By Matt Friedman

Presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Good Friday morning!

It shouldn’t surprise you that the overwhelming majority of New Jerseyans think Bob Menendez should resign. But here’s a poll that says it anyway.

Immediately after his September indictment was dropped, Menendez leaned on his Hispanic heritage to claim persecution by federal authorities.

“Those behind this campaign simply cannot accept that a first-generation Latino American from humble beginnings could rise to be a U.S. Senator and serve with honor and distinction,” he said.

No high-profile Hispanic politicians stuck their necks out to back Menendez on this. But how do non-politician Hispanic New Jerseyans feel?

According to the poll by FDU, Hispanic New Jerseyans basically feel no different about Menendez than white New Jerseyans. In fact, they’re more in favor of Menendez resigning than most: 71 percent of Hispanics say Menendez should go, as do 74 percent of whites, 61 percent of Blacks and 58 percent of Asians. Granted, this is a subset of a sample, so we’re talking about a small number of people, which increases the margin of error.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We’re from New Jersey, we give cash … But don’t worry. It’s not from Bob Menendez’s jacket.” — Chris Christie while forking over $1,000 to get on the New Hampshire GOP primary ballot

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Dawn Addiego, Beth Mason, Gerald Reiner, Chloe Yosha. Saturday for Elizabeth Coulter. Sunday for Jon Boguchwal, Hank Kalet.

WHERE’S MURPHY? Asia. Acting Gov. Way has no public schedule.

 

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DECISION MADE IN SMOKE-FILLED BACK ROOM — Senators: Scutari says bill banning casino smoking will be posted during lame duck, by POLITICO’s Daniel Han: Senate President Nick Scutari has privately told lawmakers that a bill banning indoor casino smoking is expected to be posted for a full Senate vote during the lame duck session, according to three state senators who said they spoke directly with Scutari on the matter. Such a move — should it happen — would mark a significant step for the legislation, NJ S264 (22R), which was first introduced in 2006. It unanimously passed the state Senate in 2007, although it has not received a full floor vote in either legislative chamber since. “The Senate President expressed to me he would post and support a full Senate vote before the end of the year,” state Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and key backer of the bill, said in an interview.

HOW YOU FRAME THE QUESTION MATTERS — Most New Jersey parents don’t want teachers to ‘out’ students, NJEA poll says, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: Most New Jersey parents do not want teachers to "out" students and think it is up to children to disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity, according to a new poll released by the New Jersey Education Association … When asked whether it's up to a student to decide when they are ready to talk to their parents about their sexual orientation or gender identity, 58 percent said they strongly agree while 11 percent said they strongly disagree. Another question asked whether politicians should force teachers to “out” a student who is gay or is using a different pronoun. That question added that "forced outings can harm students mentally or cause bullying" and "it should be up to the student, not politicians, to decide when to reveal their gender identity." In response, 66 percent said they strongly agree while 14 percent said they strongly disagree with the statement attached to the question that forced outings can harm students.

THE HANOVER— “5 N.J. towns didn’t let LGBTQ couples apply for marriage licenses online, AG says,” by NJ Advance Media’s S.P. Sullivan: “Five New Jersey towns have agreed to fix their marriage licensing systems after a state inquiry found their websites discriminated against LGBTQ couples, New Jersey’s attorney general said Thursday. The probe found the towns — Estell Manor in Atlantic County, Fairview in Bergen County, Hanover in Morris County, Linden in Union County, and South Toms River in Ocean County — posted marriage licensing information on their websites that ‘limited the availability of licenses to opposite-gender couples and excluded marriage license applicants with a nonbinary gender identity,’ according to the state Division on Civil Rights … Four of the towns ‘promptly’ resolved the issues. Hanover Township agreed to update forms on their website following a negotiated settlement.”

FIRST PRIORITY: BLOCK ED DURR’S ACCESS TO FACEBOOK — “Bucco outlines what the Senate would do next year with a GOP majority,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “The 'Republican Roadmap for a Better New Jersey' outlines an eight-point plan to share with the public what a GOP Senate majority might look like. The plan includes: passing a comprehensive parental bill of rights; supporting law enforcement, enhancing public safety, and improving school security; providing property tax relief and enacting school funding reform; making state government more affordable; cutting taxes; and enacting a realistic and affordable state energy policy – a shot at the Murphy administration’s offshore wind development and long-term efforts to ban gas stoves and gasoline-powered cars.”

CONGESTION PRICING — These North Jersey drivers are the ones most concerned about NY's congestion pricing plan, by The Record’s Colleen Wilson: "Stagehands, entertainers, musicians and those who work nontraditional hours are the New Jerseyans most concerned about the impacts of congestion pricing since they have fewer public transportation options overnight. A number of New Jerseyans responded to a callout by NorthJersey.com to share their views on the new tolling program, which could roll out as soon as spring of 2024. Designed to reduce congestion, improve air quality and raise money for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital program, congestion pricing will charge drivers a fee to enter Manhattan streets below 60th Street.”

THEY EXPECTED GOLD BARS — “The art of the gift: Murphys aim to make lasting impression in East Asia,” by ROI-NJ’s Tom Bergeron: “There was an autographed Jon Bon Jovi guitar for the foreign minister of Korea — because he has a love of Karaoke. A poster of Larry Doby at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson for the prime minister of Japan, because he loves baseball. And signed lyrics by Don McLean for Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol — who received national attention when he broke out into song during a meeting at the White House. By nature, international economic missions are filled with quick meetings and conversations aimed at making a lasting impression. On the 2023 New Jersey East Asia Economic Mission, Gov. Phil Murphy is using more than just his data points about the state and his personality to get the job done. He brought gifts, too. After interactions with business leaders and government officials, Murphy presents a gift that represents New Jersey.”

—“Governor Murphy makes unannounced trip to Taiwan” 

—“New Jersey adds 7,700 jobs in September; unemployment ticks up” 

—“Abortion rights aren’t safe in N.J., Democrats say in campaigns for Legislature” 

—“New Jersey law will require suicide prevention training for college faculty, staff” 

—“Durr draws criticism for attacks on Democratic challenger”

—“Public embraces, suggests tweaks to plan for new athletics, recreation in Liberty State Park” 

—'We have not been treated fairly': TerrAscend CEO speaks directly to CRC on fines

GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.

ROB IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH BOB — Rob Menendez’s balancing act: Defending his indicted father while not being dragged down by him, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: Don’t call him junior. Rep. Rob Menendez, the 38-year-old son of Sen. Bob Menendez, joined the House earlier this year thanks in large part to the family name. Now, he’s in a mess because of it … While his son has nothing to do with this legal case, the political fallout could threaten the 2024 reelection of Rob Menendez, a first-term member who sailed to victory last year and now sits in a congressional seat representing much of the North Jersey area his father did for seven terms in the House. Now Rob Menendez is trying to stand with his father while also avoiding being dragged down by him … To head off any doubt about his intentions, Rob Menendez almost immediately made clear he’s going to run for reelection. And, so far, it looks like he may win… In interviews, several key Hudson County figures seemed to see the two Menendezes as separable. Even if they didn’t all say it, they seemed to adopt the biblical view that a son should not be judged by the sins of the father. (At least one person who ventured to say something similar quickly backtracked because, they said, they did not want to be quoted as suggesting the father had sinned — a sign that, however weakened Sen. Menendez may be, he remains formidable.)

APPALLED — “NJ power players are helping pay for Bob Menendez's legal defense. Some regret it,” by WNYC’s Nancy Solomon: “One of New Jersey’s most influential power brokers says he’s “appalled” by the accusations against Sen. Robert Menendez — stressing he only gave $10,000 to the senator’s legal defense fund before the allegations were publicly known. Democratic power broker George Norcross gave Menendez’s fund the maximum amount allowed under political finance laws, Roll Call reported … ‘George contributed to Sen. Menendez's legal defense fund a number of months ago out of respect for all the senator has done for Camden, Camden County and South Jersey, even prior to his service in the Senate, his inspiring personal story, and his accomplishments for all of New Jersey,’ said Norcross' spokesperson Dan Fee. ‘He made the contributions prior to the senator's recent indictments.’ ‘Like others, he is appalled by the content and seriousness of the allegations they contain,’ Fee continued.

RAISING KEAN — “Malinowski rides hard on Kean and Republicans,” by InsiderNJ’s Fred Snowflack: “The onetime CD-7 congressman seemed quite relaxed as he addressed Morris County Democrats at a Wednesday night fundraiser … He cited press reports about Kean’s dilemma in voting for Speaker. Would he side with most in his caucus and back Jim Jordan? Or would he side with the wishes of many in his district and not? After all, as Malinowski noted, Jordan is no fan of Jersey, having opposed, for instance, federal aid to the state after Sandy. However, how about ignoring such concerns and doing what’s best for the country? Malinowski answered his own question. “No one even expects that Tom Kean Jr.’s thought process would get to that level of analysis,” he said.”

—House GOP abandons plan to empower temp speaker

A message from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey:

PARENTS TO SEEK BAN ON SCHOOLS TEACHING KIDS THE TERM ‘PRO BONO’ — “Dad sues N.J. school district and state over policy for trans students,” by NJ Advance Media’s Tina Kelley: “The father of three Cherry Hill high school students has filed a federal lawsuit against the school district and the N.J. Department of Education over its guidance on notifying parents when their children request accommodations related to being transgender. In the suit, filed Oct. 12 in U.S. District Court, the father, Frederick K. Short Jr., says the policy violates his Fourteenth Amendment right to raise his children and make decisions about their mental health care … Thomas Stavola Jr., Short’s pro bono attorney, noted a similar case in the Kettle Moraine School District in Wisconsin, where a judge decided that the schools violated parental rights by adopting a policy to honor a minor student’s request to change their gender identity at school without parental consent. A similar lawsuit in Montgomery County, Maryland, was dismissed in August when a Federal appellate court found three parents who brought the suit did not have standing in the case. They were backed by the National Legal Foundation, a Christian conservative group.”

SWIFT JUSTICE — “Superintendent Tried To Force Me To Retire: Manchester Principal,” by Patch’s Karen Wall: “The principal of Whiting Elementary School has filed a lawsuit against the Manchester schools superintendent alleging age, gender and racial discrimination, claiming he harassed her for more than a year and tried to get her to quit her job. Evelyn Swift filed the lawsuit Oct. 9 in Ocean County Superior Court, alleging Superintendent John Berenato harassed her repeatedly in an attempt to remove her as the principal at Whiting Elementary, making remarks about her age and suggesting she retire. In addition, Swift alleges, Berenato made repeated remarks referencing her race, and retaliated when she filed a grievance over her performance evaluation.”

—“Status of Atlantic City Housing Authority board member taken up by council” 

—“Mount Laurel man pleads guilty in racial intimidation case caught on viral video” 

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RIGHT WHALES WRONGED — “Big ships speed through safety zones off Jersey Shore, putting whales in danger,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Dan Radel: “Almost every vessel 65 feet in length or greater sped in the zones meant to protect the critical endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, an international ocean conservation group found after studying three years worth of vessel tracking data. There are 10 seasonal management zones, mostly located near the entrance of the busy East Coast ports, where vessels 65 feet or greater must obey a 10-knot speed limit … The nonprofit Oceana, which released its findings Thursday, found that vessels are not always obeying the speed limit, and in once case, one vessel blew through at 37 knots ... It tracked 99,992 trips made by 8,690 vessels through the zones between 2020 and 2022 using tracking data from the Automatic Identification System, or AIS which it collects through its own app called Ship Speed Watch. Of those vessels, 84%, or roughly 7,300 of them, sped at least once while transiting the zones. Forty percent of the vessels were cargo ships, making them the worst offenders of the speed zones.”

—“NJ whale deaths: Animal experts work to dislodge dead minke whale stuck in Leonardo Marina” 

IF WE CAN’T TRUST OUR FINANCIAL MATTERS TO INSTAGRAM PERSONALITIES, WHO CAN WE TRUST? — “Bergen County influencer and real estate investor charged in multimillion Ponzi scheme,” by The Record’s John Connoly: “An embattled Franklin Lakes real estate investor and social media influencer, already facing a mountain of lawsuits, was arrested Wednesday and accused by the U.S. attorney for New Jersey of operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi-like investment fraud scheme. Cesar Humberto Pina, 45, has been charged with one count of wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced … Pina, who gained fame doing real estate seminars around the country, would entice victims by promising up to 20% to 45% returns within five months, the U.S. attorney said. However, Pina did not invest the victims' money, as promised, but used the money from new victims to pay others, operating a Ponzi-like scheme, officials say.”

—“Ex-CBS Philadelphia reporter facing child porn charges” 

—“'There are immense similarities' between Watergate and Jan. 6. Hear how at NJPAC this week”

A message from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey:

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Since 2004, Horizon has given more than $125 million dollars to causes across New Jersey. We’re the only health insurer with a foundation focused on investing in the health of our communities and supporting the local organizations that are addressing our most pressing challenges. Health equity. Food and housing security. Substance abuse and mental health. Diabetes and childhood obesity. And so much more.

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