Quote of the Day: “I was asked to step down by the state Republicans and I did it because I am a team player. But, I did not want to do that, I wanted to fight. I stepped down and I thought it would just be over, but it is not over.” – Anthony Cappola
Anthony Cappola: ‘I Deserve to Be on this Ballot’
The last two weeks have been turbulent for Anthony Cappola. He was one of LD38’s Republican candidates, he was forced to step down from his position on the River Edge Council, made to drop out of the assembly race and told he would be replaced on the ballot with Fernando Alonso. Then, on Wednesday, he learned that the Bergen County Republican Organization dropped their petition to remove him from the ballot due to financial constraints. Now, he is trying to resuscitate his candidacy in a district that had initially been considered one of the most competitive in the state. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Busted ! CNN Uses Jeb Bush Staffer Planted In Audience To Frame Donald Trump Narrative/Hit Job….
Posted on October 13, 2015 by sundance
During an appearance at a Jon Huntsman “No Labels” event, a female audience member named Lauren Batchelder played the role of a female antagonist toward candidate Donald Trump.
However, Ms. Batchelder is not just an average audience member. She’s a paid political operative of the GOP and a paid staff member of Team Jeb Bush:
Within minutes of her scripted performance at the event, the producers of CNN were quickly editing soundbites and framing a narrative. That story was pushed into the media stream within hours. CNN’s Jeanne Moos was the delivery vehicle for the a hit piece.
Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, talks to West Bergen Tea Party members at their monthly meeting at Larkin House in Wyckoff on Aug. 25, 2015
Speaker fight gives Scott Garrett a boost in D.C.
OCTOBER 11, 2015, 8:39 PM LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015, 10:36 PM
BY HERB JACKSON
RECORD COLUMNIST |
THE RECORD
In July, moderate Republicans in the House wanted Speaker John Boehner to strip Rep. Scott Garrett, New Jersey’s most conservative congressman, of his subcommittee chairmanship. That effort came a short time after Garrett told Republican leaders that he would not contribute to or raise money for his party’s campaign committee because it supported gay candidates.
But last month, it was Boehner who decided to give up his gavel, and last week the man he favored to succeed him as speaker, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, withdrew his candidacy. A major factor in both events was opposition from the 30 to 40 members of the arch-conservative House Freedom Caucus, co-founded by Garrett.
Now Garrett’s position as chairman of a subcommittee that regulates Wall Street may have become even safer. As a leader of a group the next speaker will be seeking to woo, Garrett appears less likely to face a reprimand for not paying his party dues.
While it could still turn out that moderates get the next speaker to marginalize the power of the Freedom Caucus — Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said Friday that the group “should have been crushed long ago” — the only way a Republican could become speaker without Freedom Caucus votes is by brokering a deal with Democrats.
What is far from clear, however, is whether the leadership battle will provide a long-term political boost to Garrett himself.
“I’m not too concerned about the thoughts and opinions of opinion writers in newspapers these days. I’m worried about the opinion of our grassroots, our voters, our activists, those who are watching us, “ Sean Spicer, top strategist for the Republican National Committee (RNC)
Top GOP strategist: House leadership turmoil ‘a good thing’
By Mike Lillis
A leader of the GOP’s campaign arm is defending the current upheaval among House Republicans, saying the turbulent search to replace outgoing Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will ultimately benefit the party.
“There’s a lot of discussion going on as far as the direction, the vision that our party wants to go and who [is] the best person to lead it. You’ve seen it both in the presidential cycle, in terms of the number of candidates that we have up there and the competition that’s going on, and frankly now you’re seeing it in the House,” Sean Spicer, top strategist for the Republican National Committee (RNC), told CNN Saturday.
“I believe this is a good thing. It’s good for the party to go through these discussions, to have different people put their ideas and their vision out there, and for the best person to win.”
Spicer acknowledged that picking leaders is “not always the prettiest” process, but he rejected the notion that the party is at war with itself and dismissed the charges of Republican “chaos”and “dysfunction” as fantasies of the media.
“I’m not too concerned about the thoughts and opinions of opinion writers in newspapers these days. I’m worried about the opinion of our grassroots, our voters, our activists, those who are watching us,” Spicer said.
He noted that a string of recent victories have given Republicans control over most state houses across the country, and he highlighted the fact that the GOP’s House majority is the largest since the Hoover administration.
“So, as a party, we’re doing pretty well when you look at the actual number [of] wins that we’re getting,” Spicer said.
Guests on the Sunday talk shows will try to shed some light on a bizarre week in Congress, as several Republican House members make the rounds to discuss the chaotic race for Speaker.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), who announced a bid for the Speaker’s gavel last Sunday, joins ABC’s “This Week” to discuss House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) sudden departure from the race and the conference’s shaky leadership situation.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chairman of the conservative Freedom Caucus, who has beenfloated as a potential Speaker despite repeated assurances that he will not run, joins “Fox News Sunday” to weigh in on the race.
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), who said he is open to a return to the House’s top job if he can get the votes, will also make an appearance on the Fox News program.
Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.), a founding member of the Freedom Caucus and a prominent critic of outgoing Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), joins CBS’s “Face the Nation” to give his take on who should take up the gavel.
GOP Reps. Charlie Dent (Pa.), a centrist, and Dave Brat (Va.), the Freedom Caucus member who bested previous Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a GOP primary, will headline NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Also discussing the pandemonium over the Speaker race are Republican Reps. Raul Labrador (Idaho) and Tom Cole (Okla.), who will each appear on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Several candidates from the Republican and Democratic primaries will also make appearances, as the latter group prepares for their first debate on Tuesday.
Bergen County GOP goes to court in bid to replace Assembly candidate
The Bergen County Republican Organization went to court Monday in an effort to replace an Assembly candidate who suspended his campaign last week over a controversial self-published book that contains racial slurs and stereotypes. John C. Ensslin, The Record Read more
Yudin: Cappola Incident Nobody’s Fault
Last week, a book written by former LD38 assembly candidate Anthony Cappola that featured offensive and bigoted writings led him to drop out of the race. Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin said the situation is a “contrary reflection” on the GOP and on the chairman himself. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJRead more
Court Hearing Possible Today Over LD38 Ballot
The GOP effort to replace Anthony Cappola’s name on the LD38 assembly ballot may be heading to court as early as today according to Bergen County Republican Chairman Bob Yudin. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
LD38 Case File ‘Pending’ In Judge’s Chambers
According to an source, the LD38 case file is currently pending and is being held in the chambers of Judge Ernest Caposela. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Ridgewood NJ, Unlike past years this years Freeholder contest is all about meeting and getting to know Bergen county. Candidate John Mitchell has been making the rounds non stop from months listen to what people in the county are concerned about .
It was a “Win-Win” at the Ridgewood train station this morning…
…It was a “win” that I was able to help a commuter understand the intricacies of the unfair school funding formula and how it impacts his ever rising property taxes. And it was also a “win” that I had a chance to meet hundreds of residents in this beautiful town.
“I’m always nervous when speaking to a large group of women and particularly beautiful women”…
…was my quote at the Republican Women’s Annual Candidates Showcase. In all seriousness though, the Bergen County Republican Women are the BCRO’s heart and soul and I very much appreciate their tireless hard work and support!
What is a Freeholder?…
…That was the operative question of the morning at the Oradell train station. When I explained that the The Board of Chosen Freeholders acts as the legislature for Bergen County and controls what county government can spend, things became a bit clearer…and certainly the commuters were happy to hear that my running mates and I have specific plans on how to reel in the ever burdensome property taxes hoisted on the backs of our hard working citizens.
…The Oradell train station also accommodates surrounding towns including the great town of New Milford. I was joined by New Milford Council Candidate Matt Seymour along with Oradell Council President Donna Alonso. Our tag teaming of commuters from the various towns was very productive indeed
“The Junior Statesmen of America”…
…were NJ Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi’s and my audience at Dwight Morrow High School. The subject today was how state and county government works followed by a rapid fire Q&A covering everything from the presidential election, Planned Parenthood, to how we entered politics. They kept us on our toes but is was very enjoyable for all.
“I love Bergen County but I know when I retire I will no longer be able to afford to live here.”…
…This has been a common sentiment as I campaign across the county, and River Edge was no exception. For that very reason my running mates and I have made it our top priority to tackle this problem, with property tax reduction at the top of the list.
“Paramus is a great place to live but please help us keep it that way!’…
…That was what I heard from the hard working commuters/voters at the Paramus Park & Ride this morning. Business attraction, business retention and the elimination of unnecessary business regulations summarizes the conversations I had. Will do!
According to Mahwah Councilman and former Bergen County Freeholder Rob Hermansen, the November election will prove to be a critical one for Bergen County’s Republican chairman Bob Yudin Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJRead more
North Jersey GOP candidate drops out of state race after book called ‘offensive garbage’
OCTOBER 1, 2015, 6:34 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015, 7:47 AM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN AND DUSTIN RACIOPPI
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
A Republican Assembly candidate, running in a competitive North Jersey district home to the most expensive legislative elections in the state, ended his campaign Thursday after a news report described his self-published book and its rampant racial and sexual slurs.
The candidate, Anthony Cappola, is also a councilman in River Edge and owner of a company that provides DJs for parties.
In 2003, Cappola self-published “Outrageous,” a book his running mate called “offensive garbage” on Thursday after its contents were made widely public.
The web site Politico New Jersey first reported details of the book Thursday along with Cappola’s statement that he was quitting the race.
“I’m sorry if I offended anyone and deeply regret what was written. I am not the same person I was 12 years ago, but I take responsibility for what I wrote and have chosen to bow out of the race,” Cappola said in a prepared statement released by his campaign manager.
The book is listed as out of print on Amazon and a check with local libraries found no copies available. The Record obtained a copy from sources who did so on the condition they not be identified.
By Ed O’Keefe and Matea Gold September 27 at 3:07 PM
Jeb Bush is entering a critical phase of his Republican presidential campaign, with top donors warning that the former Florida governor needs to demonstrate growth in the polls over the next month or face serious defections among supporters.
The warnings, expressed by numerous senior GOP fundraisers in recent days, come as Bush and an allied super PAC are in the early stages of an aggressive television ad campaign that they believe will help erase doubts about his viability.
But Bush continues to battle against a steady decline in the polls, sinking to fifth place at just 7 percent in a national NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released Sunday and similarly languishing in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire.
The warnings from top donors come as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s exit from the race refocused the battle within the GOP’s establishment wing as one between Bush and his former protege, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Right now, the momentum appears to be behind Rubio, who has jumped ahead of Bush in most polls. At least a third of the bundlers who signed up to raise money for Walker have switched their allegiance to Rubio, while a smaller number have gone with Bush, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Bush is also facing fresh scrutiny for comments that critics say bear echoes of remarks Mitt Romney made during his 2012 GOP presidential bid, part of a pattern of awkward statements that have forced him or his campaign to clarify.
Rumors of Donald Trump’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated.
Ever since rival Carly Fiorina was widely perceived to have bested Trump at the second GOP debate in California on Sept. 16, media outlets have been lining up to suggest that the front-runner is waning.
Trump has hit back with characteristic vigor. But he has a point, independent observers say.
“The reality is that he does have a hold on some people and he doesn’t appear to be surrendering it,” said Mark Mellman, a veteran Democratic pollster who is also a columnist for The Hill.
Much of the negative media attention has been built around a single poll in the immediate aftermath of the debate, by CNN/ORC.
The survey showed the businessman’s support among Republican voters nationwide had declined by 8 percentage points since the last survey from the same source, less than two weeks before.
That was a sizable decline, to be sure — even though Trump still led his closest rival by 9 percentage points. But no other reputable poll since the debate has shown Trump falling by anything like that margin.
A survey from Fox News released earlier this week showed the businessman at 26 percent support nationally, an increase of 1 point since Fox’s last survey in mid-August. A Bloomberg poll gave him 21 percent — good enough for a 5-point lead over the field and an unchanged rating since the last poll from the financial news outlet at the beginning of August.
The picture is not substantially different in the crucial early states — and, in some cases, it is even better for Trump.
The Democratic-leaning firm Public Policy Polling (PPP) released a new survey from Iowa this week in which Trump polled at 24 percent — a 5-point rise over his showing in PPP’s previous poll of the Hawkeye State in the immediate aftermath of the first GOP debate on Aug. 6.
By Ralph Z. Hallow – The Washington Times – Sunday, September 27, 2015
With John Boehner now departing as House speaker, an influential Republican Party official is now seeking the ouster of another GOP leader who has frustrated conservatives: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“McConnell needs to resign!!” Louisiana GOP Chairman Roger Villere wrote in a Facebook posting.
Mr. Villere isn’t just any Republican. He’s the longest-serving state GOP chairman in the nation, with 12 years on the job, and is the vice chairman of the Republican National Committee, the GOP’s national governing body. He also serves on the RNC’s executive committee that makes decisions alongside Chairman Reince Priebus.
“Mitch is a good and honorable guy, but the base is leaving our party,” Mr. Villere said in an interview with The Washington Times. “I’m out in the field all the time and we have all our elections this year for state offices, and it’s hurting us tremendously with our elections.”
Aides for Mr. McConnell, Kentucky Republican, did not return repeated calls and emails seeking comment. A spokeswoman for Mr. Priebus said he was unavailable Sunday.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican Party’s conservative wing, pumped up by House Speaker John Boehner’s stepping down, is warning the 2016 presidential candidates that defying its wishes will come at their peril.
Religious activists forcefully conveyed this message Saturday: embrace our uncompromising stance against abortion rights and gay marriage, among other priorities, even if doing so risks a federal government shutdown.
An emboldened conservative movement signals fresh trouble for White House candidates viewed by the party’s frustrated base as insufficiently committed to their cause. Chief among them is former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
“Conservatives are on fire at the moment,” said Gary Bauer, a former president of the Family Research Council. He was among the featured speakers at the Values Voter annual conference that brought an estimated 2,000 evangelical activists to Washington this weekend.
Boehner’s announcement that he would resign from Congress by the end of October came without warning Friday, nearly four months before voting begins in the presidential primary. His decision revealed a deep divide within the GOP that raises questions about the party’s ability to unite behind one candidate next spring.
Hard-line conservatives were deeply disappointed with the last two Republican presidential nominees – former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain. Boehner was unpopular among conservative activists, and his resignation will give them new hope that the party may choose a candidate who energizes the most passionate voters, even if that nominee is seen as less attractive to a general election crowd.
A co-founder of the tea party movement said Boehner was just another of the establishment figures taken down by frustrated conservatives. “Today, the insurgency is more emboldened than ever and looks to even further dominate the presidential elections in 2016,” said Mark Meckler. “Our influence is growing.”
Rep. Garrett: Boehner Resignation Is Surprising (Bloomberg News)
By Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, one of the few House Republicans who voted against re-electing John Boehner as speaker, said he would “look forward” to electing a new leader of the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives.
“The American people are frustrated with Washington, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the people’s House to select leadership that expands opportunity for all, puts hardworking American families first, and has strong principles that represent everyone,” said Garrett (R-5th Dist.).
Garrett praised Boehner (R-Ohio), who announced his resignation Friday, as “a dedicated public servant” and wished him “all the best as he begins his next endeavor in life.”
September 25, 2015 2:56 PM Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) will be the next target of conservatives frustrated with party leadership, according to one of the conservative representatives who pressured House speaker John Boehner in the weeks leading up to his resignation. “Next guy in the crosshairs will probably be McConnell,” Representative Matt Salmon (R., Ariz.) said in a text message to Senator Mike Lee (R., Utah), according to National Journal’s Sarah Mimms. Lee replied that he doubts that will happen.
Still, Salmon’s speculation reflects a theory of Boehner’s struggles that is common among the outgoing speaker’s friends and foes alike — that his unpopularity among the grassroots stems more from McConnell’s failure to take advantage of the Senate majority than anything House Republicans have done. If that’s true, then Boehner’s departure can hardly be expected to ease the tensions between GOP leadership and the conservative base or preempt more leadership fights in the future. “People are frustrated with out Republican leadership, with Boehner and McConnell, and it’s not usually the third or fourth question that comes up — it’s the first question that comes up,” Representative Marlin Stutzman (R., Ind.), who voted against Boehner in January, told National Review last week. “It’s happening at tea-party events, but it’s [also] happened at Republican breakfasts, it’s happening at donor meetings — there’s a deep frustration.”
