Moving Forward

by: Tom Wyka

Sat Nov 08, 2008 at 12:34:11 AM EST

Unfortunately the Obama campaign did not have a lot of coat tails for NJ Congressional races overall. It reminds me of an interesting article I read by David Sirota a while ago (click here to read about the idea of "presidentialism"). There's a lesson here for us: we need to get people thinking about not just the White House, but also about Capitol Hill - all the way down to townhall - and carry a strong consistent message to all levels.  

A weak moment

by: FogerRox

Wed Nov 05, 2008 at 02:09:06 AM EST

Wyka TV Ad for the final week

by: FogerRox

Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 04:47:36 PM EST

Tom Wyka always tells everyone that will listen, how he was inspired by the late Senator Paul Wellstone. A graduate of Camp Wellstone, Tom is following in the foot steps of many a great progressive democrats, wishing to run a people powered campaign, a campaign that values boots on the ground over Washington DC consultants and big time media buys. In spite of soliciting small donations from average voters, and not big donars, Wyka for Congress has raised enough money for TV and radio.

Heres the ad that has been playing in NJ-11 this week.  

Is The Daily Record endorsing in NJ-11?

by: FogerRox

Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 01:42:18 PM EDT

The Daily Record on the 11th

This is not a normal election year. American forces have been in Iraq for more than five years while the insurrection in Afghanistan deepens. The economy crashed a month ago, prompting an unprecedented $700 billion bailout of the banking industry. There are thousands of new voters, many of whom are talking about change. Tom Wyka, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the 11th District says one can not expect change if we return the same people to Washington.

So vote for Rodney for more of the same. :-)

Unless lightning strikes, Frelinghuysen will win his eighth term.

Do you mean not since 1932 kind of lightning?

We hope that he will recognize an opportunity -- if not a mandate -- for a new approach. We hope the congressman will use his seniority to stake out new and independent positions when the status quo has failed. We hope he will sharpen his appetite for "best-practice" approaches to long-standing problems (see Wyka and Tedholm above), regardless of which party suggests them.

Congressman Frelinghuysen has had an opportunity the last 2 years to "stake out new and independent positions". Congressman Frelinghuysen has had the opportunity over the last 2 years to "sharpen his appetite for "best-practice" approaches to long-standing problems". How many more chances do the voters of the 11th give the Congressman to disavow the failed policies of extreme neo conservatism?

On Sunday the 23rd in the debate at the Temple Beth AM, Congressman Frelinghuysen said he can't imagine a worse job killer than raising taxes. Progressive taxation with hi taxes for the richest, created jobs as we worked our way out of the Great Republican Depression, and won WW2.

Daily Record on NJ-11 Race: "I Guess We Endorse Frelinghuysen; Hope He'll Be More Like Wyka"

by: Jeff Gardner

Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 12:06:40 PM EDT

has been resolute in his support of the war in Iraq and generally loyal to President Bush. It's hard to know where belief ends and loyalty to party and president begins. If nothing else, the past eight years have shown that party unity doesn't always equal good or productive government. More often than not, it has led to, at best, stalled initiatives and, at worst, grievous mistakes.

And, his opponent?

Wyka, of Parsippany, who is making his second try for Congress, has expanded his campaign this year beyond criticizing the war in Iraq. He backs public financing of elections and increased government involvement in health care, a key point in a nation where an estimated 47 million are without health insurance.

I know - call on Rodney, if reelected, to be more like Tom:

Unless lightning strikes, Frelinghuysen will win his eighth term. We hope that he will recognize an opportunity -- if not a mandate -- for a new approach. We hope the congressman will use his seniority to stake out new and independent positions when the status quo has failed. We hope he will sharpen his appetite for "best-practice" approaches to long-standing problems (see Wyka and [Indy candidate Chandler] Tedholm above), regardless of which party suggests them.

Rodneys lack of Main St. & internet presence

by: FogerRox

Wed Oct 29, 2008 at 12:36:43 PM EDT

SO the first page of hits has 4 Rodney Frelinghuysen videos and 6 Tom Wyka videos.

1st hand account: The last debate in NJ-11

by: FogerRox

Sun Oct 26, 2008 at 03:33:38 PM EDT

This morning there was a debate at the Temple Beth Am in Parsippany, between the candidates vying for the NJ-11 Congressional seat, Democrat Tom Wyka, Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen and Independent Chandler Tedholm. I took 4 pages of notes and have reconstructed some it here.

Before the debate started, I walked over to the Congressman to shake hand..

Good luck Congressman, we're within single digits and closing  :-)

The moderator took questions from the floor, which consisted of a majority of about 50 Wyka Supporters and about 12 Frelinghuysen supporters, with another 70 attendees not showing any affiliation.

On 2 occasions the same republican supporter interrupted, complaining about the selection of questions from the floor. Well my friend, you should have dug deep and got some friends to show up.

Frelinghuysen has been masquerading as a supporter of Vets issues

by: FogerRox

Fri Oct 24, 2008 at 02:47:45 PM EDT

Wyka did secure an endorsement this week from Washington, D.C.-based Veterans Alliance for Security and Democracy. Guy Stevens, a board member, said they were "very disappointed" with Frelinghuysen in votes on health care and education. He particularly noted Frelinghuysen voted against a new G.I. Bill.

Frelinghuysen explains why he voted against the New GI Bill for the 21st Century:

Frelinghuysen supported a second version of the new G.I. Bill, which he said offered "improved benefits" for spouses and children of soldiers.

But on May 11th 2006, Roll Call No. 144, 109th Congress, 2nd Session, Motion to recommit, Failed: 202-220, Rodney Frelinghuysen voted to  cut benefits for orphans and widows. If Rodney Frelinghuysen and 9 other congresspeople had voted yes, this would have moved forward.

http://capwiz.com/dav/issues/v...

Tom Wyka supports the Bill of rights for Military Families, but as I cited above, Congressman Frelinghuysen voted to cut benefits for Widows and Orphans, but yet tries to reconcile is lack of support on this issue by saying he voted for a 2nd rate GI Bill because it offered "improved benefits" for spouses and children of soldiers. Congressman Frelinghuysen wants it both ways.

Six Chances to Win - Take the Poll

by: Jeff Gardner

Tue Oct 21, 2008 at 09:00:00 PM EDT

Not so for the 6 seats held by Republicans. When the polls close two weeks from this moment, we have 6 chances to increase the democratic majority in the NJ House delegation. And, although conventional wisdom suggests some of these chances are better than others - there is reason for optimism in all of them. It's not just the anticipated coattails from Obama's increasing lead in NJ, or Senator Lautenberg's strong poll numbers that are cause for enthusiasm. There is also the little matter of new voters - hundreds of thousands of new voters in our state, substantial majorities of which favor the democrats. We are now playing on offense exclusively for the next two weeks - and every one of these candidates wants your help:

In NJ-2: David Kurkowski has an uphill battle against an incumbent whose middling ratings on labor issues nevertheless continue to keep him in good standing with the Atlantic City unions that might one day help flip this district. Too many people wrote off this district as soon as Jeff Van Drew said he wouldn't run. But this swing district in a year when independent voters are leaning so heavily democrat is not exactly the worst place to be running for Congress.

In NJ-3: Senator John Adler began the race as a the money favorite, but aware of the challenge even for an open seat in a District anchored by Republican stronghold Ocean County. But, recent polls show Adler may finally be breaking through, and with the cash on hand to finish things out - I think this race has edged past NJ-7 as our most likely pickup.

In NJ-4: Josh Zeitz has surpassed all expectations, with fundraising in the half-million dollar range, and an aggressive campaign that has not let up for a moment against another Republican incumbent who enjoys the unearned support of big labor. He needs to overcome dismissive treatment by the MSM and the PR miracle Chris Smith landed earlier in the campaign. But, this is another swing district, and with the benefit of increased turnout and a strong top of the ticket, it's a District that DC dems may regret not paying closer attention to.

In NJ-5: Dennis Shulman has raised more money than his two predecessors combined, and transformed a second tier race into one of the most exciting campaigns in the nation. That combination of cash and energy, together with a dynamic candidate, and an incumbent who relies heavily on the district's registration advantage for wins, could produce a very welcome surprise. Getting rid of both Scott Garrett and Joe Ferriero in rapid succession? Dare to dream.

In NJ-7: Linda Stender has raised a boat load of money, and blanketed the airwaves with negative advertising to define her opponent before he could come up with enough money to define himself. I'm nervous that she hasn't put this one away yet, but l still think Linda can get to the finish line. "The Congresswoman from New Jersey" still has a very nice ring to it.

In NJ-11: Tom Wyka has fought hard against a challenger's toughest foe - raising money in a district people don't yet believe is competitive. But, at least as much as any other race this cycle, Tom has his talent and the people power of Morris County progressives to fuel his bid. His supporters think he can win, and doing what they can to make it happen.

In a year of hope and change you can believe in, we may just be in for some surprises on election night. But, it will only happen if we work for it. Elections are won and lost in crunch time - and that time is now. Time to create some surprises.

What's your favorite surprise prediction for election day? Take the Poll, and make your pitch in the comments.

VetsPAC endorses Tom Wyka

by: FogerRox

Fri Oct 17, 2008 at 04:30:08 PM EDT

http://www.vetpac.org/index.ph...

More to come.

Update:
VetsPAC has also endorsed Barack Obama and Senator Frank Lautenberg

Wyka Frelinghuysen Debate wednesday, Oct. 22nd

by: FogerRox

Thu Oct 16, 2008 at 11:24:00 AM EDT

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 8pm
Livingston Senior/Community Center
204 Hillside Avenue, Livingston

Directions

Frelinghuysen wears out new talking point in Wyka debate

by: Jason Springer

Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 10:14:27 AM EDT

"People who paid into the Social Security system depend on that system," Frelinghuysen said, adding that he wants both houses of Congress to work in a bipartisan way when addressing the crisis that funding for both entitlement programs might face a decade from now.

"I think there's a need for a bipartisan commission in both of these area," he said.

Rodney Frelinghuysen has voted with a majority of his Republican colleagues 87.8% of the time during the current Congress. This percentage does not include votes in which Frelinghuysen did not vote.

Frelinghuysen described the recently approved credit package in excess of $800 billion "the start of a very long process. Just because we gave power to (Treasury Secretary) Henry Paulson ... doesn't mean we're out of the woods."

The congressman again called for a bipartisan solution, saying that Congress should work toward for both reviving and stabilizing the economy while improving consumer confidence.

Frelinghuysen, during his summation, stuck to his bipartisan theme in promoting the need for the nation to become independent of foreign oil, and to emerge from the current economic stagnation.

"We don't need members of Congress to poison the atmosphere as we're trying to calm the atmosphere (for) true financial progress," he said.

Obama policy advisor Mark Alexander to speak at Wyka event

by: FogerRox

Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 12:44:30 AM EDT

Mark Alexander, Senoir Policy advisor to Barack Obama has just confirmed he will be speaking at the New Jersey for Democracy sponsored Wyka Lunch on Saturday Oct. 11th

Event location:

Mexicali Rose
10 Park St.
Montclair, New Jersey
Saturday, Oct. 11th,
Noon to 2pm
Appetizers & Juice bar

Featured speaker
Ron Rice Jr
West Ward Newark Councilman
Essex for Obama Chair

Novick & Geenfield team for Wyka comedy fundraiser

by: FogerRox

Tue Sep 30, 2008 at 10:52:42 PM EDT

STARRING:  Joey Novick and Sam Greenfield
HOSTED BY: Kevin O'Driscoll
FEATURING:  Michael Hayne and Harry Terjanian
WITH SPECIAL GUEST STAR:  Alex Adams as Rudy Giuliani

Rudy's going to be there ? And Al Gore too ?

Rodney voted to cut benefits for military orphans and widows

by: FogerRox

Sun Sep 28, 2008 at 02:35:45 PM EDT

Last week my dairy on how the Congressman voted against the New GI BIll received some attention from a Vet who contacted my privately to ask for further documentation of the Congressman's voting record on Vets issues.

Your wish Sir, is my command.

Join me for short trip on the wayback machine to 2006...

TomObamaRama

by: FogerRox

Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 12:17:18 PM EDT

TomObamaRama will bring together some of your favorite progressive political comics in a hilarious night of election year comedy. Headliners Joey Novick (HBO, Showtime) brings his unique New Jersey home town brand of humor and Sam Greenfield (CNN, Huffington Post) brings the funny from across the Hudson River.

STARRING: Joey Novick & Sam Greenfield

HOSTED by Kevin O?Driscoll

WITH SPECIAL GUEST STAR: Alex Adams as Rudy Giuliani

FEATURING:  Michael Hayne and Harry Terjanian

SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS: Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Bono, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leonardo DiCaprio and Pope Benedict XVI

Darress Theater
615 Main Street
Boonton, New Jersey 07005

Thursday, October 23rd
7:30pm ? 9:30pm

VIP Guests Invited To Back Stage Cocktail Party with Performers
9:30pm ? 11:00pm

Students/Seniors: $20 / person
Single Ticket: $30 / person
Couple: $50
VIP Ticket: $75
VIP Couple: $125

http://www.actblue.com/page/to...

Why Wyka can win

by: FogerRox

Mon Sep 22, 2008 at 04:46:38 PM EDT

-Some key name endorsements are in the works.

-Our financial plan can put us in the position to afford the foundation of what we need to spend money on, to win.

-Internal polling has injected more than hope into the staff.

Instead of the days and weeks spinning by way too fast, everything has slowed down, I am personally being way more productive. Both my subconscious and conscious are in overdrive. Even in my sleep I come up with ideas.

Rodney doesnt stand up for veterans

by: FogerRox

Sun Sep 21, 2008 at 04:23:29 PM EDT

Its a shame that Rodney Frelinghuysen, a Vietnam veteran does so little to support his fellow veterans. Congressman Frelinghuysen is in the rare position to represent those who gone into harms way, and come back home to find the VA underfunded with discretionary funding that can't be relied upon during the fiscal year.

Most or all Veterans organizations that score members of congress on their voting record on Veterans issues place Congressman Frelinghuysen at the bottom of the list.

Since 2000 Congressman Frelinghuysen has voted against everything on the Vets agenda, except for items that were passed unanimously or nearly so. According to Disabled Veterans of America, Congressman Frelinghuysen has the worst record on disabled veterans in the NJ House delegation.

Goal: Raise $10,000 for Tom Wyka, NJ's best DEM challenger.

by: FogerRox

Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 01:09:18 PM EDT

But Tom Wyka knows how to talk to the libertarian leaning republicans in his district, and after his run in '06, is making serious inroads against this so called safe seat.

In NJ-7 Linda Stender ran in '06, she lost by 1 pt. She's looking to close the deal in '08 and win big. In NJ-5 Dems have improved steadily, year after year, Dennis Shulman looks to make NJ-5 even more competitive in '08. But Tom Wyka has the audacity to run against the Frelinghuysen Dynasty in NJ-11, and has shown he has what it takes to be New Jerseys best democratic challenger. Tom's 2006 campaign set district records for the number of democratic votes. To paraphrase what  Bill Clinton said recently "history is on our side", with that kind of Mojo, it just might be the year that Rodney Frelinghuysen is vulnerable. So its time to get out there anddeliver the change New Jersey needs.

NJEA Endorses Wyka

by: Wyka press office

Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 05:56:30 PM EDT

The NJEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association. NJEA has a local affiliate in every school district in New Jersey, almost all of them the leg ally recognized bargaining agent for that district's teachers. NJEA also has local affiliates in most of New Jersey's county colleges and in several of the state colleges.

Wyka says, "NJEA has given me a great honor by endorsing me in the Democratic primary and now in the general election. It's risky for them to endorse a challenger to an entrenched incumbent. However, the NJEA knows that I am committed to education, and they've seen some of the votes that my opponent has cast in Congress. For example, in 2006 he voted for the 'Raid on Student Aid,' which cut $12.7 billion from federal student aid programs. The proponents of that bill claimed they were doing it to reduce the deficit, but at the same time they were planning to cancel out those savings with a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, especially those with incomes of over $1 million per year. My opponent seems to be out of touch with the needs of ordinary people in this district, most of whom find it difficult to afford a college education for their children.

"A strong educational system is absolutely essential to our future prosperity. Our children need a good education in order to be able to function in the workforce and as citizens. Unfortunately, the No Child Left Behind act has not lived up to its promises. We must pass the No Child Left Behind Improvement Act (HR 648), which would close serious holes in that flawed program, and make it work for our children as opposed to working against them. We must also provide better financial aid and lower interest rates on student loans, so that our young people are not burdened by a crushing load of debt upon graduation."

www.tomwyka.com