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Books by and about 2024 presidential candidates |
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Hillbilly Elegy,
by JD Vance (2017) |
Crippled America,
by Donald J. Trump (2015) |
Fire and Fury,
by Michael Wolff (2018) |
Trump Revealed,
by Michael Kranish and Marc Fisher (2016) |
The Making of Donald Trump,
by David Cay Johnston (2016) |
Promise Me, Dad ,
by Joe Biden (2017) |
The Book of Joe ,
by Jeff Wilser (2019; biography of Joe Biden) |
The Truths We Hold,
by Kamala Harris (2019) |
Smart on Crime,
by Kamala Harris (2010) |
Becoming,
by Michelle Obama (2018) |
Higher Loyalty,
by James Comey (2018) |
The Making of Donald Trump,
by David Cay Johnston (2017) |
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Book Reviews |
(from Amazon.com) |
(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about the presidency from Amazon.com)
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State of New Jersey Politicians: secondary Archives
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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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The above quotations are from State of New Jersey Politicians: secondary Archives.
Debates and books for New Jersey:
- 2021-11: 2021 NJ Governor's race
- 2020-11: 2020 NJ Senatorial race
- 2019-11: Past and present Governor candidates from New Jersey
- 2018-11: NJ Congressional representatives, past and present
- 2018-11: 2018 NJ Senate race
- 2018-11: 2018 House NJ elections
- 2017-11: Past and present Senate candidates from New Jersey
- 2017-11: 2017 NJ Governor's race
- 2017-04: Cory Booker On The Issues, by Jesse Gordon
- 2016-12: State of New Jersey secondary Archives
- 2016-08: The Prize
- 2016-02: United, by Cory Booker
- 2015-01: The Newark Star Ledger
- 2014-11: 2014 NJ Senate debate
- 2013-08: 2013 N.J. Special Senate Election Debates
- 2013-04: 2013 New Jersey governor debates
- 2012-10: 2012 N.J. Senate debates
- 2012-06: Chris Christie: The Inside Story, by Bob Ingle and Michael Symons
- 2012-05: The New Black Politician, by Andra Gillespie
- 2012-04: The Jersey Sting, by Sherman & Margolin
- 2012-03: The Case for Polarized Politics, by Jeffrey Bell
- 2012-01: The Bergen Record
- 2011-11: NJ legislative records
- 2011-02: Teachers Under Attack!, by Mike Spina
- 2010-04: Citizen You, by Jonathan Tisch
- 2010-01: State of New Jersey Archives
- 2009-08: 2009 New Jersey gubernatorial debates
- 2008-10: 2008 NJ Senate Debate
- 2006-09: New Jersey 2006 Senate Debate
- 1997-01: Time Present, Time Past
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