Pallone on Fox News: American Clean Energy and Security Act, It's A "Jobs" Bill

If you didn't catch Congressman Frank Pallone on Fox News this morning, he was talking about the American Clean Energy and Security Act that passed in the House last week.

Pallone appeared with fellow House Committee on Energy and Commerce member Steve Scalise (R) of Louisiana to discuss the passage of the bill.

Congressman Pallone said that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be created and that in the long run people will save money because we will not be buying oil from foreign countries and that this bill supports energy Independence.

Pallone also states on his Facebook page that the American Clean Energy and Security Act is the "Most important environmental bill during my time in Congress."

HOLT SUPPORTS AMERICAN CLEAN ENERGY AND SECURITY ACT

Press Release-

(Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today supported H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which the House passed today. Below is his floor remarks.

I rise today in support of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

For years, the consensus in the scientific community has been that the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere is altering the Earth’s climate in ways that are expensive and deadly. This is one of the principle subjects I have spoken about and worked on for decades—before and since I first ran for office—and it is one of the reasons, I believe that my constituents sent me to Congress.

Today the House of Representatives at last is taking sweeping action to cap greenhouse gas emissions, promote the production of renewable energy, and make our homes, cars, and businesses more energy efficient. This legislation would require that we reduce our carbon emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. It would implement a Renewable Electricity Standard that would require electric utilities to provide 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. It would make historic investments new clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy, carbon capture and sequestration, electric and other advanced technology vehicles, and research and development. These provisions would help to slow the rate of global warming and preserve our environment for future generations. Further, a recent report from the Center for American Progress estimates that these provisions would help to create 1.7 million new, high skilled clean energy jobs over the next decade.

Opponents of this bill have argued that it would cost American families over $500 a year in additional energy costs. While it is true that there would be increases in the cost of energy, this bill would return almost 50 percent of the proceeds from the cap-and-trade auction to consumers. In my home state of New Jersey, families who currently pay $100 on their monthly energy bill would see their bill increase by less than $3 a month. If you include the savings that would come through the energy efficiency provisions in this legislation American families could save $4,000 by 2030 on their energy bills.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in New Jersey climate change has caused temperatures to be 4 degrees warmer than they were in 1970. Over the past century precipitation has increased by 5 percent and severe weather incidents have increased by 12-20 percent, and sea level along our coast is increasing .14 inches a year. It is worth devoting some money and effort to slow the devastating climate change is having on our state.

I am pleased that several provisions that I wrote were included in this bill. I worked with Rep. George Miller and Rep. Jerry McNerney authorize the WaterSense program that would help consumers identify water efficient products. Water efficiency saves energy by reducing the amount of energy used to heat, transport, and clean water. The savings are substantial and real. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if only one out of every 100 American homes retrofitted their homes with water-efficient fixtures, we would save 100 GWh of electricity, enough energy to power more than 9,000 homes for an entire year, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80,000 tons.

Rep. Jared Polis and I wrote a provision that would require the Departments of Energy, Labor and Education to compile an online database for a renewable energy curriculum that would be easily accessible to community colleges, vocational schools and universities looking to create training programs but lacking local or technical expertise. The transformation to a clean energy future will require a trained workforce and our amendment would ensure that these communities, whether in rural Wyoming or urban Pittsburg, have easy access to green jobs training in new energy and new manufacturing sectors so they can prosper in a new energy economy.

Read More >>>Here

Saturday Morning Cartoons:Michael and the Jackson 5ive

It's Saturday morning once again and what better way to remember the "King of Pop", Michael Jackson, than sitting down with a bowl of my favorite cereal from days gone by,Captain Crunch, and watching a few episodes of the Jackson 5ive.

Michael in Wonderland


ABC


I Want You Back

President Obama's Weekly Address: 6/27/09

Opening the Door to a Clean Energy Economy

The President praises historic energy legislation passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation will help America create green jobs, ensure clean air for our children, move towards energy independence and combat climate change.

Frank Pallone testifies about Deferred Prosecution Agreements

Congressman Frank Pallone testified in front of the congressional panel investigating the allegations against Chris Christie's questionable use of deferred prosecution agreements while acting as U.S Attorney.

Video: State Of The Race 6/25/09

Governor Jon Corzine's campaign manager Maggie Moran gives a video update about the campaign.

President Barack Obama says he is 'confident' Gov. Corzine can win re-election

by Josh Margolin/Statehouse Bureau
Wednesday June 24, 2009

WASHINGTON -- President Obama today said he is confident Gov. Jon Corzine will be re-elected this fall, though he is well aware of the tough political climate in which Corzine is running for a second term.

"I think very highly of Jon Corzine. I think he's a terrific public servant," the president said during a White House interview with a handful of newspaper reporters from around the country. "I'm confident that he can win re-election. I don't think it's surprising that he may have a significant challenge."

Listen to audio of President Obama answer a question on Gov. Corzine and his re-election campaign

For his part, Corzine traveled around the country last year to campaign for Obama -- after first supporting Obama's Democratic presidential primary opponent, Hillary Clinton. New Jersey Democrats view Obama and his rock-star popularity as one of the key elements in their plans to turn the governor's sagging approval ratings into an Election Day victory in November.
The other main ingredient is Corzine's personal wealth, which the governor has tapped for previous campaigns and could conceivably bury the Republicans in an avalanche of television advertising from New York City to Philadelphia.

After serving with Obama in the U.S. Senate, Corzine ran for governor in 2005. In the fall election, Corzine is facing popular Republican Chris Christie, who made a name for himself prosecuting corrupt government officials as New Jersey's chief federal lawman.

Quote of The Day

"I think very highly of Jon Corzine. I think he's a terrific public servant," the president said during a White House interview with a handful of newspaper reporters from around the country. "I'm confident that he can win re-election. I don't think it's surprising that he may have a significant challenge."

President Obama answers a reporters question during yesterdays White House press conference, concerning New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine's re-election.

Obama Sends Message to Iran Via Twitter

President Obama sent a message, in Persian, to the Iranian people earlier today via Twitter that links back to the White House blog page .

The White House blog posted the President's opening remarks about Iran during today's press conference.

The President stated "…The United States and the international community have been appalled and outraged by the threats, the beatings, and imprisonments of the last few days. I strongly condemn these unjust actions, and I join with the American people in mourning each and every innocent life that is lost...."

The President's message to the Iranian people is a clear sign that he has taken a firmer stance against the violence and authoritaian crackdown of the Iranian government against it's people.

Join Forces With The Kellogg Company to confront Hunger in the U.S.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich., June 21, 2009 – Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) today announced a transformational partnership with Katalyst, a studio for social media co-founded by Ashton Kutcher (www.twitter.com/aplusk) and Jason Goldberg. The partnership will raise awareness of the growing hunger epidemic in the United States and encourage consumers to donate to Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger relief organization, at the KelloggCares Facebook® Page at www.facebook.com/kelloggcares. Recent reports show that one in eight Americans is struggling with hunger, and food banks across the country are challenged to keep up with rising demand.

As part of its ongoing commitment to fight hunger, Kellogg teamed up with Katalyst to spotlight the issue through a new online video, directed by Demi Moore (www.twitter.com/mrskutcher). The video can be found on the KelloggCares Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/kelloggcares. It features user-generated content submitted by consumers moved to end hunger following requests that @aplusk (Ashton Kutcher) and @mrskutcher (Demi Moore) posted on their respective Twitter feeds and Facebook Pages.

“We are grateful to be working with Kellogg on such a meaningful project and excited to be creating people-powered content for social media networks as a powerful tool for change,” said Kutcher, co-founder of Katalyst. “Innovative partnerships like this one demonstrate the good that companies can do when resources are pooled. The Katalyst team has been inspired by the thousands of voices that have emerged on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms dedicated to ending hunger in America.”

The goal of the video is to reach Americans through social media channels and encourage them to work together to help replenish food banks and feed the hungry by making donations to Feeding America. On the KelloggCares Facebook Page, consumers can become a fan, make a monetary donation to Feeding America and find out about other ways they can help fight hunger in their local communities.

“Hunger is an issue that often gets overlooked, especially here in the United States. Having food readily available is something that we too easily can take for granted. And yet we know, especially in these times, that many people in the United States go to bed hungry. That’s why it’s critical that we come together to shed light on the issue,” said Moore. “The collective spirit of the American people can do extraordinary things. It is our hope that this video and partnership with Kellogg Company will draw attention to this important issue and help make a difference for the 36 million Americans struggling with hunger.”

Kellogg hopes that by reaching consumers where they get much of their information – via the social web – it will engage even more people in the fight against hunger.

JibJab: Its a bird! Its a plane! No, he's Barack Obama and he's come to save the day!

"Its a bird! Its a plane! No, he's Barack Obama and he's come to save the day!"

At Friday night's Radio & Television Correspondents Dinner, JibJab debuted it's new, over-the-top satire in front of President Obama, and from all indications he enjoyed it very much.

Take a look at it for yourself, it's a light-hearted, humorous poke at the President and his policies to date.

A PROCLAMATION FOR FATHER'S DAY, 2009, By President Barack Obama

The journey of fatherhood provides unique and lasting joys. Cradling a baby in his arms, a father experiences the miracle of life and an unbreakable bond. Fathers imagine a world of possibilities awaiting their children and contemplate the privilege of helping them reach that expanse of opportunity.

As kids grow and mature, they look to their dad for a special kind of love and support. Providing these necessities can bring great happiness.

Fatherhood also brings great responsibilities. Fathers have an obligation to help rear the children they bring into the world. Children deserve this care, and families need each father's active participation.
Fathers must help teach right from wrong and instill in their kids the values that sustain them for a lifetime.

As they encounter new and challenging experiences, children need guidance and counsel. Fathers need to talk with their kids to help them through difficult times. Parents must also help their children make the right choices by serving as strong role models. Honest and hard-working fathers are an irreplaceable influence upon their children.

Communities must do more to counsel fathers. Family and friends, and faith-based and community organizations, can speak directly with men about the sacrifices and rewards of having a child. These groups can support men as they take on the great challenges of child-rearing.

Through honest and open dialogue, more men can choose to become model parents and know the wonders of fatherhood.

On Father's Day, we pay tribute to the loving and caring fathers who are strengthening their families and country.

We also honor those surrogate fathers who raise, mentor, or care for someone else's child. Thousands of young children benefit from the influence of great men, and we salute their willingness to give and continue giving.

We also express special gratitude to fathers who serve in the United States Armed Forces for the sacrifices they and their families make every day.

All of these individuals are making great contributions, and children across the country are better off for their care.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 21, 2009, as Father's Day.

I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day. I urge all Americans to express their love, respect, and admiration to their fathers, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

Obama Yuks It Up

Last night President Barack Obama got a chance to poke fun at a few targets _ including himself. It happened during Friday night's Radio and Television Correspondents' dinner. - AP

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Beany and Cecil

Well, it's Saturday morning once again and it is time to sit down with your bowl of Frosted Flakes and put on your Beany Cap's boys and girls because Beany and Cecil is about to being.

President Obama's Weekly Address: 6/20/09

The President explains his plan to address one of the major causes of the current economic crisis -- the breakdown of oversight leading to widespread abuses in the financial world. The new Consumer Financial Protection Agency will have the sole job of looking out for the financial interests of ordinary Americans by banning unfair practices and enforcing the rules. This is a cornerstone in Americas new economic foundation.

Quote of The Day

"When revenues fell, the last item we cut was property tax relief. Now that we have recovered some lost revenues, the first thing we will restore is property tax relief. This money belongs to the taxpayers, and we're going to give it back to them in property tax relief."

Governor Jon Corzine announcing the better than expected success of theTax Amnesty program. The additional revenues will now be used to off set property taxes

See the video anouncement below

Video:Roberts, Watson Coleman & Greenwald on Better-Than-Expected Tax Amnesty Revenue Figures

In this video press release, Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden), Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) and Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden) discuss Governor Jon S. Corzine's announcement that the state's tax amnesty program has exceeded revenue projections.

According to numbers from the state Department of Treasury, the program has collected more than $600 million - $400 million over initial projections - and represents the largest single tax amnesty program executed by any state.

The Democratic leaders said they are committed to using the money for property tax relief.

He's "Lord Of The Flies"; Obama That Is

He's a Harvard educated lawyer, leader of the free world and has the reflexes of a highly trained ninja. America's enemies, beware.

During an interview with CNBC, President Barack Obama was forced to swat away a fly. The President was able to quickly kill the bug.

After killing the fly, the president said: "That was pretty impressive, wasn't it? I got the sucker." then continue with the interview.

Hat tip to The Daily Beast, The BBC and the Associated Press

What If Frank Pallone Had A Fundraiser And No One Showed Up?

That's not exactly what happened but it seems that sometime last week, Congressman Frank Pallone had a fundraiser out on Sandy Hook. From what I was told it was a very nice little get together at the Crow's Nest.

I wouldn't know because no one from Middletown was asked to attend. I only found out about it because friends from Hazlet and Wall mentioned it to me.

Not only did he NOT invite anyone from Middeltown, he froze out Monmouth County Chairman Victor Scudiery who also knew nothing about the function.

Congressman Pallone, how can you have a political fundraiser in Middletown (yes, Sandy Hook is part of Middletown) and not inform the Municipal Chairman or the County Chairman that you are throwing such a shindig in their own backyard?

Irregardless of your personal feeling towards the two Chairmen, you still should have mentioned it to them, it wasn't very classy Frank.

A Forensic Audit of The Books is Needed In Middletown

It is time for Middeltown to hire a non-partisan, outside accounting firm to do a complete and thorough forensic audit of the municipal budget.

Now I don’t know if this should be considered good news or bad news. I've been told by a person who works for the Township and wishes to remain anonymous because they are afraid of reprisal, that former township CFO Bob Roth, who has been temporarily retained by Middletown to take over for current CFO Richard Wright, who mysteriously had to take a leave of absence last month during a very critical time in the Township’s budget preparations, has miraculously found $2 million hidden within the townships books.

Richard Wright’s mystery illness has been speculated about for weeks now. People have questioned whether Wright is really sick or if he was fired by the township as incompetent for the way he handled himself during meetings and for the way he botched this year’s budget.

Wright had a problem with telling the truth when questioned in open meetings. He didn’t do a very good job deflecting probing questions from Patrick Short and Sean Brynes, the two Democrats that sit on the township committee as minority members, and this really frustrated and angered his Republican bosses. Wright had also been telling everyone that this year’s budget was right on schedule and with little surprises in store, a 9.2% tax increase to cover a $2.4 million shortfall which was proposed in April was expected.

However, early last month before the committee workshop meeting, Wright notified the Township Committee that he had screwed up and that over $2 million dollars was missing. It was after this revelation that Wright went missing and Patrick Short suggested retaining the services of former CFO Bob Roth.

Now what does all this mean? Quite frankly I am not sure as of yet because I have a few questions that I haven’t gotten answers to.

Does this mean that instead of the budget being short by more than $2.4 million it really isn’t? Does it mean that the proposed budget that was presented in April will not now need a 9.2% tax increase? And where did Bob Roth happen to find this hidden money, where did it come from?

It had been said of Roth, that it was no surprise that he found the missing fund because after all he was CFO for many years; he knows “were the bodies are buried”.

How much more money and missing funds can be discovered hidden with in the Township’s books? Could it be hundreds, thousands, or millions of dollars? Who knows, but it is time to find out!

Before Pointing Fingers At Corzine and Trenton, Scharfenberger Needs To Take A Look In the Mirror

As everyone knows Middletown's illustrious Deputy Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, has a real knack for writing letters, he is really quite proficient at it as a matter of fact, his latest appeared recently in the Atlantic Highlands Herald.

As usual, Gerry points fingers at Governor Corzine and the Democratc in Trenton and blames them for all Middletown's woes. Gerry conveniently forgets that many of the State's problems started when the republicans controlled the Statehouse.

In his letter, he rants on about how the Governor and the Trenton Democrats are driving people and businesses from the State with high taxes and uncontrollable spending eventhough this years proposed State budget is almost $5 billion less than last years.

Instead of being so qwick to point a finger, Gerry Sharfenberger need to take a long look in the mirror because he and the Middletown GOPer's could learn a few things about budgeting from the Governor. In tough economic times you need to decrease spending and make hard choices which is exaclty what the Governor and the Democrats in Trenton have done, not burry your head in the sand, point fingers and propose no solutions.

To show how silly and assinine Sharfenberger's letter is, I replaced his references to Corzine, theTrenton Democrats and taxes with Middletown, the Republican majority and the current financial fiasco Middletown finds itself in today.

I would say 90% of the below rewrite is Scharfenberger's words, 10% are my injections. After reading compare it to Gerry's orginal and let me know what you think:

As the recession in Middletown continues to deepen, it appears that Deputy Mayor Scharfenberger and the majority in Middletown, are oblivious to the struggling economy and the difficulties faced by local residents.

The latest attack on the community is a proposed 9.2% tax increase to make up for a $2.5 million budget shortfall. This will devastate residents and ultimately drive the population at large to live elsewhere. At a time when New Jersey has one of the highest property tax rates in the nation and families are being forced out of the state in droves by ever-increasing fees and over-regulation, the Republican majority is heaping even more tax demands on local residents.

With home values down across the board, homeowners will have no choice but to appeal their tax bills when the recent re-evaluation is finally certified. Either way, the already overburdened Middletown homeowner loses.

A strong commercial tax base is critical to local municipalities to keep property taxes low and people employed. If the Deputy Mayor and the republican majority in Middletown wanted to jump start the local economy, they would not have rezoned hundreds of acres of commercial property along the route 35 and 36 corridor in recent years to residential and passed anti-business ordinances that eliminate the possibility of major retailers setting up shop in town.

Middletown needs to cut tens of thousands of dollars in wasteful, unnecessary government spending to re-energize local businesses and property owners, not drive them out of town.

Unfortunately, it appears that higher taxes and increased spending is simply the vision that Deputy Mayor Scharfenberger and his majority have for Middletown. Sadly, the term "Republican" from these elected officials is just a metaphor for bigger government, increased spending, and higher taxes to pay for it all.

With 19 Other Committees and Advisory Boards in Middletown, Nelson says "NO" To The Establishment of Finance Committee

If Middletown's form of government was intended to get away from committees and advisory boards, as Township Attorney #2 Brian Nelson suggests in the audio clip from the June 1st Township Workshop meeting, then why do we currently have 19 committees and advisory boards sanctioned by township?

Why is it inadvisable to form a Finance Committee to suggest budget savings to the members of the governing committee, but totally fine to have advisory boards look over and make suggestions to the committee about such things as community affairs, strategic planning or parks and recreation? Shouldn't the Township Committee members be just as involved and hands on in these areas as they want everyone to believe they are with the township's finances?

WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO HIDE ?

Again, the need for a Finance committee is evident in light of this years budget fiasco, a budget that has a shortfall of $2.5 million and a proposed tax increase of 9.2% (could be as high as 10%), which would be the highest in the State.

Middletown has had to ask the State for assistance by requesting permission to wave the 4% cap on budgets, which is very unlikely to happen given that Atlantic Highlands and others requester have been turned down.




Below are 19 Commissions and Advisory Boards that are currently recognized by the Middletown Township Committee:

Clean Communities Advisory Committee
Community Affairs Council
Environmental Commission
Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Human Rights Commission
Landmarks Commission
Local Assistance Board
Lincroft Senior Citizen Housing Corporation
Open Space Preservation Committee
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee
Planning Board
Recreation Advisory Board
Safety Council
Sewerage Authority
Strategic Planning Committee
Zoning Board of Adjustment

Middletown GOP: What Do They Have To Hide?

An anonymous poster left the following comment to Friday's post Green Team - Finance Team, Can Someone Explain the Difference? I find it interesting that others are now starting to understand that business as usual can not continue in Middletown as it has for the past 20 years:

"This township desperately needs not only a Finance Committee but also a forensic audit done by an accredited firm with no affiliation with the politicians in this township.

It is clearly evident the republican majority in Middletown is trying to hide a great deal from it's citizens. This new attorney seems to be complicit in this endeavor.

It's the residents and their taxes that pay the bills.They are entitled to an honest,clear picture of finances in Middletown.The Republican majority clearly stonewalls any attempt at full disclosure!

Fiscal irresponsibility is the mantra of this bunch of ethically challanged individuals. WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO HIDE. The stench now reaks throughout the township...... "

The entrenchment of the Middletown Republicans has gone on long enough, nepotism and cronyism has lead to the current financial mess the township finds itself in, more so than any unfunded mandates that they like to blame on Trenton.

Because of their continued stonewalling of financial matters, the '09 budget is short on revenues by $2.5 million, will contain a 9.2% (or higher) tax increase and will be 7 months late.

All of this will force the township to send out estimated tax bills to Middletown residents which will lead to utter confusion, long lines and needless anger at the tax offices.

There are curently 19 advisory boards and commissions recognized by the township governing body, all with various volunteers and elected officials as members. Why a Finance Committee would be any different from any one of the other boards or commissions is beyond me.

Unless of course the Middletown GOP HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE !

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Lidsville

I got my cup of coffee and have sunken into my easychair, it's time for some Saturday Morning Cartoons: Lidsville.

(Ok, so it isn't technically a cartoon. It was still part of my Saturday mornings.)

President Obama on Kids Tobacco Legislation

The President gives brief remarks in the Rose Garden on the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, and takes one question on the Iranian elections.

President Obama's Weekly Address: 6/13/09

The President has long noted that skyrocketing health care costs will be disastrous for our long term national debt unless we pass real reform. In this Weekly Address, the President also explains how he will cover the upfront costs of reform by eliminating overpayments to Medicaid and Medicare and driving down costs contributing to governments health care expenditures across the board.

Green Team - Finance Team, Can Someone Explain the Difference?

I received my copy of the Independent yesterday and while thumbing through it, I noticed an article buried deep within on page 16 titled “Mid’town looks at energy efficiency programs” with a subtitle of “Twp. To form ‘Green Team’”.

It peaked my interest so I gave it the once over.

What I read was very interesting and seems on the surface a very good idea, I am not going to go in-depth and analyze the article for you, you can read it for yourself HERE.

What struck me however was that the Township Committee can form an advisory board, a so called “Green Team”, which would be “comprised of staff members in the township as well as community volunteers who are already involved in various environmental initiatives in town including Community Affairs and the Environmental Commission.” with a goal towards controlling costs and saving money by taking steps to sustain the quality of life in town for the long term.

Now that sounds an awful lot like another advisory board that has been proposed by Democratic Committeeman Sean Brynes and backed by fellow Democrat Patrick Short, It sounds exactly like what a Finance “Team” (Committee) would be.

But, according to Township Attorney #2, Brian Nelson, who has done some extensive research into the subject, says it would be against the Township charter to form such an advisory board.

Can some one please explain to me how a “Green Team” advisory board can be formed by the Township Committee to identify and recommend potential energy saving projects but a “Finance Team” advisory board, put together to identify wasteful Township spending and potential cost savings is against the Township charter?

If you ask me, something is rotten in Middletown and the stench can be smelled throughout the townships 46 square miles. What does the GOP majority have to hide?

Below you can hear the audio from the June 1st, Township Workshop meeting where Committeeman Brynes, once again gives his reasoning behind forming a “Finance Committee” and the oppositions continued arguments against it.

Corzine Fact: State Foreclosure Rate Down 40%

Here's an interesting tidbit of information.

Gov. Corzine launched the country's first statewide foreclosure mediation program. "Foreclosure action on homes in New Jersey dropped more than 40 percent in May versus the same period the year earlier"

N.J. real estate sees steep drop in foreclosures - Real Estate - NJ.com

State Of The Race

Corzine '09 campaign manager Maggie Moran provides an update to New Jerseyans about the state of the race for Governor and how you can help.

TARP Funds Returned, Spending Reined In

White House Blog- Today the President spoke in the East Room of the White House, bearing good news for the taxpayer. The President’s intention was to discuss all of the progress already underway on the fiscal responsibility front, from ending the kind of wasteful no-bid contracting we have all come to know, to cutting unnecessary programs, to eliminating subsidies lavished on health insurance companies through Medicare.

At the top of the list was codifying the PAYGO principle, stating that government cannot spend an additional dollar without saving it somewhere else, into law. As the President often notes -- and noted again today -- it is a principle that families are forced to live by and one that helped balance the government’s books for years before it was abandoned.
But as it happened, there was even more good news before he discussed those issues:

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you all for joining us here in the White House. Before I begin, I want to comment briefly on the announcement by the Treasury Department with regard to the financial stability plan.

As you know, through this plan and its predecessor, taxpayer dollars were used to stabilize the financial system at a time of extraordinary stress. And these funds were also meant to be an investment -- and they were meant to be temporary. And that's why this morning's announcement is important.

Several financial institutions are set to pay back $68 billion to taxpayers. And while we know that we will not escape the worst financial crisis in decades without some losses to taxpayers, it's worth noting that in the first round of repayments from these companies the government has actually turned a profit.

This is not a sign that our troubles are over -- far from it. The financial crisis this administration inherited is still creating painful challenges for businesses and families alike. And I think everybody sees it in their own individual districts. But it is a positive sign. We're seeing an initial return on a few of these investments. We're restoring funds to the Treasury where they'll be available to safeguard against continuing risks to financial stability. And as this money is returned, we'll see our national debt lessened by $68 billion -- billions of dollars that this generation will not have to borrow and future generations will not have to repay.

I've said repeatedly that I have no interest in managing the banking system -- or, for that matter, running auto companies or other private institutions. So today's announcement is welcome news to me. But I also want to say the return of these funds does not provide forgiveness for past excesses or permission for future misdeeds. It's critical that as our country emerges from this period of crisis, that we learn its lessons; that those who seek reward do not take reckless risk; that short-term gains are not pursued without regard for long-term consequences.

Olbermann: The Fight For Health Care Reform

Former Vermont Governor and DNC Chairman, Dr. Howard Dean discusses the need for health care reform with Keith Olbermann.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Gerry and His Buddies Just Don't Get It, Once Again a Big "No" To Finance Committee

Last week at the monthly Township committee workshop meeting, Gerry Scharfenberger and the GOP majority expressed once again how the Township does not need to set up a "Finance Committee" to oversee the budget process. They went as far as having Township Attorney #2, Brian Nelson, "research" the structure of the township's governing body in order to justify the rejection of the Finance Committee.

Nelson said that he spent some time looking through the governance by-laws of the Township and came to the conclusion that a Finance Committee would be against the Township's charter because it would take powers away from the Administrator and Township Committee.

That is total BS if you ask me.

Gerry and his GOP buddies feel that everything is great with the way the township puts together the budget. He works very hard at it and would not want to give up any control over the process, it is very effective, He says. After all Middletown does have a Double AA bond rating and gets kudos from the League of Municipalities for how the budget is constructed, so why change? Simple, it is broken.

Finance Committee would be the watchful eye over the budget to ensure that we aren't "blindsided" by budget shortfall as we were this year.

Here is Gerry's definition of effective management...

A 25% increase in taxes for the last four years

A 9.2% (possibly higher) tax increase for this year's budget

Asking permission from the State to go $2 million dollars over the $4% cap budget cap

2 Township Attorney's salary's

Deferring this year's Pension payments for 15 years

Building a budget when you have "no short term and long term projections that took into account this economy."

The way that Gerry and the boys (sorry Pam) put together a budget is not very efficient or effective and it needs to change. The proposed Finance Committee would look at the budget and give recommendations throughout the year not just during budget time. The Committee would act as an advisory board to the township and would be an effective tool to ferret out wasteful spending in order to save the tax payers money.

The audio clip below is from the June 1st workshop meeting it is Gerry Scharfenberger's reasoning behind not supporting a Finance Committee

Health care is a right, not a privilege

by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders

June 8, 2009

Let’s be clear. Our health care system is disintegrating. Today, 46 million people have no health insurance and even more are underinsured with high deductibles and co-payments. At a time when 60 million people, including many with insurance, do not have access to a medical home, more than 18,000 Americans die every year from preventable illnesses because they do not get to the doctor when they should. This is six times the number who died at the tragedy of 9/11—but this occurs every year.

In the midst of this horrendous lack of coverage, the U.S. spends far more per capita on health care than any other nation—and health care costs continue to soar. At $2.4 trillion dollars, and 18 percent of our GDP, the skyrocketing cost of health care in this country is unsustainable both from a personal and macro-economic perspective.

At the individual level, the average American spends about $7,900 per year on health care. Despite that huge outlay, a recent study found that medical problems contributed to 62 percent of all bankruptcies in 2007. From a business perspective, General Motors spends more on health care per automobile than on steel while small business owners are forced to divert hard-earned profits into health coverage for their employees—rather than new business investments. And, because of rising costs, many businesses are cutting back drastically on their level of health care coverage or are doing away with it entirely.

Further, despite the fact that we spend almost twice as much per person on health care as any other country, our health care outcomes lag behind many other nations. We get poor value for what we spend. According to the World Health Organization the United States ranks 37th in terms of health system performance and we are far behind many other countries in terms of such important indices as infant mortality, life expectancy and preventable deaths.

As the health care debate heats up in Washington, we as a nation have to answer two very fundamental questions. First, should all Americans be entitled to health care as a right and not a privilege—which is the way every other major country treats health care and the way we respond to such other basic needs as education, police and fire protection? Second, if we are to provide quality health care to all, how do we accomplish that in the most cost-effective way possible?

I think the answer to the first question is pretty clear, and one of the reasons that Barack Obama was elected president. Most Americans do believe that all of us should have health care coverage, and that nobody should be left out of the system. The real debate is how we accomplish that goal in an affordable and sustainable way. In that regard, I think the evidence is overwhelming that we must end the private insurance company domination of health care in our country and move toward a publicly-funded, single-payer Medicare for All approach.

Our current private health insurance system is the most costly, wasteful, complicated and bureaucratic in the world. Its function is not to provide quality health care for all, but to make huge profits for those who own the companies. With thousands of different health benefit programs designed to maximize profits, private health insurance companies spend an incredible (30 percent) of each health care dollar on administration and billing, exorbitant CEO compensation packages, advertising, lobbying and campaign contributions. Public programs like Medicare, Medicaid and the VA are administered for far less.

In recent years, while we have experienced an acute shortage of primary health care doctors as well as nurses and dentists, we are paying for a huge increase in health care bureaucrats and bill collectors. Over the last three decades, the number of administrative personnel has grown by 25 times the numbers of physicians. Not surprisingly, while health care costs are soaring, so are the profits of private health insurance companies. From 2003 to 2007, the combined profits of the nation’s major health insurance companies increased by 170 percent. And, while more and more Americans are losing their jobs and health insurance, the top executives in the industry are receiving lavish compensation packages. It’s not just William McGuire, the former head of United Health, who several years ago accumulated stock options worth an estimated $1.6 billion or Cigna CEO Edward Hanway who made more than $120 million in the last five years. The reality is that CEO compensation for the top seven health insurance companies now averages $14.2 million.

Moving toward a national health insurance program which provides cost-effective universal, comprehensive and quality health care for all will not be easy. The powerful special interests—the insurance companies, drug companies and medical equipment suppliers—will wage an all-out fight to make sure that we maintain the current system which enables them to make billions of dollars. In recent years they have spent hundreds of millions on lobbying, campaign contributions and advertising and, with unlimited resources, they will continue spending as much as they need.

But, at the end of the day, as difficult as it may be, the fight for a national health care program will prevail. Like the civil rights movement, the struggle for women’s rights and other grass-roots efforts, justice in this country is often delayed—but it will not be denied. We shall overcome!

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer for Corzine: "When Corzine Speaks The Governors Listen"

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer speaks about the importance of reelecting Jon Corzine and what New Jersey can do to help.

"Are you with Jon Corzine... or are you for that other Joker?"

How Pharma and Insurance Intend to Kill the Public Option, And What Obama and the Rest of Us Must Do

By Robert Reich
FRIDAY, JUNE 05, 2009

I'ved poked around Washington today, talking with friends on the Hill who confirm the worst: Big Pharma and Big Insurance are gaining ground in their campaign to kill the public option in the emerging health care bill.

You know why, of course. They don't want a public option that would compete with private insurers and use its bargaining power to negotiate better rates with drug companies. They argue that would be unfair. Unfair? Unfair to give more people better health care at lower cost? To Pharma and Insurance, "unfair" is anything that undermines their profits.

So they're pulling out all the stops -- pushing Democrats and a handful of so-called "moderate" Republicans who say they're in favor of a public option to support legislation that would include it in name only. One of their proposals is to break up the public option into small pieces under multiple regional third-party administrators that would have little or no bargaining leverage. A second is to give the public option to the states where Big Pharma and Big Insurance can easily buy off legislators and officials, as they've been doing for years. A third is bind the public plan to the same rules private insurers have already wangled, thereby making it impossible for the public plan to put competitive pressure on the insurers.

Max Baucus, Chair of Senate Finance (now exactly why does the Senate Finance Committee have so much say over health care?) hasn't shown his cards but staffers tell me he's more than happy to sign on to any one of these. But Baucus is waiting for more support from his colleagues, and none of the three proposals has emerged as the leading candidate for those who want to kill the public option without showing they're killing it. Meanwhile, Ted Kennedy and his staff are still pushing for a full public option, but with Kennedy ailing, he might not be able to round up the votes. (Kennedy's health committee released a draft of a bill today, which contains the full public option.)

Enter Olympia Snowe. Her move is important, not because she's Republican (the Senate needs only 51 votes to pass this) but because she's well-respected and considered non-partisan, and therefore offers some cover to Democrats who may need it. Last night Snowe hosted a private meeting between members and staffers about a new proposal Pharma and Insurance are floating, and apparently she's already gained the tentative support of several Democrats (including Ron Wyden and Thomas Carper). Under Snowe's proposal, the public option would kick in years from now, but it would be triggered only if insurance companies fail to bring down healthcare costs and expand coverage in he meantime.

What's the catch? First, these conditions are likely to be achieved by other pieces of the emerging legislation; for example, computerized records will bring down costs a tad, and a mandate requiring everyone to have coverage will automatically expand coverage. If it ever comes to it, Pharma and Insurance can argue that their mere participation fulfills their part of the bargain, so no public option will need to be triggered. Second, as Pharma and Insurance well know, "years from now" in legislative terms means never. There will never be a better time than now to enact a public option. If it's not included, in a few years the public's attention will be elsewhere.

Much the same dynamic is occurring in the House. Two members who had originally supported single payer told me that Pharma and Insurance have launched the same strategy there, and many House members are looking to see what happens in the Senate. Snowe's "trigger" is already buzzing among members.

All this will be decided within days or weeks. And once those who want to kill the public option without their fingerprints on the murder weapon begin to agree on a proposal -- Snowe's "trigger" or any other -- the public option will be very hard to revive. The White House must now insist on a genuine public option. And you, dear reader, must insist as well.

This is it, folks. The concrete is being mixed and about to be poured. And after it's poured and hardens, universal health care will be with us for years to come in whatever form it now takes. Let your representative and senators know you want a public option without conditions or triggers -- one that gives the public insurer bargaining leverage over drug companies, and pushes insurers to do what they've promised to do. Don't wait until the concrete hardens and we've lost this battle.

Robert Reich was the nation's 22nd Secretary of Labor and is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley

Jon Bon Jovi for Corzine

Jon Bon Jovi plays an acoustic set at the New Jersey Center for the Performing Arts in Newark, New Jersey and expresses why New Jersey needs Governor Jon Corzine.

President Obama's Weekly Address: 6/06/09

Calls for Real Health Care Reform

The President makes clear that as Congress works through health care reform legislation, it must include fundamental changes that lower costs, ensure Americans have choices, and establish access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. But what we cant welcome, the President says, is reform that just invests more money in the status quo reform that throws good money after bad habits.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: The Mighty Hereos

Break out the slippers and pour me some Coco-Puffs, it's Saturday morning.  Time for some cartoons!

Video: Jon Corzine Campaign Kickoff Rally

If you didn't attend the Jon Corzine campaign kickoff rally in West Orange Tuesday night, you missed the Governor addressing the crowd as he gave his acceptance speech.

I think that he hit a homerun with this speech. It is the best that I have heard him speak in a long time, strong, forceful and confident he hit all the marks with the proper emphasis.

Watch and listen, I think that you will be impressed

part 1


part 2

Political Wisdom: Republicans’ Budget Numbers Are ‘Ridiculous’

WSJ Washington Wire -  Sara Murray and Gerald F. Seib offer a roundup of today’s political analysis from the Web.

House Republicans released an alternative budget plan and The New Republic’s Noam Scheiber evaluates it in his ever-so-delicate way, saying, “When we last left Boehner et al, they were unveiling an alternative to Obama’s budget without any, you know, numbers. Now they’re finally releasing their deficit-reduction plans, and the good news is that there are some actual numbers involved. (Sorta.) The bad news (or the additional good news if you’re a Democratic operative) is that the numbers are ridiculous. According to the press release on the GOP.gov site, Republicans are proposing ‘in excess of’ $375 billion in cuts over five years. But the bulk of the savings–about $317 billion–comes from vague ‘discretionary spending limits,’ which amounts to saying you promise to cut spending by … promising to cut spending. There isn’t a single detail about what programs would be cut to get to that $317 billion figure–in fact, even though this item accounts for the vast majority of money saved, it takes up exactly two paragraphs in the 20-page document outlining the GOP’s plan.”

This sounds like the sort of games the Middletown GOP play when they try and craft a budget that will include a 9.2% (or Higher) tax increase.

Happy Anniversary....To Me

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of the MiddleownMike Blog.

This little self-indulgent post marks my 962 blog entry, so I would like to thank all of thoughs who have been loyal readers and contibutors for their support because with them I would have stopped blogging a long while ago.

It has been a long and strange trip indeed, one that I have enjoyed taking and one that others thought would be short and wouldn't last.

So far I have proven the naysayers wrong and I hope to continue to prove them wrong because I know that I have made a difference, not only in Middletown, but throughout Monmouth County and the great State of New Jersey.

In this past year I have had close to 33,000 page views and 19,000 unique visitors, some blogs may boast about having more readers or more influence than this one, which is fine with me, I haven't taken the easy or low road as others have done to make their mark. I have always tried to take the high road and present facts as opposed to presenting fiction and passing it off as insider knowledge.  

So, thanks again for your support and continued readership, I am sure that the next 12 months will be just as interesting and fun filled as the last. 

Jon Stewart: Dick (Uncut)

Sometimes we just need Jon Stewart to put things into perspective.

Dick Cheney doesn't recall Richard Clarke warning the White House of an imminent terrorist attack months before 9/11, but he hasn't read his book.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Dick (Uncut)
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Economic Crisis

Internet Radio Host/Ultra Right-Wing Nut Job, Hal Turner Arrested

- The Hartford Courant

Internet radio host Hal Turner — accused of inciting Catholics to "take up arms" and singling out two Connecticut lawmakers and a state ethics official on a website — was taken into custody in New Jersey late Wednesday after state Capitol police in Connecticut obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Turner, who has been identified as a white supremacist and anti-Semite by several anti-racism groups, hosts an Internet radio program with an associated blog. On Tuesday, the blog included a post that promised to release the home addresses of state Rep. Michael Lawlor, state Sen. Andrew McDonald and Thomas Jones of the State Ethics Office.

"Mr. Turner's comments are above and beyond the threshold of free speech," Capitol Police Chief Michael J. Fallon said in an e-mail announcing the warrant. "He is inciting others through his website to commit acts of violence and has created fear and alarm. He should be held accountable for his conduct."

The remarks on the blog were a reaction to the recent controversy over a bill that would have changed the way the Roman Catholic Church is governed, taking power away from church officials and turning it over to lay members. It was pulled in mid-March following an outcry from Catholics across the state and questions about its constitutionality.

READ MORE>>> Here

Comment - If anyone takes the time to listen to Hal Turner or read his blog postings, I think that you would agree, they are simply chilling.  I believe in the right of free speech but there are limits. Inciting others into violent acts is not free speech, it is domestic terrorism!

Comments left by readers and listeners on Hal Turner's blog are also very disturbing, if possible those commenters  should be tracked down and questioned as to their intent. 

President Obama Speaks to the Muslim World

The President's speech "A New Beginning", outlined his personal commitment to engagement with the Muslim world, based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. It discusses how the United States and Muslim communities around the world can bridge some of the differences that have divided them.

The President spoke for 55 minutes, so if you do not have time to watch the whole video, below it are excerpts taken from the speech courtesy of the White House facebook page.



"I have come here to seek a new beginning between the US & the Muslim world based upon mutual interest and mutual respect"...

"I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear."...

"Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared."... 

"America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future – and to leave Iraq to Iraqis."...

"America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable."...

"America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own."...

"America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments – provided they govern with respect for all their people."...

"Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together."...

"Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential"...

"I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world."...

"We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written."...

"The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth."...

Middletown Finally Applies For Menendez Energy Grant $$

During the first week of May, I posted two columns concerning letters written by local Middletown GOP supports and hacks that attempted to give credit to Mayor Pam BrightBill and Deputy Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger for having enough foresight to apply for and secure funds from an energy grant before any such energy grant program was announced federal authorities.

My posts,  Middletown GOP, Once Again Taking Credit Where None Is Due and Middletown GOP - Liars, Lairs Pants on Fire: Update On Energy Grant, went into great detail about how the Energy Efficiency Block Grant program was set up by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and then funded through President Obama's economic stimulus package. 

The posts contain must listen to audio clips that prove the Mayor and Deputy Mayor had no idea about the grants and were just as surprised as anyone to hear of the townships good fortune.

As an update to those earlier posts I feel it necessary to point out as further proof that the Middletown GOP takes credit where none is due, by bringing to everyone attention that the township has just this week, gotten around to passing a resolution that would officially apply for the grant money, more than a month after first being told about it.   

Below is the resolution, that was voted on this past Monday, to apply for the $610,800 that was made available in March by Sen. Menendez. This goes to show that the GOP letter writers either are out of touch with what is happening in our town or they flat out lie to take credit for something they had nothing to do with. In either case, they are just showing the public that they are incapable as leaders, unless they are trying to lead the public off a cliff:

Resolution No. 09-160

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION

WHEREAS, the US Department of Energy has announced that $610,800 in grant funds have

been made available to the Township of Middletown under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, which has been provided with funding via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; and

WHEREAS, the EECBG Program, authorized in Title V, Subtitle E of the EnergyIndependence and Security Act of 2007 and signed into Public Law (PL 110-140) on December 19, 2007, will provide funds to the Township to develop and implement projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions; and.

WHEREAS, the EECBG Program will assist the Township to develop, promote, implement,

and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to reduce fossil fuel emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and create and retain jobs; and

WHEREAS, the application deadline for accessing $610,800 in grant funds from the EECBG

Program has been set by the US Department of Energy as June 25, 2009.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of

Middletown, in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey that the Mayor and other authorized

appropriate and responsible Township officials including but not limited to the Administrator, the Chief Financial Officer and the Director of Planning and Community Development are authorized to submit an application to the US Department of Energy for grant funds under the EECBG Program, including all execution of all understandings, assurances and certifications contained therein, and to act as the authorized representatives of the Township of Middletown, and to provide such additional information as may be required.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Jason A. Greenspan, PP, AICP, Director of Planning and

Community Development is hereby designated as the authority responsible for applying for and receiving funding from the EECBG Program on behalf of the Township of Middletown, and is hereby authorized and directed to execute such assurances, certifications and other documentation as may be required in the EECBG Program application by the US Department of Energy.

The bottom line is is simple, Middletown residents need to be very leery of about what the see and hear from their GOP majority and it's supporters because if you read it in print or happen to see their lips moving, they are probably lying. 

Twittering Pallone Takes Shot At Christie

Congressman Frank Pallone, who has been extremely critical of Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie in the past, has fired what may be the first shot at Chris Christie by a Democratic official, since being the official Republican candidate for Govenor. 

Pallone left the following message on his Twitter page a short time ago. 

"GOP primary revealed Chris Christie's true right-wing colors. Anti-choice, tax breaks for the super-wealthy & opposes new gun safety laws."

about 2 hours ago from web

Video: Jon Corzine Biography

Now that the primary is over Gov. Jon Corzine has officially kicked off his re-election bid. If you think you know Gov. Corzine just by the fact that he has been governor for 3 1/2 years you may be mistaken. The following biographical video was released by his campaign a few hours ago. It's a very positive and uplifting portrayal of the Governor that few have known before.

Monmouth County Unofficial Primary Election Results As Of 9:35 PM

As of 9:28 pm here are the unofficial primary election results for the Democratic and Republican candidates for Governor in Monmouth County. According to the County Clerk votes are still on their way in, but as for now:

Jon Corzine  seems to have won with 63.7% of the Democratic vote, while Chris Christie has defeated rival Steve Lonegan in the Republican Monmouth County primary  54.1% to 44.43%. 

DEM - Governor

212/456 46.49%

Under Votes	366
Over Votes	0
	Vote Count	Percent
Roger Bacon	369	9.46%
Carl A. Bergmanson	482	12.35%
Jon S. Corzine	2,481	63.58%
Jeff Boss	494	12.66%
Write-In	76	1.95%

REP - Governor

212/456 46.49%

Under Votes	110
Over Votes	0
	Vote Count	Percent
Chris Christie	6,552	54.10%
Steven M. Lonegan	5,381	44.43%
Rick Merkt	172	1.42%
Write-In	7	0.06%
Total	12,112	100.00%

GOP Salivating for New Jersey Governorship

By ANDY BARR- Politico

With New Jersey Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine lagging in the polls, Republicans couldn’t be more enthusiastic about their chances of ousting him in November.

But first they must settle an intraparty conflict over who’s best suited to do the job — former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie or former Bogota, N.J., Mayor Steve Lonegan. Assemblyman Rick Merkt is also contending for the nomination in Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary, though he trails by wide margins in the polls.

The contest pits two wings of the Republican Party against each other, with Christie widely viewed as the moderate conservative with more general election appeal in a Democratic state like New Jersey and Lonegan framed as the more orthodox conservative.

Corzine trailed both GOP candidates, according to a Research 2000/Daily Kos poll released Thursday, with Christie leading the incumbent Democrat 46 percent to 39 percent, with 15 percent undecided. Lonegan held a 3 percentage-point lead over the governor, 43 percent to 40 percent, with 17 percent undecided.

According to the poll, Corzine’s favorability rating is just 36 percent, compared with 55 percent who view him unfavorably. Nine percent had no opinion.

In the GOP gubernatorial contest, most polls show Christie leading Lonegan by around 20 percentage points. A May 20 Quinnipiac University poll gave Christie a 56-to-33-point lead.

“It’s pretty obvious that it is going to be Christie vs. Corzine,” said Quinnipiac pollster Clay Richards. “There was a little doubt for a while that Christie just didn’t seem to be catching fire, but in the last few weeks, he definitely has and Lonegan has not.”

Christie has been aided in his run by the support of several prominent national Republicans and is seen as having the support of the national party establishment. Former GOP presidential candidates Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Steve Forbes have spent significant time on the stump with Christie and aided the former federal prosecutor in fundraising.

In his endorsement, Romney praised Christie as “a strong conservative voice for balanced budgets, low taxes and more jobs.”

Lonegan has sought to turn Christie’s establishment support against him by questioning Christie’s willingness to let moderate Republicans from outside the state speak on his behalf.

When asked about the endorsements Christie has gotten from popular Republican figures, Lonegan strategist Rick Shaftan quickly interjected, “You mean all these moderate Republicans helping Chris Christie?”


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