Saturday, January 31, 2009

The NJ Schmooze Cruise


A rite of passage among the New Jersey political elite for over 70 years, the annual Chamber of Commerce train ride attracts more than 1,000 lawmakers, lobbyists and corporate officials each year to wine and dine with the New Jersey congressional delegation in Washington.

During the four-hour ride, and at a dinner that took place Thursday night in Washington, New Jersey's business community was once again able to gain extraordinary access to the state's political structure, from legislators to county executives to Governor Corzine.

In a break from the past and tradition, 3 GOP gubernatorial hopefuls, Christopher Christie, Steve Lonegan and Rick Merkt, all decided to boycott the chartered 14-car Amtrak ride. Sponsored by business leaders usually friendly to Republicans, the candidates criticized the annual "Walk to Washington" as an exclusive "schmooze cruise" of insiders and lobbyists.

"I call it the tax-and-spend express," gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan told the Star-Ledger. "I went once about 10 years ago and I never went again. This is where all the party insiders, the lobbyists come together. I'm not part of that and I'm running to change it."

Chamber President Joan Verplanck criticized the candidates decision to boycott the event, and attempted to defend the elbow-rubbing session to the Star-Ledger.

"Times have changed dramatically," Verplanck said. "It's less fraternity party and more college mixer."

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Working On a New Blog

Hey everyone. Just wanted to update you that blogging has been intermittent due to the fact that I'm building myself a new website and blog. It should be up soon.

In the meantime, you can follow me on Facebook or on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my Comics News Blog at the Cagle Cartoons website.

And in the meantime, if you'd like to use one of my cartoons in your publication, or hire me to do a unique illustration or cartoon, feel free to contact me at robtornoe@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Way To Go Star-Ledger

Just opened up Sunday's County News section of the Star-Ledger, and here is the breakdown of ads-to-news in the 12 page section:

Page 1: All News
Page 2: Full-page ad
Page 3: Full-page ad
Page 4: Full-page ad
Page 5: Full-page ad
Page 6: Full-page ad
Page 7: Full-page ad
Page 8: Full-page ad
Page 9: Full-page ad
Page 10: Half news, half ads
Page 11: Half news, half ads
Page 12: Full-page ad

Now I feel informed. I think there is more news in the Best Buy circular.