By Matt Friedman

Presented by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Good Tuesday morning!

Democrats have been on the defensive for a while now. They spent the summer getting pounded by Republicans on trans kids in schools and whale deaths. They started to feel a bit more confident with their abortion messaging. But that only last about a week before Sen. Bob Menendez’s indictment, which once again cast a pall on the party.

But Democrats do have one advantage that’s probably unlikely to change no matter the vicissitudes of the issues. They’ve spent years building a vote-by-mail operation during which time the leader of the Republican Party, former President Donald Trump, did his best to foster mistrust in the system.

Republicans want to catch up. The Republican State Leadership Committee is spending “nearly one million dollars” on mail, digital ads and text messages encouraging residents to vote-by-mail or early, and following up with them.

Meanwhile, New Jersey Democrats’ 2018 law in which most voters automatically receive mail-in ballots every year if they’re requested them before has, according to Democrats, banked voters who will now see ballots in their mailbox for an election they may had previously voted in.

In targeted districts, according to Democratic consultant Mike Muller, “on average there’s roughly 6,000 Democrats who are signed up to vote by mail who didn’t vote in the legislative races four years ago.”

Voting by mail has begun, of course. According to The AP’s Ryan Dubicki, 522,862 Democrats have requested ballots — more than twice the number of Republicans (167,195) and unaffiliated (213,687) combined. Of those returned, 16,578 are from Democrats, 6,590 from Republicans and 2,782 from unaffiliated voters. So Democrats are returning many more, but Republicans at a higher percentage of those requested — though it’s too early to read much into this data.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We need to take a step back, calm down, and stop giving in to our basest instincts.” — Nancy Lawson, who writes “The Humane Gardener,’ on spotted lanternflies. However, the advice could just as well be applied to New Jersey politics.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Jennifer Lehman, Josh Welle

WHERE’S MURPHY? Returning to New Jersey from North Carolina this afternoon. Acting Gov. Tahesha Way is in Atlantic City at 11:30 a.m. to sign a resolution honoring the State Troopers Fraternal Association at the National Troopers' Coalition Conference.

A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

We at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are deeply disappointed with United Steel Workers 4-200's extreme action to strike. No one benefits from the strike, least of all our nurses. The union should consider the impact it is having on them and their families. Multiple attempts to prevent the strike were rejected, including accepting the union's demands and offering arbitration. RWJUH is already among the highest-staffed hospitals in the state, and our nurses are currently the highest-paid in New Jersey.

NURSING HOMES — “Hundreds with disabilities in NJ are forced into nursing homes, new report says,” by The Record’s Gene Myers: “Hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been forced into nursing homes that lack the proper oversight or resources to care for them, a group of New Jersey advocates said in a report released Monday. Disability Rights New Jersey warned that people with behavioral disorders, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other conditions are too often sent to nursing homes when group homes claim they can no longer accommodate them, or when home care becomes too challenging for elderly patients. They urged the state to better track such patients and to beef up monitoring of nursing homes where they may be housed.”

WILL HE CAMPAIGN AGAINST BAIL REFORM?  — “Assembly candidate convicted of drug and gun charges, has long history of legal woes,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Republican State Assembly candidate in a North Jersey district has a record of convictions on federal and state drug and gun charges and a history of financial issues. Joseph Viso, Jr., 52, a Carlstadt electrician making his second bid for the Assembly in the 36th district, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to distribute Methylone in 2016 and was sentenced to three years on probation. ‘I was sick fighting cancer, and I got myself in trouble,”’Viso told the New Jersey Globe. … In 2014, Viso was charged with possessing a sawed-off shotgun near a school, possessing a gun while committing a crime, and multiple drug offenses in Carlstadt and East Rutherford. He accepted a plea deal and admitted to having a prohibited weapon, a defaced firearm, a 4th degree crime. He was sentenced to two years of probation in 2019. ‘They raided my house and found a gun in my house,’ he explained. ‘I live near a school.’”

WIND — “Wind power project in New Jersey would be among farthest off East Coast, company says,” by The AP’s Wayne Parry: “A proposed wind energy project off New Jersey would be among the farthest from land on the East Coast, the New York-based development company said Monday. Attentive Energy released new information on the project, which will be 42 miles … off Seaside Heights and provide enough energy to power 600,000 homes. State regulators did not identify the company when bids were received in August — one of four received as the state pushes to become the East Coast hub of the nascent offshore wind industry … Damian Bednarz, the company's managing director, told The Associated Press that it passed on bidding on undersea sites closer to the shore because it feels its site is situated to take advantage of the strongest winds. … Bednarz also said the project's turbines — the exact number of which the company has not revealed — will not be visible from the shoreline.”

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—“Manhattan congestion pricing scenarios would give credits for tunnels, but not GW Bridge” 

—“Emerging election issues in New Jersey include lawsuits over outing trans students, offshore wind”

—“DEP lawsuits bring cleanups to polluted sites in Palmyra, Camden” 

—“They pick your blueberries and peppers. But NJ doesn’t protect farmworkers from rising heat” 

—Snowflack: “LD3 snapshot: Durr versus Burzichelli” 

—Cindy Adams: “Attorney, state Sen. Jon Bramnick is the ‘Funniest Lawyer in New Jersey’” 

A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

MAY COULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS MERRY MERRY — Menendez trial set to begin as 2024 primary season heats up, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: Sen. Bob Menendez’s trial for federal corruption charges is set to start weeks before New Jersey's 2024 Democratic primary, meaning his legal woes are certain to further wound his political fortunes if he seeks reelection. The New Jersey Democrat and his wife, Nadine Menendez, face bribery and extortion charges stemming from his relationship with three New Jersey businesspeople. On Monday, federal Judge Sidney Stein of the Southern District of New York set a tentative trial date of May 6 for the five defendants, just before the June 4 primary in New Jersey. … Prosecutors suggested that when the case eventually goes to trial, there could be fewer defendants. It was unclear if they are expecting plea deals or if there might be separate trials. Prosecutors also said they expect to issue a superseding indictment.

NEW MENENEDENNIUM — “Under indictment, Menendez still plans fundraiser, email says,” by Bloomberg’s Kate Ackley:  “Sen. Bob Menendez may be under federal indictment for bribery, but that isn’t stopping him from fundraising. Menendez’s leadership political action committee is still planning to hold a fundraising event next month in Puerto Rico with the indicted lawmaker and his chief of staff, according to an email sent this week to potential donors. The event, benefiting New Millennium PAC, is slated for Oct. 13 and 14 and includes a reception and golf at the Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach, according to an email shared with Bloomberg Government. “In light of recent events, I wanted to reach out and confirm that the New Millennium PAC Retreat in Puerto Rico on October 13 & 14 is still taking place,” said the email sent from a professional fundraiser, Gillian Helwig. … Lawmakers typically use leadership PACs to dole out donations to their colleagues, as a way of making political allies and growing their influence in their party and on Capitol Hill. After leaving office, such funds can be used for nearly anything, including personal expenses like legal fees.”

PROSECUTORS THANK MAN FOR RECORDING HIS CRIMES — “Jury got to see Capitol rioter's Jan. 6 videos; what they show likely caused conviction,” by The Courier-Post’s Jim Walsh: “The most compelling evidence at the recent trial of a Capitol rioter from South Jersey likely came from the defendant himself. A federal judge has approved the public release of damning videos — made by Patrick Stedman of Haddonfield during the insurrection — that were shown to the jury at his five-day trial in June. The videos show the 35-year-old’s actions during and immediately after the upheaval caused by supporters of then President Donald Trump. They also include Stedman’s often-angry and expletive-filled shouts inside the Capitol, and his sometimes-chilling commentary after being ejected from the building … At one point, while in a crowd near a closed door to the House chamber, Stedman calls out, ‘Break it down!’ … ‘If they go ahead, and they certify this (BS) it's f-ing treason. … and if Trump doesn't take action, we're taking action.’ … Stedman, who wore a red "Make America Great Again" hat and a green-and-red Trump-themed Christmas sweater during the riot, testified his outbursts were efforts to “act tough” and to create “good television” for his online viewers.”

—“'Ruin a dead man's reputation': Manalapan mom fears blame shift for Navy SEALs death” 

—“U.S. Supreme Court tosses challenge to N.J. ballot slogan laws” 

—Snowflack: “Gold bar blues: the ballad of Bob and Andy” 

A message from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital:

We at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital are deeply disappointed with United Steel Workers 4-200's extreme action to strike. No one benefits from the strike, least of all our nurses. The union should consider the impact it is having on them and their families. Multiple attempts to prevent the strike were rejected, including accepting the union's demands and offering arbitration. RWJUH is already among the highest-staffed hospitals in the state, and our nurses are currently the highest-paid in New Jersey. Our top priority is our patients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering the highest-quality care in the safest environment. We want to reassure our patients, their families, and our community that we continue to care without interruption. We remain fully open and continue to deliver the high-quality care they deserve.

MCGREEVEY’S REENTRY — “McGreevey sends letter to Jersey City homeowners ahead of potential mayoral run,” by Hudson County View’s John Heinis: “Former Gov. Jim McGreevey (D) sent out a letter to Jersey City homeowners, noting that he is developing ‘working groups’ on key issues, ahead of a potential mayoral run in 2025. ‘After resigning from the Governor’s Office, attending seminary, and building a reentry organization dedicated to those searching for Second Chances, whether from prison, jail, addiction treatment, or combat veterans, I am considering pursuing candidacy for Mayor of Jersey City,’ he wrote in a letter that hit mailboxes on Saturday. ‘As I make this decision, I hear time and time again from working families of the cost of property taxes. A home is among the most precious belongings of a family, of an individual. Not to belabor the point, but for most families, a home is their most considerable and expensive asset.’”

—“McGreevey, still non-committal on run for Jersey City mayor, takes aim at $50 million water deal” 

THE TREE OF CONTROVERSY — “It took two months for sign mocking Asbury Park Black cops to come down. Why?” by The Asbury Park Press’ Charles Day: “Nearly two months after someone put up a sign perceived as mocking Black Asbury Park police officers, and 59 days after officers asked department leaders to take it down, the sign affixed to the tree outside of police headquarters had been removed. Lt. Kamil Warraich, the highest-ranking officer of color in the department and the president of the Fraternal Order of Police #221, told the Press that the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ is a tree located in the parking lot of the Asbury Park Police Department headquarters next to the designated parking for the marked police vehicles. On Aug. 1, someone screwed a metal plate into the tree. The plate reads, ‘TREE OF KNOWLEDGE Where the disgruntled and misinformed can freely meet to spread lies, rumor, and conspiracy instead of doing the job they were hired to do. …’ ‘This is a location where African American APPD police officers have traditionally met, on breaks or at shift change, to discuss both police and personal matters,’ Warraich said. … Warraich believes the plate was installed ‘by white APPD Officers I believe at the direction of a high-ranking member of the all-white APPD administration, while they were on duty.’”

HE FOUGHT CITY HALL — “Atlantic City man spent night, trashed office in City Hall, police say,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Michelle Brunetti Post: “A city man was charged with burglary Monday morning after police found he had entered City Hall without authorization Sunday and spent the night there. Sherif Ramadan, 39, was found by staff in an office on the fourth floor, police said. Staff called police for help at 8:59 a.m., and Ramadan was taken into custody and sent to the Atlantic County jail. ‘There was a lot of damage, the place was ransacked,’ Mayor Marty Small Sr. said Monday afternoon.”

THE HANOVER — “Hanover schools’ parental notification policy enjoined by judge,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Nikita Biryukov: “A Superior Court judge has enjoined a controversial Hanover Township school board parental notification policy, saying it could force school employees to act in violation of the state’s anti-discrimination law. The order comes more than four months after Attorney General Matt Platkin filed a civil rights complaint against Hanover’s district over the policy, saying its requirement that parents be notified if their child begins a gender transition or expresses a gender that does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth violates New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination. Hanover’s school board amended the policy after Platkin filed his complaint, but Judge Stuart Minkowitz found the revised policy is still likely discriminatory because it allows schools to consider a student’s protected characteristics when making notifications.”  

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—“State DEP sets date to break ground on remediation at Liberty State Park. Some want to see more progress” 

—“Atlantic City Housing Authority board member fights attempt to unseat her” 

—“Bug bites and lonely nights: How 17 people live hidden deep in the Toms River woods” 

—“Ocean County Administrator Michael J. Fiure undergoing treatment for 2 types of cancer” 

—“Paterson police fall further behind in handling internal affairs complaints” 

—“Reform plan still has Paterson police responding to mental health crises” 

—“Exxon/Mobil, Clinton Township appear at odds over future of 757-acre campus”

—“'Like a missile overhead:' New group fed up with Teterboro Airport aircraft noise steps up” 

RESIDENTS TO BE TRANSPORTED IN ‘MICRO MACHINES’ BY FAST-TALKING DRIVERS — “New on-demand shuttle services are popping up in NJ. What's microtransit all about?” by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: “A new microtransit pilot project that launched last month in Trenton will offer shuttle services on demand through an app that could eventually be expanded to Newark, Paterson and other locations in New Jersey. Four battery-powered shuttles and one van for people with disabilities will be deployed to kick-start the GOTrenton! service, offering rides for $2, with the first being free. The grant that is funding the pilot will pay for the shuttles, which look like large, six-seat golf carts; drivers, who are local hires; and 14 low-cost public electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city. Ben Haygood is the director of policy and partnerships at the nonprofit Isles, a Trenton-based community development organization that has created the program through years of focus groups with residents about the kind of transportation services they need. If the pilot is successful, Haygood said, the group hopes to take this model to other cities. “We’re hoping we can have a GONewark!, a GOCamden! and GOPaterson!, but I think before we get to that point we’re going to have to upscale to the geographic scale that I’m talking about,” Haygood said.”

—“To stomp, or not to stomp? Has NJ's war on spotted lanternfly been a bit of overkill?” 

—“All aboard the ‘bike bus.’ N.J. kids are caravanning to school on their bicycles” 

—“[Montclair State] cop traded PBA card for forged insurance docs, authorities allege” 

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