The Save Jersey Blog

Last updated
The Save Jersey Blog
Save Jersey Logo.png
Type of site
Political News Site
Founder(s) Matt Rooney
EditorMatt Rooney
URL savejersey.com
LaunchedMay 21, 2008

The Save Jersey Blog is a conservative political blog focusing on New Jersey and national politics. It was founded by New Jersey political activist, attorney, and radio host Matt Rooney in May 2008.

Contents

During its first full year of operation, Save Jersey covered and commented on the heated 2009 New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary contest between rival candidates Chris Christie and Steve Lonegan. Save Jersey, and Matt Rooney specifically, emerged as early, vocal supporters of Christie's candidacy. In April 2009, Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's "The Fix" named Save Jersey one of the nation's top state political blogs.Save Jersey's site traffic went on to exceed its other state-based competitors throughout the Summer of 2009.

In the general election, Save Jersey was a relentless critic of former Governor Jon Corzine, lampooning him for his connections to "Operation Bid Rig," the state's notoriously high property taxes, and his relationship with public sector unions, including his romantic involvement with Carla Katz, the then-president of Local 1034 of the Communications Workers of America.

Save Jersey Breaks Chris Daggett, NJDSC Robocall Campaign Scandal

In October 2009, as the gubernatorial race gained national attention and Chris Daggett emerged as a potential third-party spoiler to Chris Christie's eventual victory, Save Jersey was the first to report that the New Jersey Democratic State Committee ("NJDSC") was funding robocalls supporting Daggett's candidacy in Somerset County. [1]

Criticism of Chris Christie

In the second term of former Governor Chris Christie, Save Jersey emerged as a critic to the Governor's political right, finding fault with everything from his use of New Jersey Republican State Committee funds for legal fees related to the Bridgegate controversy and out-of-state travel [2] to his public support of the Dallas Cowboys over the Philadelphia Eagles. [3] A Facebook exchange between Rooney and the Governor's brother, Todd, in which he disparaged Senator Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican Presidential Primary drew headlines as Christie campaigned for president. [4]

Brett Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearing

During the high-profile Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Justice Brett Kavanaugh in October 2018, Save Jersey was the first to connect a 1992 column that Senator Cory Booker - an emotional and theatrical Kavanaugh critic - had written for the Stanford Daily as a student at Stanford University, in which he described "groping" a girl and "stealing second" as they kissed at a 1984 New Year's Eve party. [5]

Noemi Velazquez Controversy

In October 2018, Save Jersey's reporting led to the 10-day, unpaid suspension of an aide to Governor Phil Murphy after the blog posted screenshots of Velazquez calling Republican leaders "evangelical ***holes" who are "molesters, liars, drunks, racists, heartless, bigots." [6]

2021 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election

During the 2021 New Jersey Gubernatorial Election, Save Jersey once again resumed its coverage an analysis in the Republican primary and of the eventual contest in the general election between incumbent Governor Phil Murphy and Republican businessman Jack Ciattarelli. During the primary, Save Jersey was the first to report that Republican candidate and Evangelical Pastor Phil Rizzo had made offensive comments about the Catholic Church. [7] In July 2021, when Seaside Heights' Republican Mayor Anthony Vaz announced his support for Murphy, Rooney tweeted saying he would support any Republican who "wants to step up and challenge" the mayor in the 2023 GOP primary. [8] In October 2021, Save Jersey was the first to report on photos that showed Governor Phil Murphy in violation of his own mask policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the Governor being asked about the event during the second gubernatorial debate. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sheila Oliver</span> American politician (1952–2023)

Sheila Yvette Oliver was an American politician who served as the second lieutenant governor of New Jersey from 2018 until her death in 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, Oliver was the first Black woman to serve as lieutenant governor of New Jersey and was the first woman of color elected to statewide office in New Jersey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey</span> Elected official in the U.S. state of New Jersey

The lieutenant governor of New Jersey is an elected constitutional officer in the executive branch of the state government of New Jersey in the United States. The lieutenant governor is the second highest-ranking official in the state government and is elected concurrently on a ticket with the governor for a four-year term. The position itself does not carry any powers or duties other than to be next in the order of succession, but the state constitution requires that the lieutenant governor also be appointed to serve as the head of a cabinet-level department or administrative agency within the governor's administration, other than the position of Attorney General.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Christie</span> American politician and lawyer (born 1962)

Christopher James Christie is an American politician and former federal prosecutor who served as the 55th governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018. A member of the Republican Party, he was the United States Attorney for New Jersey from 2002 to 2008. He is a candidate for President of the United States in the 2024 Republican primaries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elections in New Jersey</span> Overview of the procedure of elections in the U.S. state of New Jersey

Elections in New Jersey are authorized under Article II of the New Jersey State Constitution, which establishes elections for the governor, the lieutenant governor, and members of the New Jersey Legislature. Elections are regulated under state law, Title 19. The office of the New Jersey Secretary of State has a Division of Elections that oversees the execution of elections under state law. In addition, the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) is responsible for administering campaign financing and lobbying disclosure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 New Jersey gubernatorial election</span> Ousted incumbent governor

The 2009 New Jersey gubernatorial election took place on November 3, 2009. Incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine ran for a second term against Republican Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett, and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates. Christie won the election, with about 48.5 percent of the vote, to 44.9 percent for Corzine and 5.8 percent for Daggett. He assumed office on January 19, 2010. This was the first election to fill the newly created office of lieutenant governor, with the candidates for governor choosing their running mates. Kim Guadagno, Christie's running mate, became New Jersey's first lieutenant governor following her inauguration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 New Jersey elections</span>

Persons 18 years or older on the general election date were eligible to register and vote in the general election. The following offices were up for election in the United States State of New Jersey in the general election on November 3, 2009:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Daggett</span> American businessman and public official

Christopher Jarvis Daggett is an American businessman who is the president and CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, one of the largest foundations in New Jersey. A former regional administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, he ran as an independent candidate for Governor of New Jersey in 2009, garnering 5.8% of the vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Guadagno</span> Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018

Kimberly Ann Guadagno is an American lawyer and politician who served as the first lieutenant governor and 33rd secretary of state of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phil Murphy</span> Governor of New Jersey since 2018

Philip Dunton Murphy is an American financier, diplomat, and politician serving as the 56th governor of New Jersey since 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the United States ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 New Jersey gubernatorial election</span>

The 2013 New Jersey gubernatorial election took place on November 5, 2013, to elect the governor of New Jersey. Incumbent Republican Governor Chris Christie ran for re-election to a second term in office. He faced Democratic nominee Barbara Buono and six others in the general election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 United States Senate election in New Jersey</span>

The 2014 United States Senate election in New Jersey was held on November 4, 2014, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the State of New Jersey. Incumbent Democratic Senator Cory Booker, first elected in a special election the previous year, defeated Republican nominee Jeff Bell to win a first full term in office. This is the last time that Somerset County voted Republican in a statewide election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey</span>

The 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey were held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 to elect the 12 U.S. representatives from the state of New Jersey, one from each of the state's 12 congressional districts. The elections coincided with the 2014 United States midterm elections for other federal and state offices, including U.S. House elections in other states and a U.S. Senate election in New Jersey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 United States Senate special election in New Jersey</span>

The 2013 United States Senate special election in New Jersey was held on October 16, 2013, to fill the New Jersey United States Senate Class 2 seat for the remainder of the term ending January 3, 2015. The vacancy resulted from the death of five-term Democratic senator Frank Lautenberg on June 3, 2013. On June 4, 2013, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced that a primary election to fill the vacancy would take place on August 13, 2013 and that a special election would follow on October 16, 2013. Christie appointed Republican New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa to the seat as a placeholder; Chiesa announced at the time of his appointment that he would not be a candidate in the special election.

This is the electoral history of Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 United States gubernatorial elections</span>

United States gubernatorial elections were held on November 7, 2017, in two states: Virginia and New Jersey. These elections formed part of the 2017 United States elections. The last regular gubernatorial elections for these two states were in 2013. Both incumbents were term-limited, so both seats were open. Democrats held the governorship in Virginia and picked up the governorship of New Jersey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election</span>

The 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election was held on November 7, 2017, to elect a new governor of New Jersey. Incumbent Republican Governor Chris Christie was term-limited and could not seek a third consecutive term.

The 2016 presidential campaign of Chris Christie, the 55th Governor of New Jersey, began on June 30, 2015, at an event in his hometown of Livingston, New Jersey. Following a poor showing in the New Hampshire primary, the campaign was suspended on February 10, 2016. He endorsed Donald Trump on February 26, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States Senate election in New Jersey</span>

The 2018 United States Senate election in New Jersey took place on November 6, 2018, in order to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of New Jersey. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez won reelection to a third term over Republican businessman Bob Hugin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election</span>

The 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election was held on November 2, 2021 to elect the governor of New Jersey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 United States Senate election in New Jersey</span>

The 2024 United States Senate election in New Jersey will be held on November 5, 2024, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of New Jersey. Primary elections will take place on June 4, 2024. The seat is currently held by three-term Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who was appointed to the Senate in January 2006 and won his first full term the same year.

References

  1. Jessup, Meredith. "Breaking: New Jersey Dems Paying for Independent Candidate's Robocalls". Townhall. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  2. Haddon, Josh Dawsey and Heather (2015-01-13). "Christie Travels and Party Pays". Wall Street Journal. ISSN   0099-9660 . Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  3. "Christie's Cowboys Support Rankles Some New Jersey Residents" (PDF). December 15, 2014.
  4. NJ.com, Matt Arco | NJ Advance Media for (2016-03-01). "Christie's brother insults Ted Cruz and the entire South". nj. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  5. Jackson, Herb. "Kavanaugh allegations bring new scrutiny to Booker account of 'stealing second' as a teen". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  6. Bichao, Sergio (5 October 2018). "Murphy aide calls evangelicals '***holes' — Guv suspends her after blaming Trump". New Jersey 101.5. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  7. "N.J. gubernatorial hopeful Rizzo declared Catholics are "in bondage to their sin" in 2011 church promo video". 2021-04-10. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  8. Mikle, Jean. "Seaside Heights GOP mayor backs Democrat Gov. Murphy for re-election. Will he pay a price?". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  9. "Gov. Murphy, NJ teacher union heads reportedly caught maskless despite mandate". New York Post. 2021-10-12. Retrieved 2022-01-11.