TRENTON -- Back on their heels after losing the governor’s office for the first time in eight years, state Democrats tonight chose a new leader to guide the party.

TRENTON -- In the final sweep of his last state-of-the-state address, Gov. Jon Corzine discussed the values that drove him, a multi-millionaire “old-time banker,” to get into politics.

Assemblywoman Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex) took the oath of office Tuesday as New Jersey's 169th Assembly Speaker, and she is vowing to put the lower house's focus on reviving the state's economy, target property taxes and invite the public to air ideas on tackling problems.

TRENTON -- Sheila Oliver became New Jersey's first black female Assembly Speaker this afternoon at a swearing-in ceremony at the Trenton War Memorial near the Statehouse.

CAMDEN In a city where crime and poverty typically make the headlines, Tuesday's ceremony to swear in its new mayor and council members was a celebration.

The theme was change as the "United for Change" team, led by newly elected Mayor Dana Redd, took their oaths.

Federal health reforms will have a huge impact in New Jersey, where increased federal dollars will allow New Jersey Medicaid to enroll at least 300,000 more low-income residents.

Governor-elect Chris Christie showed a "lack of understanding" when he criticized New Jersey’s congressional delegation for failing to get enough federal money for transportation projects, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez said Thursday.

A year ago this month, our economy lost 700,000 jobs. Our financial markets were reeling from reckless decisions made on Wall Street, and leading economists wondered if we were hurtling toward a second Great Depression. As workers watched their dreams of retirement slip away and small-business owners postponed their big plans because of a lack of credit, the American people fumed as the very investment bankers and hedge fund managers who instigated the financial meltdown pleaded for a government rescue.

Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today objected to Gov.-elect Chris Christie’s choice of Lt. Gov-elect Kim Guadagno as his secretary of state, which is expected to be announced at a Trenton press conference this afternoon.

Every July for the past 10 years, Sister Bernie has organized a free weekend health clinic on the dusty fairgrounds in Wise County, Va. Most of those Julys, I’ve made the trip down to Wise to help with registrations. Folks start arriving — kids in tow — on Monday. By Friday, thousands are camped out; all hoping for the chance to be fitted for glasses, get a tooth pulled or visit with a doctor for a few minutes to ask a question or get their blood pressure checked.

A federal judge in New Jersey on Tuesday rejected an attempt by the Republican National Committee to end nearly three-decade-old restrictions on GOP "ballot security" programs that historically discriminated against minority voters.

NEWARK -- A federal judge in Newark has denied a request by the Republican National Committee to dissolve a 28-year-old court order designed to prevent intimidation of minority voters.

TRENTON -- More than 200 Democratic elected leaders, government officials, fundraisers and campaign staffers, sent a letter this morning urging lawmakers to pass the gay marriage bill before the legislative session ends.

TRENTON — With a former prosecutor waiting in the wings to take over as New Jersey's first Republican governor in a dozen years, Democrats know time is short to push through a social agenda in the Legislature that includes legalizing gay marriage and the use of marijuana for chronic medical conditions.

WASHINGTON — Now that unemployment has topped 10 percent, some liberal-leaning economists see confirmation of their warnings that the $787 billion stimulus package President Obama signed into law last February was way too small. The economy needs a second big infusion, they say.

WASHINGTON — Frank Pallone lazily stretches back on the leather chair in his office, his long legs ranging forward toward his guest, an Army officer in the new crisp dress blues that emulate Civil War uniforms. It has been a long day for the congressman and weariness exaggerates his usual laid-back look.

PRINCETON - A week to the day after Congress passed a health care reform bill that she personally maneuvered through the lower house halls of power, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California on Saturday described the measure as a stimulus of economic and individual freedom.

WASHINGTON — Handing President Obama a hard-fought victory, the House narrowly approved a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s health care system on Saturday night, advancing legislation that Democrats said could stand as their defining social policy achievement.

While his two main rivals hunted for votes at campaign stops around the state, Gov. Jon Corzine worked the airwaves today, arguing in a series of television and radio interviews that he deserves a second term to "get us out of the recession sooner and stronger."

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has a nine-point lead vs. Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie, according to a Suffolk University poll released today.

Days before announcing his resignation as a federal prosecutor, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie agreed to hire the son of his friend and mentor, Herbert J. Stern, as an assistant U.S. attorney.

TRENTON -- President Obama will make his third visit this year to New Jersey on November 1 in support of Gov. Jon Corzine's campaign for governor, Democratic officials said today.

BELMAR -- Fresh from a rally with President Obama, Gov. Jon Corzine arrived here to receive Caroline Kennedy's endorsement.

HACKENSACK, N.J. – Hoping to spare his party an embarrassing defeat in one of the year’s most closely watched elections, President Obama on Wednesday campaigned alongside Gov. Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey, saying that a Democratic victory in the state would help the president carry out the political change he was elected to bring to Washington last year.

When news broke in August that the former United States attorney, Christopher J. Christie, had lent $46,000 to a top aide in the federal prosecutor’s office, he said he was merely helping a friend in need. He also said the aide, Michele Brown, had done nothing to help his gubernatorial campaign.

It is hard to know if this will qualify as a "Macaca Moment" in the New Jersey gubernatorial campaign, but the Corzine campaign squad posted a YouTube last night that Republican rival Chris Christie probably wishes had stayed under wraps for another few weeks:

Like almost every other state in the union, New Jersey is in bad shape. Revenues are down. Unemployment is up. A state deficit is looming. Taxes are high, and more borrowing is taboo. Unfortunately for Gov. Jon Corzine, it is also election time. Mr. Corzine, a Democrat, has struggled through his first term, partly because of a legislature that will not make the tough decisions. He still has lessons to learn about communication and leadership, but he is a better choice for New Jersey voters than either of his challengers. He has earned another four years to deal with the state’s budget problems and culture of corruption.

Gov. Jon Corzine continues to advocate his support of expanded access to health care while criticizing GOP rival Christopher Christie for a plan that could allow insurance companies to drop coverage for mammograms.

TRENTON, N.J. — The Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, who has campaigned on a platform of ethical integrity and cutting government waste, regularly spent beyond federal guidelines on business travel while U.S. attorney, records show.

A Florida congresswoman who survived breast cancer said Wednesday that Chris Christie's support for legalizing insurance policies that do not cover mammograms or 48-hour hospital stays after childbirth would "take women back to the dark ages."

Democrats are seizing on a GOP press release that said Speaker Nancy Pelosi should be “put in her place” to paint Republicans as out of touch with women.

Former Georgia Senator Max Cleland was in Liberty State Park in Jersey City with a group of veterans today to endorse Governor Corzine for reelection.

The last time I witnessed a defining moment this early in a campaign was in 1992 when Pat Buchanan delivered the keynote address to the Republican National Convention and declared a "religious war ... a cultural war ... for the soul of America." New Jerseyans wanted no part of a civil war and, along with most of our nation, rejected the Republican candidate for President, George H. W. Bush, who was tarnished by the anger engendered by Buchanan and the enthusiastic support shown for it by the Republican delegates on national television.

WILLINGBORO - Without state mandates, health care companies no longer would pay for mammograms or therapies to treat autism and could drop clients as they see fit.

That's the message Assemblyman Herb Conaway, D-7th of Delanco, and others shared during an event outside the Kennedy Center on Thursday afternoon.

Democratic State Chairman and Joseph Cryan filed a complaint against Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie with the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).

In a statement released by Gov. Jon Corzine's campaign today, strategist Tom Shea says that "serious questions remain about the loan Republican gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie gave to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Brown, and pushed the U.S. Attorney's office to move quickly in the release of information the campaign requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

Chris Christie, the former U.S. Attorney and current Republican nominee for Governor of New Jersey, is now getting a new headache over a story that was broken last night by New Jersey Public Television -- that in 2007, Christie made a $46,000 personal loan to an assistant of his in the U.S. Attorney's office, which is still being paid off in regular installments:

In 2007, while he was New Jersey’s ranking federal prosecutor, Christopher J. Christie — now the Republican candidate for governor — lent one of his top aides $46,000. But he failed to report the loan as required under federal and state ethics rules.

He billed himself as a corruption fighter, questioned the ethics of those in power and promised to put an end to no-bid contracts for the politically connected. But when Christopher J. Christie was elected and his reform proposal was voted down, he gave up the fight and went on to approve hundreds of such contracts, including more than 50 for contributors to his campaigns.

As early as 2005, the Bush administration was ranking federal prosecutors by their allegiance to the president as well as their job skills Ð and then-U.S. attorney Chris Christie was considered one of the most loyal, according to newly released documents.

Gov. Jon Corzine Wednesday signed two pieces of legislation designed to improve a woman's access to health insurance coverage for maternity services by ensuring timely reimbursement to health providers and empowering nurse midwives to certify patient medical conditions for some disability decisions.

In January 2006, we now know from a memo released Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee, the name of Christopher J. Christie—then the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and now the Republican nominee for governor—appeared on a list of potential targets for removal by the Bush Justice Department.

TRENTON -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie has tried to escape the shadow of former President George W. Bush, whose support for Christie has become a major line of attack by Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine.

TRENTON — State Democrats stepped up their criticism of Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie's health care plans Monday, asserting — in a claim Christie denies — that his platform would eliminate mammogram coverage.

WOODBURY A group of South Jersey legislators called in some out-of-work local union members to hammer home their attack against Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie.

A whistleblower lawsuit targets Chris Christie's role in federal fraud plea.

A developer who says he tipped off federal agents to one of the largest tax frauds in New Jersey history contends connections between the defendant's attorneys and then-U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie paved the way for a lenient plea deal and has blocked him from collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in whistleblower payments.

Days before signing a contentious gun-control bill into law -- and motivated by shooting deaths last week that included a Jersey City police officer and a Newark mother -- Gov. Jon Corzine convened a press conference yesterday with his running mate and several Democratic allies to call for additional reforms.

SHE MAY not have been his first choice, but she is the governor's choice at last. State Sen. Loretta Weinberg, D-Teaneck, is Governor Corzine's pick for lieutenant governor.

HOLMDEL, N.J., July 16 -- After last year's hard-fought Democratic presidential primary season finally ended, New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine became one of candidate Barack Obama's most visible campaign surrogates. Now President Obama is returning the favor, making New Jersey his first full-fledged foray into active campaigning since taking office and trying to assist Corzine, who is struggling in his reelection bid.

HOLMDEL -- President Barack Obama delivered what the faithful wanted -- him.

More than 50 Cumberland County residents joined a crowd bused in from around the state to see Obama literally and figuratively embrace Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

New Jersey Democratic Chairman Joseph Cryan Monday criticized Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie for what the political leader described as the candidate's "indefensible remarks'' that he would not support U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor, because she is "not my kind of judge."

"It's a political circus," Chris Christie complained as he left a congressional hearing on his handling of deferred prosecution agreements when he was U.S. Attorney in New Jersey.

He then hurried to catch a train back to Jersey -- for a political event.

ATLANTIC CITY - Gov. Jon S. Corzine's re-election bid received the endorsement Wednesday of a major labor organization whose efforts helped state Democrats win the last two gubernatorial elections.

Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, Mark Sanford, Rick Perry... Chris Christie?

That’s the association that U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-Hoboken) and U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) tried to make today on a conference call with the press, during which they panned Christie, the GOP’s gubernatorial nominee, for saying he would not accept some money from the federal stimulus package during the primary campaign.

NEWARK, N.J. - New Jersey-born rocker Jon Bon Jovi performed a brief acoustic set, including his hit "Can't Go Home," at a splashy post-primary campaign fund-raiser for Gov. Corzine last night.

TRENTON -- A New Jersey Senate Democrat is demanding that a Republican colleague release the job duties of a part-timer on his payroll who earns $3,000 a year, the minimum that keeps him in the government pension system.

HADDONFIELD -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie sidestepped questions today about a close adviser's part-time political job that keeps him in the government pension system.

HAMILTON -- Against the backdrop of an American flag and a memorial honoring former students who died in past wars, local Democratic legislators praised President Barack Obama yesterday on his first 100 days in office.

Speaking outside Hamilton High West, Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro) and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-Hamilton) specifically praised stimulus funding for education. Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, the Democratic state chairman from Union, touted the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, and lifting federal funding restrictions on embryonic stem cell research as Obama's successes.

The main rationale for Chris Christie's current run for New Jersey governor is his impressive record as a fearless U.S. attorney who busted scores of high-profile targets in the corruption-infested Garden State.

But a few instances of questionable blind spots continue to haunt Christie's reputation for strong ethics.

TRENTON, N.J. - A week after the Republican front-runner in the New Jersey governor's race said he'd reject all future campaign donations from lawyers to whom he gave no-bid contracts as U.S. attorney, he was scheduled to attend a $500-a-plate fundraiser hosted by a lawyer involved in one of the oversight deals.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie's defense this week of his handing out a multimillion-dollar, no-bid contract to a former federal prosecutor who let Christie's brother off on stock fraud charges was unconvincing. He needs to do better.

WASTE, FRAUD and abuse. If only they were like Snap, Crackle and Pop, little animated elves who could be held to account if their product didn't make the requisite noises. But waste, fraud and abuse aren't characters. And New Jersey's state budget is no box of Rice Krispies.

One day after GOP gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie said that he would not accept funding from President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) said that Christie should "stop playing politics and start providing solutions."

After two days of watching Republicans frame Gov. Jon S. Corzine's state budget proposal as an assault on the middle class, Assembly Democratic leaders -- who like Corzine must seek re-election this year -- stood up to back the plan Thursday.

There were no magic tricks in the budget plan Gov. Jon Corzine presented yesterday. No convoluted schemes to grab up-front cash from long-term revenue streams.

Corzine right to make across-the-board cuts and preserve spending for schools, health care.

Gov. Jon Corzine today challenged critics of his plan to steeply hike Turnpike, Parkway and Expressway tolls to propose an alternative, saying he has examined them and all are bad.

"Before critics rush to judgment, this toll schedule needs to be contrasted with equally robust alternatives of tax increases or budget cuts that would produce the same results,'' Corzine told a joint session of the state Legislature.

With Sen. Barack Obama's surprise win in Iowa and Sen. Hillary Clinton's equally unexpected victory in New Hampshire last night, the race for the Democratic nomination comes down to next month's mega-primary, when voters in New Jersey and 23 other states will choose a candidate.

That's especially welcome news to supporters of the former first lady, who have been buffeted in recent days by breathless reports of a campaign in a tailspin. Some polls had Clinton trailing Obama by double digits leading up to yesterday's primary. The win last night had her backers giddy.

Phone calls, rallies and radio ads failed to persuade any of the three New Jersey Republicans who opposed a children's health insurance bill to vote Wednesday to override President Bush's veto. The measure failed by 13 votes in the House.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine says an impending large deployment of state National Guard troops represents an overuse of the citizen soldiers that undermines their purpose.

New Jersey once again has a representative on a congressional homeland security committee after Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. was appointed Wednesday to fill a vacancy.

TRENTON, N.J. - Democratic state Sen. John Adler on Thursday announced he will challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton in 2008 for a South Jersey Congressional seat.

Lautenberg's fleet feet were a topic of amusement for the senator when we met this week.

THE LONG ISLAND RAILROAD used a cartoon character to advertise its services: Dashing Dan. He was a commuter on the run. The LIRR abandoned Dan years ago. NJ Transit has no such mascot either. It may be a novel concept for a state agency, but in the absence of fiction, go with reality: Fleet-footed Frank.

The state attorney general's investigation into the Somerset County Park Commission is far wider than was initially acknowledged, and includes all minutes, documents and contracts relating to park businesses going back to at least 1999.

Of all the legislative promises the Democrats made when they came to power in Congress, only one has been turned into law. It is the one, however, that will make a direct difference for millions of workers. The first federal minimum wage increase in 10 years, from $5.15 to $5.85 an hour, took effect yesterday.

BRIDGEWATER -- The day he attended his final meeting as a Somerset County freeholder in December 1991, John Kitchen told a reporter he planned to run for office again. . . . About two years after leaving the freeholder board, Kitchen became a legislative aid to Assemblyman Christopher "Kip" Bateman, R-Branchburg, for $1,500 per year -- the minimum salary required by the state for an employee to remain enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System.

WASHINGTON — Two New Jersey lawmakers are on the frontlines of a political fight between Congress and the White House over the future of a popular health insurance program that covers 6 million low-income children nationwide, including 127,000 in New Jersey.

At some point, you have to wonder if President Bush has simply lost his bearings.

He is about as popular these days as a skin rash. And he keeps doing things to make it worse.

This week, his target was the nearly 9 million American kids who lack basic health insurance. Most of them are the children of the working poor, or near-poor -- the janitors and cashiers and truck drivers who keep this country humming.

Already under siege for questionable spending, the Somerset County Park Commission now faces an investigation by the state attorney general and last night received a strongly worded directive from county officials to clean itself up.

Federal grants will increase this year for regional anti-terrorism projects in North Jersey and for statewide security efforts, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. said Tuesday.

Congressman Frank LoBiondo is another New Jersey Republican who will be at great risk in next year's election because of his unapologetic allegiance to George Bush - especially on the War in Iraq.

Republican Rep. Mike Ferguson has supported President Bush on every vote over the Iraq war, from the invasion to the surge.

But he talks today like a man who's getting ready to switch sides.

In March 2003, Somerset County park commissioners and their secretary director, Raymond Brown, took a limousine to Atlantic City and back, with two bottles of champagne en route. Somerset County taxpayers picked up the $985 tab. The next year, they did it again. And then again.

The Republicans intend to make a campaign issue out of Gov. Jon Corzine’s nascent scheme to lease the turnpike and other assets to help New Jersey ease its debt. This may be good politics, but it is bad government. By mounting a sustained attack on the idea before Mr. Corzine unveils it and explains it any detail, the Republicans may doom for years to come any prospect of dealing with the state’s long-term fiscal crisis.

The state today began mailing 2006 property tax reimbursement checks averaging $958 to qualified senior and disabled homeowners.

Somerset County freeholders seem prepared to go to great lengths to try to protect members of the county's Park Commission, the commission's director, and themselves from further embarrassment from a scathing report on commission operations.

Gov. Jon Corzine said today he is not going to sell the New Jersey Turnpike or other state assets to generate new revenues and angrily denounced critics of his plan who have characterized it that way.

TRENTON -- Gov. Jon S. Corzine lashed out today at opponents of his
still-yet-to-be-defined plan to leverage a financial windfall from the state's toll roads, saying accusations that he plans to sell the New Jersey Turnpike to private or foreign entities are false "political demagoguery."

When it comes to science, President Bush just doesn't get it. Doesn't get it
when it comes to global warming. Doesn't get it when it comes to increasing fuel efficiency standards. And, as the nation was painfully reminded last week, doesn't get it on the possible health benefits of embryonic stem cell research.

NEW JERSEY has a long, proud history of firsts. Thomas Edison created the first phonograph, first incandescent lamp, and first movie – all right here.
Innovation is in our DNA. We are now at the forefront of efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon emissions, and have more solar-powered electric installations per capita than any other state.

A day after New Jersey awarded $10 million in stem-cell research grants aimed at helping skirt federal restrictions on embryonic stem-cell work, Garden State Democrats lashed out at President Bush's latest veto of federal funding for the research.

When President Bush travels to New Jersey this week to raise money for the state's Republican Party, he'll be entering a political disaster zone. Not since Watergate have New Jersey Republicans endured such a painful losing streak.

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.

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.

Gov. Jon Corzine is aware of the danger. He just significantly increased the number of companies covered by New Jersey's rules requiring firms to strongly consider switching to safer chemicals or manufacturing methods.

Congress should step in to ensure states retain their right to stronger rules. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9th Dist.) has in serted a provision into an emer gency federal spending bill that would preserve the states' right to take strong steps to protect their residents from the dangers of a chemical accident or attack. The House is expected to vote on the bill today.

WASHINGTON - Amid growing signs that electronic voting systems are vulnerable to fraud and malfunction, Congress is moving toward requiring states to keep paper records of every vote cast and to ban the use of wireless and other technology vulnerable to hackers.

We urge U.S. Reps. Jim Saxton, R-Mount Holly, and Frank LoBiondo, R-Ventnor, to sign on as co-sponsors to another New Jersey lawmaker's attempt to require paper backups for all electronic voting machines.

Rewarding New Jersey homeowners with a tax credit and a measure to tamp down property tax increases cleared their first major vote in the Legislature on Monday even as Governor Corzine acknowledged they will do nothing to stop the highest-in-the-nation rates from rising this year.

TRENTON — The state Assembly on Monday advanced a plan to lower the state's highest-in-the-nation property taxes through a combination of tax credits and spending limits on local governments.

Plans for a 20 percent property tax break for most homeowners and a 4 percent cap on annual property tax hikes took their first formal step forward Monday as both measures won approval in the Assembly.

The plan, formally introduced late Friday, was passed, 71-8, after roughly four hours of debate.

TRENTON, Jan. 29 — A half-year after legislative leaders and Gov. Jon S. Corzine vowed to provide relief for the highest property tax rate in the nation, the Assembly voted on Monday evening to give a 20 percent credit to most homeowners and to put a 4 percent cap on future local property tax increases.

The Assembly last night approved a $2 billion program of property tax credits that would mean a 20 percent reduction in many homeowners' tax bills and put new limits on increases in local government spending.

While sending that bill to the Senate for action next week, the Assembly gave final approval to three other measures designed to reduce the government spending that drives up property taxes. Those three bills now go to Gov. Jon Corzine.

TRENTON - Despite Republican criticism that it was a rush job in an election year, the state Assembly yesterday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would give most households a 20 percent tax credit and impose a 4 percent cap on local tax increases.

TRENTON — Plans for a 20 percent property tax break for most homeowners and a 4 percent cap on annual property tax hikes took another step forward Monday in the Assembly.

TRENTON - Following five hours of debate, the state Assembly approved the centerpiece of the property tax relief effort Monday to cut most homeowners taxes by 20 percent.

The proposal is connected to a measure that caps tax increases by municipal governments, school boards and other local entities at 4 percent, intended to provide long-term reform.

As the Assembly debate dragged on for hours Monday over a highly anticipated bill to reduce property taxes across the state, some North Jersey residents wondered if they would ever see relief.

After roughly five hours of bitter and contentious debate, the Assembly gives overwhelming support (71-8) to legislation Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts, Assemblymen John McKeon and John Burzichelli sponsor to provide a 20 percent average property tax reduction to a majority of New Jersey households and establish a new system of 4% caps to hold down spending by municipalities and school districts.

McKeon says, "Property taxes are issue number one, two, and three for the residents of this state…the people made it clear they wanted action, and today the Assembly delivered." He adds, "The caps on local property taxes will ensure the sustainability of the new credits….the overwhelming majority of local spending will now fall under the cap, with common sense pressure valves that recognize some cost drivers simply cannot be controlled."

TRENTON — Declaring New Jersey's 21 counties vital to combating the nation's highest property taxes, county officials Monday vowed to spend the next several years trying to find ways to promote more shared services among local governments.

Cumberland County Freeholder Louis Magazzu, newly installed as president of the New Jersey Association of Counties, said the association will form a special committee to develop plans to promote shared services.

TRENTON - New Jersey's counties must aid in the property tax relief effort by studying additional methods of sharing services, the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) president said Monday.

To do so, NJAC will embark on a multi-year initiative to study shared services, Cumberland County Freeholder Louis Magazzu said after he was sworn into his new post as the association president.

An axiom of modern day politics is that negative campaign advertising, horrible as everyone says it is, really works, making winners of candidates who would otherwise be also-rans. But the outcome of the Senate campaign in New Jersey this month may give future candidates reason to pause.

A new poll has the 7th Congressional District in a dead heat with Democrats claiming they now have the momentum to oust GOP Rep. Mike Ferguson.

The poll of 1,013 likely voters found Ferguson, who in past years carried well over half the Republican-leaning district, to be hovering around the 46 percent mark.

One of the first big decisions Jon Corzine had to make as governor of New Jersey was the appointment of a new senator to take his place in Washington. Mr. Corzine chose the less-than-charismatic Representative Robert Menendez, and as a result, New Jersey has the only Senate race this fall in which a Democratic incumbent seems to be in any danger of defeat. Nevertheless, in his race with State Senator Thomas Kean Jr., there is no question that Mr. Menendez is the better choice.

If half-truths and smears were the criteria for picking a candidate in the New Jersey election for a seat in the U.S. Senate, campaign ads would suffice. We believe, however, the decision should be based on a candidate's positions on vital issues, his ability to articulate those positions, and his experience.

On Nov. 7, New Jersey voters must decide who will represent them in the U.S. Senate. The race between Republican state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. and Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez has been nasty and personal, and has left voters unsatisfied with both candidates. On Election Day voters must make a choice. The Record endorses Menendez.

Voter in Rep. Scott Garrett's district should take a good look at his record. Chances are they would be amazed. Chances are they would find the views of Democratic challenger Paul Aronsohn more in line with their own.

It's a political attack ad with attitude, showcasing a black-clad mobster type on the phone as he complains his "boy down in Washington, Bob Menendez," is in trouble with the feds.

After looking at the news for the past 10 days or so, I have to wonder how Democrats can possibly fail in their efforts to take both the House and the Senate.

Nearly two years ago, Republican state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. introduced a bill that would ban all donations by government contractors to state political candidates. He dubbed it "George's Law," after South Jersey Democratic political boss George Norcross III.

Since then, Kean, now the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, has accepted $213,025 from employees of the same firms he wanted to remove from the process: those doing business with the state or its authorities, a Star-Ledger analysis has found.

WASHINGTON -- A poll done last year showed that an overwhelming number of New Jersey voters back stem cell research, making the issue fodder for this year's close U.S. Senate race as the two candidates battle for every advantage.

The issue took center stage Tuesday on Capitol Hill, as the U.S. Senate was poised to vote for a bill expanding federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, although President Bush has promised to veto it. New Jersey's two Democratic senators _ Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez _ said they will vote for the bill.

A researcher working on Thomas H. Kean Jr.'s proposed film attacking U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez once sent out thousands of anonymous post cards and automated phone calls accusing a New Hampshire candidate's wife of being in an orgasm cult.

The Kean accusations find no support in those records or from independent authorities of that era. The four former federal prosecutors who prosecuted senior Union City officials say that, in fact, Mr. Menendez did nothing wrong and much that was right under difficult circumstances.

LAWRENCE -- U.S. Rep. Rush Holt announced yesterday he will seek a fifth term in Congress.

The Hopewell Township Democrat launched his re-election campaign on the Internet with a live announcement on his Web site followed by an online question and answer session at www.bluejersey.com.

ATLANTIC CITY - April About 200 Democratic women from around the country are meeting here this weekend to find their voices - again.

Since 1999, the slow but steady increase of women being elected to important offices such as big-city mayoralties, governorships, state legislatures and congress has flattened. Members of the National
Federation of Democratic Women meeting here are trying for figure out what to do about it.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ Frustrated with President Bush and angry that the United States remains at war against Iraq, New Jersey voters gave an edge to the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in a poll released Thursday.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A year after strengthening their control of the Statehouse, New Jersey Democrats have raised nearly six times more money than Republicans, according to campaign spending reports released Tuesday.

NEWARK, N.J. - Vice President Cheney flew into this depressed city yesterday to embrace the New Jersey GOP's hope of taking out a Democratic U.S. senator in a blue state.

There was a problem, though. Likely Republican candidate Thomas H. Kean Jr. missed his speech.

NEWARK -- Vice President Dick Cheney came here Monday evening to speak at a fund-raiser and promote Tom Kean Jr.'s campaign for the U.S. Senate.

But Kean was nowhere to be seen as the vice president spoke about progress in Iraq and defended the Bush administration's domestic surveillance policies.

The Republican state senator, the son of former Gov. Thomas H. Kean, did eventually appear at his own event -- minutes after Cheney left.

Kean attributed his late arrival to legislative business and heavy traffic on the drive from Trenton.

"I would not miss votes in order to make a political event," he said.

But the missed connection may have had another element.

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) _ Already trailing in the money race in his quest for U.S. Senate, Tom Kean Jr. is looking a financial boost when Vice President Dick Cheney appears at a campaign fundraiser Monday.

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (AP) _ Gov. Jon S. Corzine left open the possibility of raising taxes during a citizens' budget forum Tuesday night, but he did not specify the type or size of any revenue raisers he is considering.

Cleared of accusations that he accepted an illegal campaign contribution, Assemblyman Joe Cryan (D-Union) was installed yesterday as chairman of the state Democratic Party.

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - The New Jersey Democratic State Committee on Saturday elected Assemblyman Joseph Cryan to be its new chairman with an 89-0 vote at a country club here.

Bob Menendez must be one happy guy.

A week ago, New Jersey's newly appointed senator was rolling through southern New Jersey, trying to muster publicity for his so-called "listening tour" with voters. He was a politician in search of his chops, maybe even desperate for a cause in the upcoming campaign against Republican Tom Kean Jr.

Well, Menendez found an issue.

TRENTON, Feb. 17 - Most new governors in New Jersey roll into office giddy from victory, determined to make an immediate splash. So they crank out a flurry of press releases, issue executive orders billed as having great import, and make as many public appearances as possible.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine, by contrast, has been all but invisible.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ New Jersey will file actions in state and federal courts seeking to stop an Arab company from taking over operations at Port Newark, Gov. Jon S. Corzine said Tuesday.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Gov. Jon S. Corzine has tapped a Union County assemblyman to chair the Democratic State Committee.

With pinpoint precision, Democrats are marching through Republican
strongholds in the southern Jersey Shore communities, already picking up
two Assembly seats, a freeholder seat, and a surrogate's post.

WASHINGTON — Rutgers University student Lillian Forero is upset that President Bush's proposed $2.77 trillion budget for next year contains no Pell Grant increases.

Sick of out-of-control spending?

Concerned about overdevelopment?

Tired of politics as usual?

The simple solution: Become a Democrat.

At least that's what Atlantic County Democrats contend in what is apparently their first-of-a-kind, half-page newspaper advertisement designed to lure new members into the party. The advertisement ran recently in The Press of Atlantic City.

Forty-five years ago, President John F. Kennedy, in his inaugural address, said to the nation: "Civility is not a sign of weakness."

These are instructive words for the New Jersey Assembly at the beginning of its 2006-07 session. In our state today, debate can occur without discord.

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) - After a day filled with symbolism and ceremony, it was time to party.

Jon S. Corzine, who was sworn in as New Jersey's 54th governor at noon Tuesday, presided over his first official function hours later: The inaugural ball.

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) -- Jon S. Corzine, a former Wall Street titan who opened his wallet to win a seat in the U.S. Senate, prepared to embark on a new phase of his career Tuesday with his swearing in as New Jersey's 54th governor.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A day filled with prayer, symbolism and tradition is to usher New Jersey's next governor into office Tuesday as Jon S. Corzine becomes the state's 53rd governor. But the Democrat has not waited for an oath of office to thank supporters and offer a vision for the state.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ For incoming Gov. Jon Corzine, the inauguration is a chance to send a signal to constituents, legislative leaders and lobbyists.

His message of choice: The state is broke, and now is no time for lavish parties.

TRENTON, N.J. - No parade, no airplane hangar. An inauguration celebration is still a million-dollar undertaking, but Gov.-elect Jon S. Corzine is taking a less splashy approach than recent predecessors.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Gov.-elect Jon Corzine was to address his supporters Wednesday night during the first of many events leading up to his inauguration and only his third public remarks since winning election.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - In his second and final State of the State speech, made a week before he is to leave office, Gov. Richard J. Codey on Tuesday touted his abbreviated term's achievements, which ranged from raising workers' minimum wages and banning indoor smoking to securing money for mental health care and stem cell research.

During his five years in the Legislature, the Republican state senator from Union County got 5 percent of his bills signed into law, ranking him in the bottom third of his 119 peers.

Now, he wants to be the U.S. senator from New Jersey. As he hits the campaign trail in 2006, stumping for the seat being vacated by Gov.-elect Jon S. Corzine, State Sen. Thomas H. Kean Jr. plans to argue that he will be an effective legislator in Washington.

Along the way, Kean will likely bump into Democrats who plan to knock him as being unprepared for the job.

WASHINGTON (AP) _ New Jersey Gov.-elect Jon Corzine will name Democratic Rep. Robert Menendez to fill the remaining year of his Senate term, Democratic congressional aides said Wednesday.

UNION CITY, N.J. (AP) _ U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez's selection to fill the one-year unexpired term of Gov.-elect Jon Corzine has inspired a wave of pride in his north Jersey hometown, where residents say his rise has mirrored that of the Hispanic community as a whole in America.

TRENTON, N.J. -- The budget proposed by President Bush adds to middle-class burdens while providing greater benefits for the wealthy and oil companies, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said Saturday.

TRENTON - The multimillionaire has told his friends to leave their tuxes at home.

And while Gov.-elect Jon S. Corzine will be donning a tuxedo to his black-tie-optional gala Tuesday, the Democrat's staff says he wants this to be a different kind of inauguration.

(TRENTON) – The members of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJDSC) elected Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski as Chairman to succeed Assemblyman Joseph P. Cryan at their reorganization meeting Wednesday evening at Forsgate Country Club in Jamesburg. Chairman Wisniewski, who was elected to serve a two-year term, issued the following statement:

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today issued the following statement on the inauguration of Governor Chris Christie:

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today issued the following statement in response to a report that Governor-elect Chris Christie is expected to appoint Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Guadagno to the position of Secretary of State:

Washington, DC – Despite the fact that small businesses and families in New Jersey are still bearing the burden of Wall Street’s poor choices, Rep. LoBiondo last week turned his back on New Jersey residents and voted to let the financial sector continue their risky practices unchecked. On Friday, Rep. LoBiondo and his Republican colleagues in Congress unanimously voted against the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009. The bill, which passed without a single Republican vote, will help stabilize our economy and reign in the irresponsible Wall Street practices that put our economy on the brink of collapse. Championed by President Obama and Democrats in Congress, the bill will protect New Jersey families and small businesses from the unfair and abusive practices that have harmed so many

Washington, DC – Despite the fact that small businesses and families in New Jersey are still bearing the burden of Wall Street’s poor choices, Rep. Lance last week turned his back on New Jersey residents and voted to let the financial sector continue their risky practices unchecked. On Friday, Rep. Lance and his Republican colleagues in Congress unanimously voted against the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009. The bill, which passed without a single Republican vote, will help stabilize our economy and reign in the irresponsible Wall Street practices that put our economy on the brink of collapse. Championed by President Obama and Democrats in Congress, the bill will protect New Jersey families and small businesses from the unfair and abusive practices that have harmed so many.

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan issued the following statement celebrating yesterday’s ruling by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey keeping in place the court’s ability to protect voters against Republican intimidation and suppression tactics.

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today issued the following statement as Democrats voted to elect new Leadership in the Legislature:

(NEWARK) – As New Jersey voters get ready to head to the polls in just two days, President Barack Obama headlined two rallies today where he made impassioned pleas for voters to support Governor Jon S. Corzine, Lieutenant Governor candidate Senator Loretta Weinberg and Democrats across the state.

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan issued the following statement this morning as the latest Quinnipiac University Poll shows Governor Corzine widening his lead over challenger Chris Christie to five points:

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Committee Chair Joseph Cryan today announced that President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America, will return to New Jersey on Tuesday, October 27 to join Governor Jon S. Corzine for a fundraiser at the Mayfair Farms in West Orange and rally at the UFCW Local 464A in Little Falls to energize New Jersey residents in support of the Corzine/Weinberg and entire Democratic ticket.

(LITTLE FALLS) – President Bill Clinton returned to New Jersey today to headline a rally in Little Falls and a fundraiser in West Orange one week after headlining two rallies that drew thousands of New Jersey residents in Collingswood and New Brunswick to build support for the re-election of Governor Jon S. Corzine, his running-mate Senator Loretta Weinberg and Democrats across the state.

Lisa P. Jackson today addressed over 100 women as the keynote speaker at a luncheon hosted by Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark), Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-Newark) and the Democratic State Committee’s “Yes We Can 2.0” (YWC 2.0) to show support for the re-election of Governor Jon S. Corzine, the election of the State’s first Lieutenant Governor Loretta Weinberg and Democrats across New Jersey.

(ASBURY PARK) - Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell joined Newark Mayor Cory Booker and hundreds of supporters today at a rally at the Westfield Community Center in Asbury Park to energize support for the re-election of Governor Jon S. Corzine, the election of Senator Loretta Weinberg as the State’s first Lieutenant Governor and Democrats up and down the ballot.

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Committee Chair Joseph Cryan today announced that Lisa P. Jackson, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex) and Newark Mayor Cory Booker will take part in events across the state this weekend to continue to build upon the growing support for Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Democrats across New Jersey.

(NEW BRUNSWICK) – President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America, today headlined two rallies in support of Governor Jon S. Corzine, Lieutenant Governor candidate Loretta Weinberg and Democrats running for office throughout New Jersey.

(PATERSON) – Governor Jon S. Corzine and Senator Loretta Weinberg today were joined on the campaign trail by Hilda Solis at a breakfast event hosted by Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-Paterson) to energize and invigorate Hispanic women and celebrate Governor Corzine’s achievements on-behalf of women and New Jersey’s Latino community.

(EDISON) -- U.S. Representative Michael Honda (CA-15), chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, today joined Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Union) and Asian American leaders from across New Jersey at several cultural celebrations across the state of New Jersey to campaign for Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senator Loretta Weinberg and New Jersey Democrats running for office at all levels to solidify support among New Jersey’s Asian American voters.

(PATERSON) – U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), a high-profile national advocate for women’s issues and the Latino community, stormed across the state today rallying Latina women and Latino business owners’ support for Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senator Loretta Weinberg and New Jersey Democrats in the upcoming election.

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan today touted a new poll commissioned by the New York Times showing Governor Jon S. Corzine with a three-point lead over Republican challenger Chris Christie as proof that residents state-wide are recognizing Corzine fights for what matters most to New Jersey families.

(JERSEY CITY) – Tonight world-famous ?uestLove deejayed a “Vote From Home” party with over 200 people hosted by the Democratic State Committee’s (DSC) “Yes We Can 2.0 Campaign” at Jersey City University to support Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senator Loretta Weinberg and New Jersey Democrats running for office at all levels across the State.

(TRENTON) -- New Jersey Democratic State Chairman Joseph P. Cryan today issued the following statement in response to the Quinnipiac Poll released today:

(LYNDHURST) – Mario Cuomo today headlined a rally with more than 300 people gathered to support the re-election efforts of Governor Jon S. Corzine and the 36th Legislative District Team of Assemblymen Fred Scalera and Gary Schaer (both D-Bergen/Passaic/Essex).

(NORTH BERGEN) – Governor Jon S. Corzine today was endorsed by the New Jersey Muslim American Committee and American Muslim leaders from across the State at a rally of more than 200 New Jersey Muslims held at The Nile Restaurant in North Bergen Township.

(TRENTON) - Today, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie is welcoming former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney to New Jersey, openly embracing a right-wing conservative who opposes stem cell research, vowed to veto an expansion of children’s health care, and called for the removal of health care coverage mandates in Massachusetts.

TRENTON- At the conclusion of tonight’s Lieutenant Governor Debate, co-chair of the Democratic State Committee’s (DSC) “Yes We Can 2.0 Campaign” and vice chair of the DSC Dana Redd issued the following statement:

TRENTON- At the conclusion of tonight’s Lieutenant Governor Debate New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. released the following statement:

TRENTON- At the conclusion of tonight’s Lieutenant Governor Debate Senate President Richard J. Codey released the following statement:

TRENTON- At the conclusion of tonight’s Lieutenant Governor Debate, Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan released the following statement:

Former U.S Senator and decorated Vietnam War veteran, Max Cleland, today stood with the former National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars George Lisicki, and key leaders of New Jersey’s veterans’ community to endorse and support Governor Jon S. Corzine, a former Marine, for Governor of New Jersey.

(TRENTON) -- New Jersey Democratic State Chairman Joseph P. Cryan today issued the following statement in response to the Farleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Poll released today that shows Governor Jon S. Corzine is now ahead of Chris Christie among likely voters:

(TRENTON) -- Democratic State Chairman Joseph P. Cyan today announced a new Web site – www.njvotefromhome.com -- aimed at expanding access to the polls by giving every New Jersey voter the ability to vote from home.

(PATERSON) – Assemblywomen Nellie Pou and Elease Evans today joined Victory ’09 co-chair Freeholder Tahesha Way, Passaic County Democratic Chairman John Currie, elected officials and candidates from across Passaic, as well as volunteers and Paterson residents at a rally to kick-off the grand opening of the new Passaic County headquarters of the Democratic State Committee’s Victory ’09 Campaign.

(ATLANTIC CITY) – Mayor Lorenzo T. Langford today joined Atlantic County Democratic leaders, candidates, volunteers and Atlantic City residents at the grand opening of the new Atlantic City Headquarters of the Democratic State Committee’s Victory ’09 Campaign.

(TRENTON) - In response to the latest Monmouth University Poll released today, Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph P. Cryan issued the following statement:

(ATLANTIC CITY) – Governor Jon S. Corzine and New Jersey Democratic State Committee (DSC) Chairman Joseph P. Cryan this evening hailed Vice President Al Gore’s visit to New Jersey as a significant force in energizing New Jersey Democrats. Gore gave the keynote address at this evening’s dinner hosted by Congressman Frank Pallone to honor Governor Jon S. Corzine at the 2009 New Jersey Democratic State Conference.

(TRENTON) – In light of newly released Census data showing that median income has increased in New Jersey, Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today blasted Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for putting partisanship ahead of New Jersey families’ economic future.

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) today released the following statement in response to Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s visit to Ewing to meet with small business owners:

Elizabeth Mayor Christian Bollwage today released the following statement following Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s visit to Elizabeth:

VITALE: GOVERNOR CORZINE’S HEALTH CARE REFORMS
LEAD THE NATION FOR CHILDREN & WORKING PARENTS.
JOINS PORT READING MOM IN DEMONSTRATING ITS SUCCESS


(WOODBRIDGE) – Senator Joseph Vitale today joined Diana Dydak, a widowed Mother of two living with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, at her Port Reading home along with other Middlesex County residents to recognize Governor Corzine for his leadership in distinguishing New Jersey as a national leader in health care reform.

(NEWARK)—Members of the Newark Council today questioned Republican Lieutenant Gubernatorial candidate Kim Guadagno’s statement Tuesday that she is afraid to walk down the street in Newark.

(CAMDEN) – Senator Dana Redd (D-Camden) today joined South Jersey educators and residents to slam Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for rejecting billions of dollars in federal recovery funds from President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

TRENTON—Today, after months of declaring that he wouldn’t take outside help from national Republicans—despite visits from Newt Gingrich, a recent fundraising junket to Wyoming, and revelations that he may have violated the Hatch Act by launching his gubernatorial campaign from the U.S. Attorney’s office with the help of Bush political advisor Karl Rove—Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie flew in ethically embattled Minnesota Republican governor Tim Pawlenty to rally support for his campaign. Christie’s curious decision to bring in Pawlenty, in light of the sharp criticism Pawlenty received for failing to disclose income he received from a telecom company as a candidate for governor, highlights once again how Christie has always had one set of rules for himself and another for everyone else.

(NEWARK) – Senator Teresa Ruiz, Assemblyman Albert Coutinho and Assemblywoman Grace Spencer today decried Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for his rejection of billions of dollars from President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to assist the State in its recovery from the current global economic crisis.

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today issued the following statement in response to Speaker Joseph J. Roberts’ decision not to run for reelection for the New Jersey General Assembly:

(CAMDEN) – Democratic State Committee Vice Chair Dana Redd today issued the following statement on Speaker Joseph J. Roberts’ decision not to run for re-election:

(WAYNE TOWNSHIP) – In response to Chris Christie’s latest attempt to mislead voters on his position on education, Passaic Freeholder Tahesha Way today said that Bush Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Christie’s refusal of $2 billion in federal funding for the state’s education system would not only hurt New Jersey’s quality public education system but would also have devastating long term impacts on the state’s work force and economy.

(BLOOMFIELD) – Assembly members Ralph Caputo (D-Belleville), Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex), Albert Coutinho (D-Essex) and Grace Spencer (D-Essex) today joined local elected officials and unemployed North Jersey residents to take Bush Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie to task for aligning with prominent Bush Republican governors to reject billions of dollars in federal funding from President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan today released the following statement on the indictment of Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone (D-Hudson):

Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), a Co-Chair of the Democratic State Committee’s Victory ‘09 campaign, today joined unemployed South Jersey workers at a construction site at Stockton College to slam Bush Republican candidate Chris Christie for aligning with prominent George W. Bush Republicans to reject billions of dollars in federal funding from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) including more than $200 million to support unemployment benefits for New Jerseyans.

(GARFIELD) - Bergen County Freeholder Director Chairman James M. Carroll today issued the following statement in response to Conservative Right Wing Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie's visit to Garfield today to discuss unemployment:

(WILLINGBORO) – Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. (D-Burlington) today joined with advocates for the autism community, Planned Parenthood Action Committee, nurses and caregivers to slam Right Wing Conservative Republican Chris Christie for his proposal for “mandate-free” plans which would allow health care companies in New Jersey to opt out of covering critical treatment for children with autism, mammograms and hospital stays for new mothers.

(TRENTON) – Democratic State Committee Chair Joseph P. Cryan today filed a complaint against Conservative Right Wing Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Christie with the Election Law and Ethics Commission (ELEC) for his failure to disclose a personal loan of $46,000 to Michele Brown, currently the first assistant to the United States Attorney, promoted since Christie’s resignation. Cryan said that Christie is in clear violation of state law that promotes transparency, accountability and ethical behavior.

(SEWELL) -- Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) today said that Right Wing Conservative Republican Chris Christie’s proposal for “mandate-free” plans would be disastrous, since it would give health insurance companies in New Jersey free reign to drop coverage for critical treatment for children with autism.

(PAULSBORO) – Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro) today said that Right Wing Conservative Republican Chris Christie’s proposal for “mandate-free” plans would be disastrous since it would allow health care companies in New Jersey to skirt covering critical treatment for children with autism.

(TRENTON) – Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Assemblywomen Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer) and Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden) joined breast cancer survivor Loretta Mikulski today to slam Conservative Right Wing Republican Chris Christie for his plans that would allow “mandate-free” policies that would eliminate mammogram coverage in health care plans across New Jersey.

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Democratic Party Chair Joseph P. Cryan today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s 68-31 vote confirming President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Sonia Sotomayor:

(FLEMINGTON) – Flemington Borough Councilwoman Brooke Liebowitz today slammed Conservative Right Wing gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for his refusal of billions of dollars in federal funding for New Jerseyans from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJDSC) Chairman Joseph Cryan today announced Alescia Marie Teel as the state party’s new Communications Director.

(WOODBURY) -- Today, State Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester) blasted Right Wing Conservative Republican Chris Christie for joining with fellow Right-Wing governors Sarah Palin and Mark Sanford in opposing billions of dollars from President Obama’s economic recovery plan, including more than $200 million in extended unemployment benefits.

(WESTFIELD) – Today Assemblyman and Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan (D-Union) teamed up with university and college students from across New Jersey to lambaste Conservative Right Wing Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for his refusal of $74 million in higher education funding from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

(Mount Laurel) – Assembly Budget Chair Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) and Freeholder Chris Brown (D-Burlington) today joined dozens of students from state and county colleges and universities to hammer Conservative Right Wing Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for his refusal to accept billions of dollars in federal funding for education and job training.

TRENTON—In the wake of a federal corruption sting that snared dozens of public officials, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) today renewed their call for the state Attorney General and the United States Attorney's office to investigate Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie's senior political adviser, top fundraiser, and beneficiary of a no-bid contract, John Inglesino, for his alleged attempt to bribe former candidate, and Assemblyman, Richard Merkt to quit the Governor's race.

(EWING) – Assemblyman Albert Coutinho today teamed up with more than 25 college and university students from across New Jersey to slam Chris Christie’s higher education policy which includes refusing $74 M in federal student aid at a press conference held at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

(ENGLEWOOD) – New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chair Joseph Cryan and Vice Chair Dana Redd today announced unanimous Democratic support of Governor Jon S. Corzine’s selection of Loretta Weinberg as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.

Democratic Chairman Joseph Cryan today released the following statement in response to the federal corruption probe:

PLAINFIELD – Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Jerry Green (D-Union) today issued the following statement in response to conservative Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s recent visit to Plainfield:

New Jersey Democratic Chairman Joseph P. Cryan today issued the following statement in response to Right Wing Conservative Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s latest contradiction in regards to Judge Sonia Sotomayor:

TRENTON- Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today blasted Right Wing Conservative gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for his hypocrisy in refusing the assistance of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, while continuing to accept the support of numerous high-profile, out-of-state right wing Republicans.

TRENTON –Democratic State Chairman and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan today issued the following statement on the passage of the FY2010 state budget:

“In the face of the global economic recession, Democrats produced an honest budget that preserves our core values while giving New Jersey families real opportunities to thrive when the national economy rebounds.

TRENTON – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today continued his call for Right Wing Conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie to get the “technical” glitches worked out from his values. The AP reported on June 18 that the Christie for Governor website took down the “Shared Values” section that declared Christie’s clearly defined positions against a woman’s right to choose and gay marriage for “technical reasons”. The Democratic State Committee’s “Christie’s Values Clock”—now in its eighth day on the website—keeps track of how long it will take for the Conservative standard bearer to re-discover his values.

TRENTON- Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today called into question statements made by Conservative Right Wing gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie during his testimony today before Congress.

TRENTON – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today continued his call for Right Wing Conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie to get the “technical” glitches worked out from his values. The AP reported on June 18 that the Christie for Governor website took down the “Shared Values” section that declared Christie’s clearly defined positions against a woman’s right to choose and gay marriage for “technical reasons”. The Democratic State Committee’s “Christie’s Values Clock”—now in its seventh day on the website—keeps track of how long it will take for the Conservative standard bearer to re-discover his values.

TRENTON – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today continued his call for Right Wing Conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie to get the “technical” glitches worked out from his values. The AP reported on June 18 that the Christie for Governor website took down the “Shared Values” section that declared Christie’s clearly defined positions against a woman’s right to choose and gay marriage for “technical reasons”. The Democratic State Committee’s “Christie’s Values Clock”—now in its sixth day on the website—keeps track of how long it will take for the Conservative standard bearer to re-discover his values.

TRENTON – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today continued his call for Right Wing Conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie to get the “technical” glitches worked out from his values. The AP reported on June 18 that the Christie for Governor website took down the “Shared Values” section that declared Christie’s clearly defined positions against a woman’s right to choose and gay marriage for “technical reasons”. The Democratic State Committee’s “Christie’s Values Clock”—now in its fifth day on the website—keeps track of how long it will take for the Conservative standard bearer to re-discover his values.

TRENTON – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today renewed his call for Right Wing Conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie to get the “technical” glitches worked out from his values. The AP reported on Friday the Christie for Governor website took down the “Shared Values” section that declared Christie’s clearly defined positions against a woman’s right to choose and gay marriage for “technical reasons”. The Democratic State Committee’s “Christie’s Values Clock”—now in its fourth day on the website—keeps track of how long it will take for the Conservative standard bearer to re-discover his values.

TRENTON- Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan today announced the creation of a “Christie’s Values Clock” on the Democratic State Committee website. The AP reported today that the Christie for Governor website took down the “Shared Values” section that declared Right Wing Conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie’s clearly defined positions against a woman’s right to choose and gay marriage for “technical reasons”. The clock will stay up on the website to keep track of how long it takes the Conservative standard bearer to get the “technical” glitches worked out from his values.

TRENTON- Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan today blasted Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie and his campaign leadership team, including Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr., Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce and newly anointed Republican State Chairman Jay Webber for voting against direct property tax relief for New Jersey residents. Along with 16 other Christie Right Wing Republicans in the legislature, Kean, DeCroce and Webber all voted against the Tax Amnesty bill that today yielded hundreds of millions of dollars that will be returned to New Jersey homeowners in the form of direct property tax relief.

TRENTON- Senate Budget Chair Barbara Buono and Assembly Budget Chair Louis Greenwald today held a press conference on Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s fiscally reckless budget that would make New Jersey’s financial situation dramatically worse. They noted that Christie’s budget is a series of political promises that would blow a $7.4 billion hole in the budget.

TRENTON- United States Senator Frank Lautenberg today blasted Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie for using conservative right-wing Republican Mitt Romney as the headliner at a fundraiser last night.

TRENTON- Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. today questioned Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s contentions that he would side with right wing Conservative Republicans across the country and refuse much needed funding from President Obama’s economic recovery package for programs that would impact New Jersey residents state-wide.

TRENTON – Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri-Huttle today renewed their call for the state Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s office to investigate Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie’s senior political adviser and top fundraiser John Inglesino, for his alleged attempt to bribe former candidate and Assemblyman Richard Merkt to quit the Governor’s race.

TRENTON – Democratic state chairman Joe Cryan, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman today said that the Republican primary voters have yet again chosen a gubernatorial candidate too conservative for New Jersey and out of touch with the mainstream values of the Garden State.

TRENTON – Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan released this statement following tonight’s GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Debate:

TRENTON - After reading a Newark Star-Ledger report that Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie’s senior political adviser, top fundraiser and beneficiary of a no-bid contract, John Inglesino, tried to bribe Assemblyman Richard Merkt to quit the Governor’s race, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri-Huttle today called for the state Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s office to open an investigation.

Trenton – Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-Essex) today called on Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie to return almost $250,000 to New Jersey's taxpayers.

TRENTON- Democratic State Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan today blasted Republican gubernatorial candidate frontrunners Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan for participating in events organized by radical right wing groups designed to push the "Party of No" agenda.

TRENTON - Citing published reports that Republican gubernatorial candidate and former U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie has received almost $24,000 in campaign contributions from a law firm with principals that benefited from a no-bid contract, Senator Loretta Weinberg today called upon the Christie campaign to give the money back. According to ELEC reports, the Roseland law firm Stern and Killcullen’s partners Herbert Stern, Kevin Killcullen and John Inglesino all contributed the maximum amount allowed under law of $3,400. The three partner’s wives all contributed the same maximum of $3,400. According to reports, Mr. Inglesino also contributed the maximum allowed of $3,400 from an election fund for a total of $23,800.

TRENTON - Senator Dana Redd today called on Trenton Establishment Republicans to put forward a balanced budget, as required by New Jersey’s Constitution.

TRENTON – New Jersey Democratic Chair Joe Cryan today called on Republican Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie to produce a budget in the wake of comments he made on WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show and his statement regarding the restoration of the property tax deduction.

TRENTON - New Jersey General Assembly Appropriations Chair Nellie Pou today called on Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Christie to put forward a budget in light of comments he made last week on the Brian Lehrer show.

TRENTON-Senate Budget Chair Barbara Buono and Assembly Budget Chair Louis Greenwald today called upon gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie to produce a budget in the face of comments he made on WNYC’s Brian Lehrer show Friday.

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine delivered a $29.8 billion budget to the Legislature today and said that even in these dire financial times his spending plan is based on the administration’s core values of nurturing children, honoring seniors and protecting those who have been hit hardest by the national economic crisis.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech to regulators and professionals in the residential mortgage lending industry, Governor Corzine today renewed his call for federal assistance to families struggling to make payments on their homes in these trying economic times.

WASHINGTON - New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg, today provided an update and reminder for New Jerseyans who are considering travelling to Washington, DC for the January 20 inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. Specifically, the senators want to communicate a few key points:

The Republican Party's latest hand-picked candidate for the U.S. Senate, Dick Zimmer, a Washington lobbyist and Newt Gingrich loyalist, staged the first act of a campaign to reinvent his political profile and recast his political loyalties.

'A true victory for families that builds on our legacy of workers' rights and makes New Jersey a leader on Family Leave Insurance. Earning a living and caring for a family member should not be mutually exclusive.' Governor Jon S. Corzine

Governor Corzine's financial restructuring and debt reduction initiative is an opportunity for New Jersey to get back on sound fiscal footing for the first time in decades. This unique fiscal proposal provides a solution to combat the State's crippling debt, while also providing funding for transportation projects for a generation. The Corzine Administration has put forward a real solution to fix our State's crippling debt obligations and provide a permanent funding source for the Transportation Trust Fund.

Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan issued the following statement on Tuesday in response to Governor Corzine's State of the State Address:

"The Governor today gave all of us in New Jersey a straightforward and sobering diagnosis of a fiscal crisis that has been years in the making and that, if left to itself, could choke off our financial well being and deny us future opportunities.

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation abolishing the death penalty in New Jersey and replacing it with life imprisonment without parole. New Jersey is the first state in the nation to enact a law to end use of the death penalty since it was reinstated by the United States Supreme Court in 1976. To ensure that the intent of the legislation was fully carried out as to the eight remaining inmates on death row, on Sunday evening Governor Corzine commuted the sentences of those inmates to life in prison without parole.

“Today New Jersey evolves. This is a day of progress for us and for the millions of people across our nation and around the globe who reject the death penalty as a moral or practical response to the grievous, even heinous, crime of murder,” Corzine said. “I have been moved by the passionate views on both sides of this issue, and I firmly believe that replacing the death penalty with life in prison without parole best captures our State’s highest values and reflects our best efforts to search for true justice.”

Democratic Party Chairman Joseph Cryan issued the following statement on Monday in response to Congressman Ferguson's announcement not to seek re-election:

"We should thank Congressman Ferguson for his service and wish him well in his political retirement.

Trenton - Joseph Cryan, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement today condemning the divisive political comments by Senator Cardinale and dismissing Cardinale's post-election explanations as empty excuses:

Election Brings More Women, Including the First Latina & Two African-Americans, Youth and Experience, Talent & Commitment To Public Service

Trenton - State Democratic Party Chairman Joseph Cryan on Wednesday called on Republican legislators to help save the children's health insurance program from President Bush's veto by publicly pressing their colleagues in Congress to abandon the President on this issue. Chairman Cryan cited the $88 million impact on the state budget as added incentive.

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today filed a lawsuit on behalf of the people of the state of New Jersey challenging the letter issued by the Bush Administration limiting eligibility for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The lawsuit accuses the Bush Administration of circumventing the public rule-making process by fundamentally and arbitrarily changing the program via letter, which would have the effect of denying health insurance coverage for over 10,000 New Jersey children.

The SCHIP children's health insurance plan reauthorization passed Congress on September 25 and is heading to the Senate for consideration. Not surprisingly, Republicans want to deny health insurance from the neediest Americans, and 3 of our own "moderate" New Jersey Republican Congressmen, Jim Saxton, Scott Garrett, and Rodney Frelinghuysen, felt the need to vote against providing health care to 4 million low-income American children. President Bush is threatening to use his veto when this bill passes, but Governor Corzine and the Democratic Party are leading the fight to make sure our children remain safe and healthy.

The U.S. House of Representatives last night passed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, H.R. 976, by a vote of 265 to 159.

All New Jersey Democratic members of Congress voted 'Aye.' Three of the Republican members of the delegation - Saxton, Garrett & Frelinghuysen - voted 'No.'

George Bush - with his 68% disapproval rating in NJ - is threatening a veto.

The legislation includes exemptions to continue strong federal support for New Jersey’s FamilyCare program.

Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan issued the following statement on Wednesday in response to the GOP's recycled campaign plan:

"This is nothing more than recycled rhetoric and nothing less than a litany of empty promises. The Republicans have already proven the only thing they know to do with promises is break them. Today they gave us even more evidence of their past failures and current hypocrisy.

Trenton - The determined commitment by Democrats to provide property tax relief and institute long-term reforms that was initiated on July 28th when Governor Jon Corzine addressed a Special Joint Session of the Legislature - followed by a months-long Special Legislative Session under the leadership of Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts - has now delivered on a key phase with the distribution of $2.2 billion in rebates.

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine today sent a letter to President Bush vowing to continue to enroll New Jersey children in the popular State Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), FamilyCare, despite recent federal efforts to limit such enrollments. Corzine also said in his letter that he was prepared, if necessary, to pursue legal action to further the goal of protecting our most vulnerable children.

The text of the letter follows:

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine, along with Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia division of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Mark Potter, Attorney General Anne Milgram and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes today announced a historic agreement between New Jersey and the ATF that will allow the state to more effectively trace the sources of illegal firearms through real-time electronic access to the ATF's e-Trace system.

As distribution of the first wave of Homestead Rebate checks from the most substantial and extensive property tax relief program in New Jersey history was launched this week, Governor Jon S. Corzine extended the application deadline to make sure that all eligible homeowners and tenants participate.

WASHINGTON – New Jersey Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) led a strong and successful effort to protect the health of New Jersey children that culminated in tonight’s Senate passage of the Children’s Health Insurance Program reauthorization bill by a seemingly veto-proof 68-31 vote. The legislation includes exemptions to continue strong federal support for New Jersey’s FamilyCare program – exemptions that Menendez and Lautenberg defended repeatedly from amendments targeting New Jersey on the Senate floor.

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine and State Treasurer Bradley Abelow announced today that the Division of Taxation will begin mailing Homestead Rebate checks tomorrow to 1.2 million New Jersey households. Half of the recipients are non-senior tenants who will see their average benefit increase more than three-fold this year under the new Homestead Property Relief Program and FY 08 Budget approved by the Legislature.

WEST ORANGE – Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed the New Jersey Stem Cell Research Bond Act, a $450 million bond referendum that will provide financing for stem cell research grants to eligible institutions over a 10 year period.

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine today ceremonially signed legislation cracking down on the misclassification of full-time construction workers as independent contractors.

(Washington, DC)- Today, New Jersey's entire House delegation jointly called on Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff to increase funding for risk-based anti-terror grants to their state. The effort, led by Reps. Steve Rothman and Albio Sires, comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalizes the amount of Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funding that the region will receive.

Trenton - The New Jersey Democratic Party will launch a series of comprehensive political training programs for women candidates with the first day-long session in South Jersey on Saturday.

Trenton - With the addition of a State Senate candidate in the 23rd District, Democrats now have a full team of 120 legislative candidates competing in the upcoming election, leaving no Republican unchallenged and no district uncontested, Party Chairman Joe Cryan said on Wednesday.

Trenton - Governor Jon S. Corzine and Democratic Party Chairman Joseph Cryan announced on Thursday that former President Bill Clinton will be the featured guest at the Governor's Gala in June. The State Party's annual fundraising event will be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on June Eighth.

Evesham - Democrats targeting local elections produced a clean sweep in Evesham on Tuesday, winning three races in a community once considered "Republican territory," State Democratic Chairman Joe Cryan said. Democrats defeated a 16-year incumbent to capture the mayor's office and added two Democrats to a town council that had a four-to-one GOP advantage.

Trenton - Democratic candidates have filed to compete in 118 of the 120 seats in this year's legislative races, state party chairman Joseph Cryan noted after Monday's filing deadline, demonstrating the party's determination to compete on the entire playing field with top-notch, energetic candidates. In contrast, Republicans failed to produce candidates for 16 seats, continuing a downward trend of the 'incredible shrinking minority."

TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed landmark property tax legislation that will lower property taxes in the short-term while instituting long-term reforms to help break the decades-long cycle of steep annual property tax increases.

Trenton - Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan said on Wednesday that the poll just released by Fairleigh Dickinson University's 'PublicMind Polling' documents the public's trust and respect in Governor Corzine's leadership despite - or maybe because of - the Governor's willingness to take on the big challenges and to make the tough decisions.

Trenton - State Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan issued the following statement on Wednesday following the release of the latest Quinnipiac Poll:

Trenton - Assemblyman Joe Cryan, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party, issued the following statement on Monday in support of the legislation approved by the Assembly State Government Committee that would move New Jersey's Presidential primary election to the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February:

Trenton - Assemblyman Joe Cryan, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Thursday praising Governor Jon Corzine for his budget address:

State Democratic Party Chairman and Assemblyman Joe Cryan issued the following statement on Tuesday after Senate approval of the Property Tax Relief & Reform plan:

"This is an important milestone on the long hard road to tax relief that is substantial and reforms that go to the root causes of the property tax crisis. We were not afraid to take on an issue that has defied solution and scared away serious remedies for far too long.

'GOP wants to argue against the most significant tax reform plan New Jersey residents have seen - they must be suffering from some type of political hangover after last night's historic action in the Assembly'

Joe Cryan, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, wants all Democrats to join him in welcoming Rob Angelo as the new Executive Director of the Democratic State Committee and in thanking Diane Legreide for the excellent job she has done in guiding the state party.

Trenton - Joe Cryan, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Tuesday in response to Governor Jon Corzine's State of the State address:

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.

Trenton - As the latest money magnet and political emissary representing Washington Republicans, Elizabeth Dole's fundraising venture on behalf of Tom Kean Jr. is more evidence that Kean Jr. would be a "captive vote for the Bush agenda," Senator Loretta Weinberg said on Wednesday.

Trenton - Congressman Donald Payne, New Jersey's first African-American member of Congress and a former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, criticized Tom Kean Jr.'s civil rights record on Wednesday, saying that "New Jersey needs a senator with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights."

Trenton - Joe Cryan, Chairman of the State Democratic Party, issued the following statement on Thursday challenging Tom Kean Jr. to undo his broken promise and participate in the League of Women Voters debate:

Trenton - Tom Kean Jr. should immediately investigate his own campaign for the dirty tricks and deceit of the Swift Boat Internet scandal, the chairman of the Democratic Party said on Thursday after Kean Jr's campaign was caught lying about fake Internet postings.

Trenton - New Jersey Democratic Party Chairman Joe Cryan issued the following statement on Tuesday following the release of a new radio ad, entitled "Anything," by the Menendez for Senate Campaign:

Revelations that Tom Kean Jr's campaign manager engaged in the same travel practices Kean Jr criticized in others is another instance of the double standards, deceptions and deceit that have come to define Kean Jr's campaign of hypocrisy.

Trenton - Tom Kean Jr's personal investment in the nation's largest offshore drilling company contradicts his recent claim that he is opposed to offshore oil drilling, adding to the reasons not to entrust the fate of the Jersey Shore and other coastal waters to the Senate candidate, Congressional Republicans and their oil industry allies, Congressman Frank Pallone said on Wednesday.

Trenton - Joseph P. Cryan, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Friday following Governor Jon S. Corzine's address to the Legislature on property tax reform:

"The property tax has long been called 'the tax without a conscience,' today the Governor gave it a conscience.

Trenton - Senate President Richard Codey, a leading proponent of stem cell research, criticized Tom Kean, Jr. on Monday for repeatedly failing to support initiatives to establish biomedical facilities that have the promise to produce life-saving stem cell therapies.

Trenton - Joseph Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Thursday following release of the latest poll on the New Jersey Senate campaign:

"I'll be running a positive campaign focused on the issues." -- Tom Kean Jr, Republican Party Senate Nominee.

"If Bob Menendez had his way, Zarqawi would still be leading a campaign of car bombings, assassinations, suicide attacks, kidnapping and beheadings..." -- Tom Wilson, Republican Party Chairman.

"Reprehensible!" -- Joseph Cryan, Democratic Party Chairman

The bite-sized sound bites Tom Kean Jr has relied on to justify a campaign void of substance and direction have been exposed as self-serving hypocrisy - again. Anxious to play the part of a reformer in a political stage-play that has no basis in reality, the Republican Senate wannabe was shown to be actively engaging in the same type of fundraising practices that he likes to condemn from a hastily assembled soapbox - again.

Lawrenceville - Congressman Rush Holt launched his reelection campaign on Monday, propelled by the power of job performance, principles and personality, according to the head of the Democratic State Committee.

From The Record (5-22-06):
The 'Mr Clean' Image ?!

"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tom Kean Jr. has been attacking
Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez's fund raising...but there are donations that Democrats may use to muddy the Mr. Clean image Kean is building for himself..."

The 'Letter of the Law' ?!
"What remains to be seen, however, is if voters expect Kean to do more
than just follow the law when he is saying that the law needs to be reformed."

No More 'Politics As Usual' - Except for Himself ?!
"Kean said, 'We can't have a continuation of the politics as usual.' But in response to several questions, he said he has not put any special limitations on his own fund-raising."

Trenton - It's no surprise that Tom Kean Jr is losing the debate on stem cell research, according to Joseph Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, what is noteworthy is that he's losing the debate to himself.

NEW YORK TIMES: GOP Tax Plan Provides “Nothing…For Most Americans.”

LA TIMES: “More Than a Few Reasons” to Dislike the GOP Tax Bill.

BOSTON GLOBE: GOP Tax Plan Is “A Dumb Idea.”

NEWSDAY: GOP Tax Plan Is Election Year Gimmick.

WASHINGTON POST: GOP Plan Built on “Budgetary Dishonesty” and “Distributional Unfairness.”

BEACON JOURNAL (OH): “No Good Reason” To Cut Taxes for the Wealthy.

CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER: GOP Should Be Worried About the Growing Deficit, Not Tax Breaks.

Trenton - Joseph Cryan, chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, on Friday condemned both the messenger and the message of a white supremacist from Alabama planning to speak in the state this weekend, declaring that neither are welcome in New Jersey.

Kean, Menendez in duel of barbs, boasts over gas
Bergen Record - Friday, May 5, 2006

Responding to soaring gasoline prices and surging profits for oil companies, Senator Bob Menendez took to the political frontlines, challenging Bush Republicans and Big Oil with a plan to provide relieve to motorists with a federal gas tax holiday, paid for by repealing tax breaks granted to the oil industry by Washington Republicans.

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee and member of the Assembly Budget Committee, on Monday issued the same challenge to opponents of Governor Corzine's Clean Water plan that he has issued to those criticizing the Governor's budget proposal absent alternatives:

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee and member of the Assembly Budget Committee, on Friday issued the same challenge to opponents of the proposed Clean Water plan that he has issued to those criticizing Governor Corzine's budget proposal and don't possess the intention of offering viable alternatives.

Tom Kean Jr's travel plans include a weekend excursion to a Republican fundraising retreat in Nashville, Tennessee, where he will collect money from Senator Bill Frist, field general for the Bush Agenda in the U.S. Senate, and where he will pledge his allegiance to the desperate effort by Washington Republicans to hold on to control of Congress.

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee and author of the state law that caps school spending, issued the following statement on Wednesday following voter reaction to school budgets throughout New Jersey:

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Tuesday challenging Republican Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance on his mischaracterization of the Governor's plan to close a gaping budget deficit and for the continued failure by Republican critics to offer constructive alternatives:

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Thursday after campaign fundraising figures for the Senate race were reported:

He Stood Up To Bush On Dubai, And Won

He Stood Up To Bush On Transportation Funding, And Won

Trenton - Senator Robert Menendez's determined effort to get the Bush Administration to reverse course on scheduled changes to Medicare's prescription drug program is the most recent instance in which the newly-minted senator has distinguished himself in battles with the President, the head of the State Democratic Party said on Tuesday.

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Thursday after hearing State Treasurer Bradley Abelow testify before the Assembly Budget Committee on Governor Jon Corzine's budget for the upcoming fiscal year:

Trenton - Joe Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Tuesday on the latest poll on the Senate race:

Why Would Tom Kean Jr. Deny New Jersey Its Fair Share Of Highway Funds?

1) He's Unwilling To Challenge The Bush Administration

2) He Wants To Distinguish Himself As The Only Public Official From New Jersey - Republican or Democrat - To Side With Bush & Against The State

3) He Believes Promises By The Bush Administration Don't Have To Be Kept

4) He Doesn't Want Traffic Congestion On Route 1 Cleared Up In Case He Needs An Excuse To Avoid His Pals In The Bush Administration, Again

5) All Of The Above

For those who questioned Tom Kean Jr for leaving the Senate Budget Committee just as New Jersey confronts the fiscal crisis, we now have an official explanation:

Cheney devoted much of his remarks to affirming administration policies in Iraq, on counterterrorism and on taxes.To assure the audience of the difference a single senator can make, Cheney recalled how he cast the deciding vote in passage of President Bush's tax cut package. Dick Cheney, speaking in New Jersey at Tom Kean Jr's fundraiser. (AP - 3/21/06)

Leadership requires tough choices, and yesterday Tom Kean, Jr. faced a very difficult one: stand up for the people of New Jersey or stand up with Vice President Dick Cheney. Faced with this difficult choice, he did neither. Tom Kean, Jr went AWOL.

Governor Corzine’s budget proposal is grounded in four principles:

1) New Jersey must stop spending more than it takes in;
2) Stop borrowing from the future and using gimmicks to pay today’s bills;
3) Rely more on cuts in spending and savings than new revenues to balance our books; and
4) Be smart in finding ways to mitigate these dramatic cuts to protect the most vulnerable in our state.

Dick Cheney is coming to New Jersey to solicit campaign cash for Tom Kean Jr. This fundraising venture is an opportunity for the politically-timid Republican candidate to finally speak up on behalf of the voters of the Garden State; he should start with port security.

By trading in his assignment to the Senate Budget Committee just as New Jersey confronts its most serious fiscal crisis in history, Tom Kean, Jr. is placing his need for campaign cash ahead of his commitment to his legislative responsibilities.

The encapsulized descriptions of Senator Robert Menendez's handling of the Dubai port security issue from the New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer (below) have been repeated in numerous news accounts and echoed by many political commentators. Within months after assuming the responsibilities as a United States Senator, Senator Menendez has distinguished himself on an important national issue of special significance to the people of New Jersey.

Trenton - The Democratic State Committee on Tuesday announced an agreement with the Election Law Enforcement Commission to settle past reporting infractions dating back to the 2001 campaign cycle.

Trenton - Governor Jon S. Corzine announced on Thursday the selection of Joseph P. Cryan as the next chairman of the Democratic State Committee.

"My dealings with Joe Cryan have shown him to be a man of character and integrity," said Governor Corzine. "Joe Cryan is the right man to lead our party forward, and I am pleased to announce that he is my choice to head the Democratic State Committee."

Trenton - As political leaders, high-tech businesses, the medical community and research scientists move forward to capture the promise and opportunities of stem cell research, State Senator Tom Kean, Jr.'s failure to take a position on the issue shows a "lack of political fortitude," according to Joseph Cryan, vice chairman of the Democratic State Committee.

Trenton - Joseph Cryan, vice-chairman of the Democratic State Committee, issued the following statement on Tuesday regarding Governor-elect Jon Corzine's Senate seat:

"Washington Republicans are back, but they bring nothing but bad news, bad politics and bad choices. The fundraising event highlights the contrast between a Republican candidate who will inevitably be wrong for New Jersey and the Democrat who will fight for the priorities embraced by the voters.