Democratic powerbroker ends legal fight over improper campaign spending

For four years, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo waged a court battle against charges he failed to disclose thousands in campaign spending and misused thousands more on trips to Puerto Rico, tickets to sporting events, a gym membership and other expenses. On Wednesday, the powerful Democratic unexpectedly ended his fight with an agreement to settle the long-standing state enforcement action by paying $20,446 in penalties to resolve the case first brought by New Jersey's Election Law Enforcement Commission in 2013.

Woman who inspired the creation of Hope on Haven Hill dies

No details were provided about how Abi Lizotte died, but a statement was posted on the Hope on Haven Hill website Saturday: "Dear friends, the loss of Abi Lizotte has left us utterly heartbroken. Abi will always be our inspiration and her light will live in the dreams and aspirations of all who pass through our doors.

NJ Politics Digest: Christie Offers to Help Murphy, Or Else

Gov. Chris Christie said he's here to help Governor-elect Phil Murphy - but only if his successor wants it. "I said to him, 'This can be the first of many conversations, or this can be our first and last, but that's completely up you,'" Christie said Tuesday, recalling his 90-minute meeting with Murphy earlier this month.

Looking toward election after Menendez’s ‘Resurrection Day’

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez 's political fate in next year's crucial midterms after the mistrial in his federal bribery case may hinge on whether prosecutors retry him and whether attacks from Republicans based on the indictment convince voters to keep him from a third term. Fresh off a victory lap at the courthouse, where Menendez thanked those who stood by him and promised to remember those who opposed him during his darkest hours, the two-term incumbent wasted no time jumping back into his Senate schedule.

Trump’s limited appeal a warning sign for Republicans ahead of 2018 elections

Democratic election victories in Virginia and New Jersey showed Republicans losing more ground in suburban areas, where President Donald Trump's unpopularity could cost them dearly in next year's congressional races. FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump greets supporters as he departs for Bedminster, New Jersey, from the White House in Washington, U.S., September 29, 2017.

Democratic Candidate Phil Murphy Easily Defeats Kim Guadagno In New Jersey

New Jersey became the seventh state in the country where Democrats now control the legislative and executive branches with the election on Tuesday of Philip D. Murphy, a former Wall Street banker with no experience in office, as its 56th governor, according to The Associated Press. The decisive victory by Mr. Murphy, who transformed himself from a Goldman Sachs executive into a progressive Democrat to match the direction of an anxious political party, gives Democrats a badly needed lift and a governor who has vowed to make his state a bulwark against the policies of President Trump.

It’s been a very bad night for Donald Trump as Democrats score big victories

New Jersey Governor-elect Phil Murphy leaps as he jumps onto the stage at his victory party Democratic candidates in Virginia and New Jersey who sought to tap into anti-Donald Trump sentiments won contests on Tuesday to become their states' next governors. In New Jersey front-running Democrat Phil Murphy overcame Republican lieutenant governor Kim Guadagno to succeed unpopular Republican governor Chris Christie.

Vin Gopal upsets incumbent Jennifer Beck in hotly contested Dist. 11 race

Vin Gopal, the Monmouth County Democratic chairman with deep roots in the party there, defeated longtime Sen. Jennifer Beck in the state's 11 Beck, an 11-year legislator, conceded to Gopal Tuesday night, dealing a blow to Republicans in the state Senate. The race was one of the most expensive and closely watched in the state.

Menendez jurors near deliberations in bribery trial

In this Aug. 17, 2017 file photo, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference, in Union Beach, N.J. A jury could begin deliberations Monday, Nov. 6, in the bribery trial of Menendez and a wealthy friend. less FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2017 file photo, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference, in Union Beach, N.J. A jury could begin deliberations Monday, Nov. 6, in the bribery trial of Menendez and a ... more NEWARK, N.J. - A jury that has listened to nine weeks of testimony and evidence is expected to begin deliberations Monday in the bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and a wealthy friend.

Don’t like Murphy or Guadagno? Here are 5 other options to vote for

It's been more than a century since a third-party or independent candidate for New Jersey governor got more than 6 percent of the vote, but that hasn't stopped five of them from hoping to make history this year - or at least, make a point. Three are the nominees of minor parties: Peter Rohrman of the Libertarian Party, which has 8,309 registered voters; Matthew Riccardi of the Constitution Party, which has 5,939 registered voters; and Seth Kaper-Dale of the Green Party, which has 5,337 registered voters.

Jury set to hear closing arguments in Menendez bribery trial

The jury in the bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is set to hear closing arguments on Thursday after more than two months of testimony. The New Jersey Democrat is charged with accepting gifts from Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen in exchange for using his political influence.

Trump opioid panel wants drug courts, training for doctors

In this Oct. 26, 2017, photo, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie walks on the stage during after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump spoke on combatting drug demand and the opioid crisis in the East Room of the White House in Washington. President Donald Trump's commission on the opioid crisis called Nov. 1, 2017, for more drug courts, more training for doctors and penalties for insurers that dodge covering addiction treatment.