CORY BOOKER For US Senate: Set to Make History In New Jersey

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

US SENATE CANDIDATE CORY BOOKER

August 13, 2013 is just a few days away, and all eyes are on the special election set to determine who will fill out the unexpired term of the late US Senator, Frank Lautenberg.

Governor Chris Christie set the election date despite the protestations of his Rep-ugh-blican cronies who wanted him to use it to fill the vacant seat with a republican.  He chose to set a special election prior to the upcoming New Jersey gubernatorial election.  

And now the clock is ticking and as the time winds down, it looks as though Cory Booker is the clear front runner, much to the chagrin of his opponents -  NJ Assembly Speaker, Sheila Oliver, .US. Rep. Rush Holt,  and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, all Democrats.   Rep-ugh-blican opponents include Steve Lonegan and Alieta Eck.

Since Lautenberg's death in June,  Booker has built a national following, with supporters coming from all over the US to be part of his victory.  Prior to the special election, many had anticipated his running for a third term; while others (including yours truly) had hoped he would give Christie a run for his money and become the first African American governor of the state of New Jersey.

His track record on addressing such issues as curtailing gun violence, child poverty, economic development, crime issues, immigration,quality housing, education and other areas of concern have ranged from satisfactory to stellar.  Coming in on the already progressive trail blazed by former Newark mayor Sharpe James,  Booker has raised nearly $400 million in philanthropy to the city, which included a $100 million matching education grant from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.


Reversing what had been a downward slide, Newark has been on the upswing, with new projects and improvements almost daily. Newark has gone from a city that was once on the critical list to one that is making more than a comeback, it's leading the parade to progress.

Booker has garnered following across the Hudson, with local leaders like Chet Whye, who was campaign manager for New York in the Harlem for Obama Campaign 2012, pulling together phone campaigns and door knockers to make sure there is a significant turn out for the upcoming special election.

Statistically speaking, 70% of Newark's children live in low income families; however, educational standards and facilities have improved significantly. There are fewer shootings in Newark while there is still a significant crime rate.

While not everybody is impressed with Booker's track record, such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, Jon Stewart and others are supporters of his candidacy. Many applaud the fact that he has been a “hands-on mayor,” chasing down criminals, allowing residents to stay in his apartment during Superstorm Sandy, shoveling snow during a blizzard, going on a 10-day hunger strike to bring attention to drug abuse.
Polls show that 70 percent of Newark residents support Booker, saying that the city is better since he's taken office. It's become a more attractive place to live, and recently an influx of new residents and businesses have been documented over the past year.

Of course, once Booker secures the position of Senator (notice I did not say “if”), the next burning question is who will step in as Newark's next mayor, to carry forward the progressive program already in motion.  It will be interesting to see who is (s)elected to fill those shoes.

With three days and counting until the special election, an all out push is on to Get Out The Vote. And, though Booker is the clear front runner, no one should be taking anything for granted. Polls open at 6:00 in the morning and close at 8:00 in the evening. Jersey residents must make sure that you get up, get out, vote and get the rest of your friends, relatives and associates up and out to vote as well.

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New Jersey Gov. Christie - Smarter than the Average Rep-ugh-blican

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By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

First of all my condolences to the family of US Senator Frank Lautenberg.  He was truly a great man.  I met him on several occasions during the time I resided in Jersey City.  It was Senator Lautenberg who recommended Glenn D. Cunningham to become the first U.S. Marshall from New Jersey.  It was also Senator Lautenberg, along with Jon Corzine, recommended and backed Cunningham to become the first Black mayor of Jersey City.  Mayor Cunningham, unfortunately, died suddenly of a heart attack in 2005, and Jersey City, just like New York City, can't seem to get its act together to elect another viable Black man (or woman) to that office.  Hmmmm .... the Hudson River - could it be there's something debilitating in the water?

Bear with me, folks, I'm making a point here:  Chris Christie was also a friend of Glenn Cunningham.  They were aligned through their coinciding roles in law enforcement.  And frankly, I never knew, until he ran for governor, whether Chistie was a Democrat or Rep-ugh-blican.  Of course I found out later - kind of disappointed, if you know what I mean.

Up until Hurricane Sandy most of us had considered Christie somewhat of a buffoon - a tool for the rep-ugh-blican party - one who could be easily manipulated.  But that fateful day in October changed things considerably - it appears Christie found his manhood.  It appeared he realized, once and for all, what was more important - not political affiliation, but the welfare and needs of his constituency.

It was clear to Christie, that had there been a Rep-ubh-blican president in the White House, the people of the state of New Jersey might have been waiting until hell froze over for help.  He also realized that President Obama walked his walk, and was sincere about his desire to have a bi-partisan American government.  So he took the step seen round the world and asked for help.  And he expressed his gratitude in a way that only a real human being could - he hugged the President -on camera - in front of the whole rep-ugh-blican world - you could hear the combinations of cheers and jeers around the world.

Now, with the demise of Senator Lautenberg, the Rep-ugh-blicans were looking for Governor Christie to appoint a rep-ubh-blican to his unexpired democratic seat.  There was much debate on radio and TV.  Much speculation about what he would do; what it would mean to the party; how it would affect Obama, yada yada yada...

I got into a debate with an associate of mine as well - and I'm happy to say that I WAS RIGHT***! (Damn!  I spoke too soon - it appears - as per Corey Platt  of the DGA - see below)

I knew Christie could not in good faith put a rep-ugh-blican in Lautenberg's seat - not if he wanted to win re-election as governor of New Jersey.  There was no way.  And he couldn't appoint a Democrat either.  The only way he could do it, and look as if he was concerned about the wishes of his contituents, would be to hold an open election for Lautenberg's seat. ***

And no, rep-ugh-blicans (and Democrats)- IT'S NOT (just) ABOUT THE MONEY.  People do have a say, and they deserve to be heard; and to be represented by people they feel will act in their best interests.  If Christie had put someone in that seat without public input via the ballots, it's a sure cinch they would also see him as someone who did not have their best interests at heart.  Whether he does or not is another story - but the fact that he's smart enough to make it look that way probably means he'll be around for another 4 years.  Though he's no Jon Corzine, he's better than what you've unearthed so far.  So unless you have another candidate - viable candidate, not symbolic - to run against him; this seat is his to lose. 

You need to make sure you concentrate on getting a first BLACK MAN/WOMAN DEMOCRAT  to run for Lautenberg's seat PRONTO! 

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

***Now for the CAVEAT EMPTOR: 
Corey Platt  of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) to me :

"Gloria,
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had two options for filling the Senate seat vacated by the late progressive hero Senator Frank Lautenberg: hold a special election on November 5th, the date of the 2013 general election, or appoint a placeholder and hold the election as regularly scheduled in November 2014.

Christie stunned the country by doing neither, instead calling a special election for October 16th, just three weeks prior to the general election. Christie’s decision will cost New Jersey taxpayers $24 million, by one estimate.

Wasting $24 million of taxpayers’ money is bad, but that’s not actually the worst part.

You see, October 16th falls on a Wednesday—not a Tuesday like nearly every other election held in the United States. Holding an election on a Wednesday is bound to confuse many voters, and Governor Christie knows it.

Christie’s move is one of the most brazen attempts to suppress Democratic votes in recent memory. Unfortunately it’s part of a larger effort by Republican governors to make it difficult for Democrats to cast a ballot by limiting early voting, limiting acceptable forms of ID, and changing the rules without warning.

Stand up to Chris Christie and Republican governors. Sign our petition demanding that Republicans stop all attempts at voter suppression.

When New Jersey passed early voting, Governor Christie vetoed the bill, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.

Now Christie is wasting $24 million in taxpayers' money to make sure that as few people as possible vote in both the October special and regular November 2013 general elections, when Christie himself is on the ballot.

The Star-Ledger newspaper called it “a shameless move that will…risk the integrity of the vote.”

Join us and call on Republican governors to stop voter suppression, right now.

I thought I had seen every voter suppression trick in the book, until Governor Christie invented a new one. Let’s show him we see through his bald-faced political power play.

-Corey
Corey Platt
Democratic Governors Association"   ***My Response to him is: 
Hi Corey:

What makes it so bad is that I kinda paid him a compliment - by saying that at least he didn't put a rep-ugh-blican in a Democratic seat. The cost of course is a consideration; the date may be offputting, but we can combat that. I'm more concerned that he at least looks as though he was trying to make it possible for Democrats to elect a replacement. We ought to be smart enough to outsmart him and have someone who can step up and step into that role - regardless of what day of the week it is. Let's rise to the occasion and let him know that we're more than equal to the task - I shudder to think what we'd get if we didn't have a voting date at all.

Besides, he's a rep-ugh-blican, Corey - what do you want? It's as close as you will ever get to equanimity.

If we get our base prepped - we will emerge with someone as good as Lautenberg - and I think, at this point, this is what we need to be concentrating on, as opposed to griping abour Christie and the money. Who do you have in mind that we need to be backing - that's the big question.


STAY BLESSED
Glolria Dulan-Wilson

Twas the Night Before Election 2012

Hello All: Thought I'd inject just a little light humor over a very serious subject. So please indulge me, and enjoy - if you like it, pass it on. Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE ELECTION 2012 (based loosely on the rhythm & rhyme of Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore) PoeticLicenseTM BY GLORIA DULAN-WILSON (c) NOVEMBER 5, 2012 Twas the night bfore the Election And in every house The people were shouting Keep Obama in the White House!! * He helped us when the economy tanked and we were in despair The Bushes were laughing and didn't give a care * Wall Street was pampered while Main Street was dead Visions of homes, jobs and auto workers were all ripped to shreds * People bought homes that were part of a trap And now were losing them in a mortgage security gap * The first Presidential debate was full of Romney chatter The President seemed quiet, but that didn't matter * The mendacity of Mitt-Twit was salacious and brash Cause he was not for WE THE PEOPLE, just partisan cash * The anger of the people was beginning to grow Cause his on-camera "caring" was all just for show * And what to our wondering eyes did appear But the puppet master strings so blatant and clear * And a conniver named Rove so sneaky and slick That he, the Kochs and Bushes had tried every underhanded trick * They tried to stop votes with bogus I.D. scams to reduce the amout, They own vote counting machines so they can miscount * They lied in Wisconsin, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania The media, newspapers, television all carried Romneymania * And he said he'd cut out the 47% and make sure they didn't get one red cent Romneysia is a recurring condition; he lies about lying, with no truth admission * He'd cancel FEMA, PBS, Big Bird, Medicaid & Obamacare Let the the Elders eat vouchers; what does he care? * He'll send all the jobs to cheap Chinese & Latin Americans for hire You think unemployment's high now, he'll make it even higher! * He's torn down more companies than he's ever built He's run businesses into the ground without any guilt * He's running on a record he never attained The UAW is suing him for outrageous profits he obtained * More rapid than eagles Obama's forces they came He counterd aend shouted and made Romney/Ryan look lame * Now Michelle! Now Hillary! Now Eric! Now Clinton!! On Nutter! On Jesse! On Kerry! on Colin and too many to mention * To the top of world respect! to the top of the wall! Now dash away, rep-ughblican delays, job blockages and all! * As dry leaves before hurricane Sandy did fly He and Chris Christie and took to the Jersey sky * So over the submerged houses with FEMA they flew And he made sure Jersey & New York had aid that day before he was through * And there in a twinkling we all saw the proof Romney/Ryan was fallacy - Obama/Biden is truth!!! * As the independents vacillated and waited around Obama's leadership in education, health & foreign affairs still abound * He's clothed in vision & purpose from his head to his foot He's brought the soldiers home and our jobs back to boot! * A bundle of aid for Americans he did not hold back Like the leader he is, he protects us from lack & attack * His eyes, how they twinkle, his smile reassuring His vision is keen, is strength so alluring * He has a strong friendly smile at least a mile wide He looks you in the eye - he has nothing to hide * He has a mellow way of talking He makes you feel calm He takes responsiblity; protects the country from harm * He looks out for women, disenfranchised, the middle class and the poor He's done more in two years than most have done in four * He's taken lemons and given us lemonade He takes responsibility and isn't afraid * When he speaks his words, you know it will work To not vote for Obama, you'd have to be a jerk * He's for All Americans, not just for those The rich, right wing rep-ugh-blicans chose * So as we get up to slay the ones who don't give a whistle Just remember to vote Nov.6, because this will * Be the most important thing you do When you cast your vote for the country & WE, THE PEOPLE - that's YOU!! * So let me exclaim before you turn out the light Re-Elect Barack Obama by Tomorrow Night * STAY BLESSED & ECLECTICALLY AMERICAN Gloria Dulan-Wilson (c) November 5, 2012

Hello All: Thought I'd inject just a little light humor over a very serious subject. So please indulge me, and enjoy - if you like it, pass it on. Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE ELECTION 2012 (based loosely on the rhythm & rhyme of Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore) PoeticLicenseTM BY GLORIA DULAN-WILSON (c) NOVEMBER 5, 2012 Twas the night bfore the Election And in every house The people were shouting Keep Obama in the White House!! * He helped us when the economy tanked and we were in despair The Bushes were laughing and didn't give a care * Wall Street was pampered while Main Street was dead Visions of homes, jobs and auto workers were all ripped to shreds * People bought homes that were part of a trap And now were losing them in a mortgage security gap * The first Presidential debate was full of Romney chatter The President seemed quiet, but that didn't matter * The mendacity of Mitt-Twit was salacious and brash Cause he was not for WE THE PEOPLE, just partisan cash * The anger of the people was beginning to grow Cause his on-camera "caring" was all just for show * And what to our wondering eyes did appear But the puppet master strings so blatant and clear * And a conniver named Rove so sneaky and slick That he, the Kochs and Bushes had tried every underhanded trick * They tried to stop votes with bogus I.D. scams to reduce the amout, They own vote counting machines so they can miscount * They lied in Wisconsin, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania The media, newspapers, television all carried Romneymania * And he said he'd cut out the 47% and make sure they didn't get one red cent Romneysia is a recurring condition; he lies about lying, with no truth admission * He'd cancel FEMA, PBS, Big Bird, Medicaid & Obamacare Let the the Elders eat vouchers; what does he care? * He'll send all the jobs to cheap Chinese & Latin Americans for hire You think unemployment's high now, he'll make it even higher! * He's torn down more companies than he's ever built He's run businesses into the ground without any guilt * He's running on a record he never attained The UAW is suing him for outrageous profits he obtained * More rapid than eagles Obama's forces they came He counterd aend shouted and made Romney/Ryan look lame * Now Michelle! Now Hillary! Now Eric! Now Clinton!! On Nutter! On Jesse! On Kerry! on Colin and too many to mention * To the top of world respect! to the top of the wall! Now dash away, rep-ughblican delays, job blockages and all! * As dry leaves before hurricane Sandy did fly He and Chris Christie and took to the Jersey sky * So over the submerged houses with FEMA they flew And he made sure Jersey & New York had aid that day before he was through * And there in a twinkling we all saw the proof Romney/Ryan was fallacy - Obama/Biden is truth!!! * As the independents vacillated and waited around Obama's leadership in education, health & foreign affairs still abound * He's clothed in vision & purpose from his head to his foot He's brought the soldiers home and our jobs back to boot! * A bundle of aid for Americans he did not hold back Like the leader he is, he protects us from lack & attack * His eyes, how they twinkle, his smile reassuring His vision is keen, is strength so alluring * He has a strong friendly smile at least a mile wide He looks you in the eye - he has nothing to hide * He has a mellow way of talking He makes you feel calm He takes responsiblity; protects the country from harm * He looks out for women, disenfranchised, the middle class and the poor He's done more in two years than most have done in four * He's taken lemons and given us lemonade He takes responsibility and isn't afraid * When he speaks his words, you know it will work To not vote for Obama, you'd have to be a jerk * He's for All Americans, not just for those The rich, right wing rep-ugh-blicans chose * So as we get up to slay the ones who don't give a whistle Just remember to vote Nov.6, because this will * Be the most important thing you do When you cast your vote for the country & WE, THE PEOPLE - that's YOU!! * So let me exclaim before you turn out the light Re-Elect Barack Obama by Tomorrow Night * STAY BLESSED & ECLECTICALLY AMERICAN Gloria Dulan-Wilson (c) November 5, 2012

Twas The Night Before Election 2012

Hello All: Thought I'd inject just a little light humor over a very serious subject. So please indulge me, and enjoy - if you like it, pass it on. Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE ELECTION 2012 (based loosely on the rhythm & rhyme of Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore) PoeticLicenseTM BY GLORIA DULAN-WILSON (c) NOVEMBER 5, 2012 Twas the night bfore the Election And in every house The people were shouting Keep Obama in the White House!! * He helped us when the economy tanked and we were in despair The Bushes were laughing and didn't give a care * Wall Street was pampered while Main Street was dead Visions of homes, jobs and auto workers were all ripped to shreds * People bought homes that were part of a trap And now were losing them in a mortgage security gap * The first Presidential debate was full of Romney chatter The President seemed quiet, but that didn't matter * The mendacity of Mitt-Twit was salacious and brash Cause he was not for WE THE PEOPLE, just partisan cash * The anger of the people was beginning to grow Cause his on-camera "caring" was all just for show * And what to our wondering eyes did appear But the puppet master strings so blatant and clear * And a conniver named Rove so sneaky and slick That he, the Kochs and Bushes had tried every underhanded trick * They tried to stop votes with bogus I.D. scams to reduce the amout, They own vote counting machines so they can miscount * They lied in Wisconsin, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania The media, newspapers, television all carried Romneymania * And he said he'd cut out the 47% and make sure they didn't get one red cent Romneysia is a recurring condition; he lies about lying, with no truth admission * He'd cancel FEMA, PBS, Big Bird, Medicaid & Obamacare Let the the Elders eat vouchers; what does he care? * He'll send all the jobs to cheap Chinese & Latin Americans for hire You think unemployment's high now, he'll make it even higher! * He's torn down more companies than he's ever built He's run businesses into the ground without any guilt * He's running on a record he never attained The UAW is suing him for outrageous profits he obtained * More rapid than eagles Obama's forces they came He counterd aend shouted and made Romney/Ryan look lame * Now Michelle! Now Hillary! Now Eric! Now Clinton!! On Nutter! On Jesse! On Kerry! on Colin and too many to mention * To the top of world respect! to the top of the wall! Now dash away, rep-ughblican delays, job blockages and all! * As dry leaves before hurricane Sandy did fly He and Chris Christie and took to the Jersey sky * So over the submerged houses with FEMA they flew And he made sure Jersey & New York had aid that day before he was through * And there in a twinkling we all saw the proof Romney/Ryan was fallacy - Obama/Biden is truth!!! * As the independents vacillated and waited around Obama's leadership in education, health & foreign affairs still abound * He's clothed in vision & purpose from his head to his foot He's brought the soldiers home and our jobs back to boot! * A bundle of aid for Americans he did not hold back Like the leader he is, he protects us from lack & attack * His eyes, how they twinkle, his smile reassuring His vision is keen, is strength so alluring * He has a strong friendly smile at least a mile wide He looks you in the eye - he has nothing to hide * He has a mellow way of talking He makes you feel calm He takes responsiblity; protects the country from harm * He looks out for women, disenfranchised, the middle class and the poor He's done more in two years than most have done in four * He's taken lemons and given us lemonade He takes responsibility and isn't afraid * When he speaks his words, you know it will work To not vote for Obama, you'd have to be a jerk * He's for All Americans, not just for those The rich, right wing rep-ugh-blicans chose * So as we get up to slay the ones who don't give a whistle Just remember to vote Nov.6, because this will * Be the most important thing you do When you cast your vote for the country & WE, THE PEOPLE - that's YOU!! * So let me exclaim before you turn out the light Re-Elect Barack Obama by Tomorrow Night * STAY BLESSED & ECLECTICALLY AMERICAN Gloria Dulan-Wilson (c) November 5, 2012