New Jersey for Democracy - NJ for Democracy 2005 Endorsements

Jon Corzine
Governor

Linda Greenstein	Dan Benson	Thom Jackson	Janice Schindler
14th District Assembly	14th District Assembly	25th District Assembly	25th District Assembly
Jun Choi	Jeff Marshall	Dana Wefer	Damian Fracasso
Edison Township Mayor	Hunterdon County Freeholder	Morris County Freeholder	Warren County Freeholder

Jon Corzine has been a member of the United States Senate since 2001. While he could have spent the rest of his political career coasting on his incumbency, he instead has set off in a new direction. To bring his bid for governor closer to the grassroots, Corzine built the 'Corzine Connection' community website and made it the heart of his gubernatorial campaign. The 'Corzine Connection' knocks down barriers to political participation, letting all interested supporters contribute their views and voices to his effort. Corzine's willingness to innovate reflects the same spirit of experimentation that built Democracy for America. Join us in supporting Jon Corzine in his bid for Governor of New Jersey. (read more)

Greenstein is a long-time resident and active citizen of Plainsboro. She is a former member of the Plainsboro Township Committee and the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education. She has been at the forefront of progressive legislation, sponsoring major property tax reform initiatives and working to preserve and expand New Jersey?s affordable prescription drug program for seniors. Linda plans to develop a fair, equitable and progressive property tax system and strive to restore people's faith in government. She will also push for sound campaign finance reform. Join DFA in supporting Linda Greenstein for New Jersey State Assembly. (read more)

Dan Benson is a community leader with a commitment to his hometown. A lifelong Hamilton resident, Benson was the youngest person ever to join the Hamilton Township Council. Despite his youth, he was chosen as Council President on his first day. In addition to being active in the Council and several community organizations, he has worked in the field of telecommunications consulting and currently leads energy research projects at Rutgers University, giving him a unique view on the problems New Jersey families face today. Dan has a strong record of leadership and delivering results. If elected, he will continue working hard to lower property taxes, ensure ethics in government, and make the state of New Jersey safe, affordable, and sustainable. Join us in supporting Dan Benson for the New Jersey State Assembly today. (read more)

Thom has the courage to bring responsible leadership back to the citizens of New Jersey. Growing up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, he understands what working families face today. That is why he is dedicated to building an honest, accountable and affordable state government. Jackson is a leader who will stand up for the interests of his community and protect the well-being of his constituents. He believes in providing affordable health care for all, improving education and preserving open spaces throughout the Garden State. Help us bring fiscal responsibility and social progress back to New Jersey by electing Thom Jackson to the State Assembly.(read more)

Janice believes in investing in New Jersey's future by bringing a fresh perspective to politics. As an attorney and community leader, Schindler knows the importance of listening to her constituents and building coalitions to address key issues facing the residents of Morris County. She wants to modernize the town's government by utilizing an "electronic town hall meeting," providing a platform where all constituents can voice their concerns. She is committed to lowering property taxes, improving schools, and funding stem cell research to find cures for illnesses while creating jobs for her neighbors. Help us bring better representation and innovation to the people of Morris County by supporting Janice Schindler for State Assembly. (read more)

Jun knows the importance of citizen involvement and is dedicated to improving his community. A native of Edison Township, Choi understands the issues his constituents face everyday and he is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all. With a broad range of experience in the government, private and non-profit sectors, Choi has the leadership needed to address Edison's most pressing issues, such as strengthening education, handling overdevelopment and congestion, running a fiscally responsible city government, and preserving the quality of life for working families and seniors citizens. With your help, we can put this dynamic candidate into office and make a better tomorrow of the citizens of Edison Township. (read more)

Jeff Marshall is DFA: he shows up, he volunteers, he helps organize, and he always has. Jeff – who is funny, warm and passionate about justice – lives in the reddest part of red Hunterdon County: Raritan Twp. (also highest population). The first time Jeff was elected in Raritan Twp, he was the first Democrat elected here in a generation and a half, and was elected Mayor. The papers called it the Raritan Twp. Revolution. Jeff used his mayoral year to fight a Wal-Mart on the old Flemington Fairgrounds. Now, he’s running for Freeholder and if he wins, again he’ll be the first Democratic Freeholder here in a generation-and-a-half. We think he can do it, the seat is open (no incumbent running) and Hunterdon DFA is solid behind Jeff. He’s a priority candidate statewide because Hunterdon’s ripe for change, and this is the guy who can bring it. (read more)

Dana Wefer is a smart and articulate young Democrat challenging the status quo in Morris County. She is running for freeholder because she is deeply concerned that the leadership of the county government is lacking in fiscal responsibility and compassion for our seniors, children, and other under-served segments of the community. Dana believes that hard work, accountability, and a touch of creativity can help the county better meet the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the all too important social services that are vital to quality of life for so many Morris County residents. Dana graduated from Rutgers in 2004 with highest honors and a degree in Political Science and Philosophy. She is currently a second year law student at Rutgers Law School where she is the recipient of the Dean's Merit Scholarship. (read more)

Damian Fracasso is the Democratic candidate for Warren County Freeholder. Damian, 29, is a Hackettstown attorney who represents individuals and small businesses and who focuses on environmental law. He is running on a platform of reforming pay-to-play practices, controlling property taxes, bringing alternative transportation to Warren County, and making county government more responsive to the people. He believes in open goverment and healthcare reform, promotes investment in education, and is an advocate for women's rights, workers rights, and the protection of open spaces. Damian has hosted Northwest NJ for Democracy meetups. (read more)

If you were involved with the Howard Dean Campaign during the Democratic Primary in 2003, chances are you already know Byron Arnao. Arnao was the Dean Campaign Mobilization Director for the state of New Jersey. During the campaign, Arnao organized buses and car pools for weekend canvassing in New Hampshire. Byron shares the Democracy for American vision set forth by Gov. Howard Dean to rebuild the Democratic Party from the bottom up; running for office is just what the doctor ordered. (read more)