New Jersey governor race tests Murphy's progressive politics

[NJCher]

Last edited Sun Oct 24, 2021, 12:58 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/new-jersey-governor-race-tests-murphy-s-progressive-politics/ar-AAPROdZ?ocid=winp1taskbar


By MIKE CATALINI, Associated Press - Saturday 9:50 AM

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Paid sick leave. Taxpayer-funded community college. A phased-in $15 minimum wage.

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New Jersey has taken a decidedly liberal shift under first-term Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, increasing income taxes on the wealthy, expanding voting rights and tightening the state's already restrictive gun laws. It’s a notable change from his predecessor, Republican Chris Christie, who spent two terms pushing more moderate policies.

Murphy's agenda will be on the ballot on Nov. 2, when voters will decide whether to give him a second term or steer the state in another direction by electing Republican Jack Ciattarelli. History isn't necessarily on Murphy's side: New Jersey hasn't reelected a Democrat as governor in four decades and hasn't elected a governor from the same party as the president in three decades.

“It’s one of the big, animating reasons why we’re running like we’re 10 points behind,” Murphy said in an interview. “We’re taking nothing for granted. I mean, history has proven that this can be a very fickle year in terms of politics.”

But Murphy does have some sizable advantages. He is leading in public polls and has raised more money than Ciattarelli, and New Jersey has 1 million more registered Democratic voters than Republicans. He's also welcoming some Democratic heavy-hitters to the state: Former President Barack Obama is due on Saturday, and President Joe Biden is visiting on Monday to promote his spending plan.


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This article is fairly good, but it contains some ridiculous statements, IMO. Here's one:
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It would also raise questions about whether moderate voters repelled by Trump were returning to the Republican Party now that the former president is no longer in office.

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trump is the titular head of the republican party. I don't see why any NJ republican would go back to the party under these conditions.

Here's another ridiculous statement:

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Jim Arakelian, a real estate agent and retired law enforcement official, said he doesn't think police officers have been respected by the Murphy administration, citing the decision to release certain police disciplinary records as a big concern.

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It is not the writer's fault that this statement is ridiculous, but "respect" was a poor choice of works for Arakelian. Releasing police disciplinary records doesn't show a lack of respect for the police, it shows respect for the electorate.

[abqtommy]

1. Thanks. Your op is probably the best writing we can expect from The Media. nt