U.S. Democratic Party

Statement of Senator Weinberg, Assembly members Johnson & Huttle

To us, being a Democrat isn't only a label you wear; it's a set of ideals you live.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT..

Democrats cling to pay-to-play
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/25/07
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After a parliamentary maneuver by Senate Republicans to bring a bill for a statewide ban on pay-to-play to the Senate floor for discussion, the majority Democrats refused to vote on whether it could be released from the committee where it's been gathering dust for four years. What were they afraid of?
The Democrats' lack of action makes a mockery of Senate President Richard J. Codey's complaint against the Republicans Monday when they opposed a watered-down bill for a state comptroller's office that even a former sponsor balked at. Codey said, "Is good government the responsibility of only the Democrats and not Republicans? Hello?" Codey didn't vote in favor of bringing the pay-to-play ban � a necessity for good government � to the Senate floor. Hypocritical? You betcha.
Sen. Peter Inverso, R-Mercer, sponsored the bill and said he'll try again � repeatedly � to bring this measure directly to the Senate floor. When he does, Codey and the other Democrats who withheld their votes should show their true colors.
Only Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth, broke ranks Monday, agreeing with the Republicans that the bill needs to be released from committee. The bill would ban pay-to-play � the practice of rewarding campaign donors with lucrative public contracts � and restrict wheeling, skirting local pay-to-play laws by moving money through other campaign committees in the state.
The excuses offered by Democrats range from the lame to the hilarious. The lame: Senate Majority Leader Bernard Kenny Jr., D-Hudson, who said they're "looking to see more local municipalities adopt them." Hello? A statewide ban would save the 566 municipalities, 21 counties and independent authorities and commissions the expense of coming up with their own rules.
Kenny also pointed the finger at Republican Minority Leader Leonard Lance's Hunterdon County district, saying few of its municipalities have passed such bans. "It seems like Sen. Lance has some work to do in his own back yard before proceeding with a statewide mandate." Hello? The state is Lance's "back yard." He is serving his constituents better by pushing through the statewide ban rather than making them do it individually.
On the hilarious side was this tidbit from Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen: She withheld her vote because the legislation was "clearly partisan." She then said, "The Democrats will be addressing pay-to-play. I think it will be a Democratic endeavor." Hello? That's not partisanship?
Gov. Corzine should heed the Republicans' plea to put his party's support behind the pay-to-play ban. He should apply pressure on Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden, to do so now. Maybe then, the state's taxpayers could be relieved of the poison of pay-to-play that strips money from their pockets every time the amount of a campaign donation is added into the price of a government contract, making them say "goodbye" to far too many of their tax dollars.

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Littell: New Jersey Farmers Be Ready for New Year’s Tax Attack!Democrat Plot to Sneak Tax on Farmers through Legislature before January 8th

Senator Robert E. Littell (R-Sussex/Morris/ Hunterdon) issued the following statement in order to warn farmers about Democrat legislation to hike farmland “roll-back� taxes and hobble New Jersey’s agricultural industry.

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BUCCO: TOLL ROAD SALE WRONG FOR NEW JERSEY
One Shot Deal Could Cost State Billions in Future Revenues

Senator Anthony Bucco, (R-25), a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee issued the following statement regarding the Corzine Administrations consideration of the sale or long term lease of the New Jersey Turnpike and other state toll roads. Published reports indicate that the administration is contemplating using the revenues derived from the sale of state assets to retire some state debt.

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LITTELL STATEMENT ON BEAR HUNT

Senator Robert E. Littell (R-Sussex/Morris/Hunterdon) issued the following statement on the Supreme Courts refusal to grant an injunction request by sportsmen to overrule the Commissioner of Environmental Protections cancellation of the bear hunt.

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"REPUBLICANS" AREN'T BEING IDENTIFIED WHEN IT COMES TO CONVICTIONS

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ)

: According to Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, many Republicans charged and in some cases convicted as part of Operation Bid Rig were identified by their name and former office held. However, when it comes to identifying their party, newspapers and other media are reluctant to put the word "Republican" before defendants.
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ATLANTIC FREEHOLDER FINNERTY WILL NOT CHALLENGE ELECTION RESULT, CALLS ON OPPONENT TO SUPPORT BALLOT REFORM LEGISLATION

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GOVERNOR FLOUTS THE LAW & IMPERILS PUBLIC SAFETY
Ignores Science, Law and Common Sense to Block Bear Hunt

Senator Robert E. Littell and Assemblywoman Alison McHose representing
Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon counties in northwestern New Jersey issued the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s refusal to permit the bear hunt authorized in the 2006 Fish and Game Code.

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Democrats Denounce Suppression Tactics - Announce Protection Plan

Trenton – On the 25th anniversary of one of the most notoriously disgraceful episodes of voter suppression in electoral politics, a coalition of elected officials, civic groups and the clergy announced a pro-active plan to protect voters’ rights. Pointing to a 25-year history of intimidation, misinformation and dirty tricks by Republicans in New Jersey and nationwide, the group outlined an array of actions to prevent a reoccurrence of abuses in this year’s election.

"New Jersey was the birthplace of modern-day voter suppression tactics with the Ballot Security Task Force," said Congressman Donald Payne. "It was a disgraceful episode that signaled the start of organized efforts by Republicans to intimidate voters in minority communities. We wish we could say it is part of distant history but the sad truth is it is part of living history and has continued for 25 years."

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FREEHOLDER CURCIO HITS FOE OVER PATRONAGE JOB

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