Here's a "deal" for ya!

According to PolitickerNJ.com, State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean (R) has not dismissed out of hand the possibility of making a deal with weakened State Senate President Dick Codey (D) to ensure Codey's re-election to the senate presidency. Senator Stephen Sweeney, a south Jersey Democrat is challenging Codey and it looks like his challenge will be successful.

Codey may be looking to Kean to bring in some Republican votes with promises of chairmanships and other goodies. There's nothing new about deal-making in New Jersey politics, but I for one would like to see the Republican Party take a different tact for once. But first, here's the background by the numbers:

There are 23 Democrats and 17 Republicans in the State Senate. Nine Democrats are supporting Codey and 14 have come out publicly to support Sweeney. Do you see where I'm going with this?

What would motivate Republican voters more than a good ol' fashioned fight that would give them an opportunity to see their leaders show some gumption? Senator Kean needs to throw his hat in the ring for the Senate presidency and force the Democrats to make a choice. Obviously the Democrats wouldn't countenance a Republican senate president so they would have to make deals of their own (and that's what they're best at) to secure the presidency for Sweeney or Codey.

Why not throw a monkey wrench into the Democrat caucus for once? Why not show some fire and leadership and prove to the average Republican voter that there's someone in Trenton willing to go all in?

If the Republicans are concerned about angering the Democrats, who cares? What are they getting now? The Republicans are in the minority and don't look like they'll be out of it any time soon, so why not use this opportunity to show their differences?

And when I mean "all in", I really mean "ALL IN". This effort needs to be a full-fledged campaign. Chairman Jay Webber and the whole party establishment can use this opportunity to connect with solid and wayward Republican voters alike. Phone calls, mail pieces, etc should be sent out to demonstrate a new level of aggressiveness from the New Republican Party. This can be a catalyst for true change in how Republicans are viewed.

What's the downside? No chairmanships. So what, do you think Bill Baroni was going to get Judiciary? Or Tony Bucco was going to get the Budget Committee?

The collegial working relationship that is supposed to be the order of the day in the Senate won't be irrevocably damaged by Kean and the Republican caucus fighting for their beliefs and their voters. They actually may gain a new level of respect.

Give it a shot Mr. Minority Leader, you never know.

A Classic Case

Bedbugs. Yes, the thought of bedbugs makes one's skin crawl. Actually, not only the thought, but the actual little buggers themselves. So we all can agree that bedbugs are icky. I've never had them, so I don't know what it's like, but I do know that GOVERNMENT should NOT be in the business of thinking or doing ANYTHING about bedbugs.

Why do I bring up government? Well, I live in the great state of New Jersey and here, government sticks its nose in pretty much everything. Case in point: Bedbugs.

Two members of the New Jersey General Assembly have taken the time to research and write a piece of legislation, confer with their Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee colleagues and convince them to vote 5-0 to push a bill that would punish landlords if there is an outbreak of bedbugs in a multi-unit dwelling anywhere in the state.

Yes, we are in the midst of a financial crisis. Yes, we are one of the highest taxed states in the nation. Yes, people are leaving the state in droves. Yes, yes, yes. New Jersey is a mess.

But what do Assemblywoman Joan Quigley and Assemblyman Harvey Smith (both from Hudson County) feel is the biggest issue facing the state and its taxpayers? Say it with me: Bedbugs.

Now landlords will have to make sure there are no bedbugs in their units. If they slip up and someone starts scratching, they'll have to fork over $300 per apartment or $1000 per common area. I thought the security screens that State Senator Ron Rice mandated for high-rise apartments was the worst piece of legislation they could come up with.

I was wrong.

This is just another classic case of government run amok. I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. We can't talk on cell phones and drive, everyone has to wear a helmet when riding a bike at a blistering 5 miles per hour, they are looking to ban smoking EVERYWHERE, including your car and home, good old fashioned Jersey road rage is frowned upon and heaven forbid if you decide to open a business in this state, you may as well just send your right arm and right leg to Trenton.

When will it all end? Unfortunately, it won't. The citizens of New Jersey have become too comfortable with this style of governance. If you take away those "protections", then people will be exposed to the rough elements of life and be expected to take care of themselves. Government can't have that. Where would their power come from then?

Russian Analyst may be on to something...

A Russian analyst predicted that due to the economic troubles we're facing here in the United States, we will see a breakup of our country into "regions".

Professor Igor Panarin predicted over ten years ago that the United States could soon be comprised of a Pacific, Northern, Southern, Atlantic, Texas and Alaska regions.

Hmm. Maybe that could work here in New Jersey.

Every New Jerseyan from whatever region of the state looks down on every other New Jerseyan from another part of the state. Let's face facts.

If you're from Union County (North Jersey to some, Central Jersey to others), then anyone from Gloucester County is a hick right? A Bergen Countian is tied to the mafia as far as someone from Burlington County is concerned yes?

Well, let's break the whole thing up and start over. This also may be a great way for Corzine to ensure his election. Just run in North Jersey and you're in like flynn Bearded One!

Here's the potential breakdown (or breakup): The Great State of South Jersey, with its Eagles fans, philly accents and mobile homes would have the attraction of the Jersey shore. Tourism and retail shops galore!

The Grand State of Central Jersey (yes, there IS a Central Jersey) would be the home of one of the most corrupt capital cities in the country so maybe they would have to move it to, oh, I don't know, somewhere in Monmouth County, no, wait...

The Colossal State of North Jersey, home of the Sopranos could continue their, uh, unique ways of doing things and continue to be the home of the New York Giants and Jets. Maybe then they would change the name to actually match their home.

And finally, the good old Tremendous State of Northwest Jersey. Home of the mountain men, brown bears and...yeah, that's about it.

Make four new states and our economic problems would be over.

I say go for it. Give those who want to continue to live under Nanny State rules (North Jersey, Central Jersey) their chance. Northwest and Southern New Jersey would see a massive influx of people, but be warned. That's where all the gun owners are!

The Southern folks tried to secede from the state many years back. It didn't work, but maybe, with all of the grim economic news beating us about the head and shoulders everyday, now's the time. Thanks Igor!

When will it end?

Once again, New Jersey politicians demonstrate a tin ear to what their constituents want and to the state of our national economy. Only in New Jersey would they contemplate, let alone approved, a massive toll increase on the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. Have they been watching the news or talking to any of the voters over the past year? I mean, their drivers surely see what the cost of gas is here in this state don't they?

By 2012, the cost of driving on both of these horrendous roads will DOUBLE.

They say reason for the increases is to fund road improvements. Unfortunately, a lot of that money is going to go to the contractors who have given them the most support which means the cost of the improvements will be astronomical.

When will it end?