By Matt Friedman

Presented by Clean Energy Action Now! (CLEAN)

Good Wednesday morning!

Sen. Cory Booker, the man we’ve all been waiting for and arguably Sen. Bob Menendez’s top defender after his 2015 indictment, yesterday broke his silence and called for his indicted close colleague to resign.

“The details of the allegations against Senator Menendez are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans, as well as those he must work with in order to be effective, have been shaken to the core,” Booker said in a statement.

Booker was not alone. Last I checked, well over a dozen senators had called for the resignation of New Jersey’s senior senator, who is to be arraigned today in New York. And here’s what’s pretty interesting: Every single one of them is a Democrat. In fact, Republican Tom Cotton of Arkansas doesn’t think Menendez should resign.

“Senator Menendez has a right to test the government’s evidence in court, just like any other citizen. He should be judged by jurors and New Jersey’s voters, not by Democratic politicians who now view him as inconvenient to their hold on power,” he tweeted.

It’s never looked to me like politicians feel the need to be consistent. But the obvious interpretation here is that there would just be too much cognitive dissonance for Republicans to insist that the FBI is some corrupt agency that’s unfairly targeting former President Donald Trump while concurrently giving credit to their investigation of a senator from the opposite party.

It really is something, all that happened to our politics in the Trump era. 

But regardless of party, many members who did not call for Menendez’ resignation – and who said Menendez is innocent until proven guilty — pushed the choice to a different party: New Jersey voters when asked by POLITICO on Capitol Hill. “At this point in the process, it's up to him and the voters of New Jersey to make the resignation decision,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said.

“Everyone's innocent until proven guilty,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a Democrat who often votes with Republicans, said. “This is between the people in New Jersey and Senator Bob Menendez.”

—With help from Mia McCarthy

TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at [email protected].

QUOTE OF THE DAY: ““It’s bulls--t. It was always bulls--t. It should just be struck from the record, not turned into a different form of bulls--t.” — Cartoonist and weed activist Brian “Box” Brown on how legalization has been done around the country.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY —  Rob Ortiz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tamara Rosenberg, Keanu Reeves, Lil Wayne, Avril Lavigne

WHERE’S MURPHY? — No public schedule

A message from Clean Energy Action Now! (CLEAN):

Gas companies don’t want NJ consumers to know: Efficient electric heat pumps and appliances are healthier and can save you money. Switching to electric can reduce energy bills by up to 41%. Americans bought more electric heat pumps than gas furnaces every month in 2022. Yet here in NJ, the gas lobby is working hard to mislead you. Get the real story about how going electric improves comfort, delivers cleaner air, and saves money.

FAST FOOD WORKERS TO EARN MENENDEZ LEVELS OF CASH  —  “N.J. minimum wage to hit record high, exceeding target set by Murphy and lawmakers,” by NJ Advance Media’s Derek Hall: “New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $1 next year to $15.13 per hour for most employees, exceeding the $15 target set by state leaders in 2019. Gov. Phil Murphy campaigned on a promise to raise the state’s minimum wage, which was $8.60 per hour when the Democrat took office in 2018. It was a goal Democratic state lawmakers had their eyes on since at least 2016, when their efforts to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour were stymied by former Gov. Chris Christie. ‘As we approach this long-awaited benchmark, I am hopeful that New Jersey workers will be able to improve their quality of life and secure a better future for their families in the middle class,’ Murphy said in a statement announcing the increase. … A historic rise in inflation last year, following widespread shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, triggered a $1.13 increase in the statewide minimum wage, 13 cents higher than the rate outlined in state law.”

STAY THE HELL OFF THE BEACH — “Owners of padlocked beach tell the governor to pound sand,” by The Star-Ledger’s Paul Mulshine:  “Now the beach entrances on the mile of sand owned by Jenkinson’s are chained shut 24 hours a day, seven days a week. … How can that be legal? … It’s not, at least not according to the Governor’s Office. A week ago, the Murphy administration sent a letter to the owners of Jenkinson’s ordering them to unlock the gates. … The DEP has the power to issue fines if the company doesn’t comply, he said. ‘Tell them there’s a $2,500-a-day fine if they continue to flout the law,’ [state Sen. Bob] Smith said. Sounds good. But former Point Beach mayor Vince Barrella had a better idea, one that would get Gov. Phil Murphy some good publicity. “How about he comes down with a pair of bolt-cutters and the State Police?” said Barrella. … The Jenkinson’s management isn’t commenting, but current Mayor Paul Kanitra wrote on his Facebook site that the company may have shut the beaches because of a lawsuit filed by the estate of a Morris County man who drowned there in 2020. But nobody owns the ocean. The law should be amended to make it clear that drowning in it is an act of God – and you can’t sue God."

—“Transgender care grows in New Jersey”

—“N.J. hits the streets to help taxpayers sign up for ANCHOR property tax benefit” 

—“Denied: Court won't dismiss judge and ex-prosecutor [Scutari] from lawsuit against them” 

A message from Clean Energy Action Now! (CLEAN):

NEWPOTISM JERSEY — Another name surfaces as potential Menendez successor: New Jersey’s first lady, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: As First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy has had a much more hands-on role than her predecessors, taking on a policy portfolio, occupying an office in Trenton and becoming her husband’s lead fundraiser. Now, she’s talking to Democrats about potentially running for elective office — the Senate seat occupied by newly indicted Sen. Bob Menendez, according to three Democrats with knowledge of her discussions about it … Democrats are aware that Murphy going for the seat — whether by appointment from her husband should Menendez resign, or running for it in a primary election next year — would be an ironic twist in the Menendez saga. … The talk has intensified because Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) has suggested in conversations with Democrats that she’s unlikely to pursue Menendez’s Senate seat and focus on running for governor in 2025. That could create an opening for Tammy Murphy — a well-known presence in the state and one of its top Democratic fundraisers — to run to become the first woman to represent New Jersey in the upper house. If she were to run, she’d likely face Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who announced Saturday he’ll seek the Senate seat, and possibly others.

A FRANK MESSAGE — “Pallone eyes Menendez’s Senate seat. And other news from the front,” by The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran: "Rep. Frank Pallone, the most powerful member of New Jersey’s delegation in Congress, is considering jumping into the race for Sen. Bob Menendez’s seat, according to a source close to him, who called to throw his name into the mix. It’s a shocker because Pallone is one of the most powerful Democrats in the House, where seniority rules. As chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee … move to the Senate would make Pallone a freshman again, and at age 71 today, he wouldn’t have a chance to build seniority there. Not to mention that many Democrats expect to lose control of the Senate next year. But Pallone is a heavyweight, so mark this as a big twist in the frenzied maneuvering over the seat, as Menendez swirls downward in a political death spiral.”

—“Norcross Won’t Rule Out Senate Bid” 

—“With D-8 congressional race looming, Bhalla says Senator Menendez should resign” 

A message from Clean Energy Action Now! (CLEAN):

What’s the real story behind fossil fuel industry efforts to prevent NJ consumers’ switch to clean, safe, affordable electric heating and cooling?

Profits — plain and simple.

Gas companies know going electric is better for your health and your wallet.

But they want to squeeze every cent from consumers by lobbying legislators to limit free choice in energy sources and leave you stuck with outdated, unhealthy fossil fuel options.

Here’s the truth:

● Average NJ gas customers can save up to 41% yearly on utilities by switching to electric.
● Going all-electric and improving your insulation can save you nearly 70% per year.
● Nationally, gas appliances have been attributed to 12.7% of childhood asthma cases.
● Next year, New Jerseyans can receive up to $8,000 for a heat pump and up to $840 for an induction stove.

Legislators can put consumers first and stand up to gas industry lies and misinformation. Learn how.

REPUBLICAN STATE CHAOS — State GOP backs down from convention idea for presidential nominating contest, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: The New Jersey GOP unanimously backed off a proposal to host a state convention in lieu of a primary to pick delegates for the Republican National Convention, with party leaders deciding Tuesday evening to select delegates via the state’s June primary. The decision impacts how New Jersey Republicans will engage in the primary contest to pick a Republican nominee for president. The Republican National Committee requires notification from state parties by May 31 for their delegate plans for the 2024 convention. However, New Jersey’s primary is on June 4, 2024 — after the deadline for state parties to notify the RNC. The decision to have the June primary as is could come with consequences. State Republicans need a waiver approved from the RNC so the delegates picked during the June primary still count for the Republican presidential primary contest, since it is after the RNC's May 31 deadline. If the RNC does not approve the waiver, party insiders said it could make New Jersey’s Republican delegates not count in the presidential primary.

HE DOESN’T RUN THIS PLAYBOOK — “Bob Menendez is running a playbook that looks like Donald Trump's. Can it work?” by The Record’s Katie Sobko: “Menendez has vowed to stand his ground — emulating a certain former president in a rival political party — even as onetime allies and foes alike pressure him to leave office. … The response is a far cry from what has played out on the other side of the aisle as a certain prominent Republican faces charges ranging from conspiring to defraud the government to trying to overturn election results in several states, yet he still sits securely atop the leader board for the party’s presidential nomination. … Former President Donald Trump has been indicted in three states as well as Washington, D.C., and is expected to face a trial before next year’s presidential election. He is still leading in every poll for the Republican nomination in that race. Only a few notable Republicans have even been willing to speak out against him, one being former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie."

—“Experts alarmed by claims that Menendez eased military aid to Egypt” 

—“Sen. Bob Menendez beat federal bribery charges before. Here’s why this time is ‘different from top to bottom’” 

—Trump fraudulently inflated his net worth by up to $2.2 billion, New York judge rules

LESNI-NOT-BACK — Former Democratic state Sen. Ray Lesniak won’t be making a run for Congress in 2024, he told POLITICO. “I know I said I’m gonna make a decision after the November elections but I've thought that over and I could accomplish more with the Lesniak Institute than I could as a freshman member of Congress,” Lesniak said in an interview. “No Lesniak versus [U.S. Rep. Tom] Kean [Jr.],” he added. “He can relax.” Lesniak also said he would not primary U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), whose father, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), faces federal corruption charges. The younger Menendez represents Lesniak’s current hometown of Elizabeth. “ I wouldn’t even think about challenging [the younger Menendez],” Lesniak said. Democrats including progressive activist Sue Altman, former State Department official Jason Blazakis and Roselle Park Mayor Joe Signorello are running to challenge Kean Jr. Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is reportedly considering a challenge to the younger Menendez for his House seat.
— Daniel Han

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NOEY TORRES — Disgraced former Paterson Mayor Torres indicted for comeback attempt, by POLITICO’s Danie Han: Former Paterson Mayor Joey Torres was indicted Tuesday for seeking a comeback campaign in 2022 despite a court order that barred him from seeking public office. Torres pleaded guilty in 2017 to using city employees to work on businesses connected to relatives. City taxpayers funded overtime to pay the public employees for the private projects. As part of the 2017 plea to official misconduct, Torres, 64, was barred from seeking or holding public office again. However, he actively sought a mayoral comeback last year, submitting nominating petitions to appear on the ballot. … Torres’ charge — criminal contempt of court — is a fourth-degree crime and carries a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a maximum penalty of $10,000, according to the Attorney General’s office. “It takes remarkable brashness to flout a state court order and then attempt to strong-arm the city clerk, via civil litigation, into allowing an impermissible campaign to proceed,” Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a statement.

PATERSON CRIME FALLS— “Crime is down in N.J. city after takeover of troubled police department. Here’s how,” by NJ Advance Media’s S.P. Sullivan: “Six months after a surprise state takeover of the troubled police department in New Jersey’s third-largest city, state authorities say crime is down, public sentiment is improving and new technology is helping hold cops accountable. Paterson’s police force has been under the microscope since March, when state Attorney General Matthew Platkin citied a “crisis of confidence in law enforcement in this city” and took over the department. Since then, an ex-NYPD chief installed to turn things around has ordered more officers onto foot patrols, dramatically increasing their presence along the city’s Broadway corridor. The effect has been significant, city officials and residents say.”

I’M GOING TO WICHITA, FAR FROM THIS OPRA FOREVERMORE — “Montclair clerk missed OPRA deadlines, documents show,” by The Record’s Nicholas Katzban: “Ilmar Vanderer was in Montclair’s Town Hall applying for a garage sale permit in May when staff from the Clerk’s Office gathered in front of him for an impromptu meeting involving Municipal Clerk Angelese Bermúdez Nieves … What unfolded, he said, was a discussion about requests under … OPRA. While Nieves, the public records custodian for Montclair, did not explicitly tell her staff to outright ignore or deny requests for public records, Vanderer said, ‘It sounded as if she was offering a tutorial on ways to bottleneck the process.’ … NorthJersey.com has spoken with multiple sources over the past month and obtained chains of communications with the Clerk's Office and other township departments. Those interviews and documents show employees replying to residents’ requests after the seven business days required under OPRA. Sometimes the late responses said the delays resulted from a litany of headwinds, or revealed confusion among departments, and in one case, a request that was post-dated 15 days after it was filed. ‘This sounds like willful violations of the statute,’ said CJ Griffin.”

— “Company seeks right to build oversized electronic billboard near Atlantic City homes”

—“Millville High School guard charged with having sex with student granted pretrial release” 

—“Off-duty Essex County sheriff’s officer charged in Kearny crash that left 8 with injuries” 

—“Chess club advisor at Verona high school charged with sexual assault of a student” 

Enter the “room where it happens”, where global power players shape policy and politics, with Power Play. POLITICO’s brand-new podcast will host conversations with the leaders and power players shaping the biggest ideas and driving the global conversations, moderated by award-winning journalist Anne McElvoy. Sign up today to be notified of the first episodes in September – click here.

—“N.J. aviation company fired pilot who reported safety concerns to FAA, lawsuit says” 

—“Tropical Storm Ophelia passing the Jersey Shore, but 'we're still under the gun'” 

—“Newark airport ranks dead last for customer satisfaction (again). But there’s hope”

—“Stockton University failed to tailor COVID-19 protocols to worker's religion, lawsuit alleges” 

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