Joe Pennacchio

New Jersey’s Right to Life PAC has endorsed Jay Webber for State Assembly in the 26th district GOP primary.  

Webber, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce, and former Kinnelon Councilman Lawrence Casha are competing for two seats to represent the traditionally Republican Morris-Passaic district.  Incumbent Joseph Pennacchio is running for an open State Senate seat.

Republican Anne Evans Estabrook will take the next step in her fledgling bid for the 2008 Republican nomination for United States Senate over the next few weeks with the formation of an exploratory committee, according to her campaign consultant, Larry Weitzner.

The 60-year-old millionaire real estate developer and former New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President wants to take on 83-year-old Democrat Frank R. Lautenberg, who wants to run for a fifth term next year.

But although she's contributed heavily to Republican candidates in the past -- and to some Democrats, like Bob Menendez and Linda Stender -- at a time when her party is still shaking off the hurt of recent statewide losses and standing up on shaky legs, Estabrook will face tough questions in a GOP primary.

Her biggest trouble is lack of support.

"I don't even know her," said Morris County GOP Chairman John Sette. "I don't think anybody knows her."

Assemblyman Pennacchio to Governor: Ask for Republican Help

Morris Plains, NJ -- Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) called on Governor Corzine to reach across the aisle to build a consensus for property tax reform, pay-to-play reform and a myriad of issues forcing New Jersey citizens to leave the Garden State. Pennacchio challenged both the Governor and Democrat Legislative leaders to "join with Republicans to help fix our State's problems." Pennacchio listed five areas where both the Governor and Democrat leaders have called for action, yet neither side can agree among themselves. Pennacchio's suggestions are as follows:

1. Establish an elected, independent strong State Comptroller.
2. Complete ban on "Pay-to-Play" at all levels of government.
3. End the duel office holding.
4. Eliminate last minute legislative pork.
5. Fair and comprehensive school funding formula.

"One of the untold stories in Trenton is that neither the Governor nor Democrat leadership in both houses are working with fellow Republicans to help improve the lives of the citizens of New Jersey," said Pennacchio. "It is obvious that the political power struggle among Democrats means more to them than any meaningful reform."

The Assemblyman contends that Republicans in the Senate and Assembly can provide enough votes if asked to affect change. Pennacchio concluded, "Republican votes, coupled with Democrat votes could enact substantive legislation and even overcome procedural moves to ‘kill change.'"

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PENNACCHIO CONDEMNS "KELO LIGHT"

Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio, R-Morris and Passaic, released the following statement today following the passage of legislation by the Assembly that allows municipalities to seize a resident's private property for private redevelopment. The bill allows this if the inclusion of the property is found necessary, and as long as the non-blighted property is no more than 20 percent of the land mass being designated as needing redevelopment. The legislation does not contain any real safeguards to ensure that a good faith effort has been given in order to save those properties from eminent domain:

Pennacchio to Feds: Halt Sale to UAE
Bring sale before open public meeting

Morris Plains, NJ -- The following is a letter that New Jersey State Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) sent to Michael Chertoff, Secretary of United States Homeland Security.

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Pennacchio to Roberts: First Address Abbot School Spending

Morris Plains, NJ -- The following is a letter that New Jersey State Assemblyman Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) sent in response to Assembly Speaker Roberts call to address state spending:

PENNACCHIO TO CORZINE: CUT STATE SPENDING BEFORE YOU RAISE TAXES

Joe Pennacchio's fledgling campaign for State Senator has won endorsements from the man he wants to succeed, Robert Martin, and from Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce. Martin is not seeking re-election.