DFA Executive Director joins Blue Jersey Radio Tonight at 7pm

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Oct 29, 2008 2:49 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

DFA Executive Director Arshad Hasan

Each week, Blue Jersey Radio streams LIVE with New Jersey's latest political buzz, interviews with newsmakers, and your stimulating calls.

This week: Our guest is DFA Executive Director Arshad Hasan, who's in New Jersey today and tomorrow stumping for DFA-endorsed candidates Linda Stender and Dennis Shulman. He'll be calling in from the big Somerset Gala this evening, and then joining the big Shulman canvass tomorrow (4p - Wyckoff HQ). Plus, he'll be joining the Morris DFA folks for some socializing after tonight's big phonebank at Morris Dem HQ (6p-9p), where I'll be heading right after the show.

So, if you're not at the Gala, or phonebanking in Morristown this evening, give us a call tonight at 7:00 p.m. and have your say with Jeff, Jason and Arshad. Then come out and see us (minus Jason) in Morristown at the Famished Frog tonight at 9:00pm. Should be fun!

We're live from 7:00p-7:30p tonight, and would love to hear from you. Just call: 646-652-2773

Talk to you then!

Cross-posted at: Blue Jersey

New Jersey for Democracy Announces Slate of Endorsed Candidates

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Oct 26, 2008 11:32 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey

New Jersey for Democracy is proud to announce its 2008 slate of endorsements. While there are many worthy candidates that DFA members throughout the state are supporting and working to elect, these endorsed candidates are more than just the best fiscally responsible, socially progressive choices for November. They have also demonstrated a commitment to embrace the people-powered grassroots activism that is so important to our democracy. They represent a diverse slate of outstanding candidates from the top of the ticket to the bottom, representing every part of New Jersey. They deserve our wholehearted support.

Tuesday, November 4th is an historic opportunity - be a part of it! There are less than 10 days left, and the remaining time is critical to get these hard-working candidates over the finish line. Please get involved to support the following NJ4D-endorsed candidates:

Tom Wyka for Congress  - A homegrown hero, Tom is a DFA member who took up the call in 2006 to run for Congress. This year Tom is poised to win in a tough district – Tom needs your support to win a plurality for Democrats in New Jersey.

New Jersey for Democracy is the statewide coalition of DFA members and supporters, New Jersey's largest progressive political action community, which recruits, trains and supports fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates for every level of elective office. Find the local DFA group near you at: www.democracyforamerica.com or visit our website at: www.njfordemocracy.org

DFA at the Beach brings New Jersey Progressives Together for Fun in the Sun

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Aug 22, 2008 12:26 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey

Who says politics can't be fun? Last weekend, NJ for Democracy joined with local groups from across New Jersey for the 4th Annual DFA at the Beach party - a day long summer open house at the famous Moby's Deck in the Highlands, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Gateway National Recreation Area. We got together with friends from over half the state's counties, and representatives from nearly every local DFA group. And, for the 3rd year in a row - we had perfect weather at the Deck.

The event got its start back in 2005 when just a few folks from Ocean County DFA got together, literally on the beach, for the first installment. But, it has grown into a statewide event I look forward to each year. And wherever you are in the country - can I recommend you do something like this? DFA on the bayou? DFA at the lake? It doesn't matter where you are - sometimes just getting together for some beer, clams and sunshine goes a long way to recharging your political engines.

Have you listened to Blue Jersey Radio lately?

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Aug 8, 2008 11:49 AM EDT

Each week, Blue Jersey Radio streams LIVE with 30 minutes of New Jersey's latest political buzz, interviews with newsmakers, and your stimulating calls.

When we launched Blue Jersey Radio last Spring, we didn't know exactly what to expect. But, we kept showing up every week, and looking back, the results have been pretty cool.

If we had only the weekly gossip from Trenton, it would have been enough. If we had only our awesome lineup of guests, it would have been enough. If we had only our amazing listeners and callers, it would have been enough. But, we had all that (and a few too many bags of chips).

So, we thought it would be fun to take a quick look back at some of our memorable shows, and introduce the uninitiated to Blue Jersey Radio. Our shows are LIVE each week, but they all become podcasts too - available on iTunes or Blogtalkradio. We invite you to go back and listen to our interviews with:

National Figures

We've been joined by a Presidential candidate, a national grassroots leader, and the man behind the National Popular Vote movement.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich

DFA Chairman Jim Dean

John Koza

Current and Future Congressmembers

We've met some of the people looking to take our Democratic House Delegation up a notch from its (totally weak) current 7-6 split.

Rep. Frank Pallone

Rep. Rob Andrews

Rep. Steve Rothman

Asw. Linda Stender

Dennis Shulman

Tom Wyka

Josh Zeitz

Plus, we've talked to some great State Leaders and Progressive Local Challengers too (check them out below the fold).

But, most importantly, we've had loads of fun doing it. So join us for our next show - Wednesday, August 13th, when as always, WE'LL DO IT LIVE! - from 8:30p-9:00p - and you can too.

Just call: 646-652-2773 during the show, and let us know what's on your mind.
We'd love to hear from you!

Read more

Passaic County DFA events in April - Join us!

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Apr 9, 2008 2:02 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Passaic County

Hi all - Spring is an exciting time for Democrats and progressives in Passaic County and throughout New Jersey, and I hope you'll join Passaic County DFA for some of our many upcoming events. Here's a few of them:

• Tonight - April 9th - and every Wed., there is an Iraq vigil at the corner of Hamburg Turnpike and Terhune Dr. (in front of CVS) in Wayne from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - not officially the DFA Passaic County group, but like-minded friends of ours, and some of our members as well.
  

• Tuesday, April 22 (Earth Day) - we are hosting "An Inconvenient Forum" - a panel discussion and community meeting on sustainability, the environment, and green initiatives in Passaic County at the Ringwood Public Library at 7p. More info is on DFA-Link

• Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27 - the DFA Training Academy is coming to New Jersey - at Monmouth University - it's a 2-day seminar on grassroots campaigning and organizing - I've been to past trainings, and they are GREAT! You can get all the info and register on DFA-Link.

• Thursday, May 1st - our regular monthly meeting in May will be held at the Ringwood Public Library at 7:00pm. Please do RSVP on DFA-Link (We'll be returning to Hawthorne for our June meeting)

I hope to see you at some of these events, and throughout the year.

Talk to you soon!
-Jeff Gardner

Passaic County DFA Iraq Vigil in the News

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Mar 20, 2008 9:26 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Passaic County

Thank you to all who braved the rain last night to mark the 5th Anniversary of the Iraq War in Clifton with Passaic County DFA. We had a great turnout, and very positive feedback from the motorists passing by. And, in addition to last night's visibility, our vigil is featured in today's Herald News, and was covered by Channel 9 News last night.

You can watch the Channel 9 news video at our website: www.dfapassaic.org where you will also see information about our upcoming events:

April 3rd - Monthly meeting in Clifton
April 22nd - Earth Day Forum in Ringwood

I invite you to join us at these events, and future actions, as we grow the progressive community in Passaic County. Thanks again everybody, and hope to see you all again soon!
-JG

DFA Passaic County 5th Anniversary Iraq Vigil - Wed. 3/19

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Mar 13, 2008 11:14 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Passaic County

Hey Passaic County DFA'ers- in the last 5 years, we've lost almost 4000 lives and squandered countless billions of dollars in Iraq. Enough is enough. Mark your calendar and join us this Wednesday, March 19th at 6:30p for a candlelight vigil at the Clifton Municipal Complex to commemorate and raise awareness of the 5th Anniversary of the invasion of Iraq: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=28116

The Clifton Municipal Complex is located at 900 Clifton Ave. at the intersection of Van Houten Ave. We'll start at the corner for best visibility, then make our way to the memorial near the flagpoles for a short ceremony, where we'll read the names of the New Jersey men and women who have been lost. Hope you can make it out to honor the fallen, and to demand an end to the war.

Please RSVP and let us know you are coming!:

http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=28116

New Jersey's Presidential Caucus - It's Tonight!

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Dec 7, 2007 12:09 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey

New Jersey's Presidential Caucus is Tonight - Who's your candidate?

With New Jersey's super-duper early primary just about two months away, we're going to light it up a little early - and you're invited!

Participate in an Iowa-style Presidential Caucus tonight, Friday night, Dec. 7:

Get all the details and RSVP here!

5-7pm - Open House, with info tables for each candidate

7pm - Welcome by Linda Stender, followed by 5-7 minute short presentations by each Presidential Candidate's NJ surrogate:

• Congressman Steve Rothman (D-9th) for Barack Obama
• State Senate President Richard Codey for John Edwards
• Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman for Hillary Clinton
• Bradley Beach Councilwoman Julie Schreck for Dennis Kucinich
• State Campaign Coordinator Larry Stempler for Joe Biden
• Allison Tupper, NYC Director for Bill Richardson

8pm - close - Iowa-style caucus with groups retreating to separate corners, winnowing down as the evening progresses. 3 ranked winners will emerge.

Co-sponsors include our friends at: Blue Jersey, NJ's Democratic Future, Garden State Equality, NJ Stonewall Dems, NJ Jewish Democratic Caucus, Democratic State Committee Progressive Caucus, Blue Wave, NJ Arab American Democratic Caucus, B.A.L.L.O.T., National Jewish Democratic Council/NJ Chapter, and PDA.

$10 comes with hot and cold buffet and cash bar.

Who has captured the hearts and minds of New Jersey's Democratic Activists? You decide tonight!

RSVP right here!

Thanks for powering NJ activism, everybody!

NJ for Democracy Members - meet DFA Chair Jim Dean this Saturday for GOTV Weekend!

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Nov 2, 2007 10:50 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey

This weekend is the final opportunity for DFA members in New Jersey to help elect and re-elect progressive leaders throughout the state, including NJ for Democracy's endorsed slate of candidates. DFA Chair Jim Dean will be here in New Jersey on Saturday, November 3rd to help get out the vote for DFA and NJ4D endorsed candidates. Wherever you live in the state, you can come meet Jim at one of his stops tomorrow, and help too!

10:00am - Join Jim Dean and Linda Stender in Berkeley Heights in support of Gina Genovese for Senate for a Canvass Kick-off Rally. Please join them at 588 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922! (The campaign is paying $50 per shift for Saturday November 3rd 10-2 or 2-6 and Sunday November 4th 10-2 or 2-6.  The campaign is also paying $75 for people to canvass from 3pm-8pm on Election Day. Please call 908-464-3057 if you are interested in this opportunity)  

12:30pm - Join Jim Dean and Linda Stender in Flemington in support of Linda Mastellone for Council for Pizza, then Hit the Streets! Join them at 127 Main St. Flemington 08822! (Call Colleen at: (908) 782-3388 or Linda at: (908) 806-6151 for more info)

2:45pm - Join Jim Dean and Bus for Change in Red Bank in support of Ed Zipprich for Council for a Whistle Stop Rally. Please join them at 125 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701! (Call Chris at: (732) 614-6700 for more info) - (Special bonus - Red Bank is in District 12, where our friend Senator Ellen Karcher could also use your volunteer help at any time this weekend through Election Day. If you'd like to volunteer for both Ed Zipprich and Senator Karcher's campaign in Red Bank, please contact David at (908) 917-0654 or email smith@gardenstateequality.org for info)

There are other volunteer opportunites around the state all weekend. If ever there was a time when your efforts are most appreciated, it's now, in the days ahead of Tuesday's election. Contact the campaign of your choice, and get out there!:

Campaign Contacts:
- Gina Genovese Campaign: HQ: (908) 464-3057
- Ed Zipprich Campaign: Ed at (732) 859-3424 or Chris at (732) 614-6700
- Linda Mastellone Campaign: Colleen Montgomery is coordinating GOTV: cmontgomery@njdems.org or 908-782-3388 or call Linda 908-806-6151
- Melonie Marano Campaign (Somerset Freeholder): Jennifer at (732) 598-8470
- Ed Selby/Toni Zimmer/Pat Walsh (LD-24): Linda at lhumphries@verizon.net or Carolyn dems.2007@yahoo.com
- Real Bergen Democrats (LD-37): Re-election is nearly certain, but they'd still love to hear from supporters.
- Elizabeth Kaplan Campaign: njquilter@embarqmail.com

New Jersey for Democracy is proud to support our terrific slate of grassroots-fueled candidates this Election Day, Tuesday, November 6th. Please support these great progressives in the remaining days before the election by volunteering to help them win.

Thanks for all you do! -Jeff, Rosi, Robin, Mitch and Lewis

NJ for Democracy's Slate of Endorsed Candidates

Written by: Jeff Gardner on Oct 31, 2007 2:37 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA New Jersey

New Jersey for Democracy is proud to support this terrific slate of grassroots-fueled candidates this Election Day, Tuesday, November 6th. Please support these great progressives in the remaining days before the election by volunteering to help them win.

Thanks for all you do! -Jeff, Rosi, Robin, Mitch and Lewis

DFA National Endorsements in New Jersey

Senator Loretta Weinberg for State Senate, LD-37

Senator Weinberg is considered New Jersey's "Godmother of Progressive Politics. For more than 30 years, Loretta has stood up for social justice, human rights, the environment and the health, wealth and happiness of New Jersey's working families. That's why she's received the endorsement of nearly every leading environmental, labor, LGBT, health, consumer, progressive and women's organization in Bergen County and the state. The DFA members of Bergen Grassroots endorsed Loretta Weinberg unanimously, and the NJ4D Executive Board followed immediately with its unanimous support as well. Loretta's progressive values are strong and clear, and she has spent her life translating that into action and policy. DFA is proud to stand with Loretta Weinberg -- she's always stood with us!: Visit Loretta's website

Gina Genovese for State Senate, LD-21

Gina Genovese, running for State Senate from the 21st-- that's in Union, Essex, Morris and Somerset Counties-- was the first Democrat ever elected as Mayor of Long Hill, and became the highest-ranking openly gay official in the state. During her tenure, she opened the budget process to the public and signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Gina has opened doors for the LGBT and progressive communities in her town while working to build a sustainable future. Visit her website to help her get to Trenton!: Visit Gina's website

Ed Zipprich for Red Bank Borough Council

Ed Zipprich has been a Democracy For America activist for years; he's attended the DFA Training Academy and Night School. A leader of Monmouth for Democracy, and a member of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats and Democracy for New Jersey, Ed has helped to build New Jersey's progressive community from the grassroots up. Let's show him our thanks by helping him win his race: Visit Ed's website

NJ4D Statewide Endorsements

Asw. Valerie Vainieri Huttle for Assembly, LD-37

Since her first day in office, Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle has been an outspoken voice for progressive issues, and a champion of clean government reforms. As part of the Real Bergen Democrats who shook the establishment this year, Valerie proved herself to be a rising star in the party. She has stood up against special interests, and is a legislator we can truly be proud of. Let's send her back to Trenton: Visit Valerie's website

Asm. Gordon Johnson for Assembly, LD-37

When DFA Chair Jim Dean came to Englewood to announce the endorsement of Senator Weinberg, he was met with a roomful of electrified supporters. Assemblyman Johnson was there, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Real Bergen Democrats Team that courageously stood up to machine politics, and altered the dynamics of this race, and the county Democratic party. He has earned our support: Visit Gordon's website

 Melonie Marano for Somerset County Freeholder Melonie Marano is running an incredibly strong challenge in a county that has historically been very difficult for Democrats. But, she is changing minds and winning support. She was recently called "too good - and too needed - to ignore" by a conservative local newspaper. As the lone Democrat on Green Brook's committee, Melonie has already proven she knows how to lead in a bipartisan atmosphere. Yet, her progressive values take a back seat to no one. A win for Melonie is a win for DFA and the 50-state strategy rolled in one: Visit Melonie's website

Ed Selby for State Senate, LD-24

Running for Senate in a traditionally Republican District used to mean fighting a hopelessly underfunded uphill battle. But, New Jersey's Clean Elections Program is helping level the playing field. And, with candidates like Ed Selby who tirelessly worked the District to reach the level of support needed to earn public financing of his campaign, all of a sudden, voters in the 24th District finally get to see a fair fight. As a well-respected progressive voice, Ed is just the kind of candidate who deserves this opportunity: Visit Ed's website

Linda Mastellone for Flemington Borough Council

Linda Mastellone is another great home-grown DFA candidate. She has been a member of Hunterdon DFA since 2004. Linda's campaign is grassroots-driven; her platform centers around zero-based budgeting, revitalizing "Main Street", and working with the tenant community. She's currently the Associate Director of Events for the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Linda's victory would give Democrats a majority on the Flemington Council. Let's show what the grassroots of New Jersey can do by helping her get elected: Visit Linda's website

Pat Walsh for Assembly, LD-24

Pat Walsh is part of the Clean Elections Team breaking new ground in the 24th District with an exciting grassroots campaign focusing on person-to-person contacts and voter outreach. This back-to-basics approach is in keeping with the message of his campaign - to preserve northwest New Jersey as a "precious jewel" that remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. Tough to argue with that: Visit Pat's website

Toni Zimmer for Assembly for Assembly, LD-24

The third member of the 24th District Clean Candidates Team, Toni Zimmer is an experienced business owner, who combines her commitment to fiscal responsibility with her progressive values. She is strongly opposed to the influence of special interest money in politics, and is working to prove that ideas should matter more than money. She deserves our support.:

Visit Toni's website

Elizabeth Kaplan for Sussex County Clerk

When the Sussex County Dems failed to put up a candidate for County Clerk during this year's primary season, Elizabeth Kaplan had enough. As a leader of the Sussex County DFA group, Elizabeth believed in the power of challenging in every race, everywhere, even traditionally "red" areas. So, she waged a write-in campaign, got herself on the ballot, and hasn't stopped campaigning since. We applaud her efforts!:

Visit Elizabeth's website