Good Friday morning!

Republicans in South Jersey caught the Democratic machine sleeping in 2021 when Ed Durr took out Steve Sweeney. This year, Democrats are on guard and Republicans are fighting amongst themselves about what kind of candidates they should run.

It’s all about state Sen. Ed Durr (R-Gloucester) in the 3rd District and 4th District GOP Senate candidate Nicholas DeSilvio, who’s a Gloucester County commissioner. Both have a history of inflammatory social media posts, including some uncompromising positions on abortion. In 2020, Durr suggested women closing their legs as a form of birth control. And DeSilvio once wrote that he considers anyone who supports abortion rights “evil.” DeSilvio, like Durr — who employs DeSilvio’s wife as his chief of staff — also denigrated Muslims on Facebook (Durr apologized for his remarks shortly after news broke the day after his 2021 election and also met with Muslim community leaders).

This isn’t me wagging my finger at Republicans over some social media posts. This is a debate happening in the Republican Party right now. In 2022, Democrats savaged the two Republican Gloucester County commission candidates by using Durr and DeSilvio’s social media posts against them. One of those candidates, Adam Wingate, thinks that cost him the race. He now appears likely to run for Assembly on an anti-Durr GOP ticket, and thinks it’s nuts that Republicans want to lead the neighboring district’s ticket with DeSilvio. Atlantic County GOP Chair Don Purdy, whose territory makes up just a small portion of the district, also thinks this is a bad idea.

It is clear at this point that the backlash to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade helped Democrats 2022 midterms, and there are signs elsewhere that it remains a powerful motivator for their base.

Republicans don't project the same kind of unity that South Jersey Democrats long have. A source pointed something out when I mentioned that to him: It's easier to keep people in line when you have control of government and, with it, jobs to award.

Read more about the GOP fight in South Jersey here. 

TIPS? FEEDBACK? HATE MAIL? Email me at [email protected].

QUOTE OF THE DAY #1: “For years, reporters at [NJ Advance Media] and The Star-Ledger have covered topics in Washington that are relevant to residents of the Garden State. Our constituents rely on this coverage to be informed participants in our democracy. The authors of this letter have different political ideologies, but this is one issue we agree on – we oppose the decision to close the Washington Bureau.” —  A letter signed by by every member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation except Jeff Van Drew urging NJ Advance Media not to lay off Washington reporter Jonathan Salant.

QUOTE OF THE DAY #2: “Qdoba Mexican Grill recently unveiled another New Jersey restaurant … Qdoba offers customizable burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas and nachos.” — An NJ Advance Media article published Thursday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Hadar Arazi. Saturday for my lovely wife Emily, Chris Smith, Clinton Calabrese. Sunday for Ellen Park.

WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule — just a noon appearance on Bloomberg

A 411 MASTRO REVISION — “Revised revenue forecast adds almost $3.7B to state coffers,”by NJ Spotlight News’ John Reitmeyer: “As lawmakers start the budget review process for the next fiscal year, New Jersey’s state government is now expecting to collect nearly $3.7 billion more than was originally forecast for the current fiscal year, thanks to brisk consumer spending, wage growth and other strong economic signs.”

THE NEXT NEW JERSEY — “Plan to let tax on businesses expire draws progressive ire,” by New Jersey Monitor’s Nikita Biryukov: “In a move signaled months in advance, the budget proposal Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled Tuesday would allow the tax — a 2.5% surcharge on net profits above $1 million — to expire at the end of 2023, a move Treasury officials said is expected to cost the state $322.5 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Treasury officials predicted the cost of eliminating the surcharge would grow in future years, rising to $1 billion in fiscal 2025, or about 1.9% of all state revenue forecast for fiscal year 2024. The surcharge’s supporters have argued its elimination would help only a small group of businesses, namely those most able to weather a higher tax burden. “It’s 2% of all businesses that operate in New Jersey because those are the ones that make over a million dollars in profit annually,” said Sheila Reynertson, a senior policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, a left-leaning Trenton-based think tank. ‘And among those 2%, 70% of them make over $10 million of profits a year.’”

IS THE VOLUNTEER RECRUITING SYSTEM RUNNING ON COBOL?— “N.J.’s call for school volunteers is far from meeting its goal,” by NJ Advance Media’s Tina Kelley: “Recruitment of New Jersey residents to volunteer in the schools has been moving slowly, with less than a tenth of the projected helpers signing up, according to an update Wednesday at the state Board of Education meeting. Angelica Allen-McMillan, the acting commissioner of the state Department of Education, said the department had received applications from 400 individuals and organizations out of the 5,000 it sought … One volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had volunteered for the effort in December and only received a welcome email from the department on Feb. 23, followed by a retraction, a repeat welcome email, and another retraction. It did not inspire confidence, they said.”

STEPIEN DEPARTS ‘TEAM NORMAL’, SIGNS ON WITH NJ’S LOUDEST ELECTION LIE PROMOTER — “Spadea unveils pac to help ’23 candidates who support his ‘common sense’ agenda,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Conservative radio personality Bill Spadea has launched a new political action committee that could boost his chances if he seeks the Republican nomination for governor of New Jersey in 2025. The PAC, Elect Common Sense, will focus on supporting local, county, and legislative candidates who are ‘ready, willing, and able to support common-sense policies to New Jersey government.’ … The announcement of the PAC appears to confirm the involvement of former White House Political Director Bill Stepien as a strategist for Spadea. The contact on a statement from Spadea announcing the creation of the new group is Tom Bonfanti, the director of the political strategy for Stepien’s firm, National Public Affairs.”

WHO COULD’VE PREDICTED THIS WHEN THEY GAVE THE BIG COMPANIES A MONOPOLY? — “N.J. legal weed market needs more Black- and Hispanic-owned businesses, state cannabis board member says,’ by NJ Advance Media’s Susan K. Livio: “With no Black-owned businesses growing or selling marijuana in New Jersey nearly a year after the opening of the legal market, a member of the Cannabis Regulatory Commission Thursday suggested an idea: delay approving more licenses until minority applicants have the chance to compete. Commissioner Charles Barker told his colleagues during their monthly meeting that his reading of the law Gov. Phil Murphy signed in 2021 gives the commission the authority, ‘to make decisions based on market needs and what the market demands.’ ‘Based on the...failed War on Drugs, based on the main reason why we legalized marijuana in every state is to address the harm among certain groups — specifically the Black and brown groups — the market needs and demands more Black and brown businesses in order to establish a more equitable foundation,’ Barker said … the Legislature gave medicinal marijuana growers and sellers got the first crack at the 21-and-over market when it opened April 21, 2022, and these companies are nearly all multi-state operators led by white people.”

—“People with past cannabis charges still eligible for programs to avoid incarceration, N.J. top court rules” 

KELLEY OUT — Joe Kelley, Gov. Phil Murphy’s deputy chief of stafffor economic growth and new commissioner at the Port Authority, is leaving the administration on March 17, Murphy spokesperson Mahen Gunatrana confirmed. No official word on what he’s doing yet, but I think we’ll probably hear some news on this soon. Kelley was a key player in Covid recovery economic policy, Netflix’s investment at Fort Monmouth, and transit-oriented development like the HELIX Project in New Brunswick.

—“State senator introduces bill to ban non-flushable wipes” 

—Mulshine: “On property taxes, Governor Murphy wakes up and smells the coffee” 

—Pizarro: “‘Our students are in crisis’” 

—“Should NJ schools allow students mental health days? One lawmaker's bill says yes” 

—“Despite party switch, Thompson says Trump was better president than Biden” 

—“Jersey City councilwoman being considered for Cunningham’s Senate seat” 

—“Connors backs Rumpf and Gove, calls gilmore’s efforts to oust them ‘misguided” 

—Monmouth poll: “Quality of Life Index dips in urban areas” 

—“NJ has released 2024 school funding figures. See how much will go to your district” 

ROTTEN EGG HARBOR — ”Administrators at Egg Harbor Township charter school indicted in alleged self-deal scheme,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Christopher Doyle: “Two administrators at an Egg Harbor Township charter school are facing criminal charges following a state investigation into an alleged self-dealing scheme involving over $100,000. Peter Caporilli, the founder and former school board president of Principle Academy Charter School; and Michael Falkowski, Principle Academy's school business administrator, have been indicted, according to a news release from the state Attorney General's Office. They are alleged to have steered $115,000 in school spending to Modern Boat Works, a furniture company based in Pleasantville and run by Caporilli … ‘These defendants used their positions of power over the spending of this charter school to fix the contract-awarding process to enrich the school board president and his business,’ [Attorney General Matt] Platkin said. ‘The misuse of taxpayer dollars for personal gain should not — and will not — be tolerated.’”

BERGEN COUNTY — “'Just evil': Lawsuit says Bergen Prosecutor's Office botched child sex abuse investigation,” by The Record’s Kaitlyn Kanzler: “A Bergen woman is alleging that the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office failed her when investigating sexual assault allegations she made against restaurateur Shalom Yehudiel. Elisheva Akselrod, who is now 21, accused Yehudiel of sexually abusing her at the synagogue they both attended from 2016 until 2017, when she was 14 and 15 years old, according to the suit … The suit says Akselrod told her parents and uncle in 2019 about the abuse she had suffered, which was immediately reported to Fair Lawn police, who took a statement and contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. However, Akselrod's attorney, Michael Gorokhovich, said the Prosecutor's Office bungled its investigation, and instead of protecting his client and other victims, the office chose to protect the detective in charge of the investigation.”

DEAR POLITICO BOSSES: PLEASE TAKE NOTE — ”North Jersey municipality trying out a shorter workweek for its employees,” by The Record’s Phil DeVencentis: “PROSPECT PARK — The borough has shortened the five-day week for some staff in a move that officials say will cut costs, improve work-life balance and increase productivity. The municipal building on Brown Avenue is now open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and it is closed on Fridays. Borough Administrator Intashan Chowdhury said the new schedule also helps the public. Because so many residents of this blue-collar community are at work during the day, he said the extended hours will allow them to get to the building before it closes at night.”

TRUE TO ITS NAME — “Highland Park OKs these five legal weed stores to operate in town,” by MyCentralJersy’s Suzanne Russell: “Five retail cannabis businesses have been granted authorization to operate in the borough once they receive state approval. Borough Council members approved resolutions Feb. 21 supporting the local businesses. The five businesses will now have to apply and secure licenses from New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission before they can begin operating in Highland Park.”

THE HOLLEY VACCINE PROVES INEFFECTIVE — “Holley files for mayoral comeback In Roselle,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox: “Former Assemblyman Jamel Holley (D-Roselle) has filed paperwork with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission for a mayoral campaign this year in Roselle, potentially setting up a comeback for the erstwhile legislator. If he runs, Holley, who did not respond to a request for comment, would face off against incumbent Mayor Donald Shaw in the Democratic primary. Union County Democrats don’t have a good relationship with Holley, so he’ll have to run without the county organizational line. Holley already served as mayor once before, from 2012 until his departure in 2015 after he won a special election to the State Assembly. Despite being a loyal Democrat on most issues, he developed an idiosyncratic brand in the legislature, particularly on the issue of vaccines, which he repeatedly and unscientifically argued are dangerous.”

VILLAGE PERSON GOES TO YMCA —“Bergen County commissioner resigns, takes on CEO post at Ridgewood YMCA,” by The Record’s Marsha A. Stoltz: “Former [Ridgewood] village Mayor Ramon Hache has resigned from the Bergen County Board of Commissioners to join the Ridgewood YMCA as its chief executive officer, he announced Thursday. Starting on Monday, Hache will succeed the Y's Ernest Lamour, who will become CEO of the Greater Rochester chapter. Hache will also resign his position as director of business development at DMR Architects as of Friday.”

WHITE PLIGHT — “Jury awards 2 former Newark school employees $1.3M in reverse discrimination case,” by NJ Advance Media’s Steve Strunsky: “In a decade-old reverse discrimination case, an Essex County jury awarded $1.3 million in compensatory and punitive damages to two white veteran educators who charged they were denied vice principal jobs at Newark high schools because of their race and age. Instead, the jobs went to younger people of color who, the suit charged, were less experienced and less qualified. The suit was filed jointly in 2015 by Anna D’Antonio, 69, a former athletic director at Weequahic High School, and Donna Stridacchio, 65, who was chair of the math department at Barringer High School. The suit, filed in state Superior Court in Newark, charged that D’Antonio and Stridacchio applied for vice principal jobs at their respective schools under a 2013 leadership reorganization throughout the district, which is predominantly Latino and Black.”

—“Passaic taking a closer look at go-go bars, strip clubs, alcohol sales” 

—“Camden School District wants to replace its Eastside High School” 

—“State trooper shot in leg in Paterson, one suspect in custody as police seek others” 

—“Shooting that wounded State Police trooper occurred near [Pascrell’s] home” 

—“Red Bank council ready to defy mayor by clamping down on Airbnb rentals” 

—“NJ DEP lifts boil water advisory for Hoboken after 16-inch water main break” 

—“Hoboken city council introduces salary increase for police chief, changes to police residency requirements” 

—“Former [Ocean City] police sergeant admits sexually abusing teen for 5 years, officials say” 

HIGHER ED — “Stockton to name new president Friday,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Nicholas Huba: “The Stockton University Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Friday to appoint the school’s sixth president. The meeting is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. in the Michael Jacobson Board of Trustees Room in the Campus Center. The three finalists for the job are Frank D. Sánchez, former president of Rhode Island College; Laurence B. Alexander, chancellor of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and Joe Bertolino, president of Southern Connecticut State University, according to Stockton’s website.”

—“WWE wrestler Sonya Deville arrested at Borgata for unlawful gun possession”

—“Dead humpback whale washes up on Jersey Shore beach overnight”