Thank you

From a fan in the 5th... (4.00 / 3)

And one who has been "all over Garrett", I understand the tremendous sacrifice that running would be.  But knowing this District as well as I do, you are by far the best chance to Retire Garrett.

I say this for many reasons and you have a ton of support from me, other very motivated activists here in the fifth, and would be thrilled to help you in any, every way I can if you jump in.

And I know that I am far from alone.

Happy new year!


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

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by: Adam L @ Fri Dec 30, 2011 at 22:26:48 PM UTC

Please (4.00 / 4)

Run Assemblyowman

Since volunteering for your campaign back in November you have already become one of my favorite members of the Assembly for your unapologetic progressivism and your ability to govern. You without a doubt would make a marvelous replacement for nut job Garrett.  

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by: MSUTeenDem @ Fri Dec 30, 2011 at 23:03:42 PM UTC

As a "Sister Blue Jersey Contributor".... (4.00 / 2)

I say "Go for It" Connie. Women's groups, fundraisers, grass root volunteers are lining up to help you. I know it will be hard work, but you're more than ready for this job. We need you.

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by: Senator Loretta Weinberg @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 04:07:22 AM UTC

Want Connie Wagner to run? (4.00 / 1)

Then let her know you do. Then, ask your friends to do the same:

1)  Post a comment here  in the Assemblywoman's diary - let her know.
2)  Post the URL of this diary in your facebook status. (After a few seconds the headline will appear - and you can write in:
3) I just told Connie Wagner I want her to run for Congress against Scott Garrett. Agree? Tell her in a comment in her Blue Jersey post. (click link, make sure you're logged in to Blue Jersey to post).
4) Join the Draft Connie Wagner facebook group (click the Ask to Join Group button).

Want somebody else to run? Write a diary letting us know. Better yet, get your candidate to.

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 @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 13:02:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Rosi. What am I, chopped liver? (0.00 / 0)

"Want somebody else to run? Write a diary letting us know. Better yet, get your candidate to."

not a single comment on my recent diary, yet I'm a candidate. I'm specific with my ideas and there's no doubting how I feel about my......ehhh.....opponent AND I've run before as the Democrat candidate in my district.  So I've never been elected to anything before.......is that important?
http://www.bluejersey.com/show...

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

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by: gary stein @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 13:25:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Gary (4.00 / 1)

With respect, I'll tell you what I told you last year:

1.  You run for some office every year - Assembly, Governor, Congress. There might be a way to convey to people that you don't see running as an attention-getting device or unusual hobby. Really there might be. But I'd suggest to you, you haven't found it.
2. Your Stein for Congress 2010 facebook page is loaded, inexplicably, with music videos. That tends to project the message that you're not serious.
3. Ditto your facebook Stein for Congress 2012, which has a non-serious-looking profile picture.
4.  You have a confusing Stein 4 President 2012 website up,  with a giant picture of fruit at the top and a loud automatic music ballad that has nothing to do with anything. What?
5. Your Stein for Assembly site opens with how much you paid for the site ($100) and a "June 24 directive".

Anything serious that you're about - like some of the stuff you talk about here - is completely torpedoed by your own communications here - like this or this.

Not every candidate has to act like every other candidate. Unusual, creative message delivery works great when it looks like Elizabeth Warren, who tells us who she is in a more serious-appearing way than you're telling us who you are. And direct-talk looks great when you're really saying something. Sorry to use the same candidate 2x to illustrate that point, but there are other examples.

I think you're a good, possibly a great Democrat. Probably a progressive. Definitely somebody fun to have a beer with. But there's a reason you don't get much traction on your many campaigns - few followers, few commenters etc. If you want to be more effective as a candidate, rethinking how you present yourself to people as a candidate might be a good place to start.

I don't mean my tone here to sound superior or scolding. I'm sorry if it does. It's just that you've made this kind of complaint before, as if we or anyone else is responsible for readers being less interested in you than you'd like. And people here have made the same suggestions before how you can improve what you're telling us about yourself as candidate.


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 @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 14:37:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

This is why I love you, Rosi. (0.00 / 0)

You are great at vetting candidates and are not afraid to speak your mind - even to a friend.  Sorry, Gary. We need someone serious who can win.  

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

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by: carolh @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 18:02:03 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

one heck of an anaylsis (0.00 / 0)

and i agree with you to a point.  problem is, me being who i am, don't think the other way, me being serious.... would have changed one blessed vote. and you know i'm an office cleaner, a janitor don't you? anyway i respect what you do and i appreciate you writing back.  and don't think for one second i'm not listening to what you're saying, i am.  we are making adjustments as i write this.  it's true, someone might have come on board. have a good new years.  and you don't mind if i end the year with a song one last time?  not being a wise acre...rossi, this bum lobi can be beaten.  thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

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

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by: gary stein @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 23:23:37 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

might have flipped comments? (0.00 / 0)

carolh, let the dems put up a proper candidate.  they never do in my district. it might just take a guy like me to shake things up down here in s. jersey.  yup, a former republican who voted 6 times for the guy he now can't stomach to look at. worst congressperson in washington he is.
and rosi, i'll never stop the music.  it's me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

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

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by: gary stein @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 23:29:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

We need you Assemblywoman (0.00 / 0)

You're our best bet in NJ-5.  And New Jersey hasn't had a Democratic congresswoman since Helen Meyner in the 70s.

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by: 12mileseastofTrenton @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 14:25:59 PM UTC

Draft Connie Wagner (0.00 / 0)

For too long Representative Garrett has represented his own hard line conservative principles rather than those that are in the best interest of his constituents. In a time of financial hardship the district needs someone with a broader view more beneficial to the residents. You are my choice to bring change to the 5th District and as a former member of the 9th I would be proud to support you.

In 2010 and 2011 Garrett voted against disaster relief, summer jobs funding, extension of federal unemployment benefits, flood insurance programs, rebates to families for energy-efficient home renovations, child nutrition programs, and more. By having gone overboard in his rejection of these benefits, he has opened the door for you to make a strong case that you can better represent the needs of the constituents. While many in the 5th will continue to hold conservative views, the infusion of new more moderate and liberal residents will gradually permit a modified stance on abortion, marriage equality, offshore drilling, and immigration.

Because Garrett has not had to face a serious challenge in the past nine years, he has been able to carry out his own personal agenda.  You would have strong supporters on the ground and opportunities to tap into local, state, federal, and PAC funds. Most importantly constituents would realize that you were genuinely concerned with their welfare.

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy

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by: Bill Orr @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 14:36:52 PM UTC

Only if you're committed to winning (4.00 / 1)

I'm not familiar with your record, but I am ready, willing, and able to support a good progressive candidate who is able to articulate why it is PROGRESSIVE values that are in the interest of NJ-5 voters, not all of whom are in the 1%.  Our candidates over the last decade have been hobbled by weak messaging as well as weak fundraising.

That you're the choice of Adam and Rosi is good enough cred for me.

I hate to get all Margaret Thatcher here, but if you are at all wobbly about this, then don't do it.  Scott Garrett is as dirty a pol as you're going to find, and a successful run against him is going to require cojones of steel as well as cash.  We HAVE to be in this to win it this time; this is our best chance to expose Scott Garrett for what he is.  The support is out here, just look into yourself and make sure you have the stomach for it.  Obviously I hope you do.

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by: brilliantatbreakfast @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 16:31:05 PM UTC

I would support you (0.00 / 0)

Assemblywoman Wagner, if you choose to run. It isn't an easy fight, but you now have a lot more folks on your side than we had in the past.  Please consider it.

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

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by: carolh @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 18:04:43 PM UTC

I don't know you, but I trust my fellow (0.00 / 0)

members of Blue Jersey who do.  

Scott Garrett must be challenged.  As far as I am concerned he is an embarassment to NJ.  I can't believe his ultra conservative views represent his constituents, (more like Texas or Nebraska).

I will contribute financially to your campaign, (as much as I can) and speak with any friends in your district.

Of course the choice is up to you and your family, but we need you.

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by: sandy23 @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 18:21:16 PM UTC

Reply to Rep. Wagner (0.00 / 0)

After a very nice opening, Ms. Wagner states about education, "at every turn there are those seeking to destroy it".  This is NOT the way to bridge differences, especially for someone who opens with she is a .public servant'
If Wagner dispels with such divisive rhetoric she will find more people interested in working with her.

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by: ajbruno14 @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 20:05:13 PM UTC

Why does it only go one way? (4.00 / 1)

Divisive rhetoric?  What do you think Scott Garrett is going to do when his government paycheck is threatened?  

I'm sick of Democrats bringing a nerf ball to a gunfight.  I want a candidate who's tough enough to fight back.  I'm sick and tired of "genteel" Democrats (Yes, Mr. Obama, I'm talking to you) who insist on not being "divisive" and who insist that "The American people are too smart to believe [fill in scurrilous lie here]."  They aren't.  And I want a candidate who knows that.

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by: brilliantatbreakfast @ Sun Jan 01, 2012 at 17:48:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You need to say that... (0.00 / 0)

...with a Sean Connery accent.

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by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 01, 2012 at 19:21:17 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

To paraphrase Star Wars: (0.00 / 0)

Help us Asw. Connie Wagner.  You're our only hope.

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by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sat Dec 31, 2011 at 20:29:34 PM UTC

We need a Connie Wagner (0.00 / 0)

We need a Connie Wagner here in NJ-3 to stand up to Jon Runyan.  

Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org

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by: deciminyan @ Sun Jan 01, 2012 at 00:23:04 AM UTC

How about Troy Singleton? (0.00 / 0)

I know that he is an Assemblyman-Elect, but I think that from a commitment, dedication, energy, and enthusiasm perspective, you are not going to find someone better to take on Runyan.

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by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 01, 2012 at 00:35:46 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Minor correction (0.00 / 0)

Troy is an assemblyman, not assemblyman-elect. He was sworn in to complete Jack Conners' unfinished term.

I think it's too soon for Troy, but if Runyan wins, Troy would be a great candidate in 2014.

Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org

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by: deciminyan @ Sun Jan 01, 2012 at 01:24:52 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

never too soon for a good candidate (0.00 / 0)

2012 could be a watershed year for Democrats if Ron Paul runs for Presiident as a Libertarian and has his faction of the Tea Party movement run in congressional and senatorial elections on his lines on ballots throughout the country.

Together, they could take 10-20% of the vote and bring about the demise of the modern-day Republican Party the way that the 19th Century Republicans brought about the demise of the Whigs.

Troy is probably the strongest candidate that you have in CD3 so there is no reason for him to wait two years if his best chance of winning could be this year.

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by: Bertin Lefkovic @ Sun Jan 01, 2012 at 01:58:52 AM UTC

[ Parent ]