APA DISAPPOINTED AND CONCERNED ABOUT SUPREME COURT CAKESHOP RULING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 4, 2018


WASHINGTON – Following is a statement from APA President Jessica Henderson Daniel, PhD, on the Supreme Court ruling on the Masterpiece Cakeshop case:

“The American Psychological Association is disappointed in the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling on the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. Although the court affirmed that gay individuals and couples cannot be treated as social outcasts and recognized the importance of respecting others’ religious beliefs, those beliefs should not be used as a basis to discriminate against and stigmatize members of the LGBTQ community.

“The APA has a longstanding commitment to countering discrimination against any group, since the discipline of psychology is dedicated to promoting well-being and safeguarding against threats to that well-being.

“Research shows that sexual minority individuals exhibit higher rates of physical and mental health problems than do heterosexuals — including depression, substance use disorders and cardiovascular disease. Evidence suggests that the continued stressors experienced by the LGBTQ community as a result of discrimination and stigma are significant contributors to these disparities.

“APA filed an amicus brief in support of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission advising the Supreme Court of the scientific literature showing that homosexuality is generally not chosen and is highly resistant to change; discrimination against sexual minorities is pervasive; and the stigma associated with this type of discrimination can lead to significant health disparities. APA’s brief also explained the basis and need for states enacting anti-discrimination provisions for LGBTQ people, which supports the Civil Rights Commission’s argument that the courts should not permit exemptions from these generally applicable anti-discrimination laws.

“APA is relieved that the Supreme Court reaffirmed that states can prevent discrimination in the marketplace, despite its decision based on concerns unique to this case.

“Public policies contribute to social environments, worsening or alleviating the stigma of being a sexual or gender minority. APA advocates for a supportive climate characterized by policies granting equal rights and prohibiting discrimination, which reduce stigma and stress, thereby serving a protective role for mental and physical health.”


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The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.

Pallone Applauds Supreme Court Review of NJ Sports Betting Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2017



Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to review New Jersey's bid to allow sports betting at its casinos and racetracks.

“I applaud the Supreme Court for taking on this case and potentially resolving a long history of hypocrisy and unfairness in federal law. The citizens of New Jersey overwhelmingly support legalized sports betting and acted in a referendum to show that support. Both Congress and the Supreme Court should respect these actions. Rather than continuing to allow criminal and offshore entities to reap the benefits of illegal gaming, there is now an opportunity for the Supreme Court to allow the democratic process in New Jersey to appropriately regulate sports gaming.”

Congressman Pallone has long been a supporter of allowing sports gaming in New Jersey. Along with Congressman Frank LoBiondo, he introduced two bills that would provide for changes in the law that would allow sports gaming in New Jersey.

In May, Congressman Pallone sent a letter to Acting Solicitor General of the U.S. Jeff Wall strongly recommending that he endorse the review by the U.S. Supreme Court of the New Jersey sports betting case. He also released a discussion draft of a comprehensive gaming bill, the Gaming Accountability and Modernization Enhancement Act, or GAME Act, which allows states to legalize sports betting and online gambling if appropriate consumer protections are also in place .

President Obama's Weekly Address 9/17/16: It’s Time for Republicans in Congress To Do Their Jobs

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, President Obama called on Republicans in Congress to do their jobs. With Congress back in session there is a lot of business that needs to get done, including funding the fight against Zika, providing resources to help the flood victims in Louisiana, and giving Supreme Court nominee Chief Judge Merrick Garland the courtesy of a fair hearing and a vote. The President said addressing these problems is all within our reach – and we need Congress to work as hard as the American people do. We should expect Republicans in Congress to do their jobs – to protect us from disease, help us recover from disaster, and keep the Supreme Court above politics.

President Obama's Weekly Address 7/30/16: It’s Time to Fill the Vacancy on the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, retired Federal Judge Timothy Lewis joined Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the nomination of Chief Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Vice President talked about his experience as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, during which every nominee got a hearing and an up or down vote on the Senate floor. Despite having more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee in history, Chief Judge Garland’s nomination has now been pending longer than any other Supreme Court nominee who wasn’t withdrawn from consideration. Judge Lewis emphasized that this lack of action is preventing the Supreme Court from fulfilling its duty of interpreting the law and resolving conflicts in the lower courts. The Vice President made clear that for the sake of our Nation, everyone must do their job. That's why the President did his job by nominating Chief Judge Merrick Garland. Now, it's time for the Senate Republicans to do their job.

President Obama's Weekly Address 6/27/15: The Affordable Care Act is Here to Stay

WASHINGTON, DC — In this week's address, the President called the Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act a victory for hardworking Americans across the country, whose lives are more secure because of this law. The Affordable Care Act is working, and it is here to stay. So far more than 16 million uninsured Americans have gained coverage. Nearly one in three Americans who was uninsured a few years ago is insured today. The uninsured rate in America is the lowest since we began to keep such records. With this case behind us, the President reaffirmed his commitment to getting more people covered and making health care in America even better and more affordable.

Letter: Say No To Christie Bigotry With Glitter!

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:

Dear Editor,

Governor Chris Christie has crossed a final line in his attacks on various groups of people in New Jersey - his various targets have included school teachers, public employees, medical marijuana patients and he is now attacking the United States Supreme Court for supporting the simple right to marriage equality for the LGBT community, after he long blocked gay marriage in New Jersey.

The citizens of our state are truly a rainbow mosaic of diversity and Christie has shown his true colors to New Jersey. He is too extreme for our state and his staff have been criminally indicted for alleged corruption.

I encourage citizens in favor of LGBT equality to mail envelopes filled with glitter in celebration of gay marriage being legalized to: Governor Christie, PO Box 1, Trenton, NJ 08625

New Jersey, Say no to Christie bigotry with glitter!



Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey

Quote Of The Day

"There's so much more work to be done to extend the full promise of America to every American. But today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we've made our union a little more perfect."

-- President Obama, in his remarks on today's Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage

Pallone Statement on Historic Supreme Court Ruling on Marriage Equality

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges, which protects the right to same-sex marriage nationwide.

“The ruling is a huge victory for equality and our country. The Supreme Court has held what I have long argued and advocated – the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantees of due process and equal protection support marriage equality. I commend the Supreme Court for choosing inclusion rather than discrimination today. An immeasurable amount of time and effort has been dedicated over the years by groups and individuals committed to the basic fairness of marriage equality and proper recognition of its constitutionality. Today’s ruling is a historic culmination of those efforts. The landmark decision reflects what the majority of people in our country believe – all Americans have the freedom to marry whom they love.”

Letter: NJ Medical Marijuana Regulation Is Unconstitutional

The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:


Dear Editor,

New Jersey's system of medical marijuana regulation, which requires all patients obtain a state-issued patient identification card to possess and purchase medical marijuana, in tracked sales, is unconstitutional.

Federal law still criminalizes marijuana. New Jersey medical marijuana patients must not be forced to incriminate themselves federally in order to obtain their medicine and be protected from prosecution under state medical marijuana statutes.

In 1969, the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 on the grounds that payment of the tax was a violation of the constitutional right against self-incrimination (Leary v US).

It is fine if the State of New Jersey wishes to offer voluntary patient registration. But forcing patients to create criminal evidence against themselves that could later be used against them in a federal prosecution, to be able to purchase state-legal medical marijuana and have a defense against state-level marijuana charges, is blatantly unconstitutional.

A valid physician's recommendation is the only document that should be required for a patient to be protected under New Jersey's Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.


Eric Hafner
Toms River

To Form a More Perfect Union

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the strongest, most comprehensive legislation enacted to bring racial, ethnic, and sexual equality to schools, voting booths, and businesses. The most notable provision of the law was the requirement that businesses serving the public, called public accommodations, must be desegregated. Almost everyone in our country recognizes the importance of that law, and few would seek to reverse its effect on American society. 

Fifty years ago, as a teenager, I was fortunate to work as a messenger page in the Senate when the Civil Right Act was passed, and I listened intently and closely as the bill was debated in the chamber. It gave me a chance to reflect on one of the central questions of our country. I recall opponents, mostly southern segregationists, some of them quite eloquent, arguing that the public accommodations provision was un-American, unconstitutional, and an infringement of individual rights. Since 1875, the Supreme Court had maintained, and most people had not questioned, that owners of businesses serving the public could run those businesses as they pleased. The inn was the province of the innkeeper. The bus was the property of the bus company. The proprietors went into business to offer the services they wanted to offer to the people they chose to serve. With the landmark Civil Rights law, the argument that won decisively in Congress was that it was the segregationist attitude that was un-American and probably unconstitutional. The prerogatives of the individual proprietors of public accommodations, even if they were very local and not interstate businesses, were secondary to the public good. This was hugely important. In our on-going effort to form a more perfect union of diverse states and diverse peoples, the public good must be observed, and public accommodations cannot discriminate against any ordinary citizens in good standing, even against the personal preferences of the owners. Although many remnants of our country's racist past remain to be overcome, it is remarkable that the Civil Rights Law is thoroughly integrated into our jurisprudence and our lives. It was, I think, a powerful reaffirmation of how and why we pulled together as a country. We are stronger, fairer, and more ethical as a result. However, that was not clear to everyone at the time of the 1964 debate.

In light of last week's decisions from the Supreme Court, I wonder if soon it will be recognized that, for example, the public good is served when any and all women have complete healthcare coverage and are not denied by the personal preferences of a business owner, and when workers are given equal standing to bargain collectively with business owners. It certainly could be argued, and has been argued, that business proprietors can run their businesses as they chose. The Public Accommodations Act is one strong example that the public good, at least sometimes, trumps. 

Visiting the Capitol

Last week, I attended a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda commemorating Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. There the sculptured bust of Rev. King faced directly across from the statue of Abraham Lincoln. Nearby is a statue of Rosa Parks, sitting as she famously sat on the Montgomery bus. The collection of art and sculpture at the Capitol represents notable events and individuals from American history, and includes statues of two distinguished New Jerseyans: Richard Stockton and Philip Kearny. Stockton was notable as a Declaration of Independence signer, and a fresco in the Capitol Rotunda depicts that moment on June 28, 1776, when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Constitutional Congress. Philip Kearny had a rich military career, serving as a brigadier general with the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War, and lost his life at the Battle of Chantilly, Virginia, in 1862. A portion of the Frieze of American History, also in the Rotunda, pays tribute in "Peace at the End of the Civil War."

The Capitol reminds us of the rich history of this great nation, and it is this history that should continue to guide us as we continue our endless journey to form a more perfect union.

You can learn more about the art and architecture of the Capitol here. You can also learn more about the history at the United States Capitol Historical Society’s website. However, the Capitol is best experienced in person with a guided tour. My office can assist with booking tours of the White House, Capitol Building, and other D.C. sites, and you can schedule a tour by visiting my website. I recommend the Capitol tour most of all....

♫ Ginsburg's Hobby Lobby Dissent

Justice Ginsburg wrote a blistering dissent  yesterday that tore into the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby ruling that stated that the Obamacare birth control mandate violates the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Musician Jonathan Mann,  took Justice Ginsburg's dissenting words and put them into a song that very quickly went viral on the web after Mother Jones posted his video on their website.

Take a look, it's epic!

What Money Shouldn't Buy

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:



To be rich in the United States of America is to be privileged in many ways. But it should not mean that you can buy a privileged place in our democracy.

Yet on Wednesday (4/2/14), the Supreme Court offered the very wealthy a way to do precisely that. In a controversial, deeply divided opinion, the justices struck down individual limits on aggregate financial contributions in federal elections.

What does this mean? Under the law as it existed until Wednesday, an individual donor could give up to $123,200 to candidates and party organizations in a single election cycle. That cap was roughly equal to eight years of earnings for a full-time minimum-wage worker, or nearly three years of earnings for the typical American worker. Yet the Supreme Court struck down even that very generous cap, meaning that the voices of very privileged Americans will now become even louder – drowning out the voices of everyone else.

It is madness to say, as the Supreme Court did, in effect, that big money in campaigns has no undemocratic effect if it is not used in direct, corrupt buying of legislators’ votes. Our democracy does not need the granting of even more power and influence to the already-privileged.

A better way forward is the public financing of elections. There are several examples of functioning public financing systems across America, including here in New Jersey. For federal elections, I support the Fair Elections Now Act, which would leverage small dollar contributions by providing a 4 to 1 federal match of contributions of $100 or less. I also support the Government by the People Act, which would provide a 9 to 1 federal match of contributions of $50 or less for candidates who refuse to accept money from PACs. Rather than amplifying the voices of the already-privileged, these bills would amplify the voices of ordinary people.

The first bill I ever cosponsored in Congress focused on campaign finance reform. Yet as this week’s news demonstrates, the work of protecting the integrity of our elections is never done.

Further Details on Grandfathered Flood Insurance Rates

President Obama recently signed into law the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which will help reform the National Flood Insurance Program to avoid enormous premium increases. In an eGenda following House passage in early March, I noted, “The legislation also restores “grandfathered” rates for homes and businesses that were remapped into higher-risk areas.”

A few readers requested further details. Properties that benefited from “grandfathered” rates will be allowed to continue paying their lower premiums for their flood insurance policies. For properties being newly mapped into areas with special flood hazards they will – for one year – be permitted to pay a lower-cost preferred risk premium, before gradual increases within the caps established by the law are allowed to take effect.

We are a nation exposed to ever greater flood risk, and flood insurance premiums will continue to reflect that risk. It is my hope that the reforms that have now been signed into law will provide certainty and affordability to property owners as we continue to plan for a changing climate.

Working for You

Recently I heard from a West Windsor woman who was being repeatedly contacted by the IRS about a tax liability – even though she had already paid the amount due. On her behalf, I contacted the New Jersey Local Taxpayer Advocate, and the problem was quickly resolved.

Have you encountered a similar problem with the IRS, a passport center, the VA, Social Security, Medicare, or any other federal agency? If so, please call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT or by sending an e-mail. I’ll do all I can to address your problem.

As the April 15th tax filing deadline approaches, you may also be interested in assistance in completing your tax return. A list of venues in New Jersey that offer free tax filing assistance is available online.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

What Health Reform s Already Doing

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

As the new health reform law continues to take effect, I held a roundtable discussion in South Brunswick last week with senior administration officials and patient advocates to ask: What’s working well? What can be improved? What further steps need to be taken?

I heard, of course, some concerns about the HealthCare.gov website, which has experienced technical difficulties in its early weeks. As the administration works to fix the website in the weeks ahead, help is available to apply for health insurance over the phone at 1-800-318-2596.


I also heard a great deal of optimism about what the law is already doing. The expansion of Medicaid is working very well, for instance: about 300,000 New Jerseyans are expected to be covered. In Central New Jersey alone, more than 6,000 young adults have gained health insurance through their parents’ plan. More than 100,000 seniors have gained access to Medicare preventive services without co-pays. And about 100,000 uninsured citizens are expected next year to gain health insurance for the first time.

Marriage Equality in New Jersey

This is a great moment for New Jersey. After so many years of discrimination, injustice, and legal uncertainty, same-sex couples finally have the right to marry in our state – and over the past few days, more than a few couples have already exercised that right.

The New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling recognized, rightly, that the only way to treat all families equally is to allow gay and lesbian couples access to the institution of marriage. Civil unions aren’t good enough; they deny legally married spouses access to such basic rights as Social Security spousal benefits, health insurance, and fair immigration consideration.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act was, I believe, so strong that every state sooner or later will have to follow New Jersey’s lead and treat all marriages equally.

White House Tours Available Once Again

As you may have heard, earlier this year the White House suspended all public tours due to budget cuts. Now, there’s good news: White House tours are once again available. If you are visiting Washington, D.C., I would be glad to try to help you secure tickets. I highly recommend that you request this tour up to six months in advance to increase the chances of availability. Requests are required six weeks prior to your trip to allow for the required security processing.

You may request tour tickets on my website. I encourage you also to consider requesting, via the same link, a tour of the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. House of Representatives Gallery – a tour that is more inspiring and that my staff can lead for you and your family on fairly short notice.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Christie Finally Comments on Voting Rights Act Decision...Sort Of

Cleaver ad, I get it. But 4 minutes? Really?

25 days after the decision was made public and three questions from reporters later, the Buono for Governor campaign has unearthed video of Governor Christie commenting on the Supreme Court's decision to gut part of the Voting Rights Act...sort of.

Christie Blasts Democrats For Taking Inner City Votes For Granted, Yet 13 days Later, He Still Hasn't Read the Supreme Court's Decision on the Voting Rights Act

Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


Thirteen days after the Supreme Court overturned a key section of the Voting Rights Act, Governor Christie still has not offered his opinion on the decision nor has he bothered to even read it. While the Governor claims that the Democratic Party takes inner city voters for granted, his refusal to take a stand against the Supreme Court's decision showcases his true colors. At a time when voting rights are under attack, Governor Christie has a responsibility to speak up for what's right instead of playing political games and remaining silent.



From Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors: “This decision has the potential to set voting rights back more than fifty years.”

NJSCNAACP President James Harris: “It is disappointing that the US Supreme Court has invalidated one of the most powerful weapons that was used to insure the right to vote without intimidation and voter suppression.”

Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP: “This decision is outrageous. The Court’s majority put politics over decades of precedent and the rights of voters.”

Richard Cohen, Southern Poverty Law Center: "In its decision to gut key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, the court brushed aside the considered judgment of a nearly unanimous Congress and opened the door to new forms of discrimination against minority voters."

Mark Morial, National Urban League: "... Let's be clear. This is undoubtedly a bad decision. The Voting Rights Act was necessary in 1965 and remains so in 2013.”

Rep. John Lewis: "Today, the Supreme Court stuck a dagger into the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most effective pieces of legislation Congress has passed in the last 50 years."

Buono Remarks at Voting Rights Act Press Conference

New Brunswick, NJ – At a press conference in Newark today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Barbara Buono delivered remarks opposing the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a key part of the Voting Rights Act. Eight days since the ruling was announced, Governor Christie has refused to offer his opinion on the decision, opting to remain silent instead of standing up for what’s right.

Video from today's press conference can be found below:

Christie: Far Right

By Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor


Governor Christie’s core political strategy is to take whatever action necessary to benefit his own political career. When the Governor wanted to look bipartisan, he embraced President Obama. But yesterday, the Governor, seeking to appeal to presidential primary voters, sprinted to the far right and aggressively attacked President Obama. This comes just days after Christie criticized the Supreme Court for overturning the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and pledged to veto any marriage equality bill here in New Jersey. It’s clear that Governor Christie’s chief concern is competing against Rand Paul and Marco Rubio in 2016, not standing for what’s right in New Jersey.


Chris Christie slams President Obama
By Maggie Haberman//Politico
So much for the Chris Christie-President Obama bromance. The New Jersey governor, distrusted by conservatives after his hug of Obama following Hurricane Sandy, slammed the president at a town hall meeting on Friday as “more concerned about being right than he is concerned about getting things done.” He also repeatedly described himself as a “conservative” leader.

Chris Christie says Obama ‘can’t figure out how to lead’
By Sean Sullivan//Washington Post
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) criticized President Obama, casting him as someone who “can’t figure out how to lead.” Speaking at a town hall meeting, Christie went after Congress’ image and the president, saying: “That’s what happens when you have someone in the executive office who is more concerned about being right than he is concerned about getting things done.” Christie has been criticized by conservative critics of cozying up to Obama too much.

Chris Christie: Obama 'Can't Figure Out How To Lead'
AP
Republicans accused New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie of getting too cozy with President Barack Obama after Superstorm Sandy. But during a visit Friday to a Republican stronghold, the governor went out of his way to put some distance between himself and the Democratic president. Before taking questions from the public, Christie spoke about the problems in Washington and "a president who can't figure out how to lead." The Republican governor, now running for re-election, says Obama is more concerned about being right than "getting things done." When a woman thanked Christie for his warm response to Obama after Sandy and referred to the criticism he took for it, the governor cut her off. He says he didn't vote for Obama and added, "I don't want him to be president."

Chris Christie Turns On Obama
By Catherine Thompson//Talking Points Memo
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) said Friday that he is a "conservative Republican" governor that will not be the "same kind of leader" for the state that President Barack Obama is for the country, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Christie, who is seeking reelection this fall, took a hard line on his sometime arcade-game pal Obama, whom he once praised for his leadership during Hurricane Sandy. “I know when you look at Washington right now, you shake your head at a president who can’t figure out how to lead, at a Congress that only 11 percent of the people in the last poll I saw approve of the job they’re doing,” Christie said at a town hall meeting. "That’s what happens when you have someone in the executive office who is more concerned about being right than he is concerned about getting things done."

Christie: Obama 'can't figure out how to lead'
By Jenna Portnoy//The Star-Ledger
Gov. Chris Christie veered to the right this morning, twice touting himself as a “conservative Republican” and taking a shot at President Obama within the first 10 minutes of a town hall meeting in Sussex County. Unlike his famous praise of Obama’s leadership during Hurricane Sandy, Christie today said Obama is not an effective leader. “I know when you look at Washington right now, you shake your head at a president who can’t figure out how to lead, at a Congress that only 11 percent of the people in the last poll I saw approve of the job they’re doing,” Christie told hundreds inside the Vernon Township High School gym. “That’s what happens when you have someone in the executive office who is more concerned about being right than he is concerned about getting things done," Christie said. "But I’m not going to be that kind of leader of New Jersey.”

The Chris Christie-Barack Obama Love Affair Is Officially Over
By Brett Logiurato//Business Insider
New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie has officially begun a rightward shift as he gears up for a re-election bid in 2013 — and a possible presidential run three years later. Two days after blasting the Supreme Court for striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and pledging he would again veto any gay marriage bill that reaches his desk, Christie took his most significant shot at President Barack Obama in a while. "I know when you look at Washington right now, you shake your head at a president who can’t figure out how to lead, at a Congress that only 11 percent of the people in the last poll I saw approve of the job they’re doing," Christie said at a town hall meeting Friday, according to The Star-Ledger. "That’s what happens when you have someone in the executive office who is more concerned about being right than he is concerned about getting things done," Christie said. "But I’m not going to be that kind of leader of New Jersey."

Christie, touting 'conservative' credits, says Obama 'can't figure out how to lead'
By Alexandra Jaffe//The Hill
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) slammed President Obama as an inadequate leader at a local town hall on Friday, in what appears to be a shift from what had previously been a friendly relationship with the president. He also touted himself as a "conservative Republican" at the event, according to the Star-Ledger — comments that, taken together, set tongues wagging about his potential presidential aspirations. “I know when you look at Washington right now, you shake your head at a president who can’t figure out how to lead, at a Congress that only 11 percent of the people in the last poll I saw approve of the job they’re doing,” Christie said during the town-hall event.

New Jerseyans Respond to Governor's Cowardly Stance on Marriage Equality

During a segment on "Ask the Governor," Governor Christie reiterated his opposition to marriage equality, pledging to once again veto a marriage equality bill should it reach his desk. Now, New Jerseyans are responding to Governor Christie's backwards, out of touch position by voicing their support for marriage equality in the Garden State. See for yourself below.

Christie's out of touch values take center stage

by Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor

Governor Christie’s policies and statements are consistently out-of-touch with New Jersey values. Now, following Governor Christie’s support of the DOMA ruling and his staunch opposition to marriage equality, the rest of the nation is taking notice. See for yourself below…

Somebody Wants To Be President
By Charles Pierce//Esquire
Chris Christie, reasonable conservative Republican, would like the hayshakers in the Iowa megachurches that he has their backs. "It's just another example of judicial supremacy rather than having the government run by the people we actually vote for," Christie said on his monthly radio show, as quoted by The Star-Ledger. "I thought it was a bad decision." The Republican said the majority opinion in the case - written by Justice Anthony Kennedy - was an affront to the lawmakers, and former President Bill Clinton, who helped make DOMA the law of the land nearly two decades ago. "I thought that Justice (Anthony) Kennedy's opinion in many respects was incredibly insulting to those people, 340-some members of Congress who voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, and Bill Clinton," Christie said. "They basically said the only reason to pass that bill was to demean people."

NJ governor: Gay marriage ruling a 'bad decision'
AP
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling erasing part of a federal anti-gay marriage law was a "bad decision" and an example of "judicial supremacy." In January, the Republican governor and potential 2016 presidential candidate vetoed a New Jersey same-sex marriage bill. On a radio program Wednesday, he said he'd do the same to any new legislation.

Chris Christie Blasts Gay Marriage Rulings (VIDEO)
By Paige Lavender//Huffington Post
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) blasted the Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act, calling it "wrong." "I don’t think the ruling was appropriate," Christie said Thursday on his "Ask the Governor" radio show, according to Politico. "I think it was wrong." Christie criticized the justices, calling Kennedy's opinion "incredibly insulting" to President Bill Clinton -- who signed DOMA into law in 1996 -- and to the "340-some members of Congress who voted for the Defense of Marriage Act."

Chris Christie attacks Supreme Court for gay marriage decision
By Rachel Weiner//Washington Post
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who has walked a fine line on gay marriage, came out strongly Wednesday night against the Supreme Court’s decision to declare a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. “It’s just another example of judicial supremacy rather than having a government run by the people we actually vote for,” Christie said on his monthly “Ask the Governor” radio show. “I thought it was a bad decision.” The governor called Justice Anthony Kennedy’s opinion “incredibly insulting” to the members of Congress who voted for DOMA and President Bill Clinton, who signed it. “He basically said that the only reason to pass that bill was to demean people. That’s a heck of a thing to say about Bill Clinton and about the Republican congress back in the 90s,” Christie said.

Why Yesterday’s Supreme Court Case Impacts New Jersey, Whether Chris Christie Likes It Or Not
By Zach Ford//Think Progress
…Besides the fact that a referendum continues to be a costly, offensive, and unnecessary option, Christie could not be more wrong; in fact, Wednesday’s DOMA decision probably has a bigger impact on New Jersey than on any other state. In the 2006 case Lewis v. Harris, the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the state’s constitution guarantees “every statutory right and benefit conferred to heterosexual couples through civil marriage.” The Court left it up to the legislature to determine how those rights are conferred, and lawmakers at the time passed a civil unions bill. An investigation that concluded in 2008 found that these “separate but equal” unions were inferior and did not meet the Supreme Court’s expectations, and a lawsuit is already pending to challenge their unequal status.

Democrats see gay marriage decision as energizer for 2013 races
By Jessica Taylor//MSNBC
Christie later said during his monthly radio show Wednesday evening that the ruling was a “bad decision” and “another example of judicial supremacy rather than having the government run by the people we actually vote for.” “For someone who prides himself on straight talking, he’s got a lot of difficulty explaining his opposition to marriage equality,” said Buono. Christie, governor of a left-leaning state, has a difficult tightrope to walk. He may be the heavy favorite for re-election in the Garden State, but he seems to have an eye on higher office in 2016 and backing gay marriage wouldn’t play as well with a GOP primary crowd. “Every decision he makes is calibrated very carefully to further his own political interests,” said Buono, who has also criticized Christie for choosing to hold an October special election rather than a concurrent November vote to fill the Senate seat of the late Frank Lautenberg.

Christie pans DOMA ruling as a “bad decision”
By Jillian Rayfield//Salon
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, slammed the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, calling it a “bad decision” that’s just another example of “judicial supremacy.” “It’s just another example of judicial supremacy rather than having the government run by the people we actually vote for,” he said on NJ 101.5 FM, the Star-Ledger reports. “I thought it was a bad decision.” He continued: “I thought that Justice (Anthony) Kennedy’s opinion in many respects was incredibly insulting to those people, 340-some members of Congress who voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, and Bill Clinton. They basically said the only reason to pass that bill was to demean people.” Christie, who last year vetoed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey, said Wednesday that he would do so again if a similar bill reached his desk.

Gov. Christie blasts 'overreaching' Supreme Court decision on DOMA, defends anti-gay marriage position, 'Let the people decide'
By Beth DeFalco and Carl Campanile//New York Post
… Christie rapped the Supreme Court ruling that tossed out the federal Defense of Marriage act -- which defined marriage as between a man and a woman and limited certain federal benefits to heterosexual couples. “It’s just another example of judicial supremacy rather than having a government run by the people we actually vote for,” Christie said.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie rips Supreme Court DOMA decision
By Adam Edelman//New York Daily News
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie blasted Thursday the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to strike down the federal Defense of Marriage Act. "I don’t think the ruling was appropriate," Christie said Thursday on his "Ask the Governor" radio show. "I think it was wrong." In the 5-4 vote that essentially tore up the 1996 law, the high court ruled that it was unconstitutional to provide Social Security and other federal benefits to opposite-sex couples while denying them to same-sex couples.
Christie called the majority opinion "incredibly insulting" to President Bill Clinton, who signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law, and the “members of Congress who voted” for the bill.

MSNBC, Hardball: Christie on DOMA

MSNBC, The Last Word: Christie on DOMA

U.S. SUPREME COURT EFFECTIVELY OVERTURNS GOVERNOR CHRISTIE

Fror Immediate Release:
June 26, 2013

Aberdeen, NJ – Allison Friedman, Esq. And Matthew Morehead applaud the United states Supreme Court on its decision to strike down provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act pursuant to our Constitution's Equal Protection clause,proving once again that equality under the law is always the right course of action.

Matt Morehead & Allison Friedman

Governor Christie has vetoed the right to same-sex marriage. The State Senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on February 13, 2012. It passed in the Assembly on February 16th. Governor Christie vetoed the bill the very next day and even called for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Friedman and Morehead issued the following joint statement, "The Supreme Court has rendered Christie's actions unconstitutional”. “The Declaration of Independence guarantees all citizens the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today's decision brings us one step closer to the goals set forth by our founding fathers. " said Friedman.

While New Jersey was not a party in the Supreme Court matter, “the fact that they overruled DOMA based upon constitutional, equal protection, concerns will effectively bar Gov. Christie from restricting these rights in the future;” said Friedman, and attorney who practices in Freehold, NJ.

Allison Friedman and Mathew Morehead are the democratic nominees for New Jersey State Assembly, Legislative District 13. The district includes the following areas of Monmouth County: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright and Union Beach.