NYT: Old NJ Law May Block Forrester's Plan to Fund His Gov. Bid

[DeepModem Mom]

Old New Jersey Law May Block Nominee's Plan to Fund His Bid
By DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
Published: August 9, 2005


TRENTON, Aug. 8 - When Douglas R. Forrester made his improbable rise to the top of New Jersey's Republican Party three years ago, his ascent was fueled largely by his wealth and willingness to spend millions of dollars on political campaigns.

But now that Mr. Forrester is the party's nominee for governor, his campaign spending may not be an advantage at all, and it could violate a state law that forbids anyone with a majority interest in an insurance company that does business in New Jersey to make political contributions to state campaigns.

That ban on campaign contributions was not a problem for Mr. Forrester when he ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 2002, because the only company he owned at the time was BeneCard Services Inc., which manages pharmacy benefits and does not sell insurance. In 2003, however, Mr. Forrester established an insurance company, Heartland Fidelity Inc., and his 51 percent ownership has spurred Democrats to complain that Mr. Forrester should now be prohibited from making contributions to his campaign and other state races.

"It appears to be a disturbing pattern of violations of the law," said Tom Shea, the campaign manager for Mr. Forrester's Democratic opponent, Senator Jon S. Corzine. "At best, it's a disturbing pattern of violations of the spirit of the law."

Questions about the legality of Mr. Forrester's campaign contributions, which were first reported on Sunday in The Philadelphia Inquirer, stem from a law adopted more than 70 years ago, which sought to prevent regulated industries like banks, telegraph companies, insurance companies and railroads from using their financial muscle to gain undue influence in the state policy-making. But Mr. Forrester's aides say that he is not subject to the ban on contributions because Heartland is based in Washington....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/09/nyregion/metrocampaigns/09forrester.html

[Cha]

1. Yeah, well, that would be

the sweet kiss of Karma. It was at a fundraiser for said New Jersey rich repuke, doug forrester, in Manhattan that rove spewed his bile on the Patriotic Democrats.

[davidinalameda]

2. that would be fantastic

fuck the Repukes

[TomPainesBones]

3. It was also fueled by appealing to the hatred in the GOP

"When Douglas R. Forrester made his improbable rise to the top of New Jersey's Republican Party three years ago, his ascent was fueled largely by his wealth and willingness to spend millions of dollars on political campaigns."


When Forrester ran against Lautenberg his persona was that of a nasty, abusive, rightwing radio host. Something about the guy reminded me of Limbaugh.
Now - after he got his ass kicked in 2002 - he's presenting New Jersey with the kinder, gentler Doug Forrester. I'm in NYC but I really hope Jersey won't be fooled and they bury this phony bastard once and for all.

[fearnobush]

4. NJ Governor--Corzine 45% Forrester 37% Aug 8th Poll

<http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2005/New%20Jersey%20Governor_August%208.htm>

[msanthrope]

5. The only reason the GOP agreed to Forrester was

because he supposedly could fund himself--now they will have to spend money in NJ.