New Jersey’s political boss culture dates back more than 100 years. It was able to outlast the good government reforms of the early 20th century. While the current moment feels hopeful, political machines do not give up power easily.
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Politics in New Jersey has gone off the rails — even by New Jersey standards
“You could not envision a day when Norcross wasn’t running the state essentially,” Julia Sass Rubin, a Rutgers University professor who studies New Jersey government, said of that period. “That he’s now under indictment, it’s stunning.”
Prof. Julia Sass Rubin: Advocate for Democracy
“My passionate fight for a better democratic process of having our voices heard can be traced to initiatives by the Christie administration to slash funding for public education,” Julia Sass Rubin says.
Tax credits for private school tuition plan scrapped
“They don’t work, they become exorbitantly expensive, they hurt public schools and they lead to discrimination. The real question is: Why would you promote this bill?” Rubin said.
Primary results suggest absence of ‘party line’ made a difference
“It’s early as the votes are still being counted but it certainly looks like not having a county line shakes things up, especially in the less high-profile races where the county line matters the most,” said Julia Sass Rubin
NJ primary election night results 2024 | NJ Decides
With more mail-in ballots left to count, it’s still too early to tell what impact the suspension of the party line may have had on Democratic candidates.
Machine-backed Democrats have big NJ primary wins, even without the ‘line’
“Most political actors and donors are waiting to see how this issue plays out over the next few years before doing anything that may upset the county party organizations,” Sass Rubin said.
NJ Primary Election: Kim declared winner in Senate race, Menendez in House race
With more mail-in ballots left to count, it’s still too early to tell what impact the suspension of the party line may have had on Democratic candidates.
Andy Kim upended New Jersey politics. Now he’s on track to become a senator
Rubin says Kim benefitted from good timing — he was the right candidate at the right political moment. “He definitely had the right framing for people to believe that he is a reformer, and he was willing to take that risk and go up against the system.”
New Jersey holds first primaries since the exile of ‘ballot Siberia’
That design conferred an extreme advantage: Rutgers professor Julia Sass Rubin concluded that between 2002 and 2022, candidates on the county line enjoyed an average boost of 38 points.
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Laundry Literacy Initiative: Spanish Book Drive for New Brunswick Families
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesJoin us for the Laundry Literacy Initiative: Spanish Book Drive for New Brunswick Families, supporting the Wash and Learn Program at Roosevelt Elementary School. Founded by Ms. Anne-Marie, a dedicated […]
Bildner Center: The 25th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, November 7–21, Virtual Events
VirtualThe The 25th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival will feature fourteen thought-provoking and entertaining films, dynamic discussions with filmmakers and special guests, and numerous New Jersey premieres on dance, music, […]
Bloustein DEIB Committee Holiday Toy Drive
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesThe Bloustein School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee invites you to participate in a Holiday Toy Drive benefitting the Harmony Family Success Center. Donate new, unwrapped toys for kids […]
Virtual Career Drop-ins
VirtualStop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein […]
Bloustein Librarian Open Office Hours
Bloustein School, Civic Square Building 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, United StatesHave a research or library question you need assistance with? Visit Open Office Hours with Bloustein Librarian Julia Maxwell. Every Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted. Can't […]