Bramnick Won’t Run For Senate

By Matt Rooney, SaveJersey.com

Asm. Jon Bramnick has shocked the N.J. political world by declining to run for U.S. Senate in 2014, Save Jerseyans, leaving the field wide open…

His statement:

“After thoroughly considering the opportunity to run for United States Senate in 2014, I have decided to remain focused on my role as Assembly Republican Leader. I appreciate the support and enthusiasm offered to me by countless party leaders, elected officials, and devoted volunteers across New Jersey. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Christie and the dedicated members of the Assembly Republican caucus to advocate for the hardworking taxpayers of our state. “

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Wildstein willing to talk about N.J. bridge scandal for immunity

Wildstein willing to talk about N.J. bridge scandal for immunity (via NewsWorks)

A former appointee of Gov. Chris Christie who directed lane closures that caused massive traffic tie-ups in northern New Jersey is reiterating that he is ready to talk with lawmakers if he can be granted immunity from prosecution. But lawyer Alan Zegas…

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Despite GWB scandal, Chris Christie a big draw at Lonegan fundraiser

Despite GWB scandal, Chris Christie a big draw at Lonegan fundraiser (via NJ.com)

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Gov. Chris Christie, facing the biggest scandal of his political career, was still a big draw at a fundraiser tonight to retire the campaign debt of former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Lonegan. About 75 guests paid at least…

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New Christie bridge scandal subpoenas target governor’s top aides, advisers

New Christie bridge scandal subpoenas target governor’s top aides, advisers (via NJ.com)

TRENTON — Some of Gov. Chris Christie’s closest aides and advisers — as well as his re-election campaign committee — are among those subpoenaed this evening by the newly formed state Assembly panel investigating the George Washington Bridge scandal…

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Christie Administration Hires Former Federal Prosecutor To Conduct Internal Review And Cooperate with U.S. Attorney’s Bridgegate Inquiry

Trenton, NJ – Today, the Christie Administration announced the retention of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP to assist with the internal review announced by Governor Christie last week and to further cooperate with the U.S. Attorney inquiry. As part of the review process, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP will review best practices for office operations and information flow, and assist with document retention and production.

“Governor Christie made clear last week that he will conduct an internal review to uncover the facts surrounding the lane closures in Fort Lee. His Administration is fully cooperating with the U.S. Attorney inquiry and other appropriate inquiries and requests for information. To assist in conducting that internal review and furthering that cooperation, the Christie Administration is announcing today that Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has been retained as outside counsel. Their presence will bring an outside, third-party perspective to the situation, and they will be a valuable asset as we move forward. This Administration is committed to ensuring that what happened here never happens again. That’s what the people of New Jersey deserve.”

Heading up the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP team is former federal prosecutor Randy Mastro. Mastro is a former Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he specialized in organized crime cases and spearheaded the federal government’s landmark racketeering suit that compelled the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to hold democratic elections and to undergo court supervision. Mastro also served as former Deputy Mayor of New York City.

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, January 17-19, 2014

By Greg Kelly

Friday, January 17

• The Ultimate Elvis Birthday Bash at Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Admit One at NJ Repertory Theater (Long Branch) – MORE INFO

• The Underpants at First Ave Playhouse (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO

• The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Aberdeen) – MORE INFO

• Yoga for Adults (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Play Mah Jongg (Shrewsbury) – MORE INFO

• No Exit (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Night Out: Mexican Cuisine (Colts Neck) – MORE INFO

• iPlay After Dark (Freehold) – MORE INFO

Photo courtesy of Noel Westerland , Sr

• Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and Salsa Dancing (Sea Girt) – MORE INFO

• Kindness Matters Storytime at Monmouth Mall (Eatontown) – MORE INFO

• The Facts on Weight Loss Surgery (Tinton Falls) – MORE INFO

• Light of Day 2014 at The Saint (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Light of Day 2014 at The Wonder Bar (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Light of Day 2014 at The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Open Skating (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Pinewood Derby Tutorial Class (Aberdeen) – MORE INFO

• Buying Digital Photo Equipment (Lincroft) – MORE INFO

• Open Skating (Middletown) – MORE INFO

• Open Evening Swim (Eatontown) – MORE INFO

• Kids Night Out! (Fair Haven) – MORE INFO

• WordPress Training Workshop at BCC (Lincroft) – MORE INFO

• Winter Fun Kids Sports Spectacular (Freehold) – MORE INFO

• Winter Crafternoon for Kids (Neptune) – MORE INFO

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SALON CONCRETE HOSTS ‘HELP FOR HAIYAN’

SALON CONCRETE HOSTS ‘HELP FOR HAIYAN’ (via redbankgreen)

Christine Zilinski of Salon Concrete styles the hair of Maritza Soler of Port Monmouth, in a file photo from 2012. From press materials furnished by J Jems Communications When the Jersey Shore was ravaged by Hurricane Sandy, Salon Concrete owner Christine…

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The Nation’s Most Duplicitous Republican

By David Wanetick, Princeton, NJ

Governor Christie claims to have had no prior knowledge of the September George Washington Bridge closing orchestrated by his staff for purposes of political retribution against Fort Lee’s mayor. Why would he? He is above petty and partisan politics. At least that is what Governor Christie wants us to believe.

But is it really difficult to imagine that a man who has inflicted such enormous damage on his own party through his calculated and duplicitous behavior would not be at least equally vengeful against unsupportive mayors from the opposing political party? Let’s review some recent history.

Chris Christie was given his party’s highest honor when he was chosen to deliver the keynote address at the Republican Convention in August 2012. Instead of ginning up support for the Republican presidential nominee when he had the chance to appeal to tens of millions of voters, Christie made an ostentatiously narcissist speech that trivialized Mr. Romney. A day or two later, Christie claimed not to understand what was expected of him in delivering the keynote address.  Are we really to believe that Chris Christie didn’t know that the Republican Convention was about getting that party’s candidate elected?

Did Mr. Christie correct his behavior after disgracing himself at the convention? No.

He shamefully used the tragedy of Hurricane Sandy to enshrine nearly every step President Obama made during his visits and to rhapsodize about the President’s calls in connection with restoration efforts. At a time when he could have been very constructive in helping the Romney campaign, Christie was giddy in his constant Obama worship. Christie sounded more like a teenage girl’s first encounter with a suitor than a statesman in relating Obama’s telephone calls to him. (Here is Christie cooing over his late night calls with Obama, “…President Obama called me last night around midnight … I have to say the.…president himself…. have been outstanding with us so far..….. I want to thank the president personally for his personal attention to this.”)

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Opinion: Big and Small Thinking at the Port Authority

Opinion: Big and Small Thinking at the Port Authority (via NJSpotlight)

The reason I believe Gov. Chris Christie will survive the Bridgegate controversy is that he is too smart to have directed or encouraged what he accurately called the “abject stupidity” of September’s lane closings on the George Washington Bridge…

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Will the Bridgegate Scandal Change the Way Christie Governs?

Will the Bridgegate Scandal Change the Way Christie Governs? (via NJSpotlight)

For all the talk about how the George Washington Bridge scandal is going to affect Gov. Chris Christie’s national ambitions, what about closer to home, what about the “business of the people” as it’s conducted in New Jersey? Christie gives a State…

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