NJ Governor McGreevey resigns

[Patti]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5686618/

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey announced his resignation Thursday afternoon, saying he had had an extramarital affair with another man that could leave the state government vulnerable to undue outside influences.

advertisement

“My truth is that I am a gay American,” McGreevey, a former prosecutor who has seen several political aides and fund-raisers accused of corruption, said at a televised news conference.

“Shamefully, I engaged in adult consensual affairs with another man, which violates my bonds of matrimony,” said McGreevey, the married father of two. “It was wrong. It was foolish. It was inexecusable.”

McGreevey said the disclosure and a pending legal action, which he did not specify, could pose a “threat” to the government. “I am removing these threats by telling you about my sexuality,” he said.

The resignation is effective Nov. 15, McGreevey said. State Senate President Richard Codey will serve the rest of his term, which ends at the end of next year.

WABC-TV of New York reported that McGreevey was expecting a lawsuit by a former aide Monday accusing him of sexual harassment. The station identified the former aide as Golan Cipel, who resigned as McGreevey’s security adviser in 2002 after months of questioning about his credentials and job qualifications.

Cipel, 33, was criticized because he did not have a security clearance or law enforcement background. He had worked in television news and public relations.

A former Israeli sailor and a published poet, Cipel worked as a spokesman for the Israeli Consulate in New York. During McGreevey’s gubernatorial campaign, Cipel was McGreevey’s liaison to the Jewish community and served as an informal adviser on security matters.

Veteran New Jersey politician
McGreevey, the state’s 51st governor, took office 2½ years ago, and, despite inheriting a $5 billion budget deficit, he steadfastly refused to boost income taxes for most New Jerseyans, instead raising taxes on millionaires, casinos and cigarettes.

McGreevey, a Democrat, rose from suburban mayor to state chief executive by his tenacious pursuit of party politics, maintaining a power base even after he narrowly lost to Republican Christine Todd Whitman in 1997.

McGreevey never truly stopped that campaign until he won in November 2001, beating Republican Bret Schundler by 15 percentage points.

McGreevey, who was born in Jersey City, graduated from Columbia University in 1978. He earned a law degree from Georgetown University in 1981 and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University a year later.

After briefly serving as a county prosecutor, McGreevey became a lobbyist for a pharmaceutical company and then a state government official. While in the Legislature, he voted for Gov. Jim Florio’s $2.8 billion tax hike, which prompted a voter rebellion against Democrats.

By MSNBC.com’s Alex Johnson. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[gldstwmn]

I listened to the speech. He was extremely brave and it was very moving.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Well...I guess they'll have to reshoot all those commercials inviting people to visit NJ.

It's sad for his family but he's done nothing for this state but cause problems and piss away our money on bull**** since he's been elected so I'm not too dissapointed that he'll be stepping down; however i'd rather it were for his bad decisions rather than the fact he's gay which most of us could care less about.

Just an FYI...the man he had the affair with was hired as a security advisor with no credentials at $110,000 per year and McGreevey took a lot of slack for that as well.

NJ politics will once again get interesting...

[amber]

Geez, what a bummer - the fact that he got married and all. I wonder how many other politicians are wearing beards? Good he admitted it. That's like my worst nightmare, marrying someone who is gay...not that that would happen, but i'm just upset that people can't just be who they are and still do whatever they want - and of course, exposing spouses to things they shouldn't have to be exposed to because of sneaking around with your other life - bleah.
AMber

[dissention]

This smells funny. It wasn't just harassment from what I've heard...the term "rape" was being thrown around. I heard that he resigned because the man he supposedly raped was blackmailing him, so he decided to curb it all and admit to a gay affair. Who knows what the truth is! :laugh:

[dissention]

Just an FYI...the man he had the affair with was hired as a security advisor with no credentials at $110,000 per year and McGreevey took a lot of slack for that as well.

That's how I heard about the blackmailing. He supposedly blackmailed McGreevey into giving him the job.

[GardenStateGirlie]

That's how I heard about the blackmailing. He supposedly blackmailed McGreevey into giving him the job.

I was listening to our states talk radio NJ 101.5 on the way home from work. The DJ's generally pull pranks and joke around so people weren't sure how serious they were. Of course they had to add some humor to the situation by saying, "and now we're going to listen to a snippet from the Governors speech..." following it up with Big Gay Al's song from South Park :lol: I couldn't help but to laugh.

I'm sorry it had to be on these terms but a lot of people will be glad he's gone. Fact: NJ had the highest tax hike of any state in the country last year. And yes, something about this situation is slightly foul. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

[ryan8472]

Well...I guess they'll have to reshoot all those commercials inviting people to visit NJ.

Haha, I've seen that one comercial about the horror stories of the New Jersey DMV :laugh: . It's so silly.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Haha, I've seen that one comercial about the horror stories of the New Jersey DMV :laugh: . It's so silly.

So glad they're playing our NJ DMV commerical in other states...because, you know, that's important for other people to know and it's important for us to know that even though you're still going to wait for a decade in various lines with a ton of people that don't speak English, things have changed! :rolleyes: New Jersey...you never cease to amaze me :distress:

[gldstwmn]

This smells funny. It wasn't just harassment from what I've heard...the term "rape" was being thrown around. I heard that he resigned because the man he supposedly raped was blackmailing him, so he decided to curb it all and admit to a gay affair. Who knows what the truth is! :laugh:

Oh, it definitely smells. This should be very interesting.

[gldstwmn]

Well...
It's sad for his family but he's done nothing for this state but cause problems and piss away our money on bull**** since he's been elected so I'm not too dissapointed that he'll be stepping down; .

I heard that he was left with an illegal (under the state constitution) $5,000,000,000 debt from the Christie Todd Whitman administration that he had to resolve and that he also didn't raise taxes on the middle class but was trying to make up the deficit byt taxing gambling, cigarettes and the wealthiest 2% of residents in the state.

[dissention]

I heard that he was left with an illegal (under the state constitution) $5,000,000,000 debt from the Christie Todd Whitman administration that he had to resolve and that he also didn't raise taxes on the middle class but was trying to make up the deficit byt taxing gambling, cigarettes and the wealthiest 2% of residents in the state.

That's what I heard, too. For some reason, I don't buy that a governor would just suddenly decide to out himself and resign from his post because of conflicting interests. It smells worse than Bush's sales tax proposal. ;)

[GardenStateGirlie]

I heard that he was left with an illegal (under the state constitution) $5,000,000,000 debt from the Christie Todd Whitman administration that he had to resolve and that he also didn't raise taxes on the middle class but was trying to make up the deficit byt taxing gambling, cigarettes and the wealthiest 2% of residents in the state.

Trust me when I say taxes weren't just raised for the wealthy. He is equally as horrendous a Governor as ****man was in her second term. There have been many a shady dealing while he was in office and he surrounded himself with a lot of idiots. They both did a lot of damage to this state that will, no doubt, have long term effects.

[gldstwmn]

That's what I heard, too. For some reason, I don't buy that a governor would just suddenly decide to out himself and resign from his post because of conflicting interests. It smells worse than Bush's sales tax proposal. ;)

Oh yeah. We'll be hearing about this for a while.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Just a footnote in the myriad of bull**** situations McSleezy has gotten himself into. Yea, he's REAL concerned about our debt. :rolleyes:



Article from The Trentonian 12/10/2002 (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=6335287&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6)

Now at least one of Gov. Jim McGreevey’s own family members, back in the old sod, is upset about the way the governor tried to stick taxpayers with the bill for his jaunt to Ireland last summer.

The woman, a cousin to the governor, said the whole affair made it appear is if she and her clan-members had "stolen something."

She said McGreevey’s behavior made the Old-World McGreeveys (spelled McGreevy) look like grabby freeloaders.

She insisted they are not.

At a family reunion in July, the governor had told family members at the pub outside Belfast, Northern Ireland, to eat, drink and be merry -- he was picking up the tab.

Actually McGreevey tried to get taxpayers to foot the bill.

But he got caught.

Now the state Democratic Committee will pay the tab, rescuing the governor at a cost of some $70,000.

Last night, a cozy fire warmed the Bronte Steak House in Loughbrickland, Northern Ireland.

The pub has been known for hearty meals and the widely read, 19th-Century sister-authors, the Brontes.

Add to that fame the $3,178 McGreevey-family soiree.

Last night was a busy one at the pub -- for a Monday in the countryside outside Banbridge.

Patrons kept the cook busy preparing the storied house specialty, a sauce made with fine Irish whiskey.

The Trentonian can disclose that McGreevey did NOT get looped at the family affair.

But that aside, the new wrinkle to the reunion story really has little to do with the way McGreevey "bagpiped" his claimed $20,000 "trade mission" into $105,000 worth of good times.

"Yes," we are quite aware of this story," said Gary McDonald, business editor of the Irish Times, a Belfast newspaper, published about half-an-hour’s drive from Banbridge.

It turns out that The Times and other dailies heard about the Jersey stink over McGreevey’s expenses.

So they sought out the governor’s cousins and other family members.

Here is what one paper reported about the meal and McGreevey’s laying it off on his taxpayer-fueled expense account.

Cousin Pauline McGreevy: "It was as if we had stolen something.

"...We’re quite ordinary folk. This was a big, big deal for us, and it seems like it was tarnished in some way."

The McGreevy clan-members were reported to have tried to pay their fair share.

But the governor assuaged their concerns, insisting through staffers that he would handle the bill.

"It’s taken care of," the revelers were told.

Said McDonald, a years-long resident of the area and a patron of the Bronte:

"One would really have to be a bit aggressive on the menu to run up a bill that size. It’s not an expensive place. But it has a very good reputation. Very good, country Irish cooking."

The Trentonian learned that an average supper at the Bronte costs about $25 to $35.

In a display of bad timing, all the sour news about the McGreevey trip broke right as the matron of the clan, Cissie McGivern, turned 90.

And that is a huge affair in village life of Northern Ireland.

What made matters worse was McGreevey’s much-balleyhooed glad-handing at Drumthwacket, the state mansion in Princeton, with Gerry Adams.

Adams, a darling of most Irish Americans, is president of Sinn Fein, which is the political wing of the pro-Catholic, anti-British Irish Republican Army, or IRA.

The old-sod McGreevys are Catholics, yes, but they reside largely in an area that is of mixed faiths.

Tolerance and moderation are the watchwords there. The area has been largely untouched by the years of religious killing.

There is in the town today a slightly unionist, or Protestant, pro-British, majority.

There are no Sinn Fein politicians, for instance, on the Banbridge Town Council.

So Adams is not seen in the community as a champion of their cause.

As one paper quoted Cousin Pauline as saying:

"I have lost very close friends as a result of shooting and bombing instigated by the IRA.

"If I had been beside Jim, I would have told him, ‘I don’t think this (the highly publicized embrace of Adams) is such a good idea.’"

The IRA has waged a guerrilla war against British rule of Northern Ireland, which London considers a British province.

Protestants backed by the British Army hold onto economic and political privilege in the province, dominating Catholics.

The United States has tried to broker a political agreement, but the IRA has balked at surrendering all of its weapons.

Plus, the post-Sept. 11 U.S. foreign policy against global terror has eased pressure on the British government to reduce its troop presence on Belfast streets.

The governor -- who is so pro-IRA he openly ridicules former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher -- had no comment on the family-reunion reports.

Pauline added that she viewed the matter essentially as a family tiff.

"We are very, very proud of Jim," she was quoted as saying.

The Bronte sisters penned widely read tomes such as "Wuthering Heights," "Jane Eyre," "Agnes Grey" and "Wildfell Hall."

The pub takes its name from their father, the Rev. Patrick Bronte, a stern evangelical who had preached in the area.

[dissention]

Just a footnote in the myriad of bull**** situations McSleezy has gotten himself into. Yea, he's REAL concerned about our debt. :rolleyes:

Article from The Trentonian 12/10/2002 (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=6335287&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6)


:eek: :shocked: :lol:

If that's true, what an asshole.

[GardenStateGirlie]

:eek: :shocked: :lol:

If that's true, what an asshole.

Oh, it's true and was kept hush hush by the NJ Dems. Clearly as a newly elected Governor, this wouldn't have put him in good standing with the citizens of NJ. It was a blip in the radar of the McGreevey term though.

[Jason T.]

This smells funny. It wasn't just harassment from what I've heard...the term "rape" was being thrown around. I heard that he resigned because the man he supposedly raped was blackmailing him, so he decided to curb it all and admit to a gay affair. Who knows what the truth is! :laugh:
Lord have mercy. This is not good. It makes me wonder what really lies beneath this though.:confused:

[sparky]

...I'm not too dissapointed that he'll be stepping down; however i'd rather it were for his bad decisions rather than the fact he's gay which most of us could care less about.

Oh, it was his bad decisions, all right. Number one and number two being getting married to those two women. I am sure the other bad decisions, in his personal life anyway, are legion.

I had never heard of the guy, but I agree that this smells funny. It just doesn't add up, and all I can say is Quelle Scandale.

Just more grist for the anit-gay army out there. But, I doubt many will think to look at the reasons why men like this don't come out. My sympathy for guys like him is pretty low. He is young, for crying out loud. It's not like he grew up in the depression. But, I will be looking for more information to fill in the blanks of this man's background. We already have the whole Catholic thing. Nothing like reading you're going to burn in hell forever every Sunday of your formative years to nudge you into hiding your true sexual identity.
I am also curious about his upbringing, his parents, and all that as well. Everyone has a different story to tell, and few are boring.

Can't wait to hear this one.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Also, it's interesting to point out that NJ has no Lt. Gov. which means that the state of NJ majority leader for the Democratic party would be put into office to serve until November of 05' (when NJ is set to elect a new Gov.) UNLESS McGreevey resigns NOW (he's planning on resigning Nov. 15th). That would mean we'd have to have a state election and elect a new governor to serve the rest of the term. People are not going to stand for not being able to have a say in who the new governor will be and he is VERY slick by not resigning until Nov 15th so he can avoid a special election and keep a democrat in office until 05'. This whole situation MEGA shady and more is leaking out so i'll let you know when I hear more. This state has <i>ALWAYS</i> been a breeding ground for crooked politicians...Republican and Democrat...so again, this isn't too surprising but IMO, he is NOT resigning because he's gay; he's doing it to cover his ass and try and redeem himself for the mockery he's made of this state and the Democratic party during his term in office.

[gldstwmn]

Oh, it was his bad decisions, all right. Number one and number two being getting married to those two women. I am sure the other bad decisions, in his personal life anyway, are legion.

I had never heard of the guy, but I agree that this smells funny. It just doesn't add up, and all I can say is Quelle Scandale.

Just more grist for the anit-gay army out there. But, I doubt many will think to look at the reasons why men like this don't come out. My sympathy for guys like him is pretty low. He is young, for crying out loud. It's not like he grew up in the depression. But, I will be looking for more information to fill in the blanks of this man's background. We already have the whole Catholic thing. Nothing like reading you're going to burn in hell forever every Sunday of your formative years to nudge you into hiding your true sexual identity.
I am also curious about his upbringing, his parents, and all that as well. Everyone has a different story to tell, and few are boring.

Can't wait to hear this one.

It's going to be good. And you're right, you can bet your last nickel, the right wing homophobes will spin this into something more frightening than Al Qaeda.

[gldstwmn]

Also, it's interesting to point out that NJ has no Lt. Gov. which means that the state of NJ majority leader for the Democratic party would be put into office to serve until November of 05' (when NJ is set to elect a new Gov.) UNLESS McGreevey resigns NOW (he's planning on resigning Nov. 15th). That would mean we'd have to have a state election and elect a new governor to serve the rest of the term. People are not going to stand for not being able to have a say in who the new governor will be and he is VERY slick by not resigning until Nov 15th so he can avoid a special election and keep a democrat in office until 05'. This whole situation MEGA shady and more is leaking out so i'll let you know when I hear more. This state has <i>ALWAYS</i> been a breeding ground for crooked politicians...Republican and Democrat...so again, this isn't too surprising but IMO, he is NOT resigning because he's gay; he's doing it to cover his ass and try and redeem himself for the mockery he's made of this state and the Democratic party during his term in office.

Think about the money the taxpayers will save by not having to have two major elections in the next 15 months. This type of thing is not unusual.

[strandinthewind]

It's going to be good. And you're right, you can bet your last nickel, the right wing homophobes will spin this into something more frightening than Al Qaeda.


You mean something like "Filthy little faggots - Un Christian sodomites - they are all sexual deviants and cannot help it - let's put them in concentration camps" :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I wish this guy had been a stand up guy and a la Madonna and those nudie pics. said "yea - I am gay so what - Next!" :cool:

[gldstwmn]

You mean something like "Filthy little faggots - Un Christian sodomites - they are all sexual deviants and cannot help it - let's put them in concentration camps" :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I wish this guy had been a stand up guy and a la Madonna and those nudie pics. said "yea - I am gay so what - Next!" :cool:

I know. East coast politics takes the cake. For a good laugh, Google Buddy Cianci.
This guy is definitely being frought down by unseen forces. It will be interesting to say the least. See, this is one reason why I admired President Clinton. He wasn't gonna back down over sex. The "Next" thing would've worked much better for him too, though.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Think about the money the taxpayers will save by not having to have two major elections in the next 15 months. This type of thing is not unusual.

No thanks. The future of the state I live in is something i'm willing to go ahead and sacrifice a buck for. When you pay as much taxes and get screwed on insurance as we do here, spending money on a statewide election is the least of our worries. If you wanna do it, you've gotta do it right. Let's just not stick one of McGreevey's buddies in, let's vote on it. JMO.

[GardenStateGirlie]

I know. East coast politics takes the cake.

You can say that again!

[gldstwmn]

No thanks. The future of the state I live in is something i'm willing to go ahead and sacrifice a buck for. When you pay as much taxes and get screwed on insurance as we do here, spending money on a statewide election is the least of our worries. If you wanna do it, you've gotta do it right. Let's just not stick one of McGreevey's buddies in, let's vote on it. JMO.
According to your state constitution, this is what is supposed to happen. Otherwise, you end up with that thing they had in California.
Also, I hear Corzine may leave the Senate to run for governor.

[GardenStateGirlie]

According to your state constitution, this is what is supposed to happen. Otherwise, you end up with that thing they had in California.
Also, I hear Corzine may leave the Senate to run for governor.

Yes, that's correct. If McGreevey leaves office tomorrow and doesn't return, the NJ senate leader will step in office until we hold elections on November 15th. However, McGreevey said today that he would not step down until the 15th of November which would mean that the state would have no choice in who was to remain governor for the next year.

I hope people have wised up to Corzine. Bastard bought his seat in the senate...he doesn't need to govern my state. There are a few other democrats that are thinking of running as well that i'd rather see in office before him.

[GateandGarden]

This smells funny. It wasn't just harassment from what I've heard...the term "rape" was being thrown around. I heard that he resigned because the man he supposedly raped was blackmailing him, so he decided to curb it all and admit to a gay affair. Who knows what the truth is! :laugh: http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?date=2004/08/12/1]This PlanetOut article (http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?date=2004/08/12/1) says "According to WCBS in New York, the man with whom McGreevey admitted to having an affair was planning to file a sexual harassment suit against him and expose his homosexuality if he didn't pay him a large sum of money."

I also love this quote. McGreevey said, "At some point in every person's life, one has to look into the mirror of one's soul ... and decide the truth for what it is." If the truth is already what it is, how does one then go on to decide what it is? Can I chalk it up to the fact that the entire quote isn't represented in the article?
:confused:

Hillary

[sparky]

I wish this guy had been a stand up guy and a la Madonna and those nudie pics. said "yea - I am gay so what - Next!" :cool:

That would require him packing some serious stones. But then again, if he had those, he wouldn't be in this predicament now.

[dissention]

It's going to be good. And you're right, you can bet your last nickel, the right wing homophobes will spin this into something more frightening than Al Qaeda.

:nod:

Unfortunately, though, they're going to be able to do it effortlessly because of the rape claim, whether it's true or not the damage is done.

[gldstwmn]

:nod:

Unfortunately, though, they're going to be able to do it effortlessly because of the rape claim, whether it's true or not the damage is done.

That's why they can't hold a new election now. The race would be so tainted by this, it wouldn't even be fair.

[GardenStateGirlie]

That's why they can't hold a new election now. The race would be so tainted by this, it wouldn't even be fair.

Well i'm sorry that you can't see the middle of the road because you're so far to the left. It's not about the fact that he's gay...no one here cares and I mean NO ONE. It's about the fact that he and his little administration who just so happen to be Democrats (and there have been pleanty of Republican's in this state who have done wrong) were far and away the most corrupt we've had in a while. A story leaked out last month about fundraising and currently, there are two federal indictments; one against fundraiser David D'Amiano (the document mentions McGreevey 80+ times) and another not directly implicating him but implicating his top fundraiser Charles Kushner, another top fundraiser who was once McGreevey's nominee to head the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Democrats (http://www.politicsnj.com/kornacki071404.htm) have been itching to get him out because as I said, he's made a mockery of his position and the NJ Democratic party with his non-stop headline making scandals. Corzine and Andrews are jumping at the chance to be governor and honestly, I think Andrews would do a damn fine job.

Watching coverage and hearing various politicians speak, It seems as though everyone knows a lot to this story than we do and I think they all know what else is coming. Not to mention, we've done the acting governor before and let's just say, didn't turn out so well. As of this moment, he still isn't stepping down and I don't think he will. I want to see a ballot with both democrats and republicans and I want to make a choice of who I want in office...not some guy that's been affiliated with the governor since he's been in office that won't be nominated by his party to run for governor in 05'. We don't need to be dug into the mud any further.

[dissention]

Well i'm sorry that you can't see the middle of the road because you're so far to the left. It's not about the fact that he's gay...no one here cares and I mean NO ONE. It's about the fact that he and his little administration who just so happen to be Democrats (and there have been pleanty of Republican's in this state who have done wrong) were far and away the most corrupt we've had in a while. A story leaked out last month about fundraising and currently, there are two federal indictments; one against fundraiser David D'Amiano (the document mentions McGreevey 80+ times) and another not directly implicating him but implicating his top fundraiser Charles Kushner, another top fundraiser who was once McGreevey's nominee to head the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Democrats (http://www.politicsnj.com/kornacki071404.htm) have been itching to get him out because as I said, he's made a mockery of his position and the NJ Democratic party with his non-stop headline making scandals. Corzine and Andrews are jumping at the chance to be governor and honestly, I think Andrews would do a damn fine job.

Watching coverage and hearing various politicians speak, It seems as though everyone knows a lot to this story than we do and I think they all know what else is coming. Not to mention, we've done the acting governor before and let's just say, didn't turn out so well. As of this moment, he still isn't stepping down and I don't think he will. I want to see a ballot with both democrats and republicans and I want to make a choice of who I want in office...not some guy that's been affiliated with the governor since he's been in office that won't be nominated by his party to run for governor in 05'. We don't need to be dug into the mud any further.

I think what people are trying to get at is that instead of using what he actually did as governor (his policies, his corruption, etc.) against him, they're going to use his homosexuality and alleged rape against him as an example of why gays are so "evil" and try to weasel themselves into his position that way.

Based on what you've posted and what I've heard about the guy, he was a ****ty governor and comes across more as an opportunist than a public servant. So, I think his detractors on the right should use those things against him and not try to make him an example of sexuality gone awry that will only pander to their base and desensitize the public to even more gay hate rhetoric.

[Patti]

I think what people are trying to get at is that instead of using what he actually did as governor (his policies, his corruption, etc.) against him, they're going to use his homosexuality and alleged rape against him as an example of why gays are so "evil" and try to weasel themselves into his position that way.

Based on what you've posted and what I've heard about the guy, he was a ****ty governor and comes across more as an opportunist than a public servant. So, I think his detractors on the right should use those things against him and not try to make him an example of sexuality gone awry that will only pander to their base and desensitize the public to even more gay hate rhetoric.

Well said.

[GardenStateGirlie]

I think what people are trying to get at is that instead of using what he actually did as governor (his policies, his corruption, etc.) against him, they're going to use his homosexuality and alleged rape against him as an example of why gays are so "evil" and try to weasel themselves into his position that way.

Based on what you've posted and what I've heard about the guy, he was a ****ty governor and comes across more as an opportunist than a public servant. So, I think his detractors on the right should use those things against him and not try to make him an example of sexuality gone awry that will only pander to their base and desensitize the public to even more gay hate rhetoric.

Now now...come on...not every Republican is filled with gay-hate and is a total bastard...you're jumping the gun a bit. They haven't yet and they won't, IMO. I don't know if you know this or not...NJ has a HUGE amount of gay men and women living in this state who were given the right to marry in Asbury Park, NJ this past year. If they're as smart as I think they are, they won't toy with the gay issue nor should they because it has nothing to do with him being gay (and they've even said such this morning while publically pleeing for him to step down now and not later). Why play with the dirty politics if you have him by the balls with all of the other situations he's managed to get himself into? His actions while he was in office say it all.

[dissention]

Now now...come on...not every Republican is filled with gay-hate and is a total bastard...you're jumping the gun a bit. They haven't yet and they won't, IMO. I don't know if you know this or not...NJ has a HUGE amount of gay men and women living in this state who were given the right to marry in Asbury Park, NJ this past year. If they're as smart as I think they are, they won't toy with the gay issue nor should they because it has nothing to do with him being gay (and they've even said such this morning while publically pleeing for him to step down now and not later). Why play with the dirty politics if you have him by the balls with all of the other situations he's managed to get himself into? His actions while he was in office say it all.

The GOP most certainly is. I'm not saying every voting Republican is, but the GOP is run by gay-hating monsters, you simply cannot refute that, Marissa. For cripes sake, they were all over TV yesterday saying what a pig bastard McGreevey is. From what I have seen, they are not attacking him based on his record, which is dubious at best, they're attacking him based on these latest revelations. If NJ has such a large gay population that can influence the vote a great deal, then you're right, they are playing dirty politics that will backfire on them. But I submit that those with a national voice in the Republican party simply cannot control the urge to bash the man for his homosexuality. Just look at who they nominated to run against Obama in Illinois! :laugh: They're gay-haters, through and through.

[GardenStateGirlie]

The GOP most certainly is. I'm not saying every voting Republican is, but the GOP is run by gay-hating monsters, you simply cannot refute that, Marissa. For cripes sake, they were all over TV yesterday saying what a pig bastard McGreevey is. From what I have seen, they are not attacking him based on his record, which is dubious at best, they're attacking him based on these latest revelations. If NJ has such a large gay population that can influence the vote a great deal, then you're right, they are playing dirty politics that will backfire on them. But I submit that those with a national voice in the Republican party simply cannot control the urge to bash the man for his homosexuality. Just look at who they nominated to run against Obama in Illinois! :laugh: They're gay-haters, through and through.

I'm not talking national level here...i'm talking state politics and state level here and no, they've not said a word against his being gay and they aren't bashing him for that. I will say this...his "coming out" yesterday was indeed another opportunist move, IMO...a chance for him to try and overshadow what's actually much more deeprooted than him being gay and having a rape charge against him. My spidey sense tells me that more **** was about to hit the fan in his office and he needed to move fast. New Jersey already knew he was gay anyway...it's been a rumor since day 1.

[amber]

It's going to be good. And you're right, you can bet your last nickel, the right wing homophobes will spin this into something more frightening than Al Qaeda.
But really, it should be spun this way - If there WERE no right wing homophobes, and everyone was just allowed to be who they were all the time, then being gay wouldn't have put him in a compromising position. :mad:
AMber

[gldstwmn]

Well i'm sorry that you can't see the middle of the road because you're so far to the left. It's not about the fact that he's gay...no one here cares and I mean NO ONE.

This scandal would so taint whomever the Dems nominated that it would make it virtually impossible for them to have a fair shot at winning. Case in point: the Obama/Ryan senate race. No one can mount a successful campaing ebetween now and November.
As for the statement that no one cares about this scandal, the GOP is already screaming for him to resign now.

[gldstwmn]

So, I think his detractors on the right should use those things against him and not try to make him an example of sexuality gone awry that will only pander to their base and desensitize the public to even more gay hate rhetoric.

But they're not going to do that and as I said, this would taint anyone who tries to run for his seat now. When Nixon resigned, we didn't have an election, did we?

[gldstwmn]

Now now...come on...not every Republican is filled with gay-hate and is a total bastard...you're jumping the gun a bit. They haven't yet and they won't, IMO. I don't know if you know this or not...NJ has a HUGE amount of gay men and women living in this state who were given the right to marry in Asbury Park, NJ this past year. If they're as smart as I think they are, they won't toy with the gay issue nor should they because it has nothing to do with him being gay (and they've even said such this morning while publically pleeing for him to step down now and not later). Why play with the dirty politics if you have him by the balls with all of the other situations he's managed to get himself into? His actions while he was in office say it all.


Who's paying the jilted lover's lawyer bills?

[gldstwmn]

The GOP most certainly is. I'm not saying every voting Republican is, but the GOP is run by gay-hating monsters, you simply cannot refute that, Marissa. For cripes sake, they were all over TV yesterday saying what a pig bastard McGreevey is. From what I have seen, they are not attacking him based on his record, which is dubious at best, they're attacking him based on these latest revelations. If NJ has such a large gay population that can influence the vote a great deal, then you're right, they are playing dirty politics that will backfire on them. But I submit that those with a national voice in the Republican party simply cannot control the urge to bash the man for his homosexuality. Just look at who they nominated to run against Obama in Illinois! :laugh: They're gay-haters, through and through.

Newtie was on tv yapping about it last night. Someone call Larry Flynt.

[GardenStateGirlie]

But really, it should be spun this way - If there WERE no right wing homophobes, and everyone was just allowed to be who they were all the time, then being gay wouldn't have put him in a compromising position. :mad:
AMber

Being gay did not put him in the position he's in now....being an asshole did. Again, not about him being gay...he's using that as his way out. Smokescreen.

[GardenStateGirlie]

But they're not going to do that and as I said, this would taint anyone who tries to run for his seat now. When Nixon resigned, we didn't have an election, did we?

There's a huge difference between a national election and a state election. State of NJ law says that if in fact there is no Lt. Gov and a Gov resigns, there is to be a special election in which a new Gov is elected. And if a Democrat doesn't get elected, that would be the fault of the party for allowing McGreevey to act as they had and clean up his messes for the past few years. This state has a habit of electing a party and then 4 years later, electing another. We go back and forth.

[Josh2003]

There's a huge difference between a national election and a state election.

Actually, in this case, there is a difference, but the state election could have huge effects on the national election.

Say Gov. McGreevey does resign before the deadline for the Nov. 2 election. Many voters might associate this scandal with Democrats, since McGreevey is a Dem. More Republicans might come to the polls, in an attempt to elect a Republican governor. More Republicans at the polls=more votes for Bush, putting New Jersey in play.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Actually, in this case, there is a difference, but the state election could have huge effects on the national election.

Say Gov. McGreevey does resign before the deadline for the Nov. 2 election. Many voters might associate this scandal with Democrats, since McGreevey is a Dem. More Republicans might come to the polls, in an attempt to elect a Republican governor. More Republicans at the polls=more votes for Bush, putting New Jersey in play.

Doubtful. New Jersey has a strong history of giving it's electoral votes to the Democratic candidate. Kerry bumperstickers abound in the Garden State with most registered voters wanting Bush out of office. McGreevey's faux pas won't have an impact on the Presidential election, IMO.

[gldstwmn]

There's a huge difference between a national election and a state election.

Nixon's administration was rife with corruption and you're asserting that a new election should be held because McGreevy's administrations was rife with corruption. What's the difference?

[gldstwmn]

Actually, in this case, there is a difference, but the state election could have huge effects on the national election.

Say Gov. McGreevey does resign before the deadline for the Nov. 2 election. Many voters might associate this scandal with Democrats, since McGreevey is a Dem. More Republicans might come to the polls, in an attempt to elect a Republican governor. More Republicans at the polls=more votes for Bush, putting New Jersey in play.


Yup. :nod:

[GardenStateGirlie]

Nixon's administration was rife with corruption and you're asserting that a new election should be held because McGreevy's administrations was rife with corruption. What's the difference?

I don't know...maybe because it's the law in NJ that when you have no appointed Lt. Gov and the Gov. resigns, you have a new election. Maybe I can't read? :shrug:

[GardenStateGirlie]

Yup. :nod:

The McGreevey situation will have no effect on the fact that NJ voters want Bush out of office. Don't worry...your man will still get our electoral votes.

[gldstwmn]

I don't know...maybe because it's the law in NJ that when you have no appointed Lt. Gov and the Gov. resigns, you have a new election. Maybe I can't read? :shrug:

Ah, you didn't answer the question. :)

[GardenStateGirlie]

Ah, you didn't answer the question. :)

I'm asserting that when someone resigns from public office that proper protocal should be followed. Was proper protocal followed in Nixon's case? Was someone else not appointed to office as designed by the law? That's right, it was. The Vice President took office as the law states. Here, the Lt. Gov (who would be a Democrat and much like the state version of a Vice Pres. I suppose you could say) would take office. However, since the state of NJ doesn't currently have one, we have to vote to find a replacement for our current Governor. That's national politics....this is the protocal for NJ State politics. I don't know how they differ from state to state but I do know this is what happens in NJ when you have no Lt. Gov...it simply is what it is. The protocal is to hold a new election establishing a new Governor. Most likely the candidate for the Republicans would be who McGreevey ran against; Brett Schundler, who people are already familiar with.

[gldstwmn]

I'm asserting that when someone resigns from public office that proper protocal should be followed. Was proper protocal followed in Nixon's case? Was someone else not appointed to office as designed by the law? That's right, it was. The Vice President took office as the law states. Here, the Lt. Gov (who would be a Democrat and much like the state version of a Vice Pres. I suppose you could say) would take office. However, since the state of NJ doesn't currently have one, we have to vote to find a replacement for our current Governor. That's national politics....this is the protocal for NJ State politics. I don't know how they differ from state to state but I do know this is what happens in NJ when you have no Lt. Gov...it simply is what it is. The protocal is to hold a new election establishing a new Governor. Most likely the candidate for the Republicans would be who McGreevey ran against; Brett Schundler, who people are already familiar with.

If McGreevy was to resign effective immediatley this would be correct. However by resigning in November, no special election is required.
When a President resigns, it goes to Vice President and then the President pro tempore of the Senate and then the Speaker Of the House. Since there is not a LG in your state, the power is being transferred to the next person in line, Senate President Richard Codey, the same way it is set forth in the 25th amendment. I don't understand why there would be a problem with someone stepping in for a one year period. Plus IMO, it is in the best interest of the state for a reasonable amount of time to plan for transition.

[GardenStateGirlie]

If McGreevy was to resign effective immediatley this would be correct. However by resigning in November, no special election is required.
When a President resigns, it goes to Vice President and then the President pro tempore of the Senate and then the Speaker Of the House. Since there is not a LG in your state, the power is being transferred to the next person in line, Senate President Richard Codey, the same way it is set forth in the 25th amendment. I don't understand why there would be a problem with someone stepping in for a one year period. Plus IMO, it is in the best interest of the state for a reasonable amount of time to plan for transition.

Tis' what I said :)

And he still has not announced it as such but thousands of people have called their local reps. demanding they get him out of there or they will not support said elected rep. in the next election. Democratic voters and Republican voters in this state are pissed off. I say he ends up stepping down shortly. I am aware, as I have said in previous posts, that since he said in his resignation speech that he would not offically resign until November that no other election would be held. That's protocal. However, if you have a bunch of irrate citizens, you're party is going to ask you to resign effective immediately which is what I think we'll see. Da da.

[gldstwmn]

Tis' what I said :)

And he still has not announced it as such but thousands of people have called their local reps. demanding they get him out of there or they will not support said elected rep. in the next election. Democratic voters and Republican voters in this state are pissed off. I say he ends up stepping down shortly. I am aware, as I have said in previous posts, that since he said in his resignation speech that he would not offically resign until November that no other election would be held. That's protocal. However, if you have a bunch of irrate citizens, you're party is going to ask you to resign effective immediately which is what I think we'll see. Da da.

The Democrat House and Senate do not meet again until September 2. So by default nothing will be done and then it will be to late because they are within the 60 day deadline. :shrug:
Remember, he is resigning because a jilted lover is suing him for forcing him to have sex, which if you think about it is hard to believe. The governor has not been charged with any gross incompetence with respect to his job.

[GardenStateGirlie]

The Democrat House and Senate do not meet again until September 2. So by default nothing will be done and then it will be to late because they are within the 60 day deadline. :shrug:
Remember, he is resigning because a jilted lover is suing him for focing him to have sex, which if you think about it is hard to believe. The governor has not been charged with any gross incompetence with respect to his job.

Remember...the full story has not come out yet...this stems much deeper than rape charges. This is "poor poor pitiful me"--a way for him to get out before he gets in too deep. Trust me. :wavey:

[Tango]

Actually, in this case, there is a difference, but the state election could have huge effects on the national election.


I agree, and yet I don't believe it is "wrong" to allow the people to vote, no matter where the chips fall. I swear, it's like Florida. Let the people VOTE!

[GardenStateGirlie]

I agree, and yet I don't believe it is "wrong" to allow the people to vote, no matter where the chips fall. I swear, it's like Florida. Let the people VOTE!

Thank you. Yet some people have a party bias and can't understand that it has nothing to do with the party and has nothing to do with the grand scheme of national politics...it has to do with the person. This isn't a DNC thing...this is a Jim McGreevey/State of NJ thing.

[Tango]

Thank you. Yet some people have a party bias and can't understand that it has nothing to do with the party and has nothing to do with the grand scheme of national politics...it has to do with the person. This isn't a DNC thing...this is a Jim McGreevey/State of NJ thing.

No problem. You know, the more "enlightened" we all are, the blinder we are to our own selves sometimes.

[gldstwmn]

Remember...the full story has not come out yet...this stems much deeper than rape charges.

I agree. The full story hasn't come out yet. :)

[gldstwmn]

Thank you. Yet some people have a party bias and can't understand that it has nothing to do with the party and has nothing to do with the grand scheme of national politics...it has to do with the person. This isn't a DNC thing...this is a Jim McGreevey/State of NJ thing.


I doubt it.

[gldstwmn]

No problem. You know, the more "enlightened" we all are, the blinder we are to our own selves sometimes.

You're quite the sage. I'll try to remember that one. :)

[strandinthewind]

Former McGreevey official sought $50 million, aides say



TRENTON, New Jersey (AP) -- The man who claims Gov. James E. McGreevey sexually harassed him was pushing for a cash settlement of up to $50 million before the governor decided to announce that he was gay and had an extramarital affair, sources told The Associated Press.

Golan Cipel's demands also included a last-minute push to have McGreevey's administration approve development plans for a private medical college in the state, two senior members of the administration said Saturday. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity.

McGreevey's lawyer refused to negotiate, one of the sources said, and rejected repeated offers to pay cash to avoid a lawsuit that would detail the governor's relationship with Cipel, a former campaign aide whose appointment as a homeland security adviser with little experience provoked a major political controversy for the governor.

Cipel's lawyer first contacted McGreevey on July 23, asking for $50 million, one of the administration sources said. More offers were made, and the price dropped. Each time McGreevey's lawyer refused to agree and did not discuss the issue further, the source said.

Eventually that figure dropped to $5 million, both sources said, and the offers to avoid a sexual harassment lawsuit continued Thursday afternoon just as McGreevey made up his mind to declare his homosexuality and admit to an extramarital affair with a man.

Two sources close to McGreevey said Thursday that Cipel was the unnamed man the governor acknowledged having an affair with in his resignation speech that day.

The FBI is investigating whether a former employee tried to blackmail the governor, according to law enforcement sources.

Investigators were notified after Cipel's lawyer asked that McGreevey intervene with a plan by Touro College to build a medical school in New Jersey.

"Touro was a last-ditch effort when the money dropped," one of the administration sources said.

Representatives of the small Jewish school in Manhattan met with the state health commissioner in late 2002, but did not move forward with plans for a medical school, that source said.

Several calls by The Associated Press to the college Saturday were not returned.

The school's board members include Charles Kushner, a real estate developer who gave millions to Jewish organizations and politicians, including McGreevey and former U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-New Jersey.

Torricelli represented Touro College in its attempt to develop a new medical school in the state, said Sean Jackson, a vice president of Lambertville-based Rosemont Associates, a business venture involving Torricelli. Jackson said Cipel was not involved with the project.

"Neither Sen. Torricelli nor myself have ever spoken or met with Mr. Cipel. We find this whole matter quite bewildering," Jackson said.

Kushner was the sponsor for the work visa that allowed Cipel to come to the United States and gave him a $30,000-a-year job in public relations with one of his companies.

Cipel met McGreevey during a trip to Israel and then worked on his 2001 campaign. He became McGreevey's hand-picked homeland security adviser with a $110,000 annual salary but was unable to get federal security clearances because he was not a U.S. citizen.

McGreevey eventually moved Cipel out of that job but kept him on the payroll as an adviser. Cipel quietly left state government for a public relations job in August 2002.

Cipel's lawyer, Alan Lowy, did not return repeated phone messages left Saturday seeking comment.

On Friday, he disputed claims his client had threatened a lawsuit unless he received money. He said McGreevey's representatives offered Cipel money not to file a lawsuit.

"It was only at the insistence of the governor's representatives that I agreed to meet with them before filing a lawsuit," Lowy said. He added that "only time will tell" if Cipel pursues legal action.

McGreevey has made no public statements since his nationally televised admission on Thursday. The governor was unavailable for interviews Saturday, spokeswoman Kathy Ellis said.

He plans to leave office on November 15, a delay that would allow state Senate President Richard J. Codey, a fellow Democrat, to be acting governor until McGreevey's term ends January 2006.

Republican lawmakers have demanded that McGreevey resign now, which would make a special election necessary.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Find this article at:

[gldstwmn]

Okay. Let me get this straight. This guy that makes $30,000 a year is suing the governor but he's got an attorney working on his behalf? Now, correct me if I'm wrong but unless the attorney has taken this case on contingency (Ha!) someone's footing Cipel's legal bills. I wonder who that could be?

[strandinthewind]

Okay. Let me get this straight. This guy that makes $30,000 a year is suing the governor but he's got an attorney working on his behalf? Now, correct me if I'm wrong but unless the attorney has taken this case on contingency (Ha!) someone's footing Cipel's legal bills. I wonder who that could be?

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Plus, it is kind of hard to claim rape if you continue to have sex with the person, accept a job from them, etc. Despite the apparent ineffectiveness of this guy's administration, this rape cry seems illegit. But, maybe there are more facts :shrug:

[GardenStateGirlie]

I doubt it.

So you're telling me that if it was a Republican in place of a Democrat, you'd still be bitching?

I doubt it.

[gldstwmn]

[QUOTE=GardenStateGirlie

Article from The Trentonian 12/10/2002 (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=6335287&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6)

Why did you select a tabloid? That article is pure horse****. You wouldn't be tryin' to fool an old east coast girl, now would you? Check out the dirt on this rag:
http://www.snappingturtle.net/flit/archives/2002_07_25.html
JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH HASH ON THE NEWSROOM FLOOR THAT NIGHT...

From Howie Kurtz:

"The publisher of a city tabloid apologized in print Tuesday for a headline on the paper's story about a recent fire at a psychiatric facility.

"The Trentonian's story on a July 9 fire that damaged an administration building at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital appeared under the headline 'Roasted Nuts.' There were no patients in the building and no one was injured.

"In a signed editorial, publisher David B. Bonfield called it a 'crude, thoughtless headline that cruelly made light of mental illness. In the bargain, it was inaccurate.'"

http://www.capitalcentury.com/1946.html
The Trentonian has come far from its scruffy infancy of the '40s. One thing that hasn't changed: it's still a tabloid, with a tabloid's huge headlines and feistiness when it comes to attacking

Check out what the publisher's current gig is:
http://www.online-casino.cc/gambling-atlas/casino-and-gaming-news-archive/Youbet-com-Attracts-Top-Managers-for-New-Regional-Posts.htm
Youbet.com Attracts Top Managers for New Regional Posts
Wednesday October 22, 2:00 pm ET

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2003--Youbet.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:UBET - News), a leading online wagering company and the largest provider of horse racing content in the United States, today announced that two accomplished marketing executives have joined the Company as regional General Managers of Youbet's aggressive new business development program.

David B. Bonfield, a widely experienced advertising and marketing executive who was most recently publisher of the Trentonian/Journal Register Company, New Jersey, has become General Manager of Youbet's Eastern Region. Jeff True, former general manager and director of marketing of Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California and a 15-year veteran of the horse racing industry, has joined Youbet as General Manager, Western Region.

The new Youbet executives will be responsible for management and development of existing race track and marketing relationships, including track and vendor contract negotiations, and for expansion of Youbet's presence in their respective regions, the Company said. They will also monitor state and local legislatures and other regulatory bodies and develop relationships with leading horsemen.

"With these outstanding managers now in place, we have a powerhouse marketing capability that can propel Youbet to continued growth in two of our major markets," said Charles F. Champion, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Youbet.com. "Customers and content are the keys to market share growth for Youbet, and we are confident that Dave and Jeff will bring us even more closely in touch with bettors, tracks and other important constituencies," Champion added. "Their efforts are essential to the success of our strategic plan to grow handle by leveraging Youbet's superior product and technology advantages," he concluded.

Youbet said it is seeking an individual with credentials comparable to those of Bonfield and True to manage its Midwestern region.

Youbet.com is the largest Internet provider of thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse racing content in the United States. Members have the ability to watch and, in most states, the ability to wager on virtually 100% of all major domestic horse racing content via Youbet.com's exclusive closed-loop network. Youbet.com members enjoy features that include commingled track pools, live audio/video, up-to-the-minute track information, real-time wagering information, phone wagering and value-added handicapping products.

That's an odd one.

[gldstwmn]

So you're telling me that if it was a Republican in place of a Democrat, you'd still be bitching?

I doubt it.

You're changing the argument. Who's paying Cipel's lawyer bill for his $50 million lawsuit? Doesn't this seem the least bit fishy to you? Cipel was reported to the FBI, after all. Where's you contempt for him? He's an Israeli citizen who accepted a plum job with the guy he was having an affair with. Both parties are accountable here. There's a whole lot more to this, as I suspected from the very begining. McGreevey won the election fair and square, right? He's been charged with no wrongdoing in respect to his performance as governor of the state of New Jersey. There will be an election in 15 months. My suggestion would be, if you are that passionate about it, go out and find yourself someone who you think will make a good governor and start working for them-now.

[GardenStateGirlie]

[QUOTE=GardenStateGirlie

Article from The Trentonian 12/10/2002 (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=6335287&BRD=1697&PAG=461&dept_id=44551&rfi=6)

Why did you select a tabloid? That article is pure horse****. You wouldn't be tryin' to fool an old east coast girl, now would you? Check out the dirt on this rag:
http://www.snappingturtle.net/flit/archives/2002_07_25.html
JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH HASH ON THE NEWSROOM FLOOR THAT NIGHT...

From Howie Kurtz:

"The publisher of a city tabloid apologized in print Tuesday for a headline on the paper's story about a recent fire at a psychiatric facility.

"The Trentonian's story on a July 9 fire that damaged an administration building at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital appeared under the headline 'Roasted Nuts.' There were no patients in the building and no one was injured.

"In a signed editorial, publisher David B. Bonfield called it a 'crude, thoughtless headline that cruelly made light of mental illness. In the bargain, it was inaccurate.'"

http://www.capitalcentury.com/1946.html
The Trentonian has come far from its scruffy infancy of the '40s. One thing that hasn't changed: it's still a tabloid, with a tabloid's huge headlines and feistiness when it comes to attacking

Check out what the publisher's current gig is:
http://www.online-casino.cc/gambling-atlas/casino-and-gaming-news-archive/Youbet-com-Attracts-Top-Managers-for-New-Regional-Posts.htm
Youbet.com Attracts Top Managers for New Regional Posts
Wednesday October 22, 2:00 pm ET

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2003--Youbet.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:UBET - News), a leading online wagering company and the largest provider of horse racing content in the United States, today announced that two accomplished marketing executives have joined the Company as regional General Managers of Youbet's aggressive new business development program.

David B. Bonfield, a widely experienced advertising and marketing executive who was most recently publisher of the Trentonian/Journal Register Company, New Jersey, has become General Manager of Youbet's Eastern Region. Jeff True, former general manager and director of marketing of Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California and a 15-year veteran of the horse racing industry, has joined Youbet as General Manager, Western Region.

The new Youbet executives will be responsible for management and development of existing race track and marketing relationships, including track and vendor contract negotiations, and for expansion of Youbet's presence in their respective regions, the Company said. They will also monitor state and local legislatures and other regulatory bodies and develop relationships with leading horsemen.

"With these outstanding managers now in place, we have a powerhouse marketing capability that can propel Youbet to continued growth in two of our major markets," said Charles F. Champion, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Youbet.com. "Customers and content are the keys to market share growth for Youbet, and we are confident that Dave and Jeff will bring us even more closely in touch with bettors, tracks and other important constituencies," Champion added. "Their efforts are essential to the success of our strategic plan to grow handle by leveraging Youbet's superior product and technology advantages," he concluded.

Youbet said it is seeking an individual with credentials comparable to those of Bonfield and True to manage its Midwestern region.

Youbet.com is the largest Internet provider of thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse racing content in the United States. Members have the ability to watch and, in most states, the ability to wager on virtually 100% of all major domestic horse racing content via Youbet.com's exclusive closed-loop network. Youbet.com members enjoy features that include commingled track pools, live audio/video, up-to-the-minute track information, real-time wagering information, phone wagering and value-added handicapping products.

That's an odd one.



You may chap a lot of asses on this board and scare people away from presenting political thought that isn't necessarily the same as yours but you don't scare me. Funny. You didn't answer my question. Afraid that for once perhaps, someone else might actually have validity to a statment that you can't bash with your canned political rhetoric?

From The Star Ledger (a credible NJ Newspaper) (http://www.cpanj.com/capitalreportpages/mcgreeveywatch/november2002/MCGREEVEY%27S%20IRELAND%20TAB%20$105%2C000.htm)

Oh, and since you have to be a member, I took the liberty of copying and pasting....

In N.J., junkets to cost party (Philadelphia Inquirer Article) (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/politics/4659520.htm)

The state Democratic Committee will pay $75,000 toward Gov. McGreevey's travel costs.

By Angela Couloumbis

Inquirer Trenton Bureau

TRENTON - First it was a high-priced trade mission to Ireland for himself, his family and some of his top aides - all billed to the state.

Then it was more than a dozen personal trips he made around and outside New Jersey in a state-owned helicopter - again on the taxpayers' dime.

Now, Gov. McGreevey finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to reimburse the state for his travels and has turned to the state Democratic Committee to help him out.

In all, the state committee will pay a total of about $75,000 for the trips, party officials said yesterday. McGreevey will pay about $3,100 out of his own pocket for a family reunion he held at a Northern Ireland steak house while there on a trade mission last summer.

Though the $75,000 the party will pay is just a fraction of the more than $1.7 million it has on hand, the move is an embarrassing one for McGreevey, who over the last 10 months has called for fiscal responsibility as the state has faced steep budget shortfalls.

The governor could not be reached for comment yesterday. But last week, he apologized for how much his trade mission to Ireland cost - just over $70,000, including security costs - and acknowledged it was a mistake to have had the entire cost billed to the state.

Expensive helicopter rides

Yesterday, McGreevey spokesman Kevin Davitt said the administration has asked the Democratic Party to reimburse taxpayers just over $18,000 for private trips McGreevey has taken in state-owned helicopters since taking office in mid-January.

The helicopters are normally used for state business. McGreevey, who has taken a total of 272 trips since taking office, has also used it 14 times for personal trips, including once for a trip for a New Jersey lawmaker's wedding.

Davitt would not give details yesterday on what other personal business the governor conducted while on those trips.

But when asked under what general circumstances the governor would use the helicopter for personal reasons, Davitt said: "If the governor has had to attend an official event and then needs to have a private meeting."

Davitt said that the hourly operating cost for one of the helicopters is $1,800, and $600 for the other. Both are operated by the New Jersey State Police.

Repayment was planned

Davitt said that the Governor's Office has been reviewing the helicopter travel logs on a monthly basis and had always planned to reimburse the state on a yearly basis.

"There are many folks that would argue that anything the governor does to help the state is related to his role as governor," Davitt said. But McGreevey, he said, wanted to "err on the side of caution" and reimburse the state.

It is not the first time a governor has taken heat for using the state helicopters. Gov. Whitman came under fire early in her term for using a state helicopter after she had pledged not to.

But news of McGreevey's helicopter usage follows news reports last week that his trip to Ireland in August cost in excess of $70,000 - despite assertions by the administration at the time that it would cost only $20,000.

McGreevey went on the trip with his wife, Dina, eight government officials, and three state troopers on the governor's security detail. The governor flew first class, and while there, stayed in a $400-a-night suite and used the services of a chauffeur in a Mercedes-Benz.






Happy reading. :wavey:

[gldstwmn]

You may chap a lot of asses on this board and scare people away from presenting political thought that isn't necessarily the same as yours but you don't scare me. Funny. You didn't answer my question. Afraid that for once perhaps, someone else might actually have validity to a statment that you can't bash with your canned political rhetoric?

:

I'm a little surprised that your responses keep coming back to me as opposed to the topic at hand.
I'm not trying to scare anybody, nor am I afraid. :confused:
A lot of the male posters have strong political opinions, however I do not see them being vilified in this manner. :shrug:
My political thoughts are based on what I've drawn from a variety of sources.
I try to back up my postions with the facts and how I interpret them.
I"ll respond to your question. I can't really answer you because no gay Republican governor has ever had extortion perpetrated on him (or her) and has outed himself and then resigned. I don't have anything to compare it to where I'd go "Yeah, that guy should have quit" or "Yeah, that guy should have stayed." I did provide the Nixon comparison, which is about as close as I can come. The Ryan scandal doesn't count because he wasn't elected yet. Those are the only ones I can think of right now.

[GardenStateGirlie]

I'm a little surprised that your responses keep coming back to me as opposed to the topic at hand.
I'm not trying to scare anybody, nor am I afraid. :confused:
A lot of the male posters have strong political opinions, however I do not see them being vilified in this manner. :shrug:
My political thoughts are based on what I've drawn from a variety of sources.
I try to back up my postions with the facts and how I interpret them.
I"ll respond to your question. I can't really answer you because no gay Republican governor has ever had extortion perpetrated on him (or her) and has outed himself and then resigned. I don't have anything to compare it to where I'd go "Yeah, that guy should have quit" or "Yeah, that guy should have stayed." I did provide the Nixon comparison, which is about as close as I can come. The Ryan scandal doesn't count because he wasn't elected yet. Those are the only ones I can think of right now.

I don't know...when you keep quoting GardenStateGirlie and responding to my views, points, and sources, asking me if i'm "fooling" you with an article i'd presented, what were <i>you</i> expecting?

My political thoughts are based on what I've drawn from a variety of sources. I try to back up my postions with the facts and how I interpret them.

Telling me and other posters in a thread about the state of New Jersey possibly having the opportunity to vote for their own governor in a special election (should McGreevey outright resign immediately) that we shouldn't have one because it might be tainted is BS and what got me to reply to you in the first place. "Tainted" to you means not voting correctly, i.e. Democratic. THAT bothers me. I vote for the person and their views and not the party. I hope others do as well.

[gldstwmn]

I don't know...when you keep quoting GardenStateGirlie and responding to my views, points, and sources, asking me if i'm "fooling" you with an article i'd presented, what were <i>you</i> expecting?

My political thoughts are based on what I've drawn from a variety of sources. I try to back up my postions with the facts and how I interpret them.

Telling me and other posters in a thread about the state of New Jersey possibly having the opportunity to vote for their own governor in a special election (should McGreevey outright resign immediately) that we shouldn't have one because it might be tainted is BS and what got me to reply to you in the first place. "Tainted" to you means not voting correctly, i.e. Democratic. THAT bothers me. I vote for the person and their views and not the party. I hope others do as well.

Once again, why is this about me? :confused: When I made the "fooling" comment, I was just playing but did want you to know the source of the article was a tabloid, which I suspected when I read it.
Having an election now would defintely be tainted by this thing, don't you think? It's starting to look like quite the set up, if you ask me ala Paula Jones/Bill Clinton. As I said, who do you think is paying Cipel's legal bills? The guy makes $30,000 a year.
Governor McGreevey was fairly elected. He may not have been a great governor in your opinion but that is what the next election is for. He is not being charged with any gubernatorial misdeeds.
If there were to be a special election, I suspect that you might not even be pleased with those candidates. As I said, if you are that passionate about it, find someone you like and start working for them now, so they can be eleceted when the next election comes.
Weren't you supposed to be moving to LA now anyway? I hear they've got a fabulous Republican governor, who's definitely not gay. He might grab you though. :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Plus, it is kind of hard to claim rape if you continue to have sex with the person, accept a job from them, etc. Despite the apparent ineffectiveness of this guy's administration, this rape cry seems illegit. But, maybe there are more facts :shrug:

Oh I bet there are. And you know we're gonna hear all of them.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Once again, why is this about me? :confused: When I made the "fooling" comment, I was just playing but did want you to know the source of the article was a tabloid, which I suspected when I read it.
Having an election now would defintely be tainted by this thing, don't you think? It's starting to look like quite the set up, if you ask me ala Paula Jones/Bill Clinton. As I said, who do you think is paying Cipel's legal bills? The guy makes $30,000 a year.
Governor McGreevey was fairly elected. He may not have been a great governor in your opinion but that is what the next election is for. He is not being charged with any gubernatorial misdeeds.
If there were to be a special election, I suspect that you might not even be pleased with those candidates. As I said, if you are that passionate about it, find someone you like and start working for them now, so they can be eleceted when the next election comes.
Weren't you supposed to be moving to LA now anyway? I hear they've got a fabulous Republican governor, who's definitely not gay. He might grab you though. :laugh:

Sure, he makes $30,000 a year now but when he worked for McGreevey he was making 100,000+. Surely he can pay for himself.

If there were a special election, i would be pleased with the candidates. As I said, Brett Schundler would run on the Republican ticket and most likely Corzine or Rob Andrews would run on the Democratic. I really like Rob Andrews and have had the opportunity to meet and speak with him on more than one occassion. It would be a good race and in fact, I don't know who i'd vote for.

No. I'm going to move to Colorado and vote for every single Republican humanly possible.

Kidding.

And again, I don't care that McGreevey is gay.

[gldstwmn]

Sure, he makes $30,000 a year now but when he worked for McGreevey he was making 100,000+. Surely he can pay for himself.

.

My understanding is that he only held that position for a few months. He hasn't worked for the state for what, a year and a half, two years now? A retainer for a case of this type would be substantial, IMO. But we've got some attorneys around her. Maybe they will address that. As I said, maybe the attorney took Cipel's case is doing so on contingency, though I doubt it.


No. I'm going to move to Colorado and vote for every single Republican humanly possible.
Well, we've got some doozies. There's Marilyn Musgrave, Bob Schaeffer, Peter Coors and the ever lovable James Dobson of Colorado Springs who heads up Focus On The Family. My governor, Bill Owens, is also a Republican.

[gldstwmn]

I swear, it's like Florida.

You mean in 2000? It's not anything like Florida in 2000.

[GardenStateGirlie]

My understanding is that he only held that position for a few months. He hasn't worked for the state for what, a year and a half, two years now? A retainer for a case of this type would be substantial, IMO. But we've got some attorneys around her. Maybe they will address that. As I said, maybe the attorney took Cipel's case is doing so on contingency, though I doubt it.

N.J. Homeland Security Adviser Resigns
Associated Press Thursday, March 7, 2002

By JOHN P. McALPIN

TRENTON, N.J.—New Jersey's homeland security adviser has quit amid a furor over his lack of law enforcement experience and because his Israeli nationality prohibits him from obtaining a security clearance, Gov. James McGreevey said Thursday.

Golan Cipel, 33, will be kept on the governor's staff and retain his $110,000 salary, with duties assigned on an "as-needed" basis, McGreevey said.

Cipel previously held jobs in television news and public relations. He has also worked for the state Democratic committee and for a major donor to McGreevey and other state Democrats.

On Wednesday, Republican lawmakers threatened to block all of McGreevey's remaining appointments unless Cipel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about his background.

The governor said Cipel first asked to quit more than two weeks ago "due to his Israeli citizenship status." Security clearances are normally required for all Cabinet members and major nominations.

Cipel does not head the state's homeland security panel. That job belongs to Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Flicker.

A former Israeli sailor and a published poet, Cipel had worked as a spokesman for the Israeli Consulate in New York. Last year he took a job with the state Democratic Committee. During the gubernatorial campaign, he was McGreevey's liaison to the Jewish community and an informal adviser on security matters.

Cipel has also worked for real estate developer Charles Kushner, a major supporter of New Jersey Democrats. That job was left off the biography of Cipel distributed by McGreevey's office.

The governor's staff has barred Cipel from interviews or public comment about his background or the state job.

----------------------

Depending upon what he did prior to working for McGreevey, he may have already had money. Who knows? At any rate, like we've been saying, more will be revealed in the weeks and months to come. Things have always been slighty off when it comes Cipel and his reasons for resigning/why he was appointed to begin with. You have to wonder, at $110,000 per year, living in America and having a rather comfortable life at age 33, why someone would choose to resign to begin with. The next chapter in this ongoing saga soon...

[gldstwmn]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/14/nyregion/14jersey.html?th

RENTON, Aug. 13 - A former aide to Gov. James E. McGreevey of New Jersey identified himself Friday as the man with whom the governor had an extramarital affair, but said the relationship was far from consensual.

The former aide, Golan Cipel, issued a statement through his lawyer in Manhattan, saying that he had been subjected to sexual exploitation and retaliation by the governor and had suffered "emotional distress and turmoil."

Advertisement


"While employed by one of the most powerful politicians in the country, New Jersey Governor McGreevey, I was the victim of repeated sexual advances by him," the statement said. "I was the victim whose oppressor was one of the most powerful politicians who made sure to let me know that my future was in his hands."

The statement used the word victim four times, and in it Mr. Cipel said he "did not have the strength to disentangle myself from such an oppressive environment and from such a manipulative person." He said his aim in going public was to make Mr. McGreevey "take responsibility publicly for his horrible actions, which he did by resigning from public office."

The governor's office, in a second day of turmoil in the State House, quickly responded, saying there was no abuse involved in the relationship with Mr. Cipel, a young Israeli who was appointed to a $110,000-a-year job by the governor in February 2002.

"These are completely and totally false allegations from a person trying to exploit his relationship with the governor," said Micah Rasmussen, Mr. McGreevey's press secretary. "As the governor said yesterday, the relationship was consensual. Any suggestion otherwise is totally false."

Mr. Cipel's allegations came a day after the governor's sudden and dramatic declaration that he was gay and that he would resign, effective Nov. 15, to avoid allegations that could compromise the office. The announcement and circumstances of the resignation have riveted the nation and thrown politics in the state into turmoil.

The governor acknowledged an affair with another man but did not identify him and did not disclose what prompted his announcement: a warning that Mr. Cipel, who left the state payroll two years ago, planned a lawsuit.

The two starkly disparate versions of events raised even more questions about the bizarre circumstances surrounding Mr. McGreevey's departure, and his relationship with the man he hired over objections about his qualifications.

The two met on a trip Mr. McGreevey took to Israel, before his election. Mr. Golan was a public information officer for a municipal government. People on Mr. McGreevey's campaign staff said they were baffled when he hired Mr. Cipel as a campaign adviser.

Legislators were baffled, too, when the newly elected Mr. McGreevey named Mr. Cipel his anti-terrorism adviser. At 33, Mr. Cipel had no experience in security, beyond service in the Israeli military, and as a noncitizen he was not eligible for a security clearance by the United States government.

Mr. Cipel worked in state government for six months. After he resigned, Mr. McGreevey continued to help him find jobs in public relations.

A federal law enforcement source confirmed Friday that the F.B.I. was looking into an accusation made Thursday by the governor's lawyers that Mr. Cipel's lawyer, Allen M. Lowy, had asked for $5 million to agree not to sue. It was not clear, however, whether the F.B.I. had opened an investigation or questioned anyone on either side.
While the two sides made competing charges involving extortion and hush money, Mr. Cipel's lawsuit has not materialized. Mr. Lowy said in his announcement that "only time will tell" whether it would proceed, and he ducked into a cab several blocks from the news conference he had called without answering further questions from reporters.

Mr. Cipel, who lives in Manhattan, has not been seen publicly or answered messages requesting comment.

Mr. McGreevey's lawyer, William E. Lawler 3rd, said that "the fact that they aren't filing a suit is the clearest possible proof that they don't have, and didn't ever have, a real claim against the governor."

Republicans on Friday demanded Mr. McGreevey's immediate resignation, as they did Thursday, and made even stronger statements after Mr. Cipel's allegations.

"Golan Cipel's lawyer's statement is exactly why the governor needs to spare New Jersey this ugly and painful episode," said State Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, the Republican state chairman.

The Senate President, Richard J. Codey, is to become acting governor upon Mr. McGreevey's resignation. Under the state Constitution, a special election must be held if a governor leaves office more than 60 days before the next scheduled balloting, which this year is on Nov. 2.

While the Republicans argued that Mr. McGreevey should allow voters to choose their next governor, they can do little to force him from office before the constitutional deadline, Sept. 2. Democrats control both houses, and neither is scheduled to meet before Labor Day.

Advertisement


Mr. McGreevey made no public appearances or statements, though aides described him as upbeat and relieved at having ended years of secrecy and doubt.

He spent about half an hour addressing staff and cabinet members Friday afternoon in a farewell that Kathleen Ellis, his director of communications, said was "very, very emotional.''

"There was an awesome ovation both when he left and when he arrived," Ms. Ellis said.

The governor's aides said he planned to spend the weekend with his wife, Dina Matos McGreevey, who stood by his side during his speech, and their 3-year-old daughter, Jacqueline.

Mr. Codey, meanwhile, promised to work with the governor during the three-month transition - a transition that Republicans say is unnecessary - until he assumes the role of acting governor.

His term expires in January 2006. The governor will "put the pedal to the metal and work as he always does," Mr. Codey said at a news conference in West Orange, his hometown.

Mr. Codey, a 57-year-old Democrat who has been a legislator for 30 years, said it was too early to say whether he would seek election in 2005.

The political battles were being played out even as the legal battles threatened all day. Finally, after the courts had closed and no lawsuit had been filed, Mr. Cipel's lawyer, Mr. Lowy, made a late-afternoon appearance in New York, on the steps of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

The statement he read contained few facts but laid out a basic argument from Mr. Cipel that he had been forced into a sexual relationship with Mr. McGreevey and that retaliatory actions had been taken against him "when I finally dared to reject Governor McGreevey's advances."

After reading Mr. Cipel's statement, Mr. Lowy read one of his own, acknowledging that there had been discussions with the governor's office in the days leading up to Mr. McGreevey's resignation. But, he said, "it was only at the insistence of the governor's representatives that I agreed to meet with them before filing a lawsuit."

"In fact," he continued, "it was Mr. McGreevey's representatives who, without provocation, offered a sum of money to make my client go away."

Mr. Lowy, who practices law in Manhattan and has ties to both Jewish causes and the music industry, would not answer questions about Mr. Cipel's whereabouts or the nature of the sexual advances that Mr. Cipel referred to.

Mr. Rasmussen, the governor's press secretary, said that "the statement regarding an offer of payment for him to 'go away' is absolutely false."

According to advisers to the governor, the McGreevey administration first learned of Mr. Cipel's plan to take legal action against the governor on July 23, when his lawyer, Mr. Lowy, called the governor's office and left a message indicating that he was preparing to file a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Michael DeCotiis, Mr. McGreevey's chief counsel, was informed of the message and he called Mr. Lawler, a lawyer in private practice who has been representing the governor in an ongoing federal investigation into campaign fund-raising. The advisers said that, when the governor's lawyers returned the call, Mr. Lowy informed them that he planned to file a sexual harassment suit. Mr. Lowy would not describe the factual basis for the claim, Mr. McGreevey's advisers said, but insisted that he thought he could win a $50 million judgment in the case and would be willing to settle for $5 million.

The governor's advisers said that Mr. McGreevey's legal team had six or seven conversations with Mr. Lowy in the 20 days between that first call and the governor's resignation, and said that Mr. Lowy never laid out the factual basis for any legal complaint.

During the third or fourth call, they said, Mr. Lowy first mentioned that Mr. Cipel was accusing Mr. McGreevey of sexually assaulting him but declined to provide details about when or how the alleged assault took place.

The advisers said the governor's lawyers asked Mr. Lowy whether they could meet with Mr. Cipel to see whether he would describe the details of his claim, but Mr. Lowy declined to arrange the meeting.

Advertisement


Late last week, the lawyers spoke for the last time, with Mr. Lowy reportedly repeating his demand for $5 million and the governor's lawyers saying that they would not discuss any possible settlement until they saw some representation of the facts Mr. Cipel intended to use to argue his complaint.

On Friday, while reporters were stationed outside courthouses around the state awaiting the filing of any legal papers by Mr. Cipel, the governor's lawyers were also looking to see what the suit would allege, the governor's advisers said.

For nearly everyone in the state, the governor's announcement was a shock, but for the staff members who have tied their professional futures to Mr. McGreevey, it was a more personal blow. Aides who the day before were concerned about the direction of government policy suddenly found themselves worrying about their boss and their own careers.

"It is a combination of feelings," said Eric Shuffler, the governor's counsel. "People are incredibly proud of the way the governor handled himself, but there are a lot of people who are devastated by the turn of events."Mr. Codey said Friday that he had not made any staffing decisions for his administration. "There may be some people who want to leave, there may be some people who want to stay," he said.

Diane Legreide, the governor's chief of management and operations, said Mr. Codey would probably retain much of Mr. McGreevey's staff.

"Senator Codey I don't think is going to want to replace an entire staff, which is a very difficult thing to do," she said.

[Tango]

You may chap a lot of asses on this board and scare people away from presenting political thought that isn't necessarily the same as yours but you don't scare me.

Can I say, M, that you did make me grin. I swear your post (what I quoted from you) is loosely based on the opening lyrics of Bella Donna, the song Belle Donna. FINALLY, something related to the band. :lol:

It has been quite vitriolic on this "chat" board for months. Chap board? Chap bored? Something like that, maybe, for folks at times. :cool:

[dissention]

Well, we've got some doozies. There's Marilyn Musgrave, Bob Schaeffer, Peter Coors and the ever lovable James Dobson of Colorado Springs who heads up Focus On The Family. My governor, Bill Owens, is also a Republican.

I see all my prayers at night haven't helped, darling. :laugh:

My word, you do have my sympathy. Marlyn Musgrave and Bill Ownes need to crawl under a rock and die. Now.

[dissention]

It has been quite vitriolic on this "chat" board for months. Chap board? Chap bored? Something like that, maybe, for folks at times. :cool:

That's to be expected when people discuss politics. Oops, looks like another broken promise from Shrubya. We're divided, not united. ;) :p :laugh:

[tommer]

a former israeli navy soldier, 32.
will do it with everyone and everything (for the right money).
open to suggestions.
contact using private messeging.
thanks.
:wavey:

[strandinthewind]

My issue with the NY gov. was he ran on family values or at the least implied as such because he and his wife were seen hand in hand everywhere - they were even hand in hand at the "confession" AND her certainly has not said he would leave her even though he shrieked "I am a gay American" and then went on about how his affair was a wrong thing to do to his family. Well, it was, from what we know he lied to his wife and she was not involved in this. But, was he a gay American only when he was banging Cipel, were there others, is he getting a divorce or does she mind being married to a gay American (some people do not :shrug: ) or is he a "cured" gay American (which I assert is impossible)? Interestingly, I totally think all of the the questions in the previous sentence are completely his business and should not from that perspective effect his ability to govern. My problem is he put Cipel, who was an Israeli citizen, up as head of security for NJ after 9/11 when this allegedly unwilling paramour had no credentials to be such. That is a pretty serious thing to do IMO. AND even if he let himself get blackmailed into giving this job or whether he did it to give his willing lover a job, both are act of weakness and show he was incompetent to govern because he was putting his personal life ahead of the needs of the NJ residents. Finally, it is a little disingenuous for him to assert or imply any altruistic goal to save the tax payers of NJ money by resgining in Nov. when he was the one that made this situation. IMO, he should resign now because he has demonstrated that his personal life is negatively effecting the residents of NJ. Sadly, his actions of deciet for personal reasons will once again cost the residents of NJ as well as the D party. But, all of the blame comes down to him.

Thus, IMO it matters not whether Cipel was a man or a woman. It matters that the gov. placed his personal needs over the needs of the citizens of NJ.

[strandinthewind]

Here is an interesting article from of all places Fox News.

McGreevey Reveals Shift in Views on Gays

Sunday, August 15, 2004

By Robin Wallace

New Jersey politics are notoriously nasty, bizarre and corrupt, but not even the most seasoned or cynical operative or observer was prepared for Gov. Jim McGreevey’s admission on Thursday that he was gay, had cheated on his wife with a man, and was resigning.

It was encouraging and heartening, however, that my fellow New Jerseyans — even while reeling from the shock of it all — were able to separate the issue of McGreevey's sexual orientation from the political and practical realities that compelled our governor's resignation.

But the tolerance and sympathy expressed by McGreevey's constituents is a relatively new cultural development. The governor grew up and charted his career in a world in which being true to his sexual identity and fulfilling his professional ambitions were largely mutually exclusive goals. One can imagine the pain and suffering that could have been spared had that not been the case.

Reading between the lines of all the news reports Friday, it seems a fair assumption that the invaluable political clout the governor was willing to expend — much to the frustration and bafflement of his advisers — to keep the man said to have been his lover in a series of lucrative, well-connected jobs in both the public and private sector, may not have been acts of support for a romantic partner but payoffs to a blackmailer. Golan Cipel’s lack of qualifications and work ethic eventually exhausted even McGreevey's considerable connections, apparently forcing Cipel to seek the easy money — reportedly through a $5 million “sexual harassment” lawsuit.

As of Friday afternoon, the suit had not been filed. It has already been branded extortion, and given the facts of the relationship known so far, it's hard to imagine the suit will be viewed as anything more than that. (The governor took a preemptive strike and outed himself ahead of the inevitable.)

But one cannot be blackmailed unless one has a secret to hide, and hidden secrets denote shame. Again, had McGreevey not felt compelled — by his blue-collar upbringing, by his Roman Catholicism, by social and familial expectations, by the incontrovertible requirements of a political career of the times — to deny and repress his natural inclinations, he might not have had anything to hide. At least not in his personal life.

But corruption and criminality are different matters entirely, and McGreevey’s administration has been embroiled in investigations and scandals completely unrelated to his startling personal revelations. Close associates and members of his administration have been indicted, and McGreevey himself is part of a federal investigation. There was much speculation in New Jersey that McGreevey would not be able to hold on to his office until the end of his term, and that New Jersey Democrats would block him from seeking a second term and replace him on the ticket in 2005.

For this reason, McGreevey is an imperfect poster boy for the injustice of intolerance destroying a career. His career was in serious trouble already. In fact, it could be argued that his admission on Thursday deflected attention from the cloud of corruption hanging over his administration; for sure, it engendered public sympathy and support that had been seriously lacking in his approval ratings.

No one is suggesting that anyone, let alone McGreevey, would choose this particular path out of office. But for a while Thursday, his adversaries were teetering on a tightrope of political correctness, tempering their usual brutal attacks on the governor so as not to appear anti-gay.

But instead of shielding his questionable public life with his sensational private one, the governor handed politicians across the country the opportunity to become gay rights activists. And for the most part, they made the most of it.

He didn’t resign because he was gay, his critics said. He resigned because his administration was crumbling. We don’t care that he’s gay; we care that he’s corrupt. On the same day that the Supreme Court of California invalidated the same-sex marriages that had been performed in San Francisco over the winter, the embattled governor of New Jersey had politicians across the country tripping over themselves to express and confirm their tolerance and understanding.

For McGreevey, the efforts of his adversaries to distance themselves from the gay issue will likely result only in more vigorous attempts to find criminal evidence against his administration that is unrelated to the sex scandal.

That politicians, when cornered, were loath to say or do anything that could be construed as anti-gay, however, also reveals an interesting shift in our culture: Young gays today are coming of age and into professional prominence in a world radically different from the one that produced McGreevey.

For gays of McGreevey’s generation and those who came before, society had the option of accepting and benefiting from their talent, work and contributions without accepting them. We have always had gay school teachers and soldiers, politicians and sports heroes. We've also had the option to pretend otherwise. Society no longer has this option, because today’s generation of gays will not stand to be forced to choose between their personal happiness and their professional ambitions.

The McGreevey episode is just further evidence of the fallacy of the assumptions we make about who “is” and who is not, and the pain and pointlessness of the personal choices he had to make.

We’re either going to have to accept openly gay men and women as our elected officials, school teachers, soldiers, sports heroes, business leaders and parents, or we’re going to have to deal with the consequences of doing without them in those areas.
And if we ever deplete the ranks of our best and brightest by that much, we won't be left with much.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,128960,00.html

[gldstwmn]

a former israeli navy soldier, 32.
will do it with everyone and everything (for the right money).
open to suggestions.
contact using private messeging.
thanks.
:wavey:

LMFAO! :laugh: You're probably worth the 50 million!

[GardenStateGirlie]

...My problem is he put Cipel, who was an Israeli citizen, up as head of security for NJ after 9/11 when this allegedly unwilling paramour had no credentials to be such. That is a pretty serious thing to do IMO. AND even if he let himself get blackmailed into giving this job or whether he did it to give his willing lover a job, both are act of weakness and show he was incompetent to govern because he was putting his personal life ahead of the needs of the NJ residents. Finally, it is a little disingenuous for him to assert or imply any altruistic goal to save the tax payers of NJ money by resgining in Nov. when he was the one that made this situation. IMO, he should resign now because he has demonstrated that his personal life is negatively effecting the residents of NJ. Sadly, his actions of deciet for personal reasons will once again cost the residents of NJ as well as the D party. But, all of the blame comes down to him.

Thus, IMO it matters not whether Cipel was a man or a woman. It matters that the gov. placed his personal needs over the needs of the citizens of NJ.

Well, I see you've been milling around in my head again :nod: This is exactly the reason why residents in this state are asking their rep's to do something about the fact that he does not want to step down until Nov...<i>we</i> want a say in who will govern us and I don't think it's such a huge demand considering the situation. You know, a lot can and has happened in a year and we shouldn't have to leave it up to chance. As I was saying to gldstwmn earlier, if a Democrat has no chance of being elected (which I think he has just as much of a chanceif the right candidate is up for election) it would be the fault of the Democratic party in the state of NJ for having not done something earlier (when McGreevey first started to get himself into hot water and they noticed a problem) AND the fault of McGreevey for disgracing NJ politics and the Democratic Party...<i>NOT</i> because he's gay.

[GardenStateGirlie]

a former israeli navy soldier, 32.
will do it with everyone and everything (for the right money).
open to suggestions.
contact using private messeging.
thanks.
:wavey:

:lol: You'll have random lurkers PMing you ;)

[tommer]

you know what the funny thing is? that i really AM an ex navy soldier, in fact, that asshole is almost my age, and considering the fact that i served in the base which was the home of 3/5 of the (dangerous. very dangerous) navy, it is more than likely that we were serving on the same base at the same time.

[gldstwmn]

Can I say, M, that you did make me grin. I swear your post (what I quoted from you) is loosely based on the opening lyrics of Bella Donna, the song Belle Donna. FINALLY, something related to the band. :lol:

It has been quite vitriolic on this "chat" board for months. Chap board? Chap bored? Something like that, maybe, for folks at times. :cool:

What, the 9 other forums to discuss the band aren't enough for you? If you don't like the political thread, son't participate. :shrug:

[gldstwmn]

you know what the funny thing is? that i really AM an ex navy soldier, in fact, that asshole is almost my age, and considering the fact that i served in the base which was the home of 3/5 of the (dangerous. very dangerous) navy, it is more than likely that we were serving on the same base at the same time.

So, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of money does one make in the Israeli navy? Enough to come to the US and hire a high dollar lawyer to sue a closeted gay governor?

[dissention]

So, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of money does one make in the Israeli navy? Enough to come to the US and hire a high dollar lawyer to sue a closeted gay governor?

:laugh: No, you just provide your "services" to a closeted gay Republican and they'll take your case. :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

:laugh: No, you just provide your "services" to a closeted gay Republican and they'll take your case. :laugh:

Of course! Old habits are hard to break. :laugh:

[dissention]

Of course! Old habits are hard to break. :laugh:

:laugh: Have you ever googled "Santorum"?

I Dare You!

:xoxo:

PS: I have no responsibility nor any affiliation with the sites that come up. :lol:

[tommer]

So, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of money does one make in the Israeli navy? Enough to come to the US and hire a high dollar lawyer to sue a closeted gay governor?
they pay ****, but then again they usually release you from regular service at 21, so by the time you are 33 you had enough time to make the money somewhere else.

[gldstwmn]

:laugh: Have you ever googled "Santorum"?

I Dare You!

:xoxo:

PS: I have no responsibility nor any affiliation with the sites that come up. :lol:

No thank you. :laugh:

[celestenadia]

I have lived in New Jersey for 31 years. Coming out, no matter what the scenario is is always a heavy thing and I feel Governor McGreevey handled it quite well. I've been working with the
public for 20 years and EVERYONE I dealt with the day the news broke were like, "He's gay.
So what?". Meaning what does that have to do with his ability to govern. People can say
that's what they "learned" from the whole President Bill/Monica thing. But the real core issue
here is the whole LYING thing... President Bill lied under oath. Governor McGreevey was unfaithful to his wife which in essence can be viewed as lying. But hold on a minute - these
ARE politicians we are talking about here and isn't one of the requirements of being a politician
is that you have to lie?

[dissention]

No thank you. :laugh:

:lol: C'mon! I can't link to it, I'll get three automatic strikes! :lol:

[sparky]

:laugh: Have you ever googled "Santorum"?

I Dare You!

:xoxo:

PS: I have no responsibility nor any affiliation with the sites that come up. :lol:

D, that is scandalous. I have often thought of mentioning that, but it was too foul for even me to bring up. Leave it to you. I am a huge fan of Dan Savage, who came up with the whole thing.

[dissention]

D, that is scandalous. I have often thought of mentioning that, but it was too foul for even me to bring up. Leave it to you. I am a huge fan of Dan Savage, who came up with the whole thing.

I always seem to be the one to set the precedent and lower the bar when it comes to good taste. :lol:

It is so foul but so hysterical. Have you read the cease and desist letter? It's priceless.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Democrats Pressure McGreevey to Leave Soon

By JOHN P. McALPIN, Associated Press Writer

TRENTON, N.J. - High-level New Jersey Democrats said Sunday that pressure is building among members of Gov. James E. McGreevey's own party for him to step down before his announced Nov. 15 resignation date.

A senior administration official and a Democratic consultant, both speaking on condition of anonymity, said several top Democrats are worried an FBI (news - web sites) investigation into the governor's same-sex relationship with a former aide will expose more politically damaging details.

"There's a deepening concern that it will get uglier and more damaging to the party. It's pressure for sooner rather than later," the consultant said.

Since McGreevey admitted having an affair with another man and announced his resignation Thursday, Republicans have called on him to step down immediately to prompt a special election to complete his term, which expires in January 2006.

If McGreevey leaves office Sept. 3 or later, Senate President Richard J. Codey, a fellow Democrat, would serve the remainder of the governor's term.

Several prominent Democrats are pressing McGreevey to leave before Nov. 15, but not necessarily before the September deadline, the consultant said.

"There's a big push on now to get McGreevey out sooner rather than later," the administration source said.

McGreevey's lawyer triggered the FBI probe by claiming the aide tried to blackmail the governor, first by demanding $50 million to avoid a sexual harassment lawsuit, then asking for the governor's help in developing a private medical college, according to sources close to McGreevey.

The FBI plans to investigate every aspect of McGreevey's relationship with that aide, a law enforcement source speaking on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press Sunday.

Sources close to McGreevey have identified former aide Golan Cipel as the unnamed man with whom the governor acknowledged having an affair.

The administration source said one damaging piece of information involves a February 2002 trip to Cape May during which the governor broke his leg. Although McGreevey has repeatedly said he had been on the beach with his wife at the time, the source said he was with Cipel.

McGreevey spokeswoman Kathy Ellis called the allegation "ugly rumors that are categorically untrue."

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, one of the governor's closest advisers, said the governor will not leave before his announced date and denounced Democrats calling for him to step aside.

"McGreevey's not going anywhere," Lesniak said. "What they're doing is they're picking at his political carcass, and I think it's disgusting."

Ellis said the governor is not granting interviews.

Cipel met McGreevey in 2000 during a trip to Israel and then worked on the governor's 2001 campaign. He became McGreevey's hand-picked homeland security adviser with a $110,000 annual salary but was unable to get federal security clearances because he was not a U.S. citizen.

McGreevey eventually moved Cipel out of that job but kept him on the payroll as an adviser.

An attendant at Cipel's New York apartment said Cipel was not at home Sunday and refused to take a message for him. Allen Lowy, one of Cipel's attorneys, did not return repeated calls from The Associated Press.

In an interview published Sunday by the Israeli daily newspaper Yediot Ahronot, Cipel maintained that he is not gay and said McGreevey repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances.

[gldstwmn]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBLIB1PXXD.html

Poll: N.J. Governor's Approval Nudges Up After Disclosure of Homosexuality, Affair
The Associated Press
Published: Aug 15, 2004

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Gov. James E. McGreevey's approval rating has not suffered since he announced that he had an affair with a man and will resign in November, a new poll showed Sunday.
The governor's approval rating was 45 percent, 2 points higher than in a similar poll conducted two weeks earlier, according to the Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers poll.

The telephone poll of 400 adults was conducted Thursday and Friday nights. The error margin of error is plus or minus 5 percentage points.

McGreevey, who is married, announced his resignation Thursday. Sources in his administration named former McGreevey adviser Golan Cipel as his extramarital partner and said he had demanded millions of dollars to stay quiet.

Cipel has said that he is not gay and that he was the target of repeated and unwanted sexual advances by McGreevey.

Opinion on whether McGreevey should resign immediately or stay in office until November was split along party lines.

Seventy-four percent of those who identified themselves as Republicans said McGreevey should quit right away, compared to 29 percent of those who said they were Democrats.

Overall, 45 percent agreed with McGreevey's decision to step down on Nov. 15, while 44 percent said he should resign immediately.

Sixty percent of those polled believe there is "more to the story," and 58 percent said McGreevey has been less than forthcoming about his personal life.

Forty-one percent said they were not surprised to learn that McGreevey is gay.

"Garden State residents tend to be tolerant of alternate lifestyles and most do not want to kick McGreevey when he is down," said acting poll director Patrick Murphy. "However, there is a suspicion that this is not the full story and that there may be other skeletons in the closet."

[strandinthewind]

I submit that was the gov.'s intent by spinning this into I am a Gay-American thing instead of I have been funneling money to my paramour by giving him impt. jobs he was not qualified for, which was a misuse of the public trust and funds. But, I am a Gay American, even though I apparently will stay married to my female wife that I have been cheating on (again if she is okay with it - who am I to speak against it). This is just huge spin IMO to cover his a$$ on the real issue, which and again, was his misuse of public trust and funds to provide sugar to the paramour. But, more facts need to surface, etc.

[gldstwmn]

http://counterpunch.org/madsen08142004.html

An Israeli / Rove Connection?
The McGreevey Scandal
By WAYNE MADSEN

Here we go again. Another political bombshell hits the American people and there is yet another connection to the subterranean labyrinth of possible Israeli intelligence activities. New Jersey Democratic Governor Jim McGreevey's announcement on August 12 that he was resigning because of his involvement in a gay relationship with an Israeli national may be the tip of an iceberg that represents another high-level Israeli attempt to burrow into the most sensitive areas of U.S. national security and our political process. The surprise announcement is also being used by a number of neo-conservative news outlets to tarnish the Democratic Party and absolve Israel of any connection to the New Jersey political scandal.

The ties between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Russian-mafia infused government and shadowy Israeli and Eastern European ex-intelligence agents are beyond a doubt, according to international law enforcement officials. But what is not readily apparent is the fact that a number of Israeli off-the-books intelligence operatives are active inside the United States and they do not have U.S. national interests in mind. In particular, the Israeli-Russian mobsters and their allies within the Sharon government have adopted one of the most successful intelligence ploys used by the former KGB and East German Stasi--the use of prostitutes or "swallows" to gain intimate access to high Western politicians, so-called "sexpionage." In the case of Israel, which welcomed a number of émigré former Eastern bloc intelligence agents during and after the Cold War, this has entailed the use of both female and male prostitutes. The fact that White House chief dirty tricks operator Karl Rove has close connections to the political spin machine run out of Sharon's Jerusalem office is also a concern when it comes to Israeli-connected dirty tricks operations being run against Democratic politicians in the United States.

It should be remembered that New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Torricelli was forced to drop out of his re-election race in 2002 because of leaks about his involvement with a contributor indicted on federal charges. Torricelli's major problems in New Jersey arose after he was chastised for missing an important Senate vote supporting Israel. The Senate, at the time, was tenuously in the hands of the Democrats, who had a one-seat majority. However, Torricelli was replaced on the ticket by Frank Lautenberg, who went on to win the seat for the Democrats.

Jim McGreevey was a rising star in Democratic politics. As Mayor of Woodbridge, a New York City commuter suburb, McGreevey decided to opt for statewide political office. At the same time he appeared on the Israeli intelligence radar screens. In 2000, with his eye on the New Jersey statehouse, Mayor McGreevey joined a large delegation of New Jersey Jewish supporters in a political "mega pilgrimage" to Israel, where he met Golan Cipel, said to be a tour guide/information officer for the mayor of the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Le-Zion, the first Zionist settlement in Palestine. However, Cipel had previously been the press secretary for the Israeli consulate general in New York City. In 1999, Cipel, who is now being described as a one-time low-level Israeli government employee in New York and a "poet," gave a speech on behalf of the Israeli government at a meeting at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Madison Avenue offices on some very high profile issues, including the implications of the recent death of King Hussein of Jordan, the upcoming Israeli elections, and the peace process with the Palestinian Authority.

Cipel was also a former Israeli naval officer, leaving the service with the rank of lieutenant. How a person goes from an influential position with one of the most important Israeli diplomatic missions abroad to a mere Jerusalem area tour guide seems, on the surface, extraordinary. But in the world of intelligence, such career changes are driven by political necessity, not by choice. McGreevey's admitted lifelong homosexuality also made him a likely target for an intelligence approach--and Cipel, who, as a 1998 graduate of the New York Institute of Technology and the New York Israeli consulate's press spokesman, was more than familiar with north Jersey's political and social terrain. And Cipel was no stranger to right-wing Republican politics. In 1995, Cipel and future Washington Times reporter Joshua Mitnick edited an Israeli consulate news wire called "Israel Line." The Washington Times, owned by Rev. Sun Myung Moon, is a money-losing outlet for neo-conservative political opinion.

After McGreevey returned to New Jersey from Israel, Cipel also moved to Iselin, New Jersey and was hired by a billionaire Florham Park land developer and Democratic fundraiser named Charles Kushner, an individual who became the source for $250,000 for McGreevey's campaign for the governor's mansion. Kushner sponsored Cipel for a temporary work visa. After McGreevey was sworn in as governor, he named Kushner to the board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the original owners of the World Trade Center. Kushner was recently indicted on federal charges of corruption involving a land deal and illegal campaign contributions.

Soon after McGreevey announced his candidacy for the governorship, Cipel became one of his campaign advisers. During 2001, in his role as McGreevey's Jewish liaison adviser, Cipel received another temporary work visa that was sponsored by the New Jersey State Democratic Committee.

After McGreevey's election, Cipel was named homeland security director for New Jersey, a $110,000 per year job. New Jersey sponsored Cipel for yet another temporary work visa just four months after a number of Israelis were rounded up and arrested by New Jersey police and Federal agents for photographing and celebrating the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11. Cipel, who had no verifiable security experience, was touted by McGreevey's administration as having gained his anti-terrorist credentials as a member of the Israeli Defense Force. An Israeli military expert told the Bridgewater, New Jersey Courier News that Cipel's military record was "routine, at best." In addition, Kathryn Flicker, an assistant attorney general for New Jersey, was appointed by McGreevey to head of the state counter-terrorism office but only after Cipel was strangely named as a parallel counter-terrorism official.

After both Republican and Democratic New Jersey legislators complained about Cipel's lack of qualifications and the Federal government refused to grant him a security clearance because he was not a U.S. citizen, the Israeli national left his position as homeland security czar and took up his previous campaign job as McGreevey's Jewish affairs adviser and special counsel at the same $110,000 salary. Inexplicably, Cipel maintained a staff of three assistants for a staff job that had no real responsibilities.

There was some thought given by McGreevey to appointing Cipel as the Executive Director of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, an entity created in 1989 to science and technology trade between Israel and New Jersey and which maintains an office in Raanana, Israel. Eventually, Andrea Yonah, an Israeli-U.S. citizen who was raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, but studied and worked in Israel for a number of years, was named to head the commission at an undisclosed salary. Yonah had been product marketing director for Princeton eCom, a software company that provides billing software for various Fortune 500 companies, including telecommunications firms like AT&T. During a 2000-2001 Drug Enforcement Administration investigation of Israeli art students who were working illegally in the United States and who were suspected of being espionage agents, links were discovered between them and Israeli companies that also provided billing and other services for telecommunications companies, including AMDOCS -- which had a relationship with Nextel -- and Comverse Infosys.

In August 2002, Cipel helped arrange for a trip by McGreevey to Israel. On August 4, the Asbury Park Press's investigative reporter, Sandy McClure, ran a damaging expose of Cipel's secretive position in the McGreevey administration. The August 11, 2002 edition of the Asbury Park Press reported that after McClure's piece ran, Cipel became "uncloseted." McGreevey's trip to Israel was hurriedly canceled after the Cipel expose ran in the Asbury Park paper. McGreevey's office stated that the trip was canceled after the State Department informed Trenton that they had concerns over unspecified "hostilities" in the Middle East. But McClure's story on McGreevey had also appeared in Hebrew in Israel the day before the governor's trip was canceled. It was apparent that someone wanted to tamp down any speculation about McGreevey's ties with Cipel and scuttle a potentially politically embarrassing trip to Israel.

Cipel soon resigned from the New Jersey state government and took a job with MWW Group, a public relations firm close to McGreevey, as the head of its New York-based Israeli division. After a month at MWW, Cipel left to join the Trenton lobbying firm, State Street Partners. After only a few months there, Cipel went back to work for Kushner. After Kushner's federal indictment, rumors surrounding McGreevey's connection to the tainted businessman began to swirl around the state capital. After the McGreevey scandal broke, the neo-conservative World Net Daily, in an August 13 report, merely referred to Cipel as "Middle Eastern born," without any reference to his being an Israeli national. Yael Kohen, writing in the neo-conservative New York Sun, merely referred to Cipel as an "Israeli poet." An editorial in the same August 13 edition of the Sun condemning McGreevey did not once mention that Cipel was an Israeli. After McGreevey's resignation announcement, Cipel did not answer the door at his West Manhattan apartment and there were reports that Cipel was preparing to sue McGreevey for sexual harassment. An aide to McGreevey said Cipel threatened the legal action unless McGreevey paid the Israeli millions of dollars--an act the aide called "extortion."

There may be good reasons why the neo-conservatives want to play down Cipel's Israeli roots--McGreevey may have been set up in an attempt to ruin him and influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election. When foreign nations are found to be influencing American politics, there is an almost uniform tendency for the American people to react negatively to such meddling. One must merely recall the wailing and crying raised over alleged Chinese political contributions to Democrats and Republicans during the Clinton administration.

New Jersey was considered a swing state by the Bush campaign early in the campaign cycle. As John Kerry leaped to a double-digit lead over Bush in the Garden State, the rumors surrounding McGreevey and Kushner were unleashed. Now, with the Governor announcing his resignation amid a gay sex scandal, one is instinctively forced into suspecting the involvement of chief Bush dirty tricks operator Karl Rove in the affair. Rove is attracted to such sordid affairs as a fly is attracted to a pile of horse manure.

Republicans in New Jersey are not happy that McGreevey is not resigning until November 15, which means a special election will for New Jersey's governor will not be held on November 2, the same date of the presidential election. It certainly would have been a Rovian tactic to make McGreevey's sexual orientation a campaign issue in order to get out the conservative vote on Election Day in a gambit to increase the right-wing fundamentalist voter turnout for George Bush and appeal to anti-gay conservative Democrats in the state while also hoping to get a Republican into the governor's seat in Trenton. No sooner had McGreevey announced his resignation, right-wing talk show hosts were demanding he resign immediately and allow the anti-choice Republican former mayor of Jersey City, Brent Schundler, to run for governor on November 2. McGreevey handily defeated Schundler in 2001 with 15 percent of the vote. Schundler had already filed the paperwork to take on Schundler in 2005. The New Jersey situation is reminiscent of California, where Gray Davis won re-election with 6 percentage points over conservative Republican Bill Simon in 2002 only to be defeated in a recall election in less than a year by Republican body builder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Republicans do not seem satisfied with the normal electoral process but seek ways to upend it.

While McGreevey deserves condemnation for allowing his relationship with a foreign national gay partner to influence his decisions and cloud his judgment on important matters dealing with the security of New Jersey during a time of increasing terror threats, he should also be praised for not succumbing to Republican pressure to resign immediately and permit the Karl Rove dirty trick machine to use this tragedy for the McGreevey family to influence in what column New Jersey's 15 electoral votes land in November.

Wayne Madsen is the author of the forthcoming book: Jaded Tasks: Big Oil, Black Ops, and Brass Plates. He was with the National Security Agency during the Reagan administration and is a native of New Jersey. He can be reached at: [email protected]

[strandinthewind]

Scary just Scary
I am sure the Carlyle Group is in there somewhere.

BTW - did you see the Mancurian Candidate - scary to think how it smacks of today's politics (other than the comp. chips - at least I think so)

[gldstwmn]

Scary just Scary
I am sure the Carlyle Group is in there somewhere.

BTW - did you see the Mancurian Candidate - scary to think how it smacks of today's politics (other than the comp. chips - at least I think so)

The Carlyle is associated with Saudi Arabia, not Israel. :rolleyes: :laugh:

No, I haven't seen the Manchurain Candidate yet. :)

[strandinthewind]

The Carlyle is associated with Saudi Arabia, not Israel. :rolleyes: :laugh:

No, I haven't seen the Manchurain Candidate yet. :)

There's a difference :shrug: :laugh: :wavey:

Although nothing can compare to the original, esp, Angela L., the remake was great and Streep should win the Oscar for it, esp. for the scene where she insists on her son being the VP nominee and when she reveals she is in on the act. She easily is one of the greatest I have ever scene.

[gldstwmn]

There's a difference :shrug: :laugh: :wavey:

Although nothing can compare to the original, esp, Angela L., the remake was great and Streep should win the Oscar for it, esp. for the scene where she insists on her son being the VP nominee and when she reveals she is in on the act. She easily is one of the greatest I have ever scene.

Nancy Sinatra produced it. Interesting, isn't it?

[strandinthewind]

Nancy Sinatra produced it. Interesting, isn't it?

Here Dad was GREAT in it.

I love the original. The remake is not as good, but it is good IMO.

[dissention]

Nancy Sinatra produced it. Interesting, isn't it?

Nancy is a die-hard Democrat. :nod: Look her up on Newsmeat some time, you'll be SHOCKED at how much she donates and how often.

[gldstwmn]

Nancy is a die-hard Democrat. :nod: Look her up on Newsmeat some time, you'll be SHOCKED at how much she donates and how often.

Oooh. Another one for me to look up. Have you seen Bab's contributions for the month of June? Jayzuz. :shocked:

[dissention]

Oooh. Another one for me to look up. Have you seen Bab's contributions for the month of June? Jayzuz. :shocked:

Did you see the organization she donated to that supports Daschle? :laugh:

"A LOT OF PEOPLE SUPPORTING TOM DASCHLE INC."

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[GardenStateGirlie]

I submit that was the gov.'s intent by spinning this into I am a Gay-American thing instead of I have been funneling money to my paramour by giving him impt. jobs he was not qualified for, which was a misuse of the public trust and funds. But, I am a Gay American, even though I apparently will stay married to my female wife that I have been cheating on (again if she is okay with it - who am I to speak against it). This is just huge spin IMO to cover his a$$ on the real issue, which and again, was his misuse of public trust and funds to provide sugar to the paramour. But, more facts need to surface, etc.

I'm not them but I have a sneaking suspicion that it was no big shock and "tragedy" for the McGreevey family when he came out the other day...in fact, I think they and his close associates have known for quite some time. Over a year ago, McGreevey was down the shore and broke his leg. The local news and press reported he was with his wife at the time when in actuality, she was nowhere in sight. It has since come out that he was with Cipel at the time. I'm sure she was shocked to hear the news he was at the shore with her because she wasn't even there. I'm thinking it was at that particular time when questions arose and perhaps speculation and talk of lawsuits first came up. THAT'S why I feel this was so well planned on the part of McGreevey and why I feel that there is far more damaging information coming... something does not add up and I feel as though he's trying to use his coming out to overshadow more seedy issues at hand. Again, I do not in any way, shape, or form feel that this will influence the presidential election in November (regardless of the article presented previously on Cipel). Kerry will be assured our 15 electoral votes so you don't have to worry about having any sleepless nights about NJ causing the loss of the Kerry/Edwards election...that's FL's job anyway :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

Sez Gov lover's his ex

The New Jersey gay sex scandal took an explosive new turn as a man claiming to be Golan Cipel's lover came forward and reported the affair to aides of Gov. Jim McGreevey, sources said yesterday.
The mystery man, a college professor from northern Jersey, called the governor's office to assert he and Cipel had been romantically involved, sources said.

If true, the new lover could blow apart Cipel's claims that he is straight and seriously damage Cipel's credibility as a victim of McGreevey's unwanted sexual advances.

The governor's office was taking the claim seriously enough to have private investigators vet the allegations as part of McGreevey's efforts to repel a potential civil suit by Cipel, sources said yesterday.

"There have been at least three people coming forward, and this person seems the most credible," a source familiar with the inquiry said.

Cipel's lawyer, Allen Lowy, did not return calls for comment.

The news came as Cipel went home to Israel to spend time with his family and escape the media glare. Cipel told reporters he was having a very hard time, but he vowed to return to the United States to "make sure justice comes to light."

When the scandal first broke, Cipel said he regretted lacking "the strength to disentangle myself from such an oppressive environment and from such a manipulative person."

When he "finally dared to reject Gov. McGreevey's advances," he said the New Jersey governor and his staff tried tosmear him. Yesterday, Cipel's lawyer said the two never hadsexual intercourse but refused to detail the nature of their "contact."

The governor fielded no questions yesterday, but his staff called Cipel's claims of abuse "absurd" and a "lie."

Former New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman, a Republican, added her voice to the growing chorus demanding that McGreevey resign now. She said he simply can't do the job under mounting public pressure and scrutiny.

"He should step aside right now," Whitman said, telling Fox News that McGreevey's sin was not a gay extramarital affair, but giving his alleged boyfriend a taxpayer-funded job he was unqualified for.

Despite the pressure, McGreevey still plans to resign in November, handing over the reins to state Senate President Richard Codey (D-Union).

After meeting with McGreevey yesterday afternoon, Codey said, "He is very firm and resolved to stay until Nov. 15."

Some political watchers said McGreevey was planning to leave early but delayed making the announcement to round up pledges for his legal fees.

"That's crazy," said Belmar Mayor Kenneth Pringle. "People will contribute to McGreevey's legal fees because they like him. To dangle that as a carrot, or think people will withhold that if he doesn't go along with what they want, smells of the worst of Jersey boss politics."

McGreevey spent yesterday morning hosting a breakfast at the governor's mansion for some 200 political appointees in his administration.

He then met with cabinet members and homeland security advisers at a Trenton hotel about security needed when the Republican convention opens in New York on Aug. 30.

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/223286p-191854c.html

[dissention]

I don't like McGreevey, but Cipel sure is the one coming out looking like the asshole. Has he even filed the suit yet?

[gldstwmn]

I don't like McGreevey, but Cipel sure is the one coming out looking like the asshole. Has he even filed the suit yet?

No. He went back to Israel while the FBI investigates him for extortion.

[strandinthewind]

I don't like McGreevey, but Cipel sure is the one coming out looking like the asshole. Has he even filed the suit yet?

and a sore one at that :cool: :shocked: :laugh: :wavey:

[strandinthewind]

The horse's mouth!!!

August 22, 2004
OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
I Still Have Work to Do
By JAMES E. McGREEVEY

renton — Ten days ago, I made a very difficult personal decision to announce my sexuality and resignation as governor of New Jersey. I also apologized to my wife for my failure to respect the covenant of our marriage, and to the citizens of New Jersey for allowing my professional decisions to be distracted by my personal life. I accepted full responsibility for the sins, transgressions and errors in judgment I exhibited during my tenure and will work to correct the consequences.

To all those many thousands of individuals, Republican and Democrat, who called with words of kindness, I simply say thank you. If any good is to come from this episode - as distinct from the accomplishments of my administration - hopefully, it is that New Jersey and increasingly America recognizes that sexuality is an individual imprint and not a statement of competency and capability.

While there are many different and sometimes competing influences, it is my humble hope that my "coming out" could, in some small way, help those gay Americans who have yet to become open with their sexuality. To be gay, for me, was not a choice, but simply stating a reality. Now at peace with arguably one of the most important truths of my life, it is my prayer that I will now be free to live openly and integrate my sexuality with my daily life. This integration will hopefully help my actions, my thoughts and my heart to be in alignment going forward, keeping me from the pitfalls of a divided self or secret truths.

Much has been said about my decision not to resign immediately, but to set Nov. 15 as the effective date of my resignation. My initial inclination was to accept responsibility, apologize and move on quickly. The more I reflected, however, the more I realized that leaving office abruptly would be an abandonment of responsibility.

I fully believe in the importance of elections within a participatory democracy. There can be no greater instrument for ensuring the strength and foundation of our system of government than the electoral process. Recognizing that principle, nonetheless, I can identify two specific reasons for choosing to remain governor until Nov. 15.

First, there are immediate public policy considerations and actions, which need to be completed. Simply put, there are demands and projects which need to be addressed and put in place now.

Having accepted responsibility for my actions by proffering my resignation didn't necessarily mean that I was required to abandon midstream important initiatives that this administration holds dear.

For instance, our work to establish a stem cell institute between the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Rutgers University is on the cusp of becoming a reality that will be a source of hope to those who are confronting incurable disease.

Our landmark legislation that preserves 400,000 acres of the pristine Highland watershed land now requires the establishment of a mechanism to protect drinking water for more than 5 million residents. A property tax constitutional commission must be appointed to provide for a balanced, thoughtful examination as to the prospects of property tax reforms. The irony is that having no political agenda allows me to make certain difficult decisions regarding the scope and structure of constitutional change.

Moreover, security concerns in light of the heightened level of terror alerts surrounding the Republican National Convention also argue for continuity of leadership.

The second major reason is that our 1947 state constitution establishes the Senate president as the official who would succeed a governor in an unexpired term. I acknowledge that the constitution would permit a special election to occur if I were to resign at or about the first week of September. But the constitution does not outline provisions or state requirements for the timing of a resignation. While the constitution does provide the mechanism for an election, the decision of when to make that resignation effective is a personal one.

I made this decision in the context of what I thought was in the best interest of the state. I truly believe that an orderly transition is important for continuity and stability. An acting governor is more inclined by title to finish the good work that has been started. Moreover, in this case, there will still be an election next year as called for in the constitution. There is a great cost to staging an election hastily; even a statewide race could get lost in a national election year and the momentum and investment made in still developing initiatives would most likely be diminished.

This decision was a difficult one and it was made with serious deliberation. While I see the merits of both sides of the debate, I stand firm with my decision. My obligation is to complete the important work already started and to achieve an effective transition of state government.


James E. McGreevey is the Democratic governor of New Jersey.


from www.nytimes.com

[dissention]

The horse's mouth!!!

August 22, 2004
OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
I Still Have Work to Do
By JAMES E. McGREEVEY

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The man is a bastard who endangered the lives of everyone in his state just so he could get his rocks off and who abused his power as governor too many times to count. He didn't do his job before his resignation, what "work" does he have to do now? Give it a rest, asshole. (McGreevey, not you Jason :laugh: ) Take another trip to Ireland or Israel again while you can still afford to do so on the taxpayers dime. :cool:

[strandinthewind]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The man is a bastard who endangered the lives of everyone in his state just so he could get his rocks off and who abused his power as governor too many times to count. He didn't do his job before his resignation, what "work" does he have to do now? Give it a rest, asshole. (McGreevey, not you Jason :laugh: ) Take another trip to Ireland or Israel again while you can still afford to do so on the taxpayers dime. :cool:


:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I agree - I think he abused the state and should step down now. But, that is politics I guess!!!!

[gldstwmn]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/20/joe.piscopo/index.html

Actor pondering idea in wake of McGreevey announcement
Friday, August 20, 2004 Posted: 1:37 PM EDT (1737 GMT)

(CNN) -- He played a number of notables -- David Letterman, Frank Sinatra -- on "Saturday Night Live" in the 1980s, but Joe Piscopo is now thinking of a completely different kind of role: governor.

The actor and comedian has been asked by some people to consider a run in his home state, New Jersey.

CNN "American Morning" anchor Bill Hemmer talked to Piscopo about the possibilities.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: He considers himself a lifelong Democrat, self-described Jersey guy, but is comedian Joe Piscopo serious about trying to replace Jim McGreevey as governor in that state? He often paid homage to the Garden State while on "Saturday Night Live" back in the 1980s.

And Jersey Joe our guest today not in New Jersey, but in Orlando, Florida, to talk about the "Draft Piscopo" movement.

And, Joe, good morning to you, and thanks for your time.

Is this serious, by the way?

JOE PISCOPO, ACTOR, COMEDIAN: Well, you know, I had some serious people talk to me, Bill. We're very concerned about the state, and the -- you know, I wrote the jokes 20 years ago, but now it's almost not funny the way Jersey's getting hit. I'm reading The Wall Street Journal and ... these national publications, USA Today, saying the problems we have in Jersey.

So the people that came to me and asked me to run, they're serious