Cory Booker: So much for stealing second

Originally published in The Stanford Daily Signal, February 19, 1992

Telling one’s own personal story is often the most powerful way to make a point, or, more importantly, to make people think. When grandiose statements entrenched in politically correct terminology are made, many may listen but few will hear.

When I hesitated in writing this column, I realized I was basking in hypocrisy. So instead I chose to write and risk.

New Year’s Eve 1984 I will never forget. I was 15. As the ball dropped, I leaned over to hug a friend and she met me instead with an overwhelming kiss.

As we fumbled upon the bed, I remember debating my next “move” as if it were a chess game. With the “Top Gun” slogan ringing in my head, I slowly reached for her breast. After having my hand pushed away once, I reached my “mark.” Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Senator Menendez Severely Admonished By Ethics Committee

The U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a four page letter today, signed by all six committee members, three Democrats and three Republicans, that “several admonished” New Jersey’s senior senator for his violations of Senate ethics rules, federal law and his conduct which reflected discredit on the Senate.

The committee found that Menendez accepted valuable gifts from Dr. Salomon Melgen including travel on private jets and commercial airlines, luxury hotel stays and vacations at Melgen’s luxurious villa in the Dominican Republic without Committee approval and without disclosing the gifts as required by law.

They found that Menendez used his office to advance Melgan’s personal and business interests. Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Political Predictions for 2018

National  Politics:

Defying historical trends and mainstream media polling, the Republican Party will expand its majority in the both U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.  Congressman Frank Pallone will not become a Committee Chairman.

President Donald Trump’s personal approval ratings will hover between 35-45%.  His job approval rating will exceed 50% nationally and in NJ as the economy continues to grow and as threats from ISIS and North Korea are neutralized. Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Republicans in Congress prepare assault on Obama policies

• Tweet

Four decades of Democrats: A look at how Republicans have lost U.S. Senate races in NJ

Four decades of Democrats: A look at how Republicans have lost U.S. Senate races in NJ (via NJ.com)

TRENTON — Four Republicans are in a primary battle today for the right to face Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker. Whomever wins the GOP nod will have an uphill battle as none of the candidates has big name recognition or much cash against the popular…

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

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. “

Read the rest of this entry>>

• Tweet

5 Republicans who could challenge Cory Booker for his Senate seat

5 Republicans who could challenge Cory Booker for his Senate seat (via NJ.com)

With Election Day behind us and the end of the year approaching, there is still one political question that has yet to be answered: Who will challenge Sen. Cory Booker in next year’s Senate contest? So far, no challenger has emerged, though several…

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Booker will be sworn in on Halloween

Cory Booker will be sworn in as a U.S. Senator on Halloween, October 31, according to Associated Press reports.

New Jersey’s senior Senator will, by tradition, escort Booker into the Senate Chamber.  Vice President Joe Biden, the Constitutional President of the Senate, will swear Booker in.

Booker told the Wall Street Journal that reforming federal narcotics laws is on the top of his list for goals to accomplish in the final 15 months of the late Senator Frank Lautenberg’s term that he was elected to complete last week.  Booker said he plans to reach across the aisle and work with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul to eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing laws for non-violent drug offenders.

• Tweet

What kind of U.S. senator will Cory Booker be?

What kind of U.S. senator will Cory Booker be? (via NJ.com)

NEWARK — Cory Booker, who captured national attention as Newark’s charismatic mayor, now joins the world’s most exclusive political club after a U.S. Senate campaign built on big ideas and the vow to be a healer in politically polarized Washington…

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet

Obama tells senators he wants diplomatic solution to Syria

Obama tells senators he wants diplomatic solution to Syria (via AFP)

President Barack Obama urged US senators Tuesday to help him seek a diplomatic response to Syria’s use of chemical weapons but said he wants Congress to maintain the threat of force. The president spent more than two hours on Capitol Hill in closed…

Read the rest of this entry »

• Tweet