UPDATE 11:14, motion by Democrats to table map 'till next month fails.
UPDATE 11:06 (Rosi Efthim): I just put up close-ups of the new districts in 3 sections - north, central, south. It's close-up enough that you should be able to look, find your town, and see which district you're now in - Find Your Town - the New Congressional Redistricting Map.
Update 11am, Jeannine Frisby LaRue cites "serious problems" with the map. Specifically the slicing and dicing in NJ-3 and Bergen County. Go girl!
Update 10:57, DuHaime and Roberts playing ping pong. Is the former Speaker planting the seeds for a lawsuit?
UPDATE 10:47 (Rosi Efthim) Here's the map:
UPDATE 10:34 - The status is still listed as Pending, but when things get underway, you can listen LIVE to the session here, from Committee Room 11 at the Statehouse. (keep refreshing) - Rosi Efthim
10:33 Cherry Hill moved to nj-1 is the pre-map chatter. Oy.
10:26 and waiting for the new maps to be revealed.
(pics to follow....)
NJ-3's new Cherry Hill-free configuration. Click to enlarge.
North Jersey map below. Click to enlarge in detail.
Unless a miracle takes place this Tuesday and Republicans in LD1, LD3, and LD4 pull off major upsets, South Jersey party boss, George Norcross, will have more than enough votes to replace his primary adversary in the Assembly, Majority Leader Joe Cryan, with his top ally in the legislative body, Louis Greenwald, sending Cryan to the back bench.
What remains to be seen, however, is what Cryan will do once he is sent there. Will he unite with his fellow back bencher in the Senate, Dick Codey, to build an opposition movement that will contend not only for the Governor's office in 2013, but also all 120 legislative seats? As much as I would love to see this, I do not expect that this will happen. It is very possible that Dick Codey will run for Governor in 2013, but it is also possible that Cory Booker, Barbara Buono, and Steve Sweeney will run as well and it is unlikely that any of them will run opposition slates against the party lines that they do not win, which means that regardless of who wins the gubernatorial primary, there will not be much change in the legislative roster or its leadership.
If I am right about this, then Cryan will most likely remain on the back bench for most of the next decade. That is, unless he finds a new office for which to run or that office finds him. There have been times in the past decade when Cryan expressed an interest in running for Congress in the 7th district, but admitted that the current configuration of the district made it extremely difficult for a Democrat to win.
This is very true. Our best chance to win this district came in 2006 when a very popular Assemblywoman, Linda Stender, challenged a very unpopular Congressman Mike Ferguson in a year that Democrats were trending up and Republicans were trending down. However, despite these trends, Stender came a few thousand votes short of victory. Two years later, Stender did not run as strong of a campaign as she did in 2006 and faced a very popular State Senator, Leonard Lance. Despite huge turnout increases inspired by Barack Obama's candidacy, it was not enough for a Democrat to win the 7th and Lance defeated Stender by a much wider margin than Ferguson did two years earlier.
The President rightly pointed out today that the House Republicans are jeopardizing Social Security checks, disability checks, and veterans benefits:
"I cannot guarantee that those checks go out on August 3rd if we haven't resolved this issue. Because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it"
Stopping checks or defaulting on debts would be a complete disaster, whether we're talking about the consequences to individuals or the consequences on the national macro-economy.
Setting recent arrivals Jon Runyan and Leonard Lance aside, every New Jersey Republican and Democrat have voted to raise the debt ceiling multiple times (PDF), each voting yes when their party was in the majority and no when it wasn't. These long-term Republicans -- Frank LoBiondo, Chris Smith, Scott Garrett, Rodney Frelinghuysen -- are in perfectly safe seats and it's time for them to step up for the good of the country. After all, they already approved the budget so they have authorized every dollar of spending, knowing that it required borrowing. It's been pure political showmanship until now, but reality is intruding. They need to vote -- with some Democrats of good faith -- to raise the debt ceiling without continuing to take the country hostage.
The Republican deficit reduction plan does not even win majority support, but when voters learn almost anything about it, they turn sharply and intensely against it. They have particularly grave concerns about the plan to end Medicare and slash Medicaid spending, pushing seniors into the private insurance market and costing them thousands of dollars more in out-of-pocket expenses.
Today, every New Jersey Republican voted for the plan: Frank LoBiondo, Scott Garrett, Jon Runyan, Chris Smith, Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Leonard Lance all have now tried to end Medicare.
The Republican decision to shut down the federal government is going to hurt a lot of people. I'd like to think our New Jersey "moderate" Republicans feel bad about what their extremist colleagues are doing -- and LoBiondo at least admits the problems. Unfortunately, Matt Ygelsias shows Chris Smith, beloved moderate of the environmental groups, is the problem, not the solution:
Republicans, led by Chris Smith of New Jersey, also have a rider about the United Nations Population Fund, which they don't like because it funds abortion even though it doesn't fund abortion:
The Tea Party talk about finances was meant to reassure the public, but it was a trick. We are dealing with religious fanatics. I am glad that both Senators Menendez and Lautenberg are opposing them but the country is in deep trouble. Independents need to understand what the Republican right-wing is doing.
House Republicans huddled late Monday and, according to a GOP aide, gave the speaker an ovation when he informed them that he was advising the House Administration Committee to begin preparing for a possible shutdown. That process includes alerting lawmakers and senior staff about which employees would not report to work if no agreement is reached.
Jon Runyan, Frank LoBiondo, and the others have direct responsibility for what is going to happen. Whatever measured official statements are made, they are actually applauding and cheering when the cameras are turned off. Every reporter should include it in their accounts.
(And oh yes, the pathetic Democrats who failed to pass the budget last year are the ones who gave them this opportunity.)
Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican, had other plans: He spent part of the break on a taxpayer-funded trip to Kenya, where he slammed the country's new constitution for allowing abortions in cases when the health of the mother is at risk.
Kenyan abortion restrictions go far beyond those in American law, and Kenya's new constitution, approved overwhelmingly last August, codifies a ban on abortions in the country. But that's not enough for Smith and US anti-abortion groups, who argue that the exception allowing for legal abortions to preserve the health of the mother "opens the door to abortion on demand."
Smith wasn't just meeting with Kenyan politicians and activists during his time in East Africa-he was actively politicking....
O.K. I'm outraged! I'm trying to figure out how to function in this "new" New Jersey environment and how to channel that outrage into productive work.
A New Jersey Congressman is pushing a bill to re-define rape. Our New Jersey Governor speaks before a pro-life rally and then vetoes a bill which would give medicaid coverage to poor women needing health care. A Democratic Assembly Committee releases a private school voucher bill which will pay state money for youngsters already in (read not failing) private schools. I guess I'm not used to having New Jersey guys (and gals) like these actually in charge.
There's a New Jersey State Treasurer who refuses to appear before the Assembly Budget Committee. A New Jersey State Commissioner of Health won't appear before the Senate Health Committee and won't send a senior staffer in her stead.
The New Jersey Governor nominated and the Senate confirmed private school advocates as members to the State Board of Education, one of whom had no idea what Abbott vs. Burke was. Service on the board of the Peck School seemed to be the main prerequisite for this appointment. I wonder how many vouchers will be extended to kids from failing schools to attend that same Peck School? A New Jersey Governor cuts funding for pre-school while claiming he is "passionate" about education.
Two new members of the New Jersey Highlands Commission have been nominated who do not believe in the Highlands preservation law.
Anti-choice zealot Congressman Chris Smith (R-Robbinsville) has upped the ante in his crusade against a woman’s right to choose. Over the years, the congressman has never passed up an opportunity to attach an anti-abortion rider to legislation, but now he has taken advantage of the Republican/Tea Party majority in the House of Representatives by introducing a bill that would make it even more difficult for women to obtain legal abortions.
Bob Menendez: Banking (chairs the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development subcommittee); Energy and Natural Resources; Finance; Foreign Relations (chairs the International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection subcommittee)
Frank Lautenberg: Appropriations (chairs the Homeland Security subcommittee); Commerce, Science and Transportation (chairs the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security subcommittee); and Environment and Public Works (chairs the Superfund, Toxics, and Environmental Health, Chair subcommittee)
It's time for the traditional Deciminyan predictions for the upcoming year. Last year, we were three for three. This year, we'll do it a bit differently - go out on a limb in some cases - and include some tongue-in-cheek forecasts as well as some serious ones. I'll leave it to the reader to determine which are which.
For all the talk about 2010 being the new 1994, and for all the talk about anti-incumbent Tea Party fever, I never thought those national trends would take much root in New Jersey. After all, we bleed blue, and the New Jersey Democratic State Committee manages one of the most effective political machines in the country. I have no love for the machine, but I'm willing to take the good with the bad if it means having effective progressives like Rush Holt and Frank Pallone re-elected, and if it means a Democratic party that is willing to fight instead of roll over and act like DINOs.
If LGBT rights matter to you, you might wanna check out this website to see how your Congressman stacks up in the fight for gay rights.
I am in NJ's 3rd Congressional district where freshman Congressman John Adler turns in an impressive score of 92%. Looks like Adler gets an A in this class.
With the Primary election tomorrow, everyone is running to their base and in the 4th Congressional District, that means that Chris Smith has Congresswoman Michele Bachman sending out robo calls for him in his primary race against Alan Bateman:Didn't you know that Chris Smith is a powerful voice fighting to protect our freedoms? She also lets us know that he's co-sponsor of a bill to repeal the federal healthcare legislation, you know the law thats helping Chris Christie balance his budget without hurting seniors even more? If you weren't voting for Chris Smith before, I'm sure you're running out to the polls now. Bachman may want to pay attention to what is happening in her own back yard.
I knew Gooch didn't live in the District she's running in. Bateman lives in the 12th, too? Interesting ... - Promoted by Rosi
In New Jersey, apparently you do not need to live in a Congressional district in order to run for Congress to represent that district. Now that it is primary election season, I have been seeing a bunch of signs on the roads for challengers to incumbents (the only signs I've seen for incumbents have been in my lawn and a friend's lawn).
So in my neck of the woods I'm seeing a lot of signs for Anna Little (tea party Republican or as I like to call her Michele Bachmann 2.0) and Diane Gooch (Mrs. Hedge Fund). As I was driving down into the 4th district I saw signs for yet another tea party Republican Alan Bateman who wishes to challenge (according to his website) "RINO" (Republican In Name Only) Chris Smith.
One thing that both Diane Gooch (running in the 6th district) and Alan Bateman (running in the 4th district) have in common is that they both live in the 12th district. I've only lived in New Jersey a few years and I understand that the law is different elsewhere, but it makes sense to me that you should live in the district that you want to represent. To be fair Alan Bateman did run for Congress in his own district (unsuccessfully) but why not stick to the district you live in?
I do realize that New Jersey is very gerrymandered (especially Monmouth County), but wouldn't the best way to be in touch with a congressional district you wish to represent. Perhaps it's time to update our election laws and require a candidate to live in the district.
Congressman Chris Smith is one of five members of Congress who appealed to the President of Uganda to oppose a proposed law that would execute people who are gay.
Rachel Maddow has been all over this story and this video segment can bring you up to speed:
In their letter, the members referenced Ronald Reagan in an effort to persuade the Ugandan President:
We were deeply troubled to learn of legislation being considered in the Ugandan parliament that would reportedly penalize a single act of homosexual conduct with a life sentence and a mandatory death penalty if the person is HIV-positive.
While we understand that the legislation is being amended, we still urge you to oppose it.
President Ronald Reagan famously referred to the U.S. Constitution as a "covenant we have made not only with ourselves, but with all of mankind." In this spirit, we, as elected officials, aim to advocate for human liberty and dignity around the world.
As such, we ask that your government continue to make it clear that you are opposed to such legislation and that you do everything within your constitutional authority to stop such legislation from becoming law in Uganda.
What is striking is that the letter invokes the Manhattan Declaration, which is a statement of religious principles by three prominent Christian leaders, Charles Colson, Robert George, and Timothy George. Among other things, the Declaration calls homosexuality immoral and includes a long explanation of why homosexuals should be denied the right to marry.
Certainly an interesting document to reference in this situation. Regardless, Congressman Smith still deserves kudos for stepping up and taking a stand on this offensive legislation being considered in Uganda. I'll put the letter they sent below the fold. The next step for Congressman Smith is advocating for gay rights here at home.
While an emergency ruling was expected yesterday, there are conflicting reports on whether a decision will come today as CNN says or if we will have to wait until tomorrow as Foxnews says. Here's how we got to this point:
Sean is 9. Five years ago, when he was 4, his mother and Goldman's wife, Bruna, took him to her native Brazil for a two-week vacation. She never returned. Instead, she divorced Goldman and married a Brazilian from a prominent and politically well-connected family.
Bruna and her new family ignored a New Jersey court ruling that ordered Sean returned to his father, and they fought Goldman's legal efforts to regain custody. When Bruna died last year in childbirth, Sean's Brazilian family moved to adopt him.
As he awaits the court's latest ruling, David Goldman is in Brazil hoping to bring his son back home. Here is the AP story bringing you up to speed:It's been a roller coaster ride as Goldman he has fought to get his son back. The Brazilian courts have ruled to return his son, only to have other justices step in and delay the ruling. Now Congress is starting to apply economic pressure to push a decision and it seems like some in Brazil are getting concerned:
Congress, angry with Brazil's failure to abide by international kidnapping agreements, has stalled a multi-billion dollar trade deal. And Brazil Attorney General Luis Inacio Adams issued a statement supporting Goldman, worrying about "damage [to] the reputation of Brazil before the international community."
Here is what the David Goldman had to say about the whole ordeal:
"It should be so simple shouldn't it? Just a parent and a child," he said. "Not two countries, not big governments, not judges. It's just the right of a parent and their child."
For Goldman's sake, I hope today is the day. I know it won't be real for him until he has his son on that plane returning home to New Jersey.
The healthcare debate has allowed Congressman Chris Smith to get a good deal of attention and he now has a new distinction according to catholics.org along with Congressman Bart Stupak for getting their amendment included in the health bill that passed:
It is men and women like Bart Stupak and Chris Smith who are the models of public service for all Catholics and other Christians.
By late Monday, Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado had collected more than 40 signatures from fellow members who vowed they would not vote for a combined House-Senate health care bill if it contains language "that restricts women's right to choose any further than current law."
It really is pretty amazing that while Congressman Smith pushed for this during the years that his party held the White House and controlled Congress, it took the Democrats taking control to have him get the results. It still remains to be seen whether the language of the Stupak amendment survives a conference committee, but it has made it this far.
Ah Congressman Chris Smith. He's doing his best to make sure he stays on the all abortion, all the time message. It's almost like he's having his own debate about heatlhcare and it comes complete with his own facts, statistics and theories. Here's the video and we'll look at the highlights following:Redtory thinks the Congressman's comments and conspiracy theories put the GOP touted death panels in the rear view mirror:
Never mind Sarah Palin's ridiculous "Death Panels" meme that was flogged to boredom by the mainstream media, sheesh, that's so last month's old news. The Democrats' wimpy, industry prostituted healthcare reforms now grinding through the congressional sausage factory have been re branded as the "Abortion Industry Bailout Bill of 2009" - a heinous piece of legislation according to Congressman Smith that will "cause hundreds of thousands of additional abortions per year" - apparently through a wickedly clever combination of marketing, public subsidies and government funding of mysterious "new venues" (for abortions).
Oh, you may think Rep. Smith is a crackpot, but he confidently asserts he's got "empirical evidence" on his side verifying that flaunting wads of cash in front of "vulnerable women" who feel they have absolutely "nowhere else to turn" has been proven to "tip the scales" in favour of incentivizing them to expeditiously liquidate their fetuses rather than turning to a local "pregnancy care center."
Smith has been totally over the top with his rhetoric throughout this debate. This video was just a continuation of the attacks he has offered over the past few months, which he used at the conservative Values Voters Summit recently:
Smith predicted that abortions could rise by as much as one-third because of the massive abortion subsidies and mandates found in HR 3200 and the Kennedy and Baucus bills.
"Never have I been more concerned about the promotion of abortion coming out of the White House," Smith said. "The unborn child and his or her mother are more at risk now than ever, since Roe v. Wade itself."
He added that Obama and his administration have been "demonstrably false and extraordinarily misleading" in talking about abortion and the health care bills.
This is becoming common place for Smith to attack and distort the healthcare debate. Smith also said in his video comments that what the Republicans are doing is "healthy disagreement" and the President should stop labeling it as bickering. So using rhetoric like "death panels" and "abortion bailouts" are healthy disagreements? Come on. He made sure to also hit the media mentioning all stations but Fox for not "fairly" covering all sides of the debate as he put it.
Check out this interview and exchange on CNN between the host Rick Sanchez and our very own Congressman Chris Smith. Sanchez came to the table very well prepared and informed on the bill to debate the specifics with Smith:
