In bitterly contested primaries, 13 of 15 Garden State Equality-endorsed candidates win

by: Steven Goldstein, Garden State Equality chair

Wed Jun 06, 2007 at 12:37:12 AM EDT

How Garden State Equality's endorsed candidates did: 

District 31 (Hudson County)
Sandra Bolden Cunningham for Senate - WINS
L. Harvey Smith for Assembly - WINS 
Nicholas Chiaravalloti - LOSES

District 32 (Hudson County)
Joan Quigley for Assembly - WINS 
Vincent Prieto for Assembly - WINS 

District 33 (Hudson County)
Brian Stack for Senate - WINS 
Ruben Ramos for Assembly - WINS
Carrie Rodriguez for Assembly - WINS 

District 28 (Essex County)
Cleo Tucker for Assembly - WINS

District 29 (Essex County)
Teresa Ruiz for Senate - WINS
L. Grace Spencer for Assembly - WINS
Wilfredo Caraballo - LOSES 

District 37 (Bergen County)
Loretta Weinberg for Senate - WINS
Valerie Vainieri Huttle for Assembly - WINS
Gordon Johnson for Assembly - WINS
[In this closely fought primary, their opponents dropped out before tonight.]

"As tonight's results show, ending discrimination in marriage is not only the correct position to advocate," said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, "but it's also the politically beneficial position in our progressive state.  Never in the history of New Jersey has advocacy for LGBT rights ever been a political liability, and that certainly holds true tonight." 

Garden State Equality, along with the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats and the Hudson Diversity Action Council, were united in their endorsements of tonight's pro-marriage equality victors.  In the Hudson County races, Garden State Equality congratulates the Hudson Diversity Action Council for its tremendous grassroots work. 

In the most closely fought Democratic primary in the state today, Sandy Cunningham defeated Assemblyman Lou Manzo for state Senate in the 31st district in Hudson County. 

"When candidates stand by us, we're as loyal as any community in the state," said Barbra Casbar Siperstein, president of New Jersey Stonewall Democrats.  "When they turn their backs on equality, they're going to pay the price." 

In the 33rd legislative district in Hudson County, the insurgent team headed by Brian Stack for Senate, and Carrie Rodriguez and Ruben Ramos for Assembly, beat the legendary Hudson County Democratic Organization in an overwhelming victory.  All had the strong support of Garden State Equality, Hudson Diversity Action Council and New Jersey Stonewall Democrats. 

In Essex County, Cleo Tucker won her Assembly race in the 28th district, and Teresa Ruiz and L. Grace Spencer won for Senate and Assembly respectively in the 29th district.  They had the endorsements of Garden State Equality and New Jersey Stonewall Democrats. 

The biggest loss of the night for civil rights supporters, including the LGBTI community, was that of Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Wilfredo Caraballo.  After a dispute with local Democratic leaders, he ran alone, not on any ticket, and had an extraordinarily uphill battle. 

"Our love for Fred Caraballo is profound.  He's been one of the most brilliant, compassionate and effective civil rights champions in all America," said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality.  "He has given his life to help the disinherited, disenchanted and dispossessed.  He's too talented and too wonderful a man not to have another chapter in his public service career, and we are excited to work with him in whatever capacity in the years ahead."

In Bergen County, Senator Loretta Weinberg, a hero to the LGBTI community who has sponsored every major LGBTI civil rights law in her 15 years in the legislature, won, as did her equally terrific running mates, Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson.  Just a few weeks ago, their primary looked like it would be the hottest primary of the year.

But in a grassroots victory for labor and progressive organizations, Loretta, Valerie and Gordon's opponents dropped out in April.

Upset City in Morris County Freeholder Race

by: Stephen Yellin

Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 10:53:33 PM EDT

In Morris County, the GOP had its open primary for Freeholder. An elderly frequent candidate, James "Jim" Murray decided to run, and was initially kicked off the ballot by County GOP boss John Sette. Murray was successful in getting back on the ballot, however. Now, he has his revenge. With 97% of the vote in, he's ousted Freeholder John Inglesino from his seat! Results in the extended entry...

On seeing my name on a ballot for the first time

by: Stephen Yellin

Tue Jun 05, 2007 at 11:48:11 AM EDT

Today is not the first time I will be voting (my fourth, actually), but it is the first time I have seen my name on an official ballot.

Today is not the first time I have run for an office (I was active in my high school political organization, JSA, and ran for Mayor of the group in 2005), but it is the first time I am running to serve with adults, not just people of my own age.

Today I am voting for myself for Union County (NJ) Democratic Committeeman. It is a strange feeling, to say the least.

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.

Corzine Won't Support "Outstanding Senator"

by: dfa_lewis

Wed Mar 07, 2007 at 10:33:53 PM EST

Perhaps the most disappointing news comes at the very end of the article:

Governor Corzine said Tuesday he would sit this one out.

"It's a different situation this time," he said. "I have tended to choose not to get into party fights. I think Loretta Weinberg is an outstanding senator."

Who is Michael Wildes? Cid Wilson? Ken Zisa (Kenny won't be difficult)

by: lsanchez490

Wed Jan 24, 2007 at 03:34:39 AM EST

Michael Wildes for Congress

I guess one must respect Michael for fantasizing to be more than just the Mayor of Englewood. After all, he is no longer 'boy wonder' and must be painfully conscious of the looming and dreaded 'has been' status. He has goals and a vision for his future. We must all have goals and a vision for our future. For further reading I will include some memorable bits  that Englewoodians enjoyed during the Wildes v. Stern matchup.
To be fair, I must include a link to Dr. Stern's website.

Bob Stern for Mayor 

For those of you looking for a multimedia experience, try the following links:

Meet the Real Michael Wildes 

Inside the Mind of Michael Wildes 

and one more...

Vote Against Scare Tactics 

As far as Mr. Wilson is concerned, I will have to confess that as a Latin American Democrat, I do not know what to make of Mr. Wilson and his decision to add his name to that of Kenny and Michael. I will provide some links with basic biographical information on Mr. Wilson. I do not know anything about his politics. But I will say that he has a most impressive resume. And were his name not attached to that of Zisa and Wildes, I would have to be very impressed by a Dominican-American Latin American success story. But the fact that he has lent his name to complete the Ferriero-crat Triumvirate tears me to pieces.

Wally Edge's Primary Targets

by: JRB

Wed Dec 20, 2006 at 12:43:50 PM EST

At the top of the list of potential targets is the Rev. Alfred Steele, the Assembly State Government Committee Chairman who is seeking a seventh term in the solidly-Democratic 35th district next year. Steele abstained on the Civil Union vote, and the conservative New Jersey Family Policy Council said that Steele will sponsor the "Equal Benefits Act" -- legislation that would offer civil benefits to same-sex couples but also define marriage as being between a man and a woman. (Steele has not confirmed or denied his agreement to sponsor this bill.)

Also on the possible target list is Assemblyman Joseph Egan, the Assembly Labor Committee Chairman. Egan's political base, New Brunswick (where he has been a City Councilman since 1981), has a large gay population, and Democratic primary voters in Highland Park are considered fairly liberal.

Nilsa Cruz-Perez, a Camden County Democrat, and Gary Schaer, a freshman Democrat who represents parts of Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties, were the other two Democrats to abstain on Civil Unions.

Democratic State Senators Wayne Bryant, Joseph Doria and Ronald Rice also abstained on the vote. There is a strong chance that all three could lose Democratic Party support for re-election next year, but not because of Civil Unions. Bryant is reportedly under investigation by federal prosecutors, Doria has local political problems in Hudson County, and Rice is expected to be replaced at the request of Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who won 75% of the vote against Rice in the May 2006 mayoral election.

Hey AP, Liberal Voters Have Power Too!

by: Hopeful

Sat Oct 28, 2006 at 09:06:18 PM EDT

The article notes:

Both states have seen political ramifications from same-sex marriage legislation.

In Vermont, eighteen lawmakers who supported the unions were replaced by conservatives who did not, and Republicans took control of the Legislature. Four years later, though, Democrats were back in charge.

So far, so good.  Anti-gay marriage forces may have had a short-lived victory.  And then...

Massachusetts lawmakers voted 16 times on various measures on whether to ask voters whether they support amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage in the future. So far, none of the lawmakers who have voted against the amendment have lost re-election bids.

But Kristian Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, said that could change Nov. 7, when lawmakers are up for election again.

Again, it is nice that they tell us that no one who supports gay marriage lost due to a conservative backlash.  But notice something?  Bluejersey readers should. 

This article assumes that only conservative voters can knock someone out of office.  Liberals, of course, are always weak in media narratives, although I think the reporters are not even aware they've internalized this view.  But in fact, the "political ramifications" of same-sex marriage has been the defeat of anti-marriage conservatives.

Exhibit one:  Marie Parante defeated September 2006.

Outspoken state Representative Marie Parente of Milford, one of Beacon Hill's most conservative voices for more than 20 years, was defeated yesterday in her bid for another term. She was the only incumbent legislator to lose a primary fight.

(snip)

Parente, who was first elected in the early 1980s, is a vocal and staunch opponent of same-sex marriage and extending benefits to undocumented workers.

This is in addition to many open primary seats that were won by the pro-gay marriage candidates over the anti-gay marriage candidates in both 2005 and 2006.  See more by MassEquality. 

So, don't forget.  We can win. Conservatives are not the only ones who vote, and when conservatives lose office, that's a "political consequence."

Change in Registration Deadline

by: kwilkinson

Tue Apr 18, 2006 at 02:16:00 PM EDT

You had a week from the filing deadline Apr 10, knowing who the official candidates are, until Apr 17 to switch parties or decide to give up a declared 'independent' status to vote in one of the primaries (The confusing part is that you can register to vote without affiliating as an indpt or with either party, meaning you're 'unaffiliated' and then you can vote in whatever primary you like and will thereafter, if the paperwork is done right, be affiliated with that party. If you never vote in a primary you stay unaffiliated). 

The affiliation date should be the registration date, at the very least, as in other states. I don't see what the parties are so afraid of.  Are they proud of their range of 6-7% to 8-11% of registered voters turning out in the last two primaries (considering Middlesex and Mercer County figures)?

I don't think barring people who sometimes vote Republican from participating in a Democratic primary, means we are letting 'outsiders' in, as people have said to me in the past.  Independents will vote in November anyway, so they have as much right as anyone to help decide who will be on the ballot.  I think there are states where the only requirement is that you can only vote in one primary.  Making it easier to vote in  primaries is the more democratic way to go.

This all begs the question of course, as to whether primaries matter, whether the decisions are already made before the primary even happens as for example in the Dem primary for the PA Senate race. 

Primaries Benefit Democracy (and don't hurt candidates)

by: Jeff Gardner

Fri Dec 09, 2005 at 02:24:08 PM EST

In every race in every place, some candidate's supporters (usually the frontrunner; always the party leaders' choice) calls for "unity" to avoid a "damaging" primary. Those who don't heed the call are labeled foolish, or worse, disloyal. Over at Swing State Project, and elsewhere, it's stated as a given that a primary diminishes the democrats' holding the Senate seat.

Is there any actual evidence to support the anti-democracy mantra that primaries hurt general election chances?

I'm all (tiny little) ears.