Middletown Democrats Endorse Congressman Frank Pallone For U.S. Senate

For Immediate Release
August 2, 2013


At its July 25th 2013 meeting, The Middletown Democratic Executive Committee (governing committee of the Middletown Democratic Party), voted overwhelmingly to endorse the campaign of Congressman Frank Pallone in his bid as candidate for the U.S. Senate seat formerly occupied by Senator Frank Lautenberg. The Middletown Democratic Party urges all registered Democrats to show their support by voting for Congressman Pallone in the upcoming special Primary Election on Tuesday, August 13th 2013.

Democratic Party Chairman Don Watson states:

“Congressman Pallone has represented the 6th Congressional District for many years and has done everything he could to protect against cuts to Social Security and Medicare. He has a strong environmental record and has advocated for the cleaning up of our waterways and the protection of our shorelines and he stands up for every resident, especially those in the middle class.

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Congressman Pallone has worked tirelessly to ensure that the residents in the Bayshore region of northern Monmouth County and other communities along the shorelines of the 6th Congressional District receive the relief needed to get them back into their homes and move on with their lives. Without his advocacy for assistance on the federal level, New Jersey would not have the funds to distribute to those affected.

Congressman Pallone has also reached out across party lines, working with those in both the House and Senate to write and pass legislation signed into law by the President. He knows how to work with all members of Congress and would be the most effective person to represent all of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.”

Frank Pallone's "Typical Jersey Story"

Rush Holt wasn't the only Democratic Senate candidate to release a web ad yesterday, Congressman Frank Pallone released one as well.

The video, based on the theme of Pallone’s “Typical Jersey Story” features testimonial accounts from real New Jerseyans of Pallone as a “regular guy” who “gets things done” for New Jersey.

The video touches on Pallone’s commitment to continuing the legacy of Senator Lautenberg, whose family strongly endorsed Pallone earlier this week, of being a “workhorse” and champion for the people. Pallone’s tireless work as an advocate and accomplished legislator are also noted in the video as well as his leadership in passing President Obama’s landmark health care reform law, the Affordable Care Act.

Republicans Fuming Over Chris Christie's Senate Decision

The New Jersey governor's decision to hold the Senate race in October 2013 means it will be difficult for the GOP to contest the seat. 

From the National Journal-

Republicans are fuming over New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's decision to hold an early special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, with several Washington-based operatives suggesting he's putting his own interests ahead of the GOP's. The decision to hold a separate special election in October 2013—just two weeks before his own election—would give any interested Republican candidates little time to announce, organize a campaign, and raise the necessary money to take on a top-tier Democrat, likely Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

Christie announced at a Tuesday press conference that the election to fill Lautenberg's seat will be held Oct. 16, just before his own gubernatorial election on Nov. 4. The primaries would be scheduled for Aug. 13. Christie acknowledged he was legally able to schedule a special election in November 2014, but he wanted New Jersey voters to elect their senator as soon as possible. Christie was less clear about whether he was legally allowed to schedule an election to coincide with his own, emphasizing that he didn't want to waste any time in seating the newly elected member. On several occasions, he repeated his decision had nothing to do with politics.

"There's no political purpose. The political purpose is to give the people a voice," Christie said. "The issues facing the United States Senate are too important not to have an elected representative making those decisions."

The governor's decision, along with growing GOP expectations that his appointee will be a placeholder, means that the GOP's chance at a pickup now looks like a long shot. But Christie protected his own interests by scheduling a separate 2013 election, ensuring that Booker wouldn't usher a surge of Democratic voters that could hurt Christie's November prospects.

That did little to mollify Republicans with a stake in retaking the Senate next year. While none wanted to be quoted publicly, all dripped with disdain for Christie's decision, calling it self-serving. And several pointed to the fact that holding an extra election one month earlier could cost the state about $25 million--a price tag that could dent his image as a fiscal hawk.

"I think this ends his 2016 chances. It's year after year with this guy," complained one senior Republican official....

Continue reading...

Lautenberg Takes a Closer Look at the "47 Percent"

Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) delivered a speech on the Senate floor to take a closer look at the 47 percent of Americans disparaged by Republicans.

Take a look.

On Wednesday, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) delivered a speech on the Senate floor to expose VP Candidate Paul Ryan's budget impact on middle-class families.

Lautenberg on the Need for Gun Safety Reforms

Sunday, July 22, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) released the following statement today on the need for gun safety reforms:

“Far too many American families have felt the horror of gun violence. Our hearts are still heavy with sadness after the tragedy in Colorado, but we need to start today on efforts to prevent the next attack. We should begin by passing my legislation to ban the sale of high-capacity gun magazines,” Lautenberg said.  “No sportsman needs 100 rounds to shoot a duck, but allowing high-capacity magazines in the hands of killers like James Holmes and Jared Loughner puts law enforcement at a disadvantage and innocent lives at risk. The NRA should join with us and the rest of America on sensible gun safety reform to stop the violence."

Senator Lautenberg is a leader in Congress for responsible gun safety measures.  Last year, Lautenberg introduced common-sense legislation to ban high-capacity ammunition magazines.  Lautenberg also is the author of two bills aimed at closing significant loopholes in U.S. law—the “gun show loophole” and the “Terror Gap”—that make it easier for criminals and terrorists to obtain guns and explosives to carry out their crimes.  Additional information about Lautenberg’s common-sense gun safety reforms can be found here

. 

Senator Lautenberg authored the Domestic Violence Gun Ban, which bans the shipment, transport, sale or ownership of guns by individuals convicted of domestic violence. Since it was enacted in 1996, the law has succeeded in keeping guns out of the hands of spousal and child abusers on approximately 200,000 occasions.  

Bridging the Gaps

The following is from the Newsletter of Congressman Rush Holt:

Too many research discoveries and technologies never make it from the laboratory to the marketplace or the patient’s bedside.  Researchers speak of a “Valley of Death” between basic R&D in laboratories and the creation of marketable technologies and medical treatments.

Earlier this week, I introduced legislation with Sen. Frank Lautenberg to help to bridge this gap.  The America Innovates Act would create an American Innovation Bank to help universities and other research institutions establish and grow “proof of concept” funds to invest in science and technology-based projects in their earliest stages.  The legislation also would provide high-tech innovators with business development training so they can turn their ideas into marketable products.

Bridging this gap between laboratories and the marketplace will help to save American lives, create jobs, and ensure America’s continuing role as a leader in innovation.

America Remains the World’s Largest Manufacturing Power

One way that American innovation can translate into market success is through our manufacturing sector.  Despite much political hand-wringing about the challenges facing American manufacturing, the fact is that American manufacturing is strong and growing.

In March, America’s manufacturing sector experienced its 32nd straight month of growth.  According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. remains the world’s largest manufacturing power:  We produce 21 percent of global manufacturing, compared to just 15 percent for China.

Congress must act to ensure the continued success of American manufacturing – not just for the benefit of manufacturing businesses or workers, but for the success of our economy at large.  As the director of the president’s National Economics Council, Gene Sperling, recently put it, “Economic studies have shown that there are clear and measurable spillover benefits from manufacturing activity that benefit the locations and particular nations that house such manufacturing activity.... Manufacturing matters; manufacturing promotes the innovation and productivity that will keep America on the cutting edge.”

Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouts

A century ago, Juliette Gordon Low assembled 18 girls from Georgia for the first Girl Scout meeting.  From Daisy Low’s start, 50 million people have been counted among the ranks of the Girl Scouts of America, and today its membership is more than three million.

Girl Scouts are involved in much more than cookies.  I’ve had the privilege to see their wonderful community service projects, to attend award ceremonies, and to witness their work to introduce girls of all ages to math and science.  Recently I had the opportunity to spend time with members of the Girl Scouts from West Windsor and Plainsboro.  Their robotics team placed first in the Eastern Pennsylvania Division of the FIRST LEGO League, and they are competing in the world festival in St. Louis this week.  I send them my best wishes.

I am inspired by the Girl Scouts’ achievements over the last century and wish the Girl Scouts success for the next 100 years.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Senator Lautenberg Announces Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Irene

I want to provide you with a critical update on Federal Government disaster assistance that is available for New Jersey residents harmed by Hurricane Irene. If you yourself have not suffered damage, please forward this information to any family or friends who may need assistance.

Yesterday, President Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration for damage resulting from Hurricane Irene in our state, which makes many New Jersey residents eligible for a number of Federal disaster relief programs. These programs offer grants and loans to individuals and loans to businesses.

The Federal Government has set up a website that allows people to apply online for assistance:

http://www.disasterassistance.gov

This website consolidates the application process across several Federal agencies, including FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The website also reduces the number of forms you will ultimately have to fill out, shortens the time it takes to apply and allows you to check the progress of your applications online.

If you want to apply by phone rather than the Internet, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).

While the damage suffered across New Jersey is devastating, I know our state can rebound quickly. Federal aid will play a crucial role in our recovery, so please take advantage of the resources available. Please don't hesitate to contact me anytime regarding this or other issues.

Sincerely,

Frank Lautenberg

Stop and Remember: 9/11 Moment of Remembrance

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and his Senate colleagues from New Jersey and New York call on all Americans to come together as a nation for a one-minute Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2011.

In honor of the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we ask you to

STOP AND REMEMBER.

At 1pm EDT on 9.11.11

Cease all regular activity for one minute and, as bells and sirens ring out, take a moment to honor the victims of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

Governments and businesses, houses of worship and railways, fire and police departments, and others are called on to ring bells and sound sirens as we observe this

Moment of Remembrance.

At the same time across the country

1 pm EDT, noon CDT, 11 am MDT, and 10 am PDT

We call on you to reflect on the lives lost and those affected by the tragedies of 9/11.

Lautenberg Highlights Additional News Corp. Hacking Allegation in the U.S. as DOJ Review Begins

Lautenberg Flagged News Corp. Hacking Allegations with Federal Authorities in 2005

WASHINGTON—As the Justice Department reviews claims that News Corp. hacked into the phone records or voicemails of American 9/11 victims, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today wrote to Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller to highlight a 2005 hacking allegation in the United States that was made against a News Corp. marketing company called News America Marketing.

Lautenberg originally wrote a letter in 2005 bringing this case to the attention of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales after a small New Jersey marketing company called FLOORgraphics alleged that News America Marketing engaged in illegal computer espionage by breaking into password protected computer systems and obtaining confidential information.

“As the Department of Justice and FBI examine the recent hacking allegations involving News Corp. and its subsidiaries more closely, I wanted to make sure that you were fully aware of the case of FLOORgraphics and News America, as it may be relevant to your current investigation,” Lautenberg wrote.

A copy of today’s letter can be found here

Senator Lautenberg Statement On Death Of Osama bin Laden

NEWARK — U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) issued the following statement after learning that Osama bin Laden was killed:

“People across the civilized world will have great satisfaction and relief with news of the death of Osama bin Laden, one of the worst killers in the history of man. He was a ruthless terrorist responsible for a savage mission that killed thousands of innocent Americans and others around the world. Now we must be particularly diligent and let the message get out that we’ll do whatever is necessary to stop this kind of madness. Osama bin Laden’s disciples must know that the free world is united against terror and will fight terrorists no matter who they are, where they hide and no matter who their protectors might be. A 9/11 must never be allowed to happen again. I commend the bravery and sacrifice of all those who have been engaged in the pursuit of terrorists and all of those who continue to fight the insanity that drives terrorists who believe they can follow in this course.”

Corzine'09 Announces Campaign Chairs For CORZINE '09 CAMPAIGN, VICTORY 2009, AND "YES WE CAN 2.0"

The following press release was issued earlier today by the Corzine'09 campaign, to announce campaign chairs for Corzine '09, Victory 2009, and "Yes We can 2.0":

TRENTON--The Corzine ’09 campaign today announced its campaign chairs and co-chairs in an event at the Trenton Marriott.

Governor Jon S. Corzine and Lieutenant Governor candidate, Senator Loretta Weinberg, announced that the Campaign Chair for Corzine '09 is Congressman Frank Pallone. The Honorary Chairs are Senator Robert Menendez and Senator Frank Lautenberg. The co-chairs for Corzine '09 are Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“This year's election is not about me and it is not about my opponents, it is about New Jersey,” said Corzine. “I could not be more proud of the leadership we have joining us as we stand for re-election and we try and get Democrats across this great state elected in November," said Corzine. "Our first in the nation economic recovery and assistance program put New Jersey in position to navigate the global economic recession and be able to take advantage when it turns around, and we are starting to see signs of the recovery every day. Most recently, we saw the creation of 13,000 private sector positions last month. We were able to do this while remaining focused on protecting education funding and expanding healthcare access for people across the state. We have a lot more work to do but, with our partners in Washington and all across New Jersey, we are fighting for a better future.”

"I have always been proud of our governor and all that we have accomplished, but I have never been more so than today," said Weinberg. "I am proud to stand with our governor and fight to make sure New Jersey continues to have strong leadership for the next four years. Jon Corzine has been working to keep New Jersey working, and we are seeing the impact with the creation of 13,000 private sector jobs last month. We have a lot more work to do, but we have the governor in place to get it done. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to start now."

Campaign Co- Chair Frank Pallone, Honorary Chairs Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez highlighted the high stakes of election, emphasizing they would do everything they could to get Governor Corzine re-elected:

“This is more than a campaign for Jon Corzine, this is a campaign for New Jersey. We literally can't afford to revert to the policies and practices of the Bush era that caused so much damage to the economy and inflicted so much harm to working people,” said Pallone. "We need to continue to work together with President Obama, Governor Corzine and Congress to rescue New Jersey from the meltdown of the national economy and to lay the foundation for economic growth for the years ahead. It is the Democrats who possess shared priorities with the people of New Jersey on a wide array of issues beyond the economy, including education, the environment and the needs of children. It is Jon Corzine who possesses the experience, the ability and the record of success to get the job done right in the days and the years ahead.”

“I am honored to serve as a co-chair of Governor Corzine's campaign,” said Lautenberg. “Governor Corzine is my partner and the leader of our state, and I will do all I can to make sure he continues in that role. By acting quickly and decisively, Governor Corzine has positioned our state to rebound quickly when the global economic recession ends. We share the same values of a brighter future for our children and future generations by improving education, protecting our environment, and making sure the most vulnerable in our society have a chance at the American Dream."

“This election is critical for the future of our state," said Menendez. “Governor Corzine has exhibited tremendous leadership in getting New Jersey’s fiscal situation on track so we can best take advantage when the global economic recession turns around. We have already begun to see private sector job growth in the past couple of months as a result of the programs put in place by the Governor, in coordination with President Obama’s economic recovery legislation. Switching course now would have a devastating impact on New Jersey residents. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to create any now.”

Corzine and Weinberg went on to announce Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer as the Chair of the Mayor's Council, along with co-chairs Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, East Orange Robert Bowser, and Assemblyman John Burzichelli. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVencenzo was also named Chair of the County Elected officials.

"Governor Corzine has been a partner with Trenton and a leader for this state," said Palmer. "The Governor has a shared commitment to making our children's future bright, and a vision to accomplish it by keeping our streets safe. This election is about making sure we continue to have a leader with vision in the Governor's office for the next four years, and not someone with the same warmed over George W. Bush ideas practicing the same Republican insider tactics"

Today's announcement also saw the introduction of the Victory ‘09 leadership team. Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts were named Co-Chairs, while Senator Barbara Buono and Newark Mayor Cory Booker were named Honorary Co-Chairs. Co-Chairs announced today are Congressman John Adler, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman William Pascrell, Congressman Albio Sires, Congressman Robert Andrews, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Senator James Whelan, and Freeholder Tahesha Way.

“I'm proud to help lead the Democratic campaign to elect individuals from the local level on up to the state level who are dedicated to strengthening our education and healthcare systems, helping businesses thrive, and making government more efficient and accountable,” said Codey. “No one has been more committed to these values than Governor Corzine. His leadership and vision have helped position our state to rebound from this recession and thrive. Now that we finally have a partner in the White House who is equally committed to helping our state, it's more important than ever that we continue to elect officials who will work together to protect New Jersey values.”

“It is an honor to be named to this position and I look forward to continuing to do everything I can to help the Governor get re-elected,” said Roberts. “Governor Corzine’s first in the nation economic recovery plan is working, and thanks to the strong partnership between Governor Corzine and the Democratic Legislature, New Jersey is primed to lead the pack as the economy rebounds.”

“Yes We Can 2.0,” a Democratic organization aimed at reaching out to new Obama voters, also announced its leadership team, including Dr. Randall Pinkett as Chair. Co-Chairs named today include Congressman Steve Rothman, Senator Dana Redd, Assemblyman Upendra Chivakula and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres.

“I am excited to be a part of this campaign and the ‘Yes We Can 2.0’ program because we need a leader like Jon Corzine who is willing to stand up for New Jersey’s families, even when the choices aren’t always popular or easy,” said Pinkett. “We have a partner in President Obama who gave our country hope for a brighter future and I have no doubt that Jon Corzine and Loretta Weinberg are the right team to work with the White House in leading New Jersey to renewed prosperity.”

Why does Middletown Spend Money on Lobbyists When our Federal Elected Officials Are Bringing Home the Bacon?

The way the Middletown Township Committee spends our money is amazing. In an effort to obtain some federal funds they have, once again, hired a lobbyist for $65K to go to Washington and see if they can come back with something to show for their efforts. Hopefully, our town officials have not used our tax monies for naught.

Recently, our own Senator Menendez has shown that he is doing his part by obtaining some funds to the tune of over $610K for New Jersey and Middletown in particular to enact some energy saving programs.

Congressman Frank Pallone is working to ensure that three specific projects that directly affect Middletown are funded. These projects are for hurricane and storm damage reduction in Pt. Monmouth, dredging of the channel to the Leonardo marina and the dredging of the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. The projects total over $13.5M. Senator Lautenburg is standing behind Congressman Pallone, in the Senate, to support these projects.

This is the reason why we elect representatives like Senator Menendez and Congressman Pallone to office. It is a shame that we cannot get the same results from our representatives at the state level. Just because they are not in the controlling majority does not mean that they can’t get anything done in Trenton. When our elected officials refuse to work across party lines there will be no positive results for those they represent. The residents of Middletown need leaders that will work for everyone, not just those that elected them. It is time to recognize those that are finally getting results for their efforts.


Dora Crisafulli
Middletown, NJ

NARAL Pro-Choice America Praises Introduction of Lautenberg-Lee REAL Act

Press Release

WASHINGTON - March 17 - Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice American and a former teacher and state education official, today praised Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) for leading the effort to establish the first-ever federal program for comprehensive sex education.

The Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act would fund honest, realistic sex education for young people in public schools around the country.

"This bill reflects the American value that our teens should get honest, realistic information in the classroom," Keenan said. "As someone who spent 25 years as a teacher and state education official in Montana, I commend Sen. Lautenberg, Rep. Lee, and all the bill's supporters for answering the public's call to move away from the failed Bush-backed 'abstinence-only' policy. Americans, especially parents, want to provide teens with the truth about contraception and other ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and avoid unintended pregnancy. The parents I talk to believe that values are taught at home and the facts are taught at school. The REAL Act reflects this principle."

This year, in a departure from years past, Congress heeded the public's call for a focus on commonsense solutions to prevent unintended pregnancies and to cut funding for failed "abstinence-only" programs of the Bush era by $14 million.

Currently, states and localities can only receive federal funding if they agree to teach "abstinence-only" programs in their schools. That means teachers must censor information about the health benefits of contraception. Under the REAL Act, states could apply for federal funding to teach honest and age appropriate sex-education classes in their schools.

NARAL Pro-Choice America will continue to work with lawmakers to advance this legislative measure as a part of its Prevention FirstPrevention First initiative in 2005 to advance commonsense policy solutions to prevent unintended pregnancies and therefore reduce the need for abortion. initiative. NARAL Pro-Choice America launched the

For more information, please visit www.ProChoiceAmerica.org.

For more than 30 years, NARAL Pro-Choice America has been the nation's leading advocate for privacy and a woman's right to choose. With more than one million members and supporters, NARAL Pro-Choice America is fighting to protect the pro-choice values of freedom and privacy. With the Supreme Court one vote away from overturning Roe v. Wade and many state legislatures under anti-choice control, our work has never been more important.

Lautenberg Praises Decision to Allow Public to See Fallen Soldiers Returning Home

Press Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a longtime advocate for allowing the public to honor America’s fallen soldiers return home from combat, Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D – NJ) today praised the decision to allow media coverage of the arrivals. The decision comes after a February 9th letter from Sen. Lautenberg to President Barack Obama urging him to overturn a misguided Bush Administration policy that prohibited caskets from being viewed.

“Every flag-draped coffin represents a family that will never again share a moment with their spouse, child or sibling,” Sen. Lautenberg said. “We should honor – not hide – flag-draped coffins. They are a symbol of the respect, honor and dignity that our fallen heroes deserve.”

Sen. Lautenberg has long taken an active role in giving our fallen troops the honor and respect they deserve when returning from overseas action:

On June 21st, 2004, Sen. Lautenberg brought an amendment (Amdt no. 2191 to S.2400) for a vote on the Senate floor. Sen. Lautenberg's amendment would have instructed the Department of Defense to work out a new protocol so that the media can respectfully cover the return to the U.S. of the heroes who have died abroad, while preserving the privacy of families.

Sen. Lautenberg authored an op-ed in the Huffington Post about flag draped coffins in August 2008.

Following internal conversations with the Obama administration on the policy prohibiting media access to the arrival of flag-draped military caskets from overseas, Sen. Lautenberg sent a letter on February 9, 2009 to the President expressing his concern for the policy and urging the new administration to revise the current policy and put in place a new protocol (the Senator’s letter is attached).

In 1991, President George H.W. Bush issued an executive order prohibiting media coverage of caskets returning to Dover, Delaware, the main arrival base for fallen soldiers. Although the executive order remained in place throughout the 1990s, the Clinton Administration did not enforce it, allowing photos of caskets periodically at Dover and consistently at Andrews Air Force Base. When sailors were killed on the U.S.S. Cole in Yemen in 2000, President Clinton approved the distribution of photos of homecoming caskets arriving to Dover.

However, the open access policy changed in 2003 as the U.S. invasion of Iraq began with this Department of Defense directive making clear that no arrival ceremonies for, or media coverage of, deceased military personnel returning to or departing from Ramstein, Germany, airbase or Dover base will be open to the public. As a result, the American public was denied the opportunity to grieve and honor the sacrifice of more than 4,000 service men and women who died over the past five years.

Sen. Lautenberg has spoken three times on the issue, in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Lautenberg, Menendez Announce More Than $1 Million To Expand Health Education In New Jersey

Press Release-

Award Will Fund 5-Year Program for Middle-School Students On Importance of Healthy Eating and Exercise

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that Montclair State University received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund a five-year program to educate middle school students about the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

“By teaching our children to eat right and exercise, we can help them avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease,” Sen. Lautenberg said. “This award will go a long way to protecting future generations by helping them build a healthy future.”

“Educating our children on the importance of healthy eating allows them to live longer, more productive lives and even helps our economy through decreased health care costs,” said Senator Menendez. “The abundance of fast food and junk food options coupled with video games and television that cut into exercise into have exacerbated this issue. This timely funding will help New Jersey students better understand how they can develop into healthy, life changing habits.”

Run at Montclair State University, the project will ensure that students understand the benefits of diet and exercise, and study how healthy eating and physical activity improves students’ abilities in the sciences, and increases their interest in public health and science careers.

Voter Turnout In Middletown Hit 77%

The best way to gage the impact of an election is to look at the voter turnout rate. In Middletown the turnout rate hit a record high 77%, approx. 32,475 voters came to the polls and this number does not count the provisional ballads that where cast. 

As of October 8th, 2008 there where 42,227 registered voters in Middletown.

10,337 Democrats

10,778 Republicans

21,112  Independents

This record turnout in Middletown is undoubtedly what swung the election, with the Independent votes largely voting Republican this year. 

Barack Obama lost Monmouth County by 3.87%, 

Frank Lautenberg lost Monmouth County by 6.36%

Each lost Middletown by similar margins which no doubt contributed to the Democratic loss on the local ticket of Walsh and Grenafege.   

Obama Win Bitter-Sweet for Dems In Middletown

History was made last night, Democrat Presidential candidate Barack Obama, an African -American was elected President of the United States. This victory however is bitter-sweet for Democrats in Middletown.

While Obama was being declared the winner of the New Jersey presidential election, winning the State by 15% overall, his numbers and those of Frank Lautenberg in Monmouth County and Middletown were horrendous.

Obama lost Monmouth County by 12,000 votes while Lautenberg lost by over 18,000 votes. Both lost Middletown by similar margins which proved to be a drag on the local ticket of Pat Walsh and Jim Grenafege.

Presidential election years never bode well for Democrats in Middletown it seems, and while I was retrieving poll numbers from my district, it immediately became apparent that this year, unfortunately, would be no different.

Al Gore and John Kerry both lost in Monmouth County and Middletown by similar margins in 2000 and 2004 respectively, as Obama did and as a result the local Middletown tickets lost big as well.

Pat Walsh and Jim Grenafege ran a good, clean and above board campaign that focused on the issues that have effected Middletown like the 16% increase in property taxes over the last 3 years, the lack of transparency down at Town Hall and the cover up of the ground contamination at the Arts Center and Town Hall, that has already cost the Township $100,000 to date. 

I am proud of their efforts during this campaign, both are valuable and concerned citizens of Middletown that will not be going away any time soon. I am privliaged to have known and worked with both of them during this campaign. 

The Republicans on the other hand ran a negative, win at all costs campaign, slinging mud and making slanderous accusations against their opponents.

As mayor Scharfenberger said himself, at this past Monday night's Committee meeting when confronted by Democratic Committeemen Short and Brynes about the negative, win at all cost tactics. He said that the "Costs where to high" to play by the rules.

I would have expected nothing less from this sorry excuse that we have to call Mayor. 

While Democrats may have lost in Middletown this year they have gone on and won nationally. 

Next year in a non-presidential year, Democrats in Middletown will be looking to re-elected Patrick Short to the committee and make no mistake, if you think that this year was ugly locally, next year will be worse by far. 

Asbury Park Press: An 11th term for Pallone

I don't know how anyone could have missed this but, the Asbury Park Press has endorsed Frank Pallone for an 11th term in the House of Representatives today:

"Veteran Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. has been a tireless advocate for issues important to the people he has represented in his 6th Congressional District for the past 20 years. He has been a staunch supporter of measures to protect the environment, provide affordable health care and preserve the Shore's valuable tourism industry. He deserves re-election to an 11th term in the House of Representatives.

Pallone, a Democrat who chairs the key health-care subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is in the right place at the right time to work on issues important to New Jersey in general and Shore residents in particular. If re-elected, he says he will concentrate on food and drug safety, strengthening the Medicare and Medicaid programs and improving health insurance coverage...."

So far the APP is 2 for 3 in endorsing Democrats for national office. Will the APP make 3 for 3 and endorse Frank Lautenberg for Senate? And what about Monmouth County where Mallet and Mason have a great change at unseating Freeholder Lillian Burry and defeating her running mate John Curly?

Is the Asbury Park Press going soft all of the sudden? It wasn't long ago  when the paper didn't see a Republican it didn't like.  

The next few days will tell

McCain Camp Tries To Downplay Top Aide Lobbying In Favor Of Gun Rights For Suspected Terrorists

Think Progress
by Satyam

In 2007, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced legislation giving the Justice Department the discretion to prohibit gun sales to terror suspects. The legislation was supported by gun-control groups as well as the Bush administration.

Siding with the gun industry in opposing closing this “terror gap” was Randy Scheunemann, now Sen. John McCain’s (R-AZ) top foreign policy adviser. Newsweek reports that Scheunemann lobbied against the bill on behalf of the National Shooting Sports Foundation:

One group opposed to closing the loophole is the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a gun manufacturers’ trade association. Until this spring, one of its congressional lobbyists was Randy Scheunemann … Registration documents filed by Scheunemann’s company, Orion Strategies, list the terror-gap bill as one of its specific lobbying objectives, and the registrations listed Scheunemann as a lobbyist until he took a leave.

In response, the McCain campaign “declined to say if Scheunemann had ever lobbied McCain on gun-control bills.” McCain spokesperson Jill Hazelbaker said that Scheunemann is a “foreign-policy adviser.” In March, however, Scheunemann told National Journal that “he has weighed in with advice on Second Amendment and firearms issues” in advising McCain:

Officially the top foreign policy and national security adviser to McCain’s campaign, Scheunemann told National Journal in March he has weighed in with advice on Second Amendment and firearms issues. He said he had stopped lobbying for all his clients early this year, and his lobbying registration forms show that the NRA work ended at the end of 2007.

After McCain spoke to the NRA national convention in May, “Scheunemann spent most of his time at the event backstage — where McCain had a brief meeting with NRA leaders.”

Hinting at yet another conflict of interest, the McCain campaign “refused to answer questions about whether the senator supports or opposes the White House plan to close the loophole” giving expanded gun rights to terrorists, reports Newsweek.