Stack doesn't rule out using Senatorial Courtesy to block Schundler

by: Jason Springer

Fri Jan 15, 2010 at 04:15:00 PM EST

"There are some philosophical differences that need to be resolved," said Stack spokesman Mark Albiez, specifically referring to the issue of school vouchers, a Schundler signature, which Stack doesn't support.

It's potentially an impassable divide.

"At this point, Senator Stack is open to a discussion with Mayor Schundler," added Albiez, when asked if Stack would consider invoking senatorial courtesy to block his fellow Hudson County resident.

Stack to endorse Corzine for Governor, supports Sweeney for Senate President

by: Jason Springer

Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 01:32:07 PM EDT

Sources say that State Sen./Union City Mayor Brian Stack will announce next week that he has endorsed the re-election of Gov. Jon Corzine.  Stack, who had openly flirted with the prospect of backing Republican Christopher Christie, committed his support of Corzine during a meeting of the Hudson County Democratic Organization today.

"I am confident in Senator Sweeney's ability to lead the Senate, as we prepare to address matters that are critical to the residents of New Jersey," Stack said in a statement.

"Senator Sweeney has demonstrated both strong leadership and sound judgment during his tenure as Democratic Majority Leader, and I am certain that he will make an outstanding Senate President as he continues to fight for the families of our State. His prominent record as a labor leader conveys his understanding of the needs of New Jerseyans at a time when it is particularly important for working families to have their interests represented in the Statehouse."

Grandstanding

by: Scott Weingart

Thu Aug 06, 2009 at 12:10:35 PM EDT

Tuesday afternoon, Christie walked around Union City shaking hands with voters and posing for pictures with Mayor-cum-State Senator Brian Stack, a Democrat who has not yet endorsed a candidate for governor. Christie hopes he can win the support of Stack's powerful Union City political machine, or at least convince Stack not to mobilize support for Governor Corzine in November. While Stack hasn't yet been charged with any corruption-related offenses, he perhaps better than anyone else embodies the systemic problems with government in New Jersey. In 2007, Stack was able to move up from the Assembly to the Senate despite a recently-passed dual-officeholding ban, because the law contained a grandfather clause specifically crafted to let him make the jump. In the last three years, Stack and his political action committee, Union City First, have accepted nearly $140,000 in contributions from businesses that have contracts worth a total of some $27 million with city or regional government entities.The Record recently reported that Stack's PAC took $4,000 from an FBI undercover company linked with Solomon Dwek.

This isn't the first time during the campaign that Christie has palled around with a dual-officeholder. In April, he attended a fundraiser for Ocean County Clerk Carl Block's mayoral re-election campaign in Stafford. Block lost his local office, despite Christie's help.

---

The Glass House Express stops in Union City en route to Christie's ethics speech in Paramus. Grandstanding? It's OK if you're a Republican. Dual officeholding? It's OK if you're a Republican—or a Democrat thinking of endorsing one.

The Record questions contribution from FBI informant to Stack linked fund

by: Jason Springer

Sun Aug 02, 2009 at 12:26:46 PM EDT

A political fund linked to Union City Mayor Brian Stack received a $4,000 donation in the middle of August 2007 - the same time that the U.S. Attorney's Office says a "middleman" for an unnamed "Union City official" received a $4,000 check from the government informant at the center of a far-reaching federal corruption sting.

A donation of $4,000 from BH Property Management - identified in a federal complaint as "an FBI undercover company" that was used to facilitate money laundering - shows up on a 2007 campaign finance report for Union City First, a political action committee linked to Stack, who is also a state senator.

And a payment of $4,000 by a property management company shows up in the government's complaint against Shimon Haber, one of the 44 people charged in the sting. The complaint says the check was intended to pave the way for help with a development project.

In the complaint, Solomon Dwek, the government's cooperating witness, discussed using a property management company in the summer of 2007 to funnel a $4,000 check to someone described as a "middleman" for a "Union City official" in exchange for help with the development project.

"I can get you a check. ... I have a management company that doesn't show up anywhere," Dwek is quoted in the complaint as telling Michael Altman, another man who was charged in the case.

The complaint goes on to say that on or about Aug. 16, 2007, a representative of the Union City official "accepted the $4,000 check payable to the political committee, placing it in his pocket."

A footnote in the complaint explains that "the $4,000 check made payable to the political committee was drawn on the account of a company that ... in reality, was an FBI front company." The complaint did not identify the Union City official, the middleman or the political committee, beyond calling it a Union City official's political fund.

Records for Union City First maintained by the state Election Law Enforcement Committee indicate the fund accepted a $4,000 check from BH Property Management that was dated Aug. 15, 2007.

This change is just ridiculous

by: Thurman Hart

Fri Nov 28, 2008 at 12:16:17 PM EST

I don't have a dog in this fight at all, so the Freeholders can hire whoever they want.  But it seems odd that the two Freeholders who are talking about the personnel move just aren't making sense.  Bruce James says their team works so well together that they must move in a different direction - which doesn't make sense, but public statements via truisms usually don't.  Meanwhile, Terry Duffy claims he doesn't know why anyone would vote against Gerald Volpe, but then says he did so in order to go along with his friends.

I don't have a dog in Union City, either, where Mayor/State Senator Brian Stack fired Paul Sarames (deputy director of revenue) only a month before he was set to retire.  The timing makes it almost sure a court case will ensue - and whatever money Stack thought he was saving in the pay dispute is going out the window anyway.  

In both cases, I think there is more to the story than is being reported.  Given the problem of patronage in New Jersey, though, I think it would behoove us all to call for greater clarity and openness on hiring and firing - especially when the jobs are six-figures high.

The power of incumbency?

by: Juan Melli

Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 11:36:20 PM EDT

Senator Brian Stack endorsed Andrews (update: Stack did not endorse Andrews, but he was thought to be quietly supporting him), but Lautenberg carried Hudson County 75%-21%

Steve Adubato Sr. endorsed Andrews, but Lautenberg carried Essex County 77%-20%.

Three of the most powerful political forces in the state could hardly put a dent in Frank Lautenberg's huge victory over Rob Andrews. Did they sit on their hands? Are they really not as influential as everyone thinks? Or is this simply the power of incumbency and/or the line?

Andrews to pick up North Jersey support?

by: Juan Melli

Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 11:25:41 AM EDT

There is considerable speculation among Democrats that Rob Andrews is about to secure some major endorsements for his U.S. Senate bid against Frank Lautenberg - possibly including State Senators Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) and Brian Stack (D-Hudson), and Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero.

What's in this rice pudding?

by: Thurman Hart

Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 05:30:46 PM EDT

This was not entirely unexpected.  Brian Stack had to donate to charity contributions made by Medrano after she was indicted for human trafficking, forced alien labor, and conspiracy charges.  At the time, Stack defended his honor by pointing out that Medrano had used her Fairview address to mislead his campaign.  He stated:

"Anyone who knows my record knows how strong I have been on [the bar establishments]," said Stack. "My biggest opposition has come from the bar owners."

Exactly.  Just like Elliot Spitzer busted a couple of prostitution rings - but that didn't stop him from blowing $80,000 on whores.  The question facing Mr. Stack would be: Why were you so hard on bars and why did they oppose his election?

Is it the rice pudding, baby?  Click on through.

Not an Adult in the Whole Group

by: Hudson Observer

Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 09:12:54 AM EDT

The Vega camp claims Sires wanted to retain control over some aspects of municipal government. Sires people claim this was not the case and that Vega not only began removing Sires appointees from the city the moment Sires left, but actually put anti-Sires people into key city positions.

In other words, Albio needs to grow beyond West New York fast.  Vega, who appears intent on cutting his own throat, should be his last worry.  He's shown that, if given the opportunity, he'll make the absolutely worst political decision possible.  Get the hell out of his way!

News Round-up and Open Thread for Tuesday, May 29, 2007

by: Sharon GR

Tue May 29, 2007 at 08:02:19 AM EDT

• Gov. Corzine attended the ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Holmdel yesterday. Many newspapers had brief articles on yesterday's remembrances: Star-Ledger (photo essay), Times of Trenton, The Record, Press of Atlantic City, Gloucester County Times, Asbury Park Press, Jersey Journal, Courier Post, Burlington County Times.
• "I never believed a person would be hated for his religion." The Muslim community is seeing a rise in bias crimes in the wake of the recent Fort Dix incident.
• Questions are being raised over Union City Mayor/Assemblyman Brian Stack's campaign fundraising in his Senate run. Personal loans by supporters are being scrutinized.
• New Jersey has the third-lowest gas taxes in the country, but that may change in a few years if we want to meet our expenses.
• The Star-Ledger takes a look at the contentious 29th district Assembly primary.
• Our Fair State has started its own Office of Nutrition and Fitness, the first state to do so, in order to fight the rise of obesity in young people. Obesity is now the country's No. 2 cause of preventable death; about 60% of Our Big State is overweight or obese.
• The threat of old, unexploded munitions in the sand didn't keep the crowds away from Surf City this weekend.
• Should clearings that resulted from forest fires in the Pine Barrens be kept as fire breaks? The debate over fire protection in the Pinelands environment is getting heating up.
• The state has extended the deadline for seniors to file for Senior Freeze property tax rebates from June 1 to Aug. 15.
• Expansion of the Coast Guard through the Deepwater program, formerly overseen by Rep. Frank LoBiondo, is being scrutinized for lack of results and increased costs.
• Have a GPS in your car? Better watch out!

Open Thread: What do you want to talk about today, Blue Jersey?

Negative Politics: Pervasive in New Jersey (and Beyond)

by: mikeshapiro

Wed May 23, 2007 at 11:20:58 PM EDT

Cross-Posted from ShapTalk.com:

Politics has always had its share of negativity and personal invective.  In the election of 1884, Republicans backing James Blaine for President circulated the phrase "Ma, ma, where's my pa?” referring to an affair Grover Cleveland, the Democratic nominee, had engaged in prior to entering politics.  Unfortunately, such a tactic is tame by today’s standards.  In Hudson County, Democrat Sal Vega, who is running for State Senate against Brian Stack, accuses Stack and his allies of harassing and “paying off” the opposition and “abusing” City employees.  Also in Hudson  County, Assemblyman Manzo and Sandra Bolden Cunningham have unleashed assaults against each other for the right to claim the contested Senate seat there.  On the Republican side of the aisle, Larry Casha and Jay Webber are engaging in a fiercely negative campaign for the District 26 Senate seat, with Webber recently stating that Casha “is proud of his tax and spend record.” 

Hudson Diversity Announces 31, 32, and 33 Primary Endorsements

by: waltb313

Tue May 22, 2007 at 11:42:38 AM EDT

On Saturday Night, May 19th, Hudson Diversity Action Council hosted our annual Block Party Endorsement Event for the June 5th Primary Election. Hudson Diversity proudly announced our endorsement of the following candidates for the June 5th primary election. We have worked diligently to identify candidates who are pro-marriage equality, not only pro-arts but also pro-artist, pro-education, and pro-diversity.

We are delighted that, for the first time in our recollection, the field of 24 candidates holds over half (14) who are a part of one diversity group or another. Of the 12 candidates we are either endorsing or recommending, our line-up includes 4 Women, 4 Latinos/as, and 2 African Americans (only 4 straight white men).

We hope you will get out and spread the word and most importantly vote for each of our candidates running in your area. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with each one of these great leaders.

County Executive Thomas A. DeGise
County Clerk Barbara Netchert
Sheriff Juan Perez
Hudson Diversity Action Council has such an abiding respect and admiration for the integrity and leadership of the County Executive, Tom DeGise, that our decision to endorse him was very easy. As we have gotten to know Barbara Netchert and Juan Perez, that decision became an easy one as well. Having a full team of people so committed to the best for Hudsons residents with the talent and experience to deliver is refreshing and we look forward to Hudson Countys progress under this great group of individuals.

31
Senate Sandra Bolden-Cunningham
Assembly Nicholas Chiavralloti
Assembly L. Harvey Smith
The deciding factor in our 31st district endorsements was community connection. We believe the candidates here have both a strong sense of what is important to our community and a close connection to the people within our community. We are endorsing two people with a world of experience as Jersey City leaders and the former State Director to Senator Menendez. Each a leader in their own right, we believe that these individuals will come together to best serve the residents of the 31st.

32
Assembly Joan Quigley
Our key component to our 32nd district endorsement is experience and growth. Joan Quigley has proven herself a strong leader who is willing to allow her stances to evolve with the ever-changing face of her constituency. Nicholas Sacco and Vincent Prieto are recommended choices here as well; however, were unavailable to meet with us.

33
Senate Brian Stack
Assembly Ruben Ramos
Assembly Caridad Rodriguez
In the 33rd district, we looked to candidates with foresight and plans for Hudsons future. Brian Stack and his team are forward-thinking progressives with a strong plan to improve the lives of New Jerseys residents. Each has shown, in their previous experience, that they are willing to put it on the line for what they believe. We appreciate this teams steadfast support of the ideals espoused by Hudson Diversity and look forward to seeing their tenacity continued in their tenure in Trenton.

Garden State Equality's 2007 primary endorsements

by: Steven Goldstein, Garden State Equality chair

Mon May 21, 2007 at 01:37:20 AM EDT

Some explanation is in order on this odd political year in Essex and Hudson.  Several legislative candidates long allied with one another -- candidates who previously ran together on the same column on the ballot -- are running against each other in different columns.  The new alliances emanate from behind-the-scenes political wars that have little to do with issues, and much to do with turf and perceived slights.  The alliances are asking organizations like Garden State Equality to endorse their entire columns or not at all.

We at Garden State Equality reject that approach, and so should you.  We endorse the candidates best on our issues, regardless of column.  Imagine that.

Garden State Equality's endorsements are based on the records of, and interviews with, the candidates. 

Some of our endorsed candidates are running on the local party-endorsed column.  Some of our endorsed candidates are not running on the local party-endorsed column.  If you are a Democratic voter in Essex or Hudson, or anywhere else in New Jersey for that matter, you are always free to vote for candidates across columns. 

All of Garden State Equality's endorsed candidates meet the following criteria:  (a)  They would vote for marriage equality.  (b)  They would vote for strengthening the state's hate crimes law, including adding hate crimes based on a victim's gender identity or expression.  (c)  They would vote for a comprehensive syringe exchange program that will save the lives of many people with HIV/AIDS.  (d)  If the candidate currently serves in the legislature, he or she must have voted "yes" on the civil unions law -- candidates who abstained or voted no would certainly not vote for marriage equality.  (e)  If the candidate currently serves in the legislature, he or she must have voted "yes" on the transgender equality law.

We remind you that in New Jersey, each legislative district is represented by one state Senator and two Assembly members.  Thus you can vote for one Senate candidate and one or two candidates for Assembly.

Note that if you live in District 27 in Essex, encompassing part of Newark and all of Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Maplewood, North Caldwell, Orange, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell and West Orange, the incumbents face no primary on June 5th.  They are Senator Dick Codey, Assemblyman John McKeon and Assemblyman Mims Hackett, all splendid champions of equality whom we strongly support for reelection in November.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

District 28, Essex (Part of Newark, all of Belleville, Bloomfield and Irvington):  Cleopatra Tucker for Assembly.

For the Assembly, Garden State Equality endorses Cleopatra Tucker.  She runs the Donald K. Tucker Centre in Newark, a comprehensive community center for both children and senior citizens that has done so much to lift up so many throughout the city.  The Centre is named after Cleo's husband, the late Assemblyman Donald K. Tucker.  Cleo is an impressive grassroots activist in her own right who has the support of our allies, Mayor Cory Booker and city councilwoman Dana Rone.

Garden State Equality stops just short of an endorsement of, but confers "preferred candidate" status on, Bilal Beasley for state Senate and Ralph Caputo for Assembly.  They said they personally support marriage equality but have not made up their minds on legislation yet.  This makes them preferable to the incumbents, particularly Senator Ron Rice, who abstained on civil unions and is the state legislature's leading opponent of syringe exchange. 

District 29, Essex/Union (Part of Newark, all of Hillside):  Teresa Ruiz for state Senate.  Wilfredo Caraballo for Assembly.  L. Grace Spencer for Assembly.

Garden State Equality's focus in this district is the reelection of Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo.  As Speaker Pro Tem and as a professor of constitutional law at Seton Hall, Fred is an intellectual powerhouse who ranks among the most effective civil rights champions anywhere in America.  With passion, soaring oratory and a grasp of public policy second to very few, Fred has been a quarterback on a wide range of pro-LGBTI legislation.  He guided the civil unions law to passage while making clear that the law is not equality -- and that the fight for real marriage equality must be won soon.  He and his staff work in close partnership with Garden State Equality.  No matter where in New Jersey you may live, if you have to donate your time or money to just one candidate this primary season, please consider Fred.  Checks are payable to "Election Fund of Wilfredo Caraballo" and should be mailed to Caraballo for Assembly, 562 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104.  Fred's campaign office number is (973) 485-8701.  New Jersey election law requires that for donations of $300.01 and above, you provide your occupation, employer and employer's address.

Garden State Equality debated whether to endorse Fred alone, or to also endorse one other Assembly candidate for the two Assembly seats.  In a close call, we endorse L. Grace Spencer for the other Assembly seat, an attorney who has worked with members of the LGBTI community and has an impressive grasp of the issues.  The third candidate running for the two Assembly seats is Albert Coutinho.  Though he would make a fine Assembly member, Coutinho described himself as close, but not there yet, on marriage equality.  We believe he is persuadable, but Caraballo and Spencer are there already.

Garden State Equality endorses Teresa Ruiz for state Senate, running unopposed in the primary.  Ruiz, a top aide to County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, wowed us when interviewed her.  She is formidably direct, progressive and off-the-charts charismatic.  She spoke movingly of the harm inflicted on her LGBTI friends who cannot marry.  Her experience working for the County Executive, himself a staunch ally of the LGBTI community and an absolute pleasure to work with, has been invaluable.  Ruiz will be a superstar in Trenton.

District 31, Hudson (Part of Jersey City, all of Bayonne):  Sandra Cunningham for state Senate.  Nicholas Chiaravalloti for Assembly.  L. Harvey Smith for Assembly.

Garden State Equality's focus in this district is the election of Nicholas Chiaravalloti to the Assembly.  We leaders of the LGBTI community and other progressive communities know Nicholas well through his years of service as U.S. Senator Bob Menendez's state director.  Beyond being a smart, hardworking ally of the LGBTI community and a supporter of every LGBTI issue, Nicholas is everything Hudson County needs.  He is an accessible, progressive reformer who articulates a compelling vision of a more accountable, open government.  He would be a breath of fresh air in Trenton.

For the other Assembly seat, Garden State Equality endorses L. Harvey Smith.  As a state Senator in 2003, Smith declined to vote on the narrow domestic partnership bill whose achievement was to gave same-sex partners the right to visit one another in the hospital.  Today, Smith says he was wrong.  "I've come a long way," he says, "and I believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry like everyone else."  Voters should reward that kind of honesty and growth.

Garden State Equality endorses Sandra Bolden Cunningham for the state Senate.  Well-known to voters as the widow of former state Senator and Jersey City Mayor Glenn Cunningham, Sandy has a rich history of her own progressive activism and has worked closely with the LGBTI community.  She is an extremely articulate voice for justice.  We support her over Lou Manzo, currently an Assembly member, in a race where both candidates support marriage equality but where she is more passionate about the issue.  Manzo said he would not be a leader on the issue.  In a district with one of the largest LGBTI communities in the state, that's not good enough.

District 32, Hudson (Part of Jersey City, all of Harrison, Secaucus, Kearny and North Bergen):  Joan Quigley for Assembly.  Vince Prieto for Assembly.

Garden State Equality endorses Joan Quigley for reelection to the Assembly, where she is Majority Conference Leader, the third highest ranking member of the chamber.  Quigley has been a leader on every LGBTI issue over the years.  She has soared even further in our eyes as she has taken on the rabidly anti-LGBTI author Ann Coulter in the media. 

Garden State Equality also endorses Assemblyman Vince Prieto, Deputy Majority Whip and another progressive who supports marriage equality.

Senator Nicholas Sacco, running for reelection, did not return calls. 

District 33, Hudson (Part of Jersey City, all of Hoboken, Union City, West New York and Weehawken):  Brian Stack for state Senate.  Ruben Ramos for Assembly.  Carrie Rodriguez for Assembly.

Garden State Equality's focus in this district is the election of Brian Stack to the state Senate.  Were there a list of the 10 most interesting people in New Jersey politics, Stack would surely be on it.  As reviled as he is by the local party machine for being independent, Stack, now an Assembly member and mayor of Union City, is beloved by his constituents.  It's understandable:  Stack picks up garbage from the streets, works around the clock and is accessible to all.  He's also one of the most pro-active leaders we've ever worked with.  Just before last fall's New Jersey Supreme Court decision came down, he called us to say he would introduce a marriage equality bill were the decision to fall short.  We didn't even have to ask, and he's been like that on every LGBTI issue over the years.  Brian Stack in the state Senate could make all the difference in that chamber for marriage equality.

Garden State Equality also endorses Ruben Ramos and Carrie Rodriguez for Assembly, two proteges of Stack who share his passion and his views.  This is one team Garden State Equality is proud to endorse in its entirety.

News Round-up and Open Thread for Tuesday, March 27, 2007

by: Sharon GR

Tue Mar 27, 2007 at 09:05:47 AM EDT

• Christie's Christmas-tree grant investigation widens: Sen. Nicholas Scutari, Sen. Joseph Coniglio, and Assemblyman Brian Stack were subpoenaed because they had some sort of connection to recipients of state grants. Also, investigators are questioning contributions to Democratic chairman and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan's re-election fund by non-profit groups.
• Several Abbot school district superintendents are claiming they were "coerced" into accepting only a 3% increase in state aid this year by state officials. D. of E. spokesman Jon Zlock confirmed that school districts which accepted the 3% increase were promised a quick budget review process. He said budgets in all the Abbott districts will eventually be "fully audited and scrutinized."
• Fourteen employees of the Patterson Section 8 housing authority were charged with soliciting and accepting bribes yesterday to funnel low-income tenants to certain apartments, get code violations dismissed and expedite housing inspections. A building inspector who had been caught previously helped investigators record meetings.
• Assemblyman and former Atlantic City Mayor Jim Whelan is holding a press conference this afternoon where he's expected to announce a state senate run. Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew is considering a run for senate against Nicholas Asselta.
• Moody's Investors Service has called Our Fair State's immediate financial picture "stable" but has concerns for the future, with our budget deficits, demands for property tax relief and economic growth issues.
• Intimidation and harassment are being charged in Highland Park's Democratic mayoral primary race.
• The Philly Inquirer has a good overview of the changing of the guard and the financial woes of the Camden school district.
• The DoT has begun replacing 11,000 faded street signs. After this, we can no longer blame street signs if we're late, and must continue to blame MapQuest instead.
• Rutgers Women. Final Four. Wow.

Stacked Against Brian

by: Juan Melli

Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 05:14:24 PM EDT

This is not to say Stack won't try and reach out to the HCDO and talk his way onto their line. But it won't be with his candidates. And the HCDO definitely won't be reaching out to him.

HCDO Ticket All But Announced

by: Juan Melli

Mon Mar 19, 2007 at 12:51:55 PM EDT

Legislators Run Away From Civil Unions Bill

by: JRB

Wed Dec 13, 2006 at 08:42:09 AM EST

Meanwhile, the Civil Marriage bill has six sponsors and may have more by Thursday: Reed Gusciora, Mims Hackett, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, William D. Payne, Brian Stack, and John McKeon.

In the Senate, Civil Unions has a ringing endorsement with two sponsors: President Dick Codey and Loretta Weinberg, who was for marriage before she was against it.

The Civil Marriage bill doesn't have a sponsor in the Senate yet, but it is telling that the Democratic leadership with all their arm-twisting can only find 2 non-ledership sponsors for civil unions.

Civil unions in New Jersey is a sinking ship that hasn't even left port. A recent editorial expressed dismay that everyone testifying at the committee hearings were against civil unions. It said they "represented te extremes of opinion," and, "Missing was the majority in the middle."

Wrong. The families this bill affects are not extremists, and if the so-called majority in the middle had to hear their testimony, they'd stand with them, too.

Our state legislators have heard their stories, and they know how wrong and ineffective this bill is. No wonder they don't want any more to do with it than vote  on the floor and move on. Civil unions aren't a quick fix to the NJ Supreme Court's decision; it's an embarassment to everyone who puts their name on it.

Marriage equality whip count

by: Scott Weingart

Sun Oct 29, 2006 at 01:06:27 PM EST

FULL MARRIAGE EQUALITY SUPPORTERS
Senate
Bernard Kenny (D-33) (Majority Leader) (Star Ledger 10/27/06)
Loretta Weinberg (D-37) (Star Ledger 10/27/06)
Barbara Buono (D-18) (Asbury Park Press 10/27/06)
Assembly
Reed Gusciora (D-15) * (Garden State Equality PR 10/25/06)
Brian Stack (D-33) * (Garden State Equality PR 10/25/06)
Wilfred Caraballo (D-29) * (Speaker Pro Tem) ( "  " )
Mims Hackett (D-27) * (Blue Jersey 10/26/06)
Jerry Green (D-22) (Blue Jersey 10/26/06)
Joe Roberts (D-05) (Assembly Speaker) (Trenton Times 10/27/06)

* indicates the legislator will sponsor the Caraballo/Gusciora/Stack marriage equality legislation

The rest below the fold.

Who Wants to be a Profile in Courage?

by: Jeff Gardner

Fri Oct 27, 2006 at 11:50:36 AM EDT

Right after Wednesday's decision, Assemblyman Reed Gusciora pledged to join with Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Caraballo and Assemblyman Brian Stack as a co-sponsor of a marriage equality bill. They were quickly and publicly joined by Assemblymen Jerry Green and Mims Hackett, as other legislators have begun to line up behind the scenes for marriage equality.

But today, Gusciora is quoted in the New York Times as saying that "When you talk about civil rights, sometimes you have to do things incrementally." I can only hope he was misquoted, because if not, it's reason for progressives to be disappointed.

The time for incremental change was 1999 in Vermont - before Massachusetts (and Canada and Spain and others) took a stand for full equality, before polls revealed strong support for marriage equality in New Jersey, and before our Supreme Court declared that same-sex couples are entitled under our constitution to equal treatment.

Separate is not equal. Chief Justice Deborah Poritz made it about as plain as it could be when in her dissent, she asks us to imagine if the response to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1967 decision striking down laws banning interracial marriage was as some propose today. Tom Moran again:

Imagine if we told those couples they were entitled to all the legal rights, but that states were free to label their unions as something less than marriage

Now is not the time to repeat mistakes from the past - when we used to pretend that "separate but equal" was ok. Now is the time for our elected leaders to do the right thing, because they know it's right. That's what defines leadership.

The clock is ticking on the Senate Majority Leader et al

by: taxandspendliberal

Thu Oct 26, 2006 at 11:10:43 AM EDT

If marriage equality has not been established by Wednesday, December 6, and/or our State Senators or State Assemblypersons have not at the very least stood up and been counted as supporters of marriage equality by then, progressives need to begin shopping around for alternative representation.

I don't know when the filing deadline is for the 2007 legislative primaries, but I do know that April 25 is definitely too late to begin launching primary challenges.