January 3, 2008 - 4:31am
Rice won't challenge Payne this year
By Max PizarroDispelling rumors that have persisted since he came into office, West Ward Councilman Ron Rice, Jr., on Wednesday said he would not challenge 10-term U.S. Rep. Donald Payne in 2008.
"I have a great deal of respect for U.S. Rep. Payne and I think he’s an outstanding congressman," said Rice, who has served a year and a half in office on the Newark City Council.
A key ally of Mayor Cory Booker’s ever since the two ran together and lost in 2002, then ran and won in 2006, Rice said he is focused on his job as councilman. But he didn’t deny he was interested in running for Congress at a later date.
"2008 is not the year for a congressional run," the councilman said.
When Booker aligned with the North Ward Democratic Organization last year to help defeat Payne’s older brother, Assemblyman William Payne, in the latter’s state Senate bid, Booker’s machine appeared poised to next take on the congressman.
But Booker would have to do so without Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, who made it clear after the Democratic Party’s victory over William Payne that he was done fighting the Payne family as he heartily endorsed the congressman’s re-election, and this year he would have to do so without Rice.
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July 6, 2008
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If Not Now, When?
And if not Ron Rice Jr., then who?
C'mon Ron! You are one of the brightest, most decent, and most honest stars in the sky of NJ politics. When Barack Obama quotes MLK Jr. and talks about the fierce urgency of now, he is not just talking about himself. He is talking about everybody who is in a position to turn the page on politics as usual and dramatically change the status quo, whether it is in Washington, DC or Newark, NJ.
The time has come to put the final nail in the Payne family's political coffin and if you aren't the one holding the hammer, it is going to be someone far less capable and worthy.
There should be primaries for every seat...
Since you cannot draw districts that are competitive between parties, I believe it is important to have an active primary process every two years. Why should Donald Payne get a free ride in both the primary and general?
Remember the 10th is 55% black. This means a non-African American primary challenger like Chris Bollwage with a base in Elizabeth could be formidable.
Do your research!!!
Why Ron Rice Jr.? To me that man lacks character. Ron Rice Jr. is an opportunist who finds it convenient to sell out family for an administration that has done nothing except exercise Reaganomics. So before people start quoting Barack Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King I suggest you take a deeper look at character and accomplishments. Which Ron Rice Jr. has neither.
Because Congressman Payne isn't a media whore, people assume that he has not done anything. He could be like some of his Newark counterparts and give a press conference to announce that he is having another press conference. Giving the illusion that things are getting done. I suggest everyone check Payne's record before assuming that he needs to replaced. And if you still think he does, Ron Rice Jr. is not the answer.