Stephen Sweeney should resign or switch parties

Having been in the hearing (4.00 / 2)

I had to listen to Sweeney literally brag about how he was a "Labor" guy and a "Union" guy and then, when I read his remarks in the news the following morning, I wondered at what point he also decided to be the "Lying" guy.

He can't be the "Labor" guy and the guy who brought "Labor to it's knees".

Time for this turn-coat to go or claim his desired place on the GOP side of the aisle because he is a republican in everything but name now.

If we don't stand together, we fall alone
That didn't last long.

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by: Couch Potato Politics @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 05:45:08 AM UTC

It's said Sweeney (3.00 / 1)

had been working on this pension/benefit reform for years. Probably in the interests of Norcross. So were they simply fortunate that Christie had like-minded interests, as with Adubato's school privatization interests? Or is Christie cutting deals for the Norcross/Adubato special interests, in exchange for 'Democrat' support of special  interests of his own or the Republican party's? Norcross gets a great deal, Baby boy Adubato gets part in NJN, Big boy Adubato gets many a charter school. The public employees and the taxpayers get fleeced. Great deal. Makes Dwek's deals look petty in comparison.

BTW, so much for your gubernatorial ticket pick Jay ;o).  

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by: FreeDem @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 11:29:08 AM UTC

Excellent diary (4.00 / 2)

Couldn't have said it any better myself.

Sweeney needs to step down as leader.  As does Oliver.  Neither one has the support of the majority of their caucus.  Or the majority of Democrats in this state.

If not, they need to be forced to so by their caucuses.  If that does not happen, we need to consider our options.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 12:10:17 PM UTC

thanks much (4.00 / 2)

I've been pissed but holding my fire on him for the past few months.  But this is over the line.

We are seeing the same garbage here in NJ as in WI under Republicans as well as DC under corporate Democrats and Republicans alike.


Scott Garrett - on the wrong side of, well, everything.

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by: Adam L @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 14:19:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Where is Dick Codey (3.00 / 1)

when we need him.  

I am sick and tired of the Democratic Party.  I have been a member and activist in the party for over 40 years, but I have reached my limit.  These days it's hard to tell the D's from the R's in Trenton and Washington.  

In the past when Dems where in power everyone "got" something.  The poor got help, the labor got support, maybe a job or two through patronage.  Now they are all hooked up to special interests.

I have two thoughts on this:

   1. Campaign finance reform
   2. TERM LIMITS.

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by: sandy23 @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 16:25:20 PM UTC

What a pompous ass! (3.00 / 2)

And Democrats wonder why they lose to the sociopaths in the Republican Party?
Why wonder!  When you act like Republicans, aid and abet their actions, what sort of choice are you?  Maybe it's time to elect some Greens or Socialists to the state legislature.  We need a real change.

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by: rjsnj @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 17:35:27 PM UTC

Do we (4.00 / 2)

have an historian here?  Some one must have something to say about the tragectory of power that has arc'ed over the last few years.

Cody forced out.  By whom?  Sweeney  and Oliver voted in.  By whom?

Deals with Christie?  Who knows?

NJ as usual?  You betcha.

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by: SmartyJones @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 18:26:08 PM UTC

Interesting right? (4.00 / 1)

Now who to break the Christie/Norcross/Adubato axis that interestingly emerged?

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by: FreeDem @ Sat Jun 18, 2011 at 21:54:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

At some point in time (0.00 / 0)

Probably decades ago. Republicans realized that there was no way they were going to win in urban areas. So the strategy had to be to run as Democrats, or RIDS. This may explain the unyielding level of support for Christie from 'Democrats'. They go with the flow under Democrat administrations, appearing as political moderates only out for their own best interests and of those they locally represent. They maybe even back a popular Democrat if strategically prudent, but then go all out under a Republican. There are many ways to explain it. This is one.
Impossible theory to prove, but as oft stated: Watch what they Do, Not what they Say.

As for those options for those unhappy with their leadership in the caucus mentioned below, Jeff, what would they be? They need to be exercised. Because with Sweeney and Oliver and the support of their respective machines that support Christie behind them, who needs Democrats?

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by: FreeDem @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 14:35:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Get your facts right (0.00 / 1)

I know that they get in your way .I won't tell you how much Christie has lowered my or my friends  taxes ,But I]ll go one better .Look to your Assemblymen Louis Greenwald  his taxes were lowered for the first time in over 10 years under Christies tax cutting http://www.zillow.com/homedeta...    when you find the facts to be true you can delete my post so as not to cause you any embarrassment ....

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by: speedkillsu @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 08:42:21 AM UTC

Comment ratings (4.00 / 1)

I'd like to see fewer 0's, which should be reserved for trolls - not for comments you think are unproductive (that's a 1), or marginal (that's a 2). If you disagree w/someone, say why. Or post a comment that says "Disagree" (and others may up-rate that!) But, 0 ratings can hide interesting or provocative comments that others want to read. My 2 cents. :)

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by: Jeff Gardner @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 13:06:22 PM UTC

I agree with Jeff. (0.00 / 0)

It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

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by: Rosi Efthim @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 13:09:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Question (0.00 / 0)

What is a (hidden comment)?  I can see them.

And who decides if they hide?

Thanks.

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by: SmartyJones @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 14:52:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh, p.s., my other 2 cents (0.00 / 0)

Sweeney doesn't need to switch parties, and shouldn't. But, if the Democratic caucus in either legislative body is unhappy with its leadership, there are options.

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by: Jeff Gardner @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 13:10:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Jeff (4.00 / 1)

as you are aware, there are a few on here, who 90% of the time, post mostly intemperate comments designed only to infuriate the regular BJ readers.  They are only here to troll, and just because they sober up and decide to comment respectfully and insightfully once in a blue moon, doesn't excuse them from the other 90% of the time.

"Only a fool would follow a bully"

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by: brendanod @ Sun Jun 19, 2011 at 15:24:52 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I agree, but... (0.00 / 0)

I'd like to see fewer 0s as well but in the sense that there would be less need for them. Unfortunately, it seems this site attracts a fair number of posts by individuals who have little to say other than to make a point of mocking and/or attacking other posters and otherwise showing a general lack of civility. I guess that's in the nature of any site that deals in contentious issues although I'm not convinced it has to be that way. Perhaps the only recourse is to rate those posts, when they have no apparent purpose other than to berate others, as trolls. Otherwise, the alternative, one I'm finding myself turning to, is just to avoid reading the comments to diary entries altogether. I have better ways to spend my time (and I'm sure this is true for most people) than to read bigoted or ad hominem remarks.

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by: Alex @ Mon Jun 20, 2011 at 11:28:40 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

It all has to change (0.00 / 0)

It makes me very sad to see the goings on in our State.  We  live in a very different world than the one I lived in when I was young.  The problem is, because of greed, our elected officials still haven't made this realization.  Most (if not all) of the Dems on that Committee, that voted last week to strip State Workers of their right to have health benefits included in collective bargaining, did so at the behest of one George Norcross.  The day of Political Bosses must come to an end.  As I stated earlier, it's a different world now.  The time has never been more urgent to work on Campaign Funding reform!! Let's take the selfish "windbags" out of the equation.

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by: Barry Bendar @ Mon Jun 20, 2011 at 13:01:31 PM UTC

another diary (0.00 / 0)

mine, another perfidious politician who's up to no good tricks, Vince Polistina....and not one comment for my troubles?  What's the formula pray tell?  Is it months and months blogging, earning mojo on this site?
http://www.bluejersey.com/diar...

"the black sheep can wear the golden fleece and hold a winning hand" Tim Hardin

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by: gary stein @ Mon Jun 20, 2011 at 21:29:28 PM UTC