The CIG Insider NJ Podcast

This is a special quarantine edition of the CIG Insider NJ podcast, and my guest is Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso of the 13th legislative district. Assemblywoman DiMaso had just begun her 2nd term as a legislator in January and, as a newly minted member of the budget committee, expected a robust learning experience during the normal course of budget hearings and debates throughout the spring. All of that was thrown out the window of course when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all of our lives and put the state -- and the nation -- under widespread quarantine. The Assemblywoman talks about her personal experiences as a volunteer member of the Holmdel EMS, as well as her daughter's experiences as a first year resident at a hospital in Boston. Her hometown of Holmdel is the site of one of the largest testing centers in the state, and the Assemblywoman talks about how successful that center has been, and how testing has contributed to flattening the curve throughout NJ.   We discuss the practical impact quarantine has had on small businesses throughout her district, and what quarantine might look like as summer approaches at the Jersey Shore. The Assemblywoman details what she believes would be an appropriate approach at striking the balance between opening the economy again and making sure people are still safe, and addresses some of her concerns regarding policy decisions that have been made thus far.   We also delve a little bit into her background as a public servant, and how selling cupcakes kickstarted her career as a politician. Finally, we close the discussion as she tells me the very first thing she'll do once quarantine is lifted.

Senator Vin Gopal is wrapping up his first term as a state senator and, indeed, coming up on his first two years ever of holding elected office. The millennial senator brings us behind the scenes on the campaign trail, first as chair of the Monmouth County Democratic Party as he managed a victory against incumbent Republican assemblywomen in 2015, and then, what it took for himself to defeat a popular three term incumbent Senator and help turn a Republican stronghold in Monmouth County blue. He tells us about his learning curve in joining the senate as its youngest member, and how he took steps to ingratiate himself with more experienced colleagues across generational and ideological divides. The Senator takes constituent relations seriously, and shares how he leverages social media to reach his neighbors in real time to ensure their concerns are heard. His highest priority is keeping those commitments made to his constituents, and he tells us that sometimes that means having to oppose his own party on key issues, such as the minimum wage increase. Senator Gopal came of age politically in the turbulent time of the Iraq War, but instead of focusing on national politics, his passion has been more local. He shares with us why this is important and how he hopes to continue opening a pathway for younger candidates to run for office.

On this special Election Day preview episode I am joined by the expert political team from Insider NJ -- Max Pizarro, Fred Snowflack, Pete Oneglia, and John Van Vliet -- for a roundtable discussion recorded live at Iberia Tavern and Restaurant in Newark, in which we discuss some of the most fascinating and significant storylines that will dominate the headlines on Election Day.    We begin our conversation with a preview of the race in LD21, as Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick finds himself in perhaps the most difficult reelection campaign of his career. We discuss all of the possibilities of that race, including who might assume the mantel of leadership in the Republican caucus if Leader Bramnick suffers an upset.   Discussion then shifts southbound down to LD1 for the special election of Senator Bob Andrzejczak, who, as a Democrat in a moderate district, faces similar partisan fervor from his opponents.   We then consider what will be on the docket for the legislature and the governor as soon as we move past election day and into lame-duck. Marijuana legalization continues to be a major talking point, as is the ever-changing dynamic between the Governor and the Senate President. Finally, Max tells us why the Somerset freeholder race may be a dark horse race to watch as early returns come in.

On this episode of the CIG Insider NJ Podcast is George Helmy, Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy. After breaking into the political world under the tutelage of Senator Frank Lautenberg, George became a close advisor and friend to Senator Cory Booker, eventually serving as his state director. Now, as chief of staff to the Governor, George tells us what he believes to be the most important part of his job, shares some of the successes of the Murphy administration so far, and what he hopes to accomplish in the months and years ahead.   

Assemblyman Kevin Rooney has served in the legislature since 2016, and prior to that has worn many different hats in his lifetime. An experienced arboriculturist, salesman, and business owner; a reality-show winning home chef, and, as he was known on national news during a freak snowstorm, the mayor who canceled Halloween, the Assemblyman most of all should be recognized as someone who is absolutely devoted to serving his community. His first break in public service came as a member of his local zoning board at the behest of his father-in-law, who clearly saw potential in the young man who at the time was running a tree management company.   During our conversation the Assemblyman tells me about how his experiences as a committeeman and mayor of Wykoff Township helped him to realize his passion for public service, which he continues to foster in the state legislature. He also talks about his bipartisan advocacy for an environmental issue that garnered international attention, and his interest in raising greater awareness for the NJ state animal. Finally, we talk about his time on the hit TV cooking competition Chopped, and how his love for cooking also allows him to serve those who are less fortunate.  

Assemblywoman Carol Murphy is in the midst of her first term as a member of the NJ State legislature, but came to the job more experienced than most freshmen lawmakers, as she had previously served as a trusted and very well-respected staffer to both Senator Linda Greenstein and Assemblywoman Gabby Mosquera. She tells us about how she drew inspiration from her job as a staffer to decide to run for office, and how her years of working for two lawmakers prepared her for the job. She also shares how her late father's service in the United States Army impacts her decision-making as a lawmaker each and every day.    We recorded this podcast on March 26th, one day after the push to legalize marijuana failed in the Senate. The Assemblywoman tells us why, in her opinion, the bill stalled in the legislature, and where we go from here. And, as a member of the Assembly Budget committee, she expresses that she actually loves the budget-making process, and enjoys the many hearings and discussions that are part of the job.    Assemblywoman Murphy projects an infectious enthusiasm for her role in representing her constituents in Burlington County, and truly loves serving in the Assembly. However, I ask her if she has any further aspirations beyond her current position, and you'll just have to listen to how she answers that question.

Patrick Murray is the Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. During the past several election cycles, Monmouth University has gained national prominence as one of the go-to polls for news anchors and pundits alike to cite in their reporting and prognosticating, thanks to Patrick's absolute dedication to uncovering the viewpoint of the average American voter.    We talk about some of the latest polls in NJ and nationwide, including Governor Murphy's approval rating, and Senator Cory Booker's chances at securing the Democratic nomination for president.    Patrick's passion for understanding how and why people think is born out of a natural curiosity, and, as he explains during our conversation, one of the things he loves to do is talk to people everywhere from Iowa fairgrounds to NJ diners to get a better understanding of the issues most important to them.    We also talk about how this natural curiosity has led Patrick to have a deep appreciation for the historical significance New Jersey played in the American Revolution. He is a true history buff, and he explains to us that he hopes that his lasting legacy in NJ isn't accuracy in polling, but rather a greater recognition and awareness of the unique setting the state provided as a backdrop in the Colonies ultimately defeating the British. 

At age 34, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji is one of the youngest elected officials in NJ, but he has had a lifetime of personal and professional experiences. Assemblyman Mukherji joins Paul Crupi to talk about his time in the legislature, but also details his past jobs -- web entrepreneur, lobbyist, Deputy Mayor of Jersey City, and reservist in the United States Marine Corps. He also talks about why he enjoys serving as the Majority Whip in the Assembly, his current business endeavors in the medical marijuana arena, and as a self-described foodie, gives great recommendations for restaurants in Jersey City. 

Assemblyman Ryan Peters is one of the youngest members of the legislature, and although his tenure in state politics has been brief, his record of public service is exemplary. The Assemblyman is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served as a Navy SEAL during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout our conversation we talk about his military service, how attending the Naval Academy on September 11 changed the course of his life, and also about the work he does on behalf of fellow veterans as Chairman of the Board of the Philadelphia/South Jersey USO. The Assemblyman also reflects upon his experiences as a first-year legislator and tells us why it is so important for young people like himself to get involved in politics. 

Senator Loretta Weinberg is the Majority Leader of the NJ State Senate, and has played a dynamic, integral role in progressive state politics for over five decades. In this conversation she takes listeners through her transformation as public servant, from a volunteer activist to a county and municipal official, an Assemblywoman, Senator, a candidate on a gubernatorial campaign, and the key player who led the investigation into Bridgegate. Through it all she has fought back against corruption, challenged the status quo, and stood up for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in the State. Senator Weinberg's record of public service is an inspiration to anyone who believes that real change happens on the grassroots level. 

This is the CIG Insider NJ Podcast, a brand-new joint venture brought to you by Capital Impact Group and InsiderNJ, focusing on the stories behind the headlines in New Jersey politics. Host Paul Crupi sits down with the State's most influential political leaders and personalities for insightful conversations that delve into the guest's background, defining career moments, and major life influences that brought them to where they are today. Tune in for fascinating stories, surprising anecdotes, and revelatory interviews with the people that live and breathe New Jersey politics. This week's kickoff episode is with GOP Senator Declan O'Scanlon. The Monmouth County lawmaker gives his take on the Murphy administration so far and talks about how substance abuse has touched his family and how that shapes his views as a lawmaker.