As we get closer to the Nov. 3 general election, North-JerseyNews.com will post a weekly notebook of actions of the candidates.
Presidential
It continues to be a very tight race for president in North Carolina according to the Monmouth University Poll. The race for U.S. Senate has grown a little more favorable for the Democratic candidate since September, despite revelations of an extramarital entanglement.
Among all registered voters in North Carolina, the race for president stands at 49% for Joe Biden and 46% for President Donald Trump. Among likely voters, Biden leads 50% to 46% in a high turnout scenario while the race is almost even at 49% for Biden to 48% for Trump using a low turnout model. These results are similar to Monmouth’s September poll.
The Monmouth University Poll finds North Carolina’s U.S. Senate election has shifted in the Democrat’s favor since last month. Among registered voters, challenger Cal Cunningham has 48% support and first-term Republican incumbent Thom Tillis has 44% support. Monmouth University Poll
A New York Times/Siena College polls shows the incumbents in the Presidential and Senate race in South Carolina in the lead with less than three weeks to go before the election.
President Donald Trump leads Joe Biden, 49 percentage points to 41, while Sen. Lindsey Graham, who is facing the most serious challenge of his career, is winning 46% of the vote compared with 40% for his Democratic rival, Jaime Harrison.
The Senate race, though, may be even more competitive because the survey finds that 12 percent of Black voters are undecided, a vote share that is likely to favor Mr. Harrison, who is African-American. The poll has a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points. The New York Times
Former Vice President Joe Biden has a lead over President Donald Trump in Georgia and the two are essentially tied in Ohio, according to Quinnipiac University polls of likely voters. Both states voted for Trump in 2016.
In Georgia, Biden leads 51-44% among likely voters, while 4% are undecided. On September 29th, the race for the White House was too close to call when Biden had 50% support and Trump had 47% support.
The race for the White House in Ohio remains essentially tied, as likely voters support Biden 48% and Trump 47%, with 4% undecided. This is identical to the last Ohio survey released on September 24th.
In the two Georgia senate races, Democrat Jon Ossoff leads Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue 51-45%, while 3% are undecided. This compares to a virtual tie in late September when Ossoff had 49% and Perdue had 48%.
Meanwhile, Democrat Raphael Warnock leads in the special election for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who was appointed in December of 2019. Quinnipiac University
Congressional
A new TV ad from Rep. Josh Gottheimer connects Republican congressional candidate Frank Pallotta to sub-prime mortgages and his proposal to outlaw masks if he is elected in next month’s 5th district congressional race.
The new Gottheimer ad, “Fraudster” uses grainy photos of Pallotta – many highlighting him not wearing a mask – along with stock photos of eviction and foreclosure notices – to make his case that Pallotta’s record as Wall Street investment banker disqualifies him from serving in Congress.
“North Jersey needs someone who will work across party lines to fight COVID and solve problems for our families and businesses,” said Sam Dorn, Gottheimer’s communications director. “They don’t need a COVID-denying fraudster.”
Gottheimer was endorsed for reelection by the State Troopers Fraternal Association (STFA). This endorsement, combined with the New Jersey State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), reflects Congressman Gottheimer’s longstanding commitment to our brave first responders.
“Having the support of the State Troopers Fraternal Association of New Jersey is a true honor. In Congress, I have worked hard to support the heroic men and women of law enforcement, including increasing funding for Byrne JAG grants, getting more officers access to bulletproof vests, and finally passing legislation to fully restore the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. We must always have the backs of our first responders, and I always will,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
In the 11th District, STFA endorsed Rosemary Becchi, the Republican candidate running against Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
“I’m proud and honored to receive the endorsement of the STFA. I will work tirelessly to support them as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.” Becchi said. “Mikie Sherrill has abandoned law enforcement and it’s time they feel they can trust their representation in Washington, again.”
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) received the endorsement of the STFA, who did not offer support for other North Jersey races.
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill announced bipartisan support for her re-election from two members of the Sparta Town Council. In a statement, Councilwoman Molly Whilesmith, a Republican and former Sparta mayor, and Councilman Dan Chiariello, a Democrat, shared why they’re endorsing Congresswoman Sherrill for a second term.
“I’ve worked with Congresswoman Sherrill and I’ve seen her dedication to improving the lives of her constituents, regardless of their party affiliation,” said Councilwoman Whilesmith. “She has shown up time and again, whether in the aftermath of storms that hit Sussex or to hear from our residents and students in Sparta. No matter what, Congresswoman Sherrill rises above partisanship to serve the 11th and I’m proud to support her.”
“We have a non-partisan council and that’s how we govern,” said Councilman Dan Chiariello. “Congresswoman Sherrill has proven that she is in tune with the needs of our community in Sussex County and she shares our commitment to working together to help our residents. I’m proud to endorse her for a second term in office.”
“Service to the people of Sparta and Sussex County is not about party, it’s about helping our residents,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “When it comes to helping small businesses during COVID-19, addressing HABs at Lake Hopatcong, or protecting the jobs at Picatinny Arsenal, I have always sought to bring people together at all levels of government in service to our community and I’m honored to have the support of Councilwoman Whilesmith and Councilman Chiariello.”
Local Republican elected officials, business leaders, and residents from across the Fifth District joined Josh Gottheimer in a virtual conversation to launch “Republicans for Josh,” a group of North Jersey residents who have crossed party lines to support Gottheimer’s campaign for reelection.
Local residents who took part in the “Republicans for Josh” endorsement event included Vernon Township Council President Harry Shortway, Teaneck Council Member Karen Orgen, President of McGee Amusements Joseph Bossolina; Lauren Cohen, CEO of Lauren Cohen Nutrition; Bergen resident Randy Lyn Ketive, and Sussex resident Laura Lai-Minteer.
“Since I first ran for Congress, I’ve recognized that all sides— Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — could and should come together for a common purpose, to tackle our toughest challenges, and to seize upon our great opportunities here in North Jersey. Since the day I took my oath, I’ve been working to live up to that promise,” said Gottheimer. “That’s meant fighting with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help lower taxes, chart a bipartisan path forward for COVID-19 relief, cut out-of-date regulations, support our small businesses, and stand up for Jersey Values.”
“Josh has continually reached across the aisle to solve national and the Fifth District issues. Josh’s bipartisan approach has led to new environmental laws in New Jersey to help stop the illegal dirty dirt dumpers,” said Shortway. “The Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act will invest in funding cures for children suffering from cancer. Both legislative actions are just two examples of Josh’s efforts to improve the safety and well-being of people. We all win when the Republicans and Democrats work together.”
“At this time, having moderate voices that understand the need for reaching across the aisle while fighting for our first responders and residents is important to everyone in our District. Josh Gottheimer understands what is at stake and has fought for us,” said Orgen.
Republican Congressional candidate Jennifer Zinone, along with Bayonne District 10 GOP congressional candidate, are calling on Mayor Jimmy Davis to prioritize bayonne above his political agenda
The recent attack on local business, Buon Appetito, by Mayor Davis’ political allies for the crime of contracting their opponent in the upcoming Board of Education election, local businessman Michael Shatravtka, to produce an apolitical business commercial, is antithetical to mayoral responsibilities. Zinone stated, “This is just the latest in a long line of Davis’ failures to reach out and help the community. I’ve been contacted by business owners and employees looking for help. They’re struggling and have been given no direction in navigating these unusual and difficult times.”
Zinone continued, “One needs only to look at Davis’ recent endorsements of Congressmen Albio Sires and Donald Payne Jr., both do-nothing career politicians, to know his priorities. Indeed, Payne Jr. is a legacy politician in office due to the political machine his father built, while Sires is most well-known for the prodigious lack of legislation he has initiated.
Josh Gottheimer was endorsed for reelection by the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJ FMBA), which represents more than 5,000 active firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers across the state of New Jersey. At the event, Gottheimer was joined by Ed Donnelly, NJ FMBA President, who touted Gottheimer’s leadership and support of firefighters and first responders.
Since Gottheimer took office, the Fifth District has clawed back more than $5.2 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants. These are dollars that will go to protecting our security for New Jersey instead of going to Moocher States. Gottheimer has also worked with town, county, and state officials to take steps towards ensuring New Jersey first responders have all of the information they need about hazardous and harmful materials traveling through towns’ rails.
“When I first ran for Congress, I promised to fight to ensure that our firefighters and all our first responders had the training, resources, and support they needed to protect themselves and their communities. Since being sworn in, I’ve worked every day to fulfill that promise and support those who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I am thrilled to report that, through working with local fire departments, police departments, and towns to apply for and win federal grants, we’ve clawed back more than $5.2 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grants. But the work’s not done. I am honored to have the support of the NJ FMBA as I work to continue the fight for Jersey firefighters and Jersey families,” said Congressman Gottheimer.
“On behalf of the over 5,000 Firefighters, EMTs and Dispatchers we represent, I am pleased to endorse Josh Gottheimer for Congress. Now, more than ever we need true partners to stand alongside public safety personnel during this pandemic. Josh has proven in his time in office that he is, and will continue to be a staunch supporter of New Jersey’s First Responders,” said Eddie Donnelly, President, NJ FMBA.
Local
A second TV asking voters to improve a referendum that would legalize adult-use marijuana began airing today on cable television stations across New Jersey.
The ad, “Justice,” is being run by NJ CAN 2020, a coalition of New Jersey organizations that are seeking voter approval of the November 3 referendum. The ad makes the case current laws unfairly put New Jerseyans convicted of recreational marijuana use by challenging their opportunities to find employment and housing.
A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released last week shows that likely voters are prepared to support the referendum by a 61%-29% margin.
New Jersey Working Families (NJWF) announced a slate of endorsements in national and local races. NJWF has endorsed Sen. Cory Booker for U.S. Senate, and in congressional races has backed Albio Sires (CD-8), Bill Pascrell (CD-9), Donald Payne Jr (CD-10), and Mikie Sherrill (CD-11).
“This is the most important election of our lifetime. While we believe in the necessity of competitive primaries, we know when it’s time to unite to fight to oust a dangerous threat to our democracy,” said Sue Altman, NJWF Director.
Locally, NJWF has endorsed Rupande Mehta for State Senate, District 25 as well as Christy Lazarow and Jessica Almeida for West Caldwell Township Council;.
The New Jersey Globe 25th District State Senate debate between Republican incumbent Anthony M. Bucco (R-Boonton) and Democrat Rupande Mehta will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 PM.
The date was moved with the approval of both candidates in New Jersey’s only special election for a State Senate seat this year.
The winner of the election will fill the remaining fourteen months of the term of the late Anthony R. Bucco, who died in September 2019.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced endorsements for all levels of elected office on the ballot in New Jersey – from Presidential and federal legislative races down to the county and municipal levels.
“New Jersey needs and deserves leaders at all levels of government who will fight for working families when it comes to economic fairness and social justice,” said CWA NJ State Director Hetty Rosenstein. “From our next President, through Congress and down to local Council races, we enthusiastically endorse this pro-union group of men and women to help get our country back on the right track.”
The Communications Workers of America (AFL-CIO) represents both private sector and public workers. CWA represents more than 70,000 working families in New Jersey, including over 40,000 state workers, 15,000 county and municipal workers, and thousands of workers in the telecommunications, airlines, healthcare and direct care industries.
The full list of CWA 2020 endorsements in North Jersey include the Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Presidential ticket, Sen. Cory Booker for Senate and Albio Sires, Bill Pascrell, Donald Payne, and Mikie Sherrill for the House of representatives.
In state and local elections, CWA is support a “yes” vote on the legalization of marijuana, Rupande Mehta for State senate and Darcy Draeger for Assembly in the special election for the 25 District, Leonard Luciano, Romaine Graham and Wayne Richardson for Essex County Freeholder, Keith Kazmark for Woodland Park Mayor, Lauren Kremper for Edgewater Park Committee, Dolores Witko for Closter Council, Dolores Phillips for Montvale Council, David Gierek for Saddle Brook Council, Joshua Hetzberg for Sparta Township Council, David Vasa for Boonton Alderman, Adam Mucci for Hasbrouck Heights Council, Dennis Klein for Teaneck Board of Education, Christopher Hamler for Warren Hills Regional Board of Education and Chuck Schaadt for Rochelle Park Board of Education.
