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| 2024 Election: | Joe Biden's book | Kamala Harris' book | Donald Trump's book | JD Vance's book | 2024 Senate Debates |
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| Book Reviews | |||||||||||||||
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(from Amazon.com) | |||||||||||||||
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(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about the presidency from Amazon.com) |

from State of New Jersey secondary Archives (number of quotes indicated): |
| OnTheIssues.org excerpts: (click on issues for details) |
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Abortion Bob Hugin: Against late term abortions unless mother's life is at risk. Bob Hugin: Pro-choice, but no late-term abortions unless maternal risk. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Protect women's access to comprehensive reproductive care. Cory Booker: No restrictions before viability; exceptions after viability. Cory Booker: Vigorously defend women's access to affordable birth control. Cory Booker: Fix Hobby Lobby: it's not about religious freedom. Hirsh Singh: Eliminate all taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. Hirsh Singh: New Jersey should promote a philosophy of life, not death. Jeff Bell: Apply 14th Amendment to the unborn. Jeff Bell: Hobby Lobby ruling protects religious freedom. Josh Gottheimer: Fight any attempt to get between a woman and her doctor. Kim Guadagno: Supports women's healthcare; pro-choice. Murray Sabrin: Human life begins at conception. Phil Murphy: Codify woman's full reproductive rights into state law. Phil Murphy: Will sign bill securing woman's right to choose into law. Ray Lesniak: Won landmark case for abortion rights. Rich Pezzullo: Opposes using tax dollars for abortions, wants regulations. Rik Mehta: Protect unborn children from the moment of conception. Robert Menendez: Yes affordable contraceptives; no unneeded restrictions. Seth Kaper-Dale: Supports ful range of reproductive services. Doug Steinhardt: Conservative, pro-life, Lifetime NRA member. Tammy Murphy: NJ a safe haven state protecting reproductive health care. Curtis Bashaw: Pro-choice, but supports Dobbs decision leaving it to states. George Helmy: Played a role in codifying Roe v. Wade into state law. Phil Murphy: New Jersey will begin stockpiling a supply of Mifepristone. Edward Durr: Don't shield info about out-of-state women seeking abortion. Jack Ciattarelli: Oppose the so-called "Reproductive Freedom Act" . Jon Bramnick: Pro-choice but doesn't support late-term abortions. Josh Gottheimer: Protect reproductive freedom, keep IVF accessible. Mikie Sherrill: Enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution. Phil Murphy: Shield info about out-of-state women seeking abortion. Ras Baraka: Anti-Roe Court would rather control women's bodies. Stephen Sweeney: Prime sponsor of the "Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act". Steve Fulop: Created program to meet reproductive healthcare needs. Phil Murphy: Established NJ as a safe haven for reproductive freedom. |
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Budget & Economy Cory Booker: We will not be able to cut our way out of the jobs crisis. Hirsh Singh: The Federal Reserve has caused a lot of damage. Hirsh Singh: New Jersey should get more of its tax dollars back. Jack Ciattarelli: 5% to 10% reduction in the state government workforce. Jack Ciattarelli: Lower property taxes, grow the economy. Jack Ciattarelli: Pandemic restaurant restrictions devastated the economy. Jeff Bell: Return to gold-dollar convertibility now. Jeff Bell: Restore the gold standard. Jeff Bell: Fed's zero interest rate policy extends Great Recession. Josh Gottheimer: Invest in R&D and infrastructure, and shrink our debt. Murray Sabrin: Federal Reserve is one big scam. Murray Sabrin: Free enterprise is the key to national prosperity. Phil Murphy: COVID: Grants and loans to nearly 55,000 small businesses. Phil Murphy: Largest investment in infrastructure in New Jersey history. Rich Pezzullo: Balance your budget and provide affordable services. Rik Mehta: Supports a balanced budget amendment. Seth Kaper-Dale: Create state bank to invest in economy. Doug Steinhardt: Will stand up against runaway liberal spending. Andy Kim: Mitigate risk of recurring damage due to extreme weather. Curtis Bashaw: Cut reckless and wasteful spending to bring inflation down. Mikie Sherrill: Provide financing to repurpose infrastructure for housing. Edward Durr: Our Government has become too large. Jon Bramnick: Overturn the recently enacted housing mandates. Mikie Sherrill: I will tackle congestion and our aging infrastructure. Stephen Sweeney: State needs a stable and predictable funding process. Steve Fulop: Ensure dedicated funding for Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Cory Booker: GOP is dismantling the protections of Americans' safety. Cory Booker: Republican budget cuts present moral threat to country. Phil Murphy: Fiscal responsibility is an obligation but also means paying. |
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Civil Rights Barbara Buono: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. Bob Hugin: Supports gay marriage. Bob Hugin: Regrets ban on women at 1970s Princeton eating clubs. Bob Hugin: My kids taught me to be more tolerant of gays than in 1970s. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Pay disparity has a significant impact on low-income women. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Speak for LGBT rights regardless of the external pressures. Chris Christie: No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate. Cory Booker: MLK's dream still demands work to do, after 50 years. Donny DiFrancesco: Intolerance for racial profiling. Hirsh Singh: People free to be themselves; don't force it upon us. Jack Ciattarelli: No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate. Jack Ciattarelli: Prohibits discrimination & harassment among campaign. Jeff Bell: Government shouldn't redefine marriage. Jim McGreevey: End racial profiling. John Wisniewski: No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate. Josh Gottheimer: Treat everyone equally whatever their sexual orientation. Kim Guadagno: Won't criticize Republican with Confederate flag. Kim Guadagno: Comfortable with LGBT but won't criticize ban. Murray Sabrin: Government shouldn't redefine marriage. Phil Murphy: Strong advocate for equal treatment of LGBTQ community. Ray Lesniak: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. Richard Codey: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. Robert Menendez: Supports gay marriage. Seth Kaper-Dale: Panel to recommend reparations for African-Americans. Stuart Meissner: Supports expansion of Title VI addressing anti-Semitism. Thomas Kean Jr.: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. Tammy Murphy: Oppression of LGBTQ community is highly offensive. Curtis Bashaw: First openly gay Republican running for NJ Senate seat. George Helmy: Ensure all marginalized communities have a seat at the table. Edward Durr: Would restrict teaching sexual orientation/gender identity. Herb Conaway: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. Jack Ciattarelli: DEI is affirmative action on steroids. Jon Bramnick: No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate. Nellie Pou: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. Ras Baraka: Reiterated the need for LGBTQ protections in Newark schools. Stephen Sweeney: Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage. |
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Corporations Bob Hugin: As a job creator he'll employ new policies to spur growth. Chris Christie: $2.3 billion small business tax relief package. Cory Booker: Government procurement should promote women-owned business. Cory Booker: Lower corporate tax rate & close loopholes. Jack Ciattarelli: 10-year phase out of the corporate business tax. Jack Ciattarelli: Adopt Delaware's bylaws; cut corporate tax rate in half. Jeff Bell: Low interest rates favor big businesses over small. Kim Guadagno: Work with businesses to cut state regulations in half. Phil Murphy: Incentive programs for business need reform. Rich Pezzullo: Government shouldn't bail out businesses that can't succeed. Robert Menendez: Keep CFPB Financial Protection; keep Consumer Advisory Board. Seth Kaper-Dale: End estate tax and corporate welfare tax credits. Tammy Murphy: Helped launch investment in female-led startup companies. |
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Crime Bonnie Watson Coleman: Provide prison inmates with vocational & job-related skills. Chris Christie: De-criminalizing drug use has reduced prisoner population. Chris Christie: Bail reform based on crime, not wealth. Chris Christie: Expunge records for less serious crimes. Cory Booker: Bipartisan solution to reduce recidivism. Cory Booker: Real solution to crime is addressing poverty and education. Cory Booker: Incarceration isn't working; focus on preventing recidivism. Cory Booker: Increase the number of police in all neighborhoods. Cory Booker: Cut first responders due to economic downturn. Donny DiFrancesco: More victims� rights; identify sex offendors. Hirsh Singh: Supports sending troops into New Jersey to "Protect America". Jack Ciattarelli: Answer to hate crimes not new policy but changed attitude. Josh Gottheimer: Prison reform for nonviolent offenders. Phil Murphy: Eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent crimes. Ray Lesniak: Change culture of corrections: limit solitary confinement. Rik Mehta: Lock up violent offenders and throw away the key. Robert Menendez: Address roots of gangs via education & empowerment. Seth Kaper-Dale: Use prison for training, not profit. Thomas Kean Jr.: Co-sponsored bill establishing crime of human trafficking. Doug Steinhardt: Punish New Jersey's criminals instead of protecting them. Curtis Bashaw: The lack of support for law enforcement is a problem. Phil Murphy: Reform penalties for technical parole violations. Edward Durr: Governor refused to stand with our law enforcement officers. Jack Ciattarelli: Toughen bail reform rules governing juvenile offenders. Jack Ciattarelli: Changed position, supports Trump's pardon of Jan. 6 rioters. Jon Bramnick: Increase penalties for violent criminals. Josh Gottheimer: Hire more cops on the beat and expand community policing. Mikie Sherrill: Critical that we invest in comprehensive reentry services. Ras Baraka: People don't understand crime is a public-health issue. Stephen Sweeney: Strengthened laws to protect children from sex offenders. Steve Fulop: Prosecute repeat offenders in an escalating fashion. |
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Drugs Bob Hugin: Decriminalize pot in small amounts but not recreational use. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Decriminalize marijuana; implement alternative sentencing. Chris Christie: Drug addiction is a disease & it can be treated. Chris Christie: Addiction is an illness and should be treated as such. Chris Christie: Search for innovative ways to address drug epidemic. Cory Booker: The drug war is an abject failure. Hirsh Singh: Treat drug addiction as a public health problem. Hirsh Singh: Regulate and tax cannabis like alcohol. Jack Ciattarelli: Drug epidemic should remain a priority. Jim McGreevey: Offer behavioral drug treatment to addicted inmates. Jim McGreevey: Transition addicted inmates to outpatient drug treatment. Joe Rullo: Make it a living hell for heroin dealers in NJ. Kim Guadagno: Decriminalization, not legalization. Phil Murphy: Opioid addiction is an illness, and it is treatable. Phil Murphy: Focus on racial justice with marijuana legalization. Phil Murphy: Legalize adult-use marijuana; undo past convictions. Ray Lesniak: Ultimately we'll get legalization but wait for other states. Ray Lesniak: Study legalization of recreational cannabis in other states. Rik Mehta: Eliminate aid to socialist governments run on trafficking. Robert Menendez: Give marijuana businesses access to banking services. Seth Kaper-Dale: Legalize and tax recreational marijuana. Steve Fulop: Transition addicted inmates to outpatient drug treatment. Steve Fulop: Wait for other states to see pro's and con's of legalization. Steve Fulop: Study legalization of recreational cannabis in other states. Doug Steinhardt: General counsel to Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.). Andy Kim: Educate the public on fentanyl & synthetic opioids. Andy Kim: States with medicinal marijuana have 25% fewer opioid deaths. Robert Menendez: Rated C by NORML: decriminalize medical marijuana & banking. George Helmy: Worked with Helmy on legalization of adult-use marijuana. Mikie Sherrill: Move carefully on legalization of marijuana. Ras Baraka: Treat home grown cannabis the same as other gardening. Stephen Sweeney: NJ cannabis industry could foster 42,000 jobs. Cory Booker: Remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act. |
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Education Bob Hugin: Supports expanded charter schools. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Strong public school system is critical. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Supports voluntary prayer in public schools. Chris Christie: Tenure reform for failing teachers; merit pay for good ones. Chris Christie: Choice of schools to meet child's needs. Chris Christie: Program for at-risk youths to get them into college. Chris Christie: Further de-regulate charter schools. Cory Booker: Ensure that college tuition is not a long-term burden. Cory Booker: Pre-school for 3-year-olds; more teacher empowerment. Cory Booker: Fundamental right to high quality public education. Cory Booker: Newark Workshops got $1.3M in Pell Grants. Hirsh Singh: Introduce meaningful school choice reform. Hirsh Singh: Promote school choice polices at state & local levels. Hirsh Singh: Empower public, private, home school environments. Hirsh Singh: School violence due to political indoctrination, propaganda. Jack Ciattarelli: Limit aid to overfunded school districts. Jack Ciattarelli: Re-balance over-funded vs/ under-funded school districts. Jack Ciattarelli: Don't mandate college vaccination until others vaccinated. Jack Ciattarelli: We're going to roll back the LGBTQ curriculum; goes too far. Jack Ciattarelli: Reconfigure state school funding to where it's needed today. Jeff Bell: End federal involvement in education. Jim McGreevey: Supports back-to-basics and tougher standards. Joe Rullo: Stop saddling parents and students with Common Core. Joe Rullo: Merge roles of school superintendents and administrators. Josh Gottheimer: Emphasize STEM skills to bridge huge skills gap. Josh Gottheimer: Take steps to make college more affordable. Kim Guadagno: Merit pay for teachers; school choice for parents. Murray Sabrin: Oppose nationwide Common Core standards. Phil Murphy: Tackle our higher education student debt problem head on. Phil Murphy: Focus on STEM to make Silicon Valley in New Jersey. Phil Murphy: Reignite NJ science hotbed by focusing on STEM sector. Phil Murphy: Invest in pre-K & free community college. Phil Murphy: Tuition-free community college for eligible students. Rik Mehta: Backs school choice for those locked in failing schools. Robert Menendez: Vouchers drain money from public schools. Robert Menendez: Supports making 2 years of community college free. Seth Kaper-Dale: Reform districting, moratorium on charter schools. Seth Kaper-Dale: Cut college tuition, lower interest rates on loans. Doug Steinhardt: Leave politics out of the schoolhouse. Curtis Bashaw: For parental rights in public education, not woke ideology. Edward Durr: Parents don't have a say in the schools. Jack Ciattarelli: Implement a Parents' Bill of Rights providing transparency. Jon Bramnick: Expand charter schools, implement robust school choice. Mikie Sherrill: Make school meals available at no cost for every student . Mikie Sherrill: For regional magnet schools attracting diverse students. Ras Baraka: Bonuses to schools that expand enrollment through diversity. Stephen Sweeney: Support a first-class education system, pre-K through 12 . Steve Fulop: Use magnet schools to bring diverse students together. |
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Energy & Oil Bob Hugin: Energy independence: solar & wind, plus domestic oil & gas. Bob Hugin: Climate change is human-caused, but Paris Accord is unfair. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Common-sense, sustainable solar & wind. Cory Booker: Sustainability programs: slow growth of carbon footprint. Cory Booker: Eliminate unfair subsidies for oil and ga. Hirsh Singh: Against switch over to high-risk energy systems. Jack Ciattarelli: Should accelerate use of natural gas, not phase it out. Jeff Bell: No subsidies for wind and solar. Joe Kyrillos: Don't require disclosure of renewables on electric bills. Joe Rullo: Repeal the 23-cent gas tax. Kim Guadagno: Favor wind turbines on Jersey coast. Murray Sabrin: No subsidies for wind and solar. Phil Murphy: Raise gas tax to renew Transportation Trust Fund. Phil Murphy: It stinks, but raise the gas tax to fund transportation. Phil Murphy: Protect our precious Jersey Shore from offshore drilling. Phil Murphy: Wind farm smarter than drilling for oil. Phil Murphy: 100% clean energy economy by 2050. Ray Lesniak: Require disclosure of renewables on electric bills. Rich Pezzullo: Keep energy costs low by opposing radical Green agenda. Richard Codey: Require disclosure of renewables on electric bills. Robert Menendez: World must cut greenhouse gas emissions, or reject science. Seth Kaper-Dale: Put NJ back on track on climate change. Steve Fulop: Variable rate gas tax with automatic inflation increase. Steve Fulop: Gas tax is essentially a user fee for motorists. Stuart Meissner: Climate change real, but response must be joint effort. Thomas Kean Jr.: Don't require disclosure of renewables on electric bills. Curtis Bashaw: Climate has been changing; we need energy independence. Edward Durr: Do I think that we are killing the world? No! Edward Durr: Don't extend deadlines to complete solar power facilities . Jack Ciattarelli: Ban offshore wind farms from being built off our coast. Jon Bramnick: Eliminate the ban on the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. Jon Bramnick: Extend deadlines to complete solar power facilities. Josh Gottheimer: Affordable energy will take an all-of-the-above approach. Mikie Sherrill: I will pursue all-of-the-above clean energy investments. Nellie Pou: Require disclosure of renewables on electric bills. Phil Murphy: Extend deadlines to complete solar power facilities. Ras Baraka: I will aggressively pursue our transition from fossil fuels. Stephen Sweeney: We need gas; we need pipelines; we need all-the-above. Stephen Sweeney: Require disclosure of renewables on electric bills. Steve Fulop: A proven track record of moving towards renewable energy. Mikie Sherrill: Cut red tape to build solar, natural gas, and nuclear. |
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Environment Bob Hugin: More work is needed for safe, clean environment. Bob Hugin: Protect our environment in a way that's fair to businesses. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Protect open space and natural wildlife habitats. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Fund clean up of contaminated industrial sites. Chris Christie: Develop Liberty State Park to generate more revenue. Cory Booker: Green space; green housing; green jobs. Donny DiFrancesco: $5M for purchasing open space. Jack Ciattarelli: Will be a green governor; safe, clean water imperative. Jim McGreevey: More open space protection to combat sprawl. Phil Murphy: Commit to protecting shores with long-term enviro plan. Phil Murphy: Long-term planning via Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Ray Lesniak: Ban baiting of deer and bear during hunting. Robert Menendez: Don't let the EPA get undermined. Seth Kaper-Dale: Energy construction should look to future, not past. Stephen Sweeney: Stall development of Liberty State Park until Christie gone. Steve Fulop: Stall development of Liberty State Park until Christie gone. Mikie Sherrill: Applauds EPA for mitigating PFAs contamination. Ras Baraka: Thanked EPA for helping Newark replace lead pipes. Steve Fulop: Force polluters to pay for the damage they caused. |
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Families & Children Phil Murphy: Ensure that all workers have the right to earned sick leave. Phil Murphy: We all can contribute, including the differently abled. Phil Murphy: Make New Jersey safest place to deliver and raise babies. Phil Murphy: Committed to more robust child-care support system. Seth Kaper-Dale: Address problems specific to LGBTQ community. Seth Kaper-Dale: Earned paid sick leave is a must. Steve Fulop: Require companies to grant paid sick leave. Phil Murphy: Introduce a new paid parental leave policy for state workers. Josh Gottheimer: Expand Child Tax Credit to help cover cost of child care. Mikie Sherrill: I will expand New Jersey's child tax credit. Stephen Sweeney: Authored New Jersey's Paid Family Leave program. Steve Fulop: Sixth city in the US to ensure paid sick leave. |
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Foreign Policy Bob Hugin: Supports Israel and recognizes Jerusalem as its capital. Cory Booker: No head in the sand; but no global police. Cory Booker: Where Israel's security is at stake, so is America's. Cory Booker: Development funds via international organizations for Africa. Cory Booker: Robust diplomacy and international development. Kim Guadagno: Keep restrictions on our relations with Cuba. Phil Murphy: Former U.S. ambassador to Germany, appointed by Obama. Rich Pezzullo: As our ally, we must support Israel's right to defend itself. Rich Pezzullo: Oppose all UN treaties that weaken our sovereignty. Rik Mehta: China: masters of misinformation, not to be trusted. Robert Menendez: Unequivocal support for Hong Kong protests against China. Stuart Meissner: Against Iran nuclear deal that sent money used for terrorism. Tammy Murphy: Joined with Bon Jovi in fundraising for Ukrainian war relief. Tammy Murphy: Joined with Bon Jovi in fundraising for Ukrainian war relief. Curtis Bashaw: Israel has right to defend itself & take out terrorists. Ras Baraka: Called for ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages. Mikie Sherrill: Nobody in NJ says "I hope today's the day we buy Greenland". |
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Free Trade Bob Hugin: In the end, tariffs will get a better deal with China. Cory Booker: African trade makes stable countries & good for our security. Cory Booker: China cheats via currency manipulation & IP theft. Jeff Bell: Act on bilateral agreements with Colombia and South Korea. Rik Mehta: For trade, but ensure other nations don't take advantage. Robert Menendez: Tariffs on China drive allies into arms of our adversaries. Tammy Murphy: Part of NJ trade delegation to East Asia & Taiwan. Curtis Bashaw: Real free trade takes commitments from all sides. Cory Booker: Unequivocally condemn the Trump tariffs, there's no strategy. Cory Booker: Trump tariffs have no strategy, it has no sense. |
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Government Reform Bonnie Watson Coleman: End voter suppression tactics. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Limit PAC, party, and corporate campaign donations. Chris Christie: Automatic voter registration is government-knows-best. Chris Christie: Early voting risks the integrity of our elections. Cory Booker: Campaign PAC money shouldn't speak louder than people. Cory Booker: Founding principle: make laws open to public debate. Cory Booker: Threat to voting rights in America remains very real. Hirsh Singh: Corrupt vote-by-mail system destroyed election's integrity. Jack Ciattarelli: No in-person early voting. Jack Ciattarelli: Call for Constitutional Convention and referendums. Jack Ciattarelli: Require photo ID, purge voter rolls, allow early voting. Jack Ciattarelli: Don't bring California's "insane regulations" to New Jersey. Jim McGreevey: More government oversight and public advocacy. Jeff Bell: Photo ID for voting. Joe Kyrillos: No in-person early voting. John Wisniewski: Establish in-person early voting in addition to Vote-by-Mail. Josh Gottheimer: Fight to defend the Voting Rights Act. Murray Sabrin: Photo ID for voting. Phil Murphy: I don't owe the political insiders anything. Phil Murphy: Easier voter registration; online voting & early voting. Phil Murphy: Undertake ethics reform; address pernicious sexism. Ray Lesniak: Establish in-person early voting in addition to Vote-by-Mail. Richard Codey: Establish in-person early voting in addition to Vote-by-Mail. Robert Menendez: Citizens United rolled back decades of progress. Robert Menendez: Do everything to protect all Americans' right to vote. Thomas Kean Jr.: No in-person early voting. Cory Booker: Average black voter waits in line 2X as long as white voter. Doug Steinhardt: Automatic voter registration would favor Democrats. Andy Kim: No officials having stock ownership in individual companies. Curtis Bashaw: Government should unshackle our small businesses. Curtis Bashaw: I believe election integrity is important to all voters. Phil Murphy: Easing outdated restrictions can lead to affordable housing. Phil Murphy: Time to make same-day voter registration a reality . Herb Conaway: Establish in-person early voting in addition to Vote-by-Mail. Jack Ciattarelli: Create the NJ Department of Government Efficiency. Jack Ciattarelli: Require all voters to produce photo ID at the polls. Jon Bramnick: Create a citizen led Government Efficiency Panel. Jon Bramnick: Establish in-person early voting in addition to Vote-by-Mail. Nellie Pou: Establish in-person early voting in addition to Vote-by-Mail. Ras Baraka: Home rule prevents building affordable housing. Ras Baraka: Make every vote count; make voting as easy as possible. Stephen Sweeney: Opposes allowing initiatives and referendums on the ballot. Steve Fulop: Same-day voter registration would increase turnout. Phil Murphy: Helped a record number of eligible voters cast ballots. |
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Gun Control Barbara Buono: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. Bob Hugin: Expanded background checks; bar people with mental illnesses. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Supports licensing; background checks; and safety locks. Chris Christie: No criminalization of new classes of firearms. Cory Booker: Common sense gun reform on day one. Cory Booker: More background checks & gun trace data. Donny DiFrancesco: No gun permits until age 21; require ballistics ID. Donny DiFrancesco: Prosecute gun crimes more; restrict future sales more. Hirsh Singh: Enact reciprocity between states to own & carry firearms. Hirsh Singh: If they take AR-15 rifles, will cell phones be next? Jack Ciattarelli: No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons. Jeff Bell: Debated who's most supportive of gun rights. Jeff Bell: Opposes more gun restrictions. Joe Kyrillos: No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons. Joe Rullo: Goal is concealed carry without justifiable need. John Wisniewski: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. Murray Sabrin: Opposes more gun restrictions. Rich Pezzullo: Opposes new federal gun laws; high marks from NRA. Phil Murphy: Sensible gun safety regulations: taxes & training. Phil Murphy: Reduce maximum magazine size from 15 rounds to 10. Ray Lesniak: Buy police weapons from socially responsible gun sellers. Ray Lesniak: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. Rich Pezzullo: More conservative justices on federal bench. Richard Codey: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. Rik Mehta: Never back down from defending the 2nd Amendment. Robert Menendez: Universal background checks & assault weapons ban. Seth Kaper-Dale: Supports gun control, but check laws for racial bias. Steve Fulop: Reward "socially responsible" gun distributors. Stuart Meissner: Supports 2nd Amendment, background checks. Thomas Kean Jr.: No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons. Doug Steinhardt: Gun owners are under constant attack from the left. Tammy Murphy: Owe it to our children to end the epidemic of gun violence. Andy Kim: Critical that Congress pass ban on bump stocks. Curtis Bashaw: Bump stock ban reasonable; an effective safety measure. Edward Durr: Opposed upgrading crimes related to manufacturing firearms. Herb Conaway: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. Jack Ciattarelli: Fast track status for applicants who face imminent danger. Jon Bramnick: No criminalization of all 50-caliber weapons. Jon Bramnick: Upgrade crimes related to manufacturing firearms. Nellie Pou: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. Phil Murphy: Enacted upgrading crimes related to manufacturing firearms. Ras Baraka: New Jersey endangered by weak gun laws in other states. Stephen Sweeney: Ban 50-caliber weapons instead of just 60-caliber. |
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Health Care Bob Hugin: As CEO, paid $280M drug settlement. Bob Hugin: Will use his 20 years in healthcare to craft new reforms. Bob Hugin: AdWatch: Raised drug prices in US while lowering them abroad. Bob Hugin: Lobbied to block cheaper generic alternatives. Bob Hugin: Repeal ObamaCare but keep preexisting conditions. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Before ObamaCare, millions were deprived of affordable care. Chris Christie: Hold down Medicaid costs while providing focused choice. Cory Booker: ObamaCare is a vital step in the right direction. Donny DiFrancesco: More funds for senior prescriptions, charity care, Medicaid. Hirsh Singh: COVID: don't stop family get-togethers for Thanksgiving. Hirsh Singh: Cap malpractice damages; limit frivolous lawsuits. Hirsh Singh: Repeal and replace ObamaCare. Jack Ciattarelli: Discontinue ObamaCare Cadillac health insurance plans. Jack Ciattarelli: Protect those with pre-existing conditions; lower costs. Jack Ciattarelli: COVID: Against requiring showing proof of vaccination. Jack Ciattarelli: Would veto ending religious exemptions for vaccinations. Jeff Bell: Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility. Jim McGreevey: More patient rights and senior protections. Joe Kyrillos: Ok for state to sue to prevent ObamaCare implementation. Kim Guadagno: Bring public insurance in line with private sector. Murray Sabrin: Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility. Phil Murphy: Protected ObamaCare; enacted sick leave. Phil Murphy: We're protecting the Affordable Care Act. Phil Murphy: Pounding away against anti-vax bloc: they're safe, they work. Phil Murphy: More people have insurance and they're paying less for it. Ray Lesniak: NJ should not sue to prevent ObamaCare implementation. Rich Pezzullo: Repeal ObamaCare; it's a dangerous proposal. Richard Codey: NJ should not sue to prevent ObamaCare implementation. Rik Mehta: Against Medicare for All, end excessive regulation. Robert Menendez: Repealing ObamaCare would hike premiums & hurt the disabled. Seth Kaper-Dale: Health care a right, not a benefit. Steve Fulop: Partner with public health groups to fight urban disparities. Steve Fulop: Combat health disparities that plague cities. Stuart Meissner: Under socialized medicine "I wouldn't be alive today". Stuart Meissner: Americans should not pay higher prices for drugs. Thomas Kean Jr.: Ok for state to sue to prevent ObamaCare implementation. Andy Kim: Expand Medicare: cover vision, hearing, and dental benefits. George Helmy: Covid exasperated crisis in youth mental health. Curtis Bashaw: Don't give even more power to government bureaucrats. Edward Durr: Don't punish doctors for misinformation on treatment. Jack Ciattarelli: Oppose a one-size-fits-all vaccination schedule. Jon Bramnick: Ensure appropriate Medicaid reimbursement rates. Mikie Sherrill: Mandate greater transparency in health care pricing. Mikie Sherrill: Affordable, accessible healthcare is a lifeline for families. Ras Baraka: Expand services to address social determinants of health. Stephen Sweeney: Require commitment for mental health services from providers. Stephen Sweeney: NJ should not sue to prevent ObamaCare implementation. Steve Fulop: We're going to ban premium hikes based on ZIP code. |
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Homeland Security Bob Hugin: Syrian airstrikes no "kabuki show" to our brave military. Cory Booker: Public oversight needed for NSA domestic spying. Cory Booker: Maintain the strongest military force in the world. Cory Booker: Irresponsible to spend on irrelevant weapon systems. Donny DiFrancesco: Fund domestic terrorism preparedness. Jeff Bell: Defense hawk and foreign-policy interventionist. Jeff Bell: Maintain a superior nuclear arsenal. Joe Rullo: Eliminate state income taxes on all veterans' pensions. Kim Guadagno: Head of the Military Growth Task Force. Murray Sabrin: Maintain a superior nuclear arsenal. Phil Murphy: Create new NJ department responsible for veterans. Rich Pezzullo: Spying on citizens not needed against criminals & terrorists. Seth Kaper-Dale: Help refugees, don't fear them. Steve Fulop: Denounced theory that Jersey City Muslims cheered 9/11. Thomas Kean Jr.: Co-sponsored bill establishing Office of Counter-Terrorism. Andy Kim: Helped veteran-owned businesses compete on federal projects. Jack Ciattarelli: Provide programs and benefits to all veterans. Josh Gottheimer: Imperative to fix budget shortfall in veterans benefits. Cory Booker: Trump seeks personal political loyalty from military. |
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Immigration Bob Hugin: Fully supports pathway to citizenship for innocent DREAMers. Bob Hugin: Path to citizenship for people building a productive life. Christie Todd Whitman: NJ should be compensated for costs associated with illegals. Hirsh Singh: Build that wall; enact merit-based immigration policies. Hirsh Singh: Illegal immigration should not be allowed. Hirsh Singh: Illegal immigrants getting driver's licenses will ruin state. Hirsh Singh: End undermining the sanctity of American citizenship. Jack Ciattarelli: Let local law agencies work with ICE on illegal immigration. Jeff Bell: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry. Joe Rullo: Eliminate sanctuary cities across NJ. Kim Guadagno: Against sanctuary state. Murray Sabrin: Protect the borders; prevent illegal entry. Ray Lesniak: No in-state tuition for unlawful immigrants. Rich Pezzullo: Opposes pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Rik Mehta: For the wall; against healthcare for illegal immigrants. Robert Menendez: DREAMer kids have grown up as Americans. Seth Kaper-Dale: Fought deportation splitting families. Steve Fulop: More outreach to involve immigrants in civic life. Stuart Meissner: Not fair for illegal immigrants to cut the line. Tammy Murphy: Supported pandemic relief for undocumented immigrants. Curtis Bashaw: Our wide-open southern border is a national security threat. Jack Ciattarelli: Ban municipalities declaring themselves Sanctuary Cities. Jon Bramnick: I would end sanctuary states, we have to follow the law. Mikie Sherrill: Ensure no retaliation for dealing with police, health care. Ras Baraka: Ensure police aren't arms of federal immigration enforcement. Stephen Sweeney: Would repeal New Jersey's "sanctuary" state status. Steve Fulop: Uphold and strengthen the Immigrant Trust Directive. Cory Booker: Ban ICE agents from being masked while operating. Mikie Sherrill: ICE protests have been peaceful, but ICE hasn't been. |
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Jobs Bonnie Watson Coleman: Move from a minimum wage to a living wage. Chris Christie: Focus on reducing unemployment but not government employment. Cory Booker: 1/3 of all NJ development is in Newark, where only 3% live. Cory Booker: $1,000 tax credit for job-training apprenticeships. Cory Booker: Great Recession decreased hourly wages overall. Cory Booker: Gender wage gap problematic; minority wage gap worse. Donny DiFrancesco: Develop a workplace basic skills program. Jack Ciattarelli: Reform public employee benefits system. Josh Gottheimer: Ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work. Kim Guadagno: Against minimum wage hike. Phil Murphy: Partner with private sector to expand job training. Phil Murphy: Close the wage gap: ban unequal pay for same work by women. Phil Murphy: Raise minimum wage to $15 per hour. Phil Murphy: Raise minimum wage to $15. Phil Murphy: Jobs NJ: align education with needs of employers, workers. Phil Murphy: One way to make state more affordable is pay a livable wage. Robert Menendez: Raise minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10/hour. Seth Kaper-Dale: Will work for $15 minimum wage. Seth Kaper-Dale: Will protect union rights to organize & collectively bargain. Steve Fulop: Jersey City first to raise the minimum wage to $15. Phil Murphy: We've nearly doubled state minimum wage to $15.49 an hour. Stephen Sweeney: Successfully raised minimum wage to above $15 an hour. Cory Booker: DEI actually allows us to hire the best of the best. |
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Principles & Values Cory Booker: First African-American senator from New Jersey. Hirsh Singh: I take absolute pride in being morally consistent. Hirsh Singh: Claims Antifa is "radical, paramilitary arm" of Democrats. Jack Ciattarelli: Don't make New Jersey the California of the East Coast. Jeff Bell: Judeo-Christian values established our government framework. Jeff Bell: 1982: ran for Senate; speechwriter for Ronald Reagan. Jeff Bell: Wife wept upon hearing he would run for Senate. Jeff Bell: Defeated incumbent Senator in GOP primary in 1978. Murray Sabrin: Judeo-Christian values established our government framework. Phil Murphy: Reject Pres. Trump's dark belief of an America in decline. Phil Murphy: Quality of life more important than tax breaks. Phil Murphy: Others focus on next election; we focus on next generation. Phil Murphy: New Jerseyans need to know government has their backs. Phil Murphy: For all of us, the politicking ends and the governing begins. Rik Mehta: Campaign $300,000+ in debt, entire campaign staff quit. Rik Mehta: We need God, we need prayer, reopen houses of worship. Robert Menendez: Admonished by Senate Ethics Committee for accepting gifts. Robert Menendez: Severely admonished by Senate for political favors. Stuart Meissner: Time to end the impeachment crusade. Stuart Meissner: Lifelong Democrat turned Trump supporter. Doug Steinhardt: Put America and New Jersey first. Andy Kim: Inject some integrity and civility back into our politics. Tammy Murphy: Churches played an important role during the pandemic. Curtis Bashaw: America is the greatest exception to tyranny in history. Curtis Bashaw: I'm a Libertarian freedom guy in many, many ways. George Helmy: Was unaffiliated; became Democrat to support candidate. George Helmy: I consider public service a privilege. George Helmy: First member of the Coptic Christian Church in the Senate. George Helmy: I have never--nor will I ever--seek elected office. Phil Murphy: In New Jersey, our values are who we are. Edward Durr: He is a Christian, blue-collar, and patriotic American. Jon Bramnick: Wouldn't take Trump's endorsement even if offered. Josh Gottheimer: I will always stand up to bigotry in all forms. Ras Baraka: Commitment to building a brighter and more inclusive future. Steve Fulop: Would oppose legislating definition of antisemitism. Cory Booker: When has Trump crossed the line over love of this country? Phil Murphy: My vision for a stronger, fairer NJ has been my North Star. |
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Social Security Bob Hugin: Blasts opponent for voting to raise taxes on Social Security. Chris Christie: State pensions cut by $120B; but $90B still to go. Chris Christie: Close deficit in state retirement fund over next 7 years. Chris Christie: Do not prioritize pensions over other critical spending. Cory Booker: Opposes raising retirement age; expand entitlements. Donny DiFrancesco: Reduce taxes on retiree earnings & benefits. Hirsh Singh: Move new state employees to 401k-style retirement plan. Jack Ciattarelli: Limit retirement pensions for public retirees. Josh Gottheimer: Oppose any attempt to privatize or cut benefits. Phil Murphy: Evaluate state pension system for growing unfunded liability. Ray Lesniak: Close deficit in state retirement fund over next 7 years. Robert Menendez: Opposes privatization of Social Security. Seth Kaper-Dale: State must ensure senior care. Jack Ciattarelli: Will never support cuts to Social Security or Medicare. Nellie Pou: Close deficit in state retirement fund over next 7 years. Stephen Sweeney: Close deficit in state retirement fund over next 7 years. Jon Bramnick: Close deficit in state retirement fund over next 7 years. |
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Tax Reform Barbara Buono: Increase top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Bob Hugin: Opposes new $10K cap on deductions for state & local taxes. Bob Hugin: Trump tax cuts delivered real relief & job creation. Chris Christie: I will veto any income tax increases that come before me. Chris Christie: Abolish the estate tax to incentivize people to stay in NJ. Chris Christie: No relief to subset of taxpayers; all need relief. Donny DiFrancesco: Limit inheritance taxes. Donny DiFrancesco: End the marriage tax. Donny DiFrancesco: High property taxes obstruct high quality of life. Hirsh Singh: End the inheritance tax, the gas tax, and property tax hikes. Hirsh Singh: Lower corporate tax to 15%, reduce capital gains tax to 10%. Hirsh Singh: Higher tax burdens are counterproductive. Jack Ciattarelli: No increase in top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Jack Ciattarelli: School funding formula is root of property tax growth. Jack Ciattarelli: Top priorities: lower property tax, reform state tax code. Jack Ciattarelli: Contract with NJ GOP: lower taxes, cut spending, reduce debt. Jeff Bell: Convinced Pres. Reagan to adopt radical tax-rate reductions. Jim McGreevey: Pay down debt; less taxes on seniors. Joe Kyrillos: No increase in top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Joe Rullo: Reduce property taxes; repeal gas tax; veto new taxes. John Wisniewski: Increase top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Josh Gottheimer: Comprehensive reform to lower rates & close loopholes. Kim Guadagno: High state property taxes drive businesses to other states. Kim Guadagno: Veto new tax increases. Phil Murphy: Stronger & fairer funding instead of massive tax breaks. Phil Murphy: Not giving up the fight for a millionaire's tax. Phil Murphy: Greater tax fairness, cuts for middle, families, seniors. Phil Murphy: State school funding is property tax relief. Ray Lesniak: Lower taxes to promote economic growth. Richard Codey: Increase top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Robert Menendez: Trump tax cuts was giant hit job on middle class. Steve Fulop: No municipal tax increase for third year in a row. Steve Fulop: We make government work well with no municipal tax increase. Stuart Meissner: Remove cap on federal deductions for local taxes. Stuart Meissner: Raise property tax deduction to $20,000. Thomas Kean Jr.: No increase in top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Curtis Bashaw: A "fair share" shouldn't mean higher taxes. Edward Durr: We have taxed the people to the verge of death. Herb Conaway: Increase top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Jack Ciattarelli: Cut the Corporation Business Tax by 1% per year for 5 years. Jon Bramnick: Cut income taxes; simplify brackets; adjust for inflation. Jon Bramnick: No increase in top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Josh Gottheimer: I will cut property taxes for everyone by nearly 15%. Nellie Pou: Increase top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Ras Baraka: Tax breaks for the wealthy make the rest of us pay the bills. Stephen Sweeney: Make tax system work for families, not just big corporations. Stephen Sweeney: Increase top tax rate to reduce property taxes. Cory Booker: Trump tax cuts blow a trillion dollar hole in our deficit. |
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Technology Albio Sires: Hudson-Bergen Light Rail has improved quality of life. Bill Pascrell: Resources to expand aging transportation infrastructure. Bonnie Watson Coleman: Support Net Neutrality: keep the internet open. Cory Booker: We can't afford to ignore aging infrastructure anymore. Cory Booker: Protect critical infrastructure from cyberattack. Cory Booker: Technology empowers individuals but creates diverse threats. Cory Booker: Fix crumbling rail & road with National Infrastructure Bank. Cory Booker: Invest in Next-Gen air traffic; broadband, and smart grid. Donald Payne Jr.: Smart investments in infrastructure critical to economy. Hirsh Singh: Potholes have become a de facto tax on citizens. Josh Gottheimer: Each dollar of infrastructure spending benefits us by $2. Josh Gottheimer: Invest in light rail & new tunnel via one-time corporate tax. Kim Guadagno: Infrastructure plan without gas tax or toll increases. Kim Guadagno: Get NY tax dollars spent on bi-state transportation. Phil Murphy: Share congestion pricing revenue between NYC and NJ. Phil Murphy: Transit system must know where it's going. Phil Murphy: We're closing the digital divide for schoolchildren. Phil Murphy: Joint venture with Israel for technological R&D. Robert Menendez: Investing in infrastructure revitalizes neighborhoods. Robert Menendez: Net Neutrality avoids higher prices. Seth Kaper-Dale: Infrastructure investment tied to environment. Steve Fulop: Light Rail is tremendous asset for economic development. Steve Fulop: Congestion pricing leads to "race to zero" for NYC vs. NJ. Curtis Bashaw: TikTok is a known national security risk from China. Phil Murphy: Ban cell phones from our K-12 classrooms. Phil Murphy: Allow mobile driver's licenses accessible from smartphones. Phil Murphy: It's time to step up and protect our kids. |
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War & Peace Bob Hugin: Iran used nuclear deal to export terrorism. Chris Murphy: Oppose sale of precision guided bombs to Saudi Arabia. Cory Booker: All options on the table with Iran, including military. Donny DiFrancesco: Recognize Jerusalem as capital; honor Holocaust claims. Hirsh Singh: We must stop radical Islamic terrorism, with military. Josh Gottheimer: No room for compromise in the war on terror. Robert Menendez: Selling arms to Saudi Arabia makes crisis in Yemen. Rik Mehta: Bring our troops home when it's not our war. Robert Menendez: Grave mistake to walk away from Iran nuke deal without plan. Robert Menendez: Oppose bombs to Saudi Arabia; no national security emergency. Robert Menendez: Is Trump acting for Russia and Turkey or willfully blind? |
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Welfare & Poverty Bob Hugin: Non-profit advocate for needs of homeless families. Chris Christie: Food stamps recipients must be in job training programs. Donny DiFrancesco: Fund welfare-to-work & exempt religious charities. Phil Murphy: More affordable housing; more Earned Income Tax Credit. Ray Lesniak: Private donations for job training for SNAP recipients. Rich Pezzullo: Make major cuts in welfare "giveaway" programs. Seth Kaper-Dale: Social justice for those who are last in society. Seth Kaper-Dale: Led church on social justice issues. |
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