to the media, that she wants the town to buy his land is bizarre. Bodine has been using loop holes to take advantage taxpayers everyday. He has scored more than $500K of pension benefits, while continuing to work, that no one other than a legislator can get.
Now, in a blatant conflict of interest, one of Riley's first actions as a newly elected councilwoman is to use taxpayer's dollars to give Bodine even more of our hard earned money!?!?
These abuses must end - and at least in the 8th Dist will. Bye bye.
Good news for the 8th Republicans
While this seems to be a textbook case of two campaigns trading barbs, both developments fall in the favor of the Republicans in this situation. For one, this shady dealing involving Bodine-owned property connects Riley to their former flagship candidate (and present albatross) Francis Bodine. As it has become more and more apparent that it was a mistake running Bodine what with all of his baggage, the 8th dems have done well to separate Ms. Riley from him. This contrived disconnect has been more than satisfactorily undone with the news of Ms. Riley's comments during a closed door meeting.The terrorist mailer, for all the outrage it provoked, has revealed much about the 8th Dems' campaign. The funny thing about this sort of manufactured outrage is how fast it dissipates. It has them holding press conferences over a mailer. Not about a pressing policy issue, but about a mailer that came out a week ago. Most of them have already completed their final journey to the landfill. At best, the Dems are now officially off message; at worst, they are running candidates completely devoid of substance that have nothing else to talk about except mailers that most people throw in the trash anyway.
If only...
If only Addiego had been this vigilant while she was a freeholder (along with Haines) or during her tenure on the Evesham Board, then perhaps she could have done something about the Indian Springs Country Club scandal (where her own family was hired)... If only Addiego hadn't borrowed from open space funds to pay for this nepotistic country club gig...If only she had renewed her law license and paid off her tax liens...If only she had decided to challenge Boss Paulsen when she served on the Evesham Township Committee and continued the practice of hiring Boss Paulsen's son's company, UBS PaineWebber..
If only Rudder had been more vigilant about political contributions from Lockheed Martin, which he worked for, and how that influenced township and county proceedings...If only he had asked his father to help facilitate the hiring of Martha "no-show, non-job" Bark at BCIT...
If only Haines had remembered that he received income from his law practice in 2006 while serving as county clerk and possbly directing public contracts to some of his private clients, then he wouldn't have an ethics complaint filed against him... If only Haines bothered to answer the public's questions at the recent candidate forum, then maybe politcsnj wouldn't have named him loser of the week.
Mountains Out of Mole Hills
Since Scott Rudder loves to make mountains out of mole hills, with NO evidence whatsoever, turnabout is fair play. In the remaining days before the election, Bodine, Riley & Fifis need to focus on the Republican's WEAKEST LINK, and it's not "Deadbeat Dawn," it's SUPERFICIAL Scott. They need to ask the following questions:
1. How did Scott Rudder get a job as vice-president of Marketing for Century 21 Alliance (Bob Meyer Realty) with NO experience?
2. How did Scott Rudder get a job with Lockheed Martin (his fellow councilman ALSO works there)?
3. Why did Scott Rudder used to drive a MUNICIPAL (Medford Township) SUV?
How's that for making mountains out of mole hills, Scott? I don't know about you, but THIS Republican is voting for CHANGE!
MartinOne
If only you could come up with something new to say. You take forever to say nothing.
What is utterly amazing
is how stupid Republicans think voters are. The Republicans are accusing Bodine of shady deals? Does this make sense to anyone at all? Let me make it easy for you. NO!
re: "devoid of substance"
SharperJames, a pseudonymous idolator of the BurlCo GOP machine, makes the strange claim that the Democrats are somehow "devoid of substance" because they call the Republicans out on their gutter politics with the terrorist mailer. The poster is quite obviously deluded in her/his thinking, since we're talking about an 8th district Republican slate who can't run on: making N.J. more affordable (they've raised taxes, particularly with corruption schemes), supporting a pay-to-play ban since they refuse to sign onto such a pledge, supporting ethics reform because they're part of the problem. That's "substance" for you, indeed.
Compare that to Fifis and Riley, both of whom have ambitious ethics reform initiatives from their time in public service in Lumberton and Mt. Laurel, respectively, and we can clearly see which Assembly candidates are superior.
Terri
Just wanted to thank you for that awful post. Republicans are bad! Do they smell bad too? Do you spend your days drawing pictures of Republicans with stink lines and flies around them? Does the concept of someone other than a Republican being unethical baffle you? Seriously though, good luck with Ballot Question #4 this November. If you can vote on it, I guess.
Delusions?
MartinOne, a confirmed dolt and trained parrot for the CamCo political machine makes the strange claim of supporting Fran Bodine, a man who belongs to one of the last known discriminatory clubs in America, who has documented ethical lapses (Courier Post), and voted against civil unions; all this in spite of the fact that he is a self-professed progressive. Even more surprising, he references the records of someone who has never held elected office (Fifis) and another who has served just 10 months total as a member of township council, which apparently is just enough time to get comfortable and start spending taxpayer dollars on your runningmate's land. You of all people have no right to call anyone delusional.
Stupid Greedy Witch
Riley is one stupid witch! I mean sorry but lets call it out there, she is a greedy, jealous, void of any ethical fiber and out for herself! Her crying about the flyer shows what a truly ugly and despicable piece of garbage she is, truly a woman who thinks nothing breaking up a marriage and expects the voters to buy her ethics. Others have said it right, like a leopard he cannot and will not change her stripes but continues to show exactly HOW SCARY SHE IS! The fact she would protect an illegal terrorist to keep buying her fancy schmancy wardrobe is disgusting, and now with this so called deal with Bodine, well, I am glad voters are seeing the really piece of garbage that is the dem ticket! OH BRAVO A SHARPER! THAT was a great comment on that stupid
Unreal!
With each day Riley shows her true colors and the aint pretty! She truly is one nasty lady, and she expects voters to feel sorry for her?
Well, fortunately clawing her way to the top and stepping over whomever she has to is only going to backfire on her.
The real Riley is out for herself and no one else and fortunately that is becoming very apparent each and every day.
More Cowbell Please !!
8th Dist R's Up on Network
Have not seen the D's in a couple of days.
Appears that Codey et al are focusing on the 1st and 2nd Dists.
Surprised they spent as much time and money as they did.
Bodine is a corrupt has been and his running-mate seems to be a chip of the ole block.
With Riley trying to set up insider land deals for Bodine, people are going send a resounding "NO" to these Trenton/Camden funded abusers.
8th Dist R's Up on Network
Have not seen the D's in a couple of days.
Appears that Codey et al are focusing on the 1st and 2nd Dists.
Surprised they spent as much time and money as they did.
Bodine is a corrupt has been and his running-mate seems to be a chip of the ole block.
With Riley trying to set up insider land deals for Bodine, people are going send a resounding "NO" to these Trenton/Camden funded abusers.
8th Dist R's Up on Network
Have not seen the D's in a couple of days.
Appears that Codey et al are focusing on the 1st and 2nd Dists.
Surprised they spent as much time and money as they did.
Bodine is a corrupt has been and his running-mate seems to be a chip of the ole block.
With Riley trying to set up insider land deals for Bodine, people are going send a resounding "NO" to these Trenton/Camden funded abusers.
8th Dist R's Up on Network
Have not seen the D's in a couple of days.
Appears that Codey et al are focusing on the 1st and 2nd Dists.
Surprised they spent as much time and money as they did.
Bodine is a corrupt has been and his running-mate seems to be a chip of the ole block.
With Riley trying to set up insider land deals for Bodine, people are going send a resounding "NO" to these Trenton/Camden funded abusers.
8th Dist R's Up on Network
Have not seen the D's in a couple of days.
Appears that Codey et al are focusing on the 1st and 2nd Dists.
Surprised they spent as much time and money as they did.
Bodine is a corrupt has been and his running-mate seems to be a chip of the ole block.
With Riley trying to set up insider land deals for Bodine, people are going send a resounding "NO" to these Trenton/Camden funded abusers.
8th Dist R's Up on Network
Have not seen the D's in a couple of days.
Appears that Codey et al are focusing on the 1st and 2nd Dists.
Surprised they spent as much time and money as they did.
Bodine is a corrupt has been and his running-mate seems to be a chip of the ole block.
With Riley trying to set up insider land deals for Bodine, people are going send a resounding "NO" to these Trenton/Camden funded abusers.
Is anyone keeping tabs on fran's golf game?
I heard its getting better...soon he'll be club champ.
Pine Valley Golf Club
It always makes me laugh when Fran uses his "I have to make a living" line to defend his no-show jobs. He's a member of what could be considered the most exclusive golf club on the planet, but we're supposed to believe he'd be on the street with a cup in his hand if he didn't take these jobs.
Pablos - Open Mouth Insert Foot
You are one stupid bastard! HAHAHAHA, accusing me of not backing up my statements with facts?
Where's your proof on this one?
"truly a woman who thinks nothing breaking up a marriage"
You have proof Riley broke up a marriage? You have proof she enticed a married man? OH YOU DON'T? Or let me guess, GOP HQ fed you with a line of crap again which you cannot back up. Looks like you are the hypocrite! You are nothing more than a stupid GOP monkey who believes everything they tell you. You should learn quickly that is not a good idea with all the liars over there at GOP HQ
Constitution4all
"Diane Allen is upset with the GOP in the 8th For Trashing Riley"
We are still waiting for you to tell us when she said that. It is a fact that Tracy worked for Riley and entered into an affair.
But tell you what, you back up your claim first since you are spewing the lies from the dem playbook and we will talk,.
Until then, all your posting is just gibberish.
You may do well to put down the crack pipe.
More Cowbell Please !!
Back It UP Chump
Gopgal has no affiliation with Allen
Constitution4All
This person has no affiliation with Allen, because Diane Allen, unlike this crazy person strongly disagrees with the 8th district republicans trashing Ms. Riley for her husband's representation of Mr. Duka. Diane Allen, unlike Addiego and Haines (who are LAWYERS) understands the meaning of the Constitution and would not dare chastise a member of the bar for defending this country and its most basic concepts.
Gopgal has no affiliation with Allen
Constitution4All
This person has no affiliation with Allen, because Diane Allen, unlike this crazy person strongly disagrees with the 8th district republicans trashing Ms. Riley for her husband's representation of Mr. Duka. Diane Allen, unlike Addiego and Haines (who are LAWYERS) understands the meaning of the Constitution and would not dare chastise a member of the bar for defending this country and its most basic concepts.
You gonna back it up Bub?
Gopgal has no affiliation with Allen
Constitution4All
This person has no affiliation with Allen, because Diane Allen, unlike this crazy person strongly disagrees with the 8th district republicans trashing Ms. Riley for her husband's representation of Mr. Duka. Diane Allen, unlike Addiego and Haines (who are LAWYERS) understands the meaning of the Constitution and would not dare chastise a member of the bar for defending this country and its most basic concepts.
Well??
Gopgal has no affiliation with Allen
Constitution4All
This person has no affiliation with Allen, because Diane Allen, unlike this crazy person strongly disagrees with the 8th district republicans trashing Ms. Riley for her husband's representation of Mr. Duka. Diane Allen, unlike Addiego and Haines (who are LAWYERS) understands the meaning of the Constitution and would not dare chastise a member of the bar for defending this country and its most basic concepts.
HAHAHA
It is a fact that Diane Allen was not happy with the mailer, and thought it was wrong for them to attack Ms. Riley for the Duka thing. That is a fact (because saying something is fact is good enough for you, its good enough for me)
You are so full of it. You have been saying this enticing married thing for months now with NO PROOF. Lets see it, lets see it in the papers? You were there? The only people who know what happens in the personal lives of any of these candidates are personal friends or family members. I SERIOUSLY DOUBT YOU QUALIFY AS ANY OF THOSE you little twit.
But keep projectile vomiting all over this forum, it is funny to read if nothing else!
I submit
to everyone who posts here that if Constitution4All cannot and refuses to back up WHAT THEY POSTED then that this person is to be ignored!
If this person does not have the guts, respectability or common sense to back their crap up, then they will continue to be outed for the lying piece of garbage they are.
I will wait and enjoy the next lie
Where is your proof monkey?
You are so much better than me right? I mean, you always state facts with proof right? Otherwise you would be one big hypocrite. So let's see it?
PROVE IT
It is a fact that Diane Allen was not happy with the mailer, and thought it was wrong for them to attack Ms. Riley for the Duka thing. That is a fact (because saying something is fact is good enough for you, its good enough for me)
WHAT IS THE FACT? WHEN DID SHE SAY THAT, WHERE DID SHE SAY IT??
I am outing you because I AM doing grassroots for her and now way did she EVERY say that!
Nice try lying so prove to me and others that Diane is now lying!
Yep
I am MUCH better than you and so are many other people here!
BECAUSE we do not make up stuff to post and make up lies on who said it to try to get thier way.
But you are still welcome to prove when she said it!
PROVE IT
You gonna back it up?
"truly a woman who thinks nothing breaking up a marriage"
By the way, nice job ignoring me, twit
You don't make stuff up?
Really? You don't lie? How do you know anything about the personal life of a candidate 12 years ago?
I'M WAITING!!!
Dont Worry Pablo
I am surrounded by a group of coworkers laughing hysterially at Constitution4All and his/her flipping out over being caught! If only this person knows how they are being spoke about! I am sure Constitution will be running to Tracy boo hooing! lolool Fortunatly Pablo, you did prove that this person is pure scum by posting their own words, it is hard to accept truth when your own words are being forced back at you. As for the whole marriage issue, Pablo never quoted any political official making that comment, so it is apples and oranges. But, if I were Constitution4All, I would be very angy, bitter and embarrassed to for being outed in public for outright lying about what a public offical said, lying about knowing what they think, feel, know. Thanks for the laugh Constitution4all! We really needed the entertainment!
More Cowbell Please !!
Why Dont You
Back up what you posted first, until then I do not think Pablo or anyone owes you any explaination until you come clean first; but I know you cannot because it is a lie, so have fun spinning.
More Cowbell Please !!
Regrets, they have a few
Seems like a better candidate vetting process could have avoided all this. No one will admit it between now a week from Tuesday, but rest assured they would have preferred a candidate with less baggage. They can only hope she is not a drag on the whole ticket.
Glad I could help
lolol, oh man. You show your cards first, then I'll show mine! Yea, that's a good position to take, everyone now believes what you say. You are the one who has been outed as a hypocrite, standing up for your alter ego. Its sad, really and truly, that you have nothing better to do then talk to yourself on the internet! ahhaahahahahahahahahahah, you little twit. Go back to school youngin, you shouldn't be messing with the grownups!
funny!
Regardless of opinion this is entertaining to watch!
Maybe you guys should focus on the campaign instead of name of calling ppl names online.
No problem
I am glad to expose those online that post lies but it is even funnier to watch them lie and say THEY NEVER POSTED IT!
But HighTaxes, when all is said and done and the GOP are victorious in the 8th, then I am sure Constitution will cry to mommy tracy riley (her daughter is 16 and clearly this is a teenager posting) and the grownups in the 8th will return to work.
No contest anymore; Rileys flubs coming fast and furious and because of her stupidity to be saddled with old man bodine and his ethics well people arent buying it!
More Cowbell Please !!
speaking of proof
where do you get off gopgal? where is your proof of what you have just posted? do you have proof that this poster is related to ms. riley? do you have proof this person is a teenager?
"Constitution will cry to mommy tracy riley (her daughter is 16 and clearly this is a teenager posting)"
you should maybe about what you are saying before you go and criticize others. just a suggestion
Thanks for the Laugh
I do not waste my time posting to teeny boppers timetoshine, so if you want to talk like an adult, fine, if not, worry about your little demmie buddies posting stuff they cannot back up!
And you do not know who this person is either, unless you are thier alter ego! lolol
More Cowbell Please !!
yea i can tell
you are great at not wasting your time and ignoring people! you have posted 4 times in the past 24 hours in response to myself and this other poster.
i can see this other poster is right about you. i had hoped to bring a little substance to the debate, but i can see you are not interested. too bad, i will move on and not worry about your posts. it seems that's what others are doing
time to shine
Actually you coulndet ignore me if you tried; I am so under your skin and your wittle buddie constitution that I can see you spinning around.
Constitution lied and is caught, glad to send that out to the folks over at Dianes. Nice to let Diane know this idiot is speaking for her!
More Cowbell Please !!