Bonnie Watson Coleman

If Jon Corzine picks Bonnie Watson Coleman to run for Lt. Governor in June, Democrats in the Mercer County-based fifteenth district would need to hold a special primary convention to pick a new candidate for State Assembly.  Watson Coleman could keep her Assembly seat, but she would not be permitted to seek both offices in November 2009.

Democrats will feel some pressure to replace Watson Coleman with another African American candidate, but in a district that has not had a legislative vacancy since 1997, it might be hard for state Democratic leaders to dictate anything.

Possible candidates include: Trenton City Council President Paul Pintella; Trenton Councilwoman Cordelia Staton; Lawrence Mayor Pam Mount; Mercer County Freeholder Lucy Walter (D-Ewing); and Kelly Ganges, the former Executive Director of the Assembly Democratic Office and now the Chief of Staff to Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes.

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Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman's marathon of "Second Chance" hearings across the state is widely seen first and foremost as an initiative brought about by a personal struggle: watching her two sons return from 5 1/2 year prison stints for robbing a clothing store at gun point.

But with Watson Coleman's name widely assumed to be on Governor Jon Corzine's shortlist of potential running mates, some insiders see it as an audition as well.

While not doubting her personal connection and passion for the cause, some observers see Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) as building name ID across the state and taking ownership of an issue that appeals to the inner city, minority base whose large turnout Corzine may need to win reelection.

"In a state where there are not many well-known candidates for any statewide office at this point beyond Gov. Corzine and Chris Christie, she would certainly be an attractive candidate who can go out there and get her name better known," said Quinnipiac University pollster Clay Richards.  "It's logical that she do this kind of thing, and she has a message.  Unlike officials who represent a single geographic area, it goes beyond her constituency and it's attractive." Read More >

 

ROBERTS AND WATSON COLEMAN DISCUSS ECONOMIC SECURITY WITH AARP MEMBERS

(PLAINSBORO) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) today discussed Assembly efforts to combat the global economic crisis during a tele-town hall meeting with AARP New Jersey members.

The hour-long focused on health care and financial relief programs and was moderated by AARP New Jersey Governmental Affairs Manager Douglas Johnston. About 5,600 AARP members participated in the teleconference.

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SENATE OKs GREENSTEIN/WATSON COLEMAN/LAMPITT BILL TO PROMOTE SOLAR ENERGY

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblywomen Linda R. Greenstein, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Pamela R. Lampitt sponsored that would promote energy efficiency through the installation of solar energy panels in new homes has passed the Senate.

“We can vastly improve the quality of life for all New Jersey families by encouraging investment in solar energy systems in all new houses,” said Greenstein (D-Middlesex-Mercer). “Sound public policy and environmentally responsible practices can come together to provide dividends for generations.”

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ASSEMBLY CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Annual Celebration Commemorates Significant Contributions of Groups, Individuals

(TRENTON) - Assembly Democrats today issued a multimedia package commemorating the chamber's annual celebration of Black History Month - a time to reflect and remember the individuals and groups that have contributed to the betterment or advancement of African Americans in the state and the nation.

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ROBERTS AND WATSON COLEMAN TO JOIN AARP IN TELE-TOWN HALL MEETING

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) will join with AARP on Tuesday for a live tele-town hall meeting.

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ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS COMMENT ON ‘SECOND CHANCE’ HEARING IN CAMDEN

(CAMDEN) – Assembly Democrats released the following statements today during a special Camden hearing focusing on finding ways to help individuals released from prison avoid returning to crime.

The Second Chance Hearing was the 7th convened by Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman:

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TRENTON – In his first major policy presser, GOP gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie today promised rigorous use of the line-item veto to end one-shot budget gimmicks he says are funding New Jersey government and dragging the state to financial ruin.

“Everything has to be on the table,” said Christie, reflecting on Democratic Party leadership in the governor's office. “There are no sacred cows in this. …You would not see $300 million in Christmas Tree items. Every one of them would be line-itemed out. The ‘Mac Account’ slush fund account that we exposed in the Wayne Bryant corruption trial – line-itemed out.” 

Unveiling his budget plan on the same afternoon fellow gubernatorial candidate, former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, held his own Statehouse press conference on the same subject, Christie also promised to eliminate two-thirds of state patronage titles, which he said would save New Jersey taxpayers $65 million. 

Moreover, he promised to eliminate two-thirds of state patronage titles, which he said would save New Jersey taxpayers $65 million.  

The slogan of the Christie campaign is “Strong Leadership Now,” and he tried to amplify that today, attacking as anemic Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposal to help make up for a state revenues shortfall by ordering a two-day unpaid furlough for state workers.

“A two-day furlough for state workers is a one-shot gimmick,” said the former U.S. Attorney. “The governor is proposing a two-day furlough to save $35 million, when last year the state registered $250 million in overtime costs. That shows me you’re not managing.”

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*** REMINDER FOR THURSDAY ***

WATSON COLEMAN TO HOLD CAMDEN HEARING TO DISCUSS WAYS TO HELP THOSE RELEASED FROM PRISON AVOID RETURNING TO CRIME

(TRENTON) – Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) on Thursday will host a special hearing in Camden to discuss improving education and training to help individuals released from prison avoid returning to crime.

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