(Trenton) -- Two new Wall Street Journal articles highlight growing concerns of cronyism and abuse in the contracts the Christie administration awarded to provide federally-funded relief to the victims of superstorm Sandy while New Jersey shore families suffer further frustration.

Half of likely voters want Democrats to retain control of the New Jersey Legislature in November, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll. Only 38 percent want to give Republicans a chance to take charge in Trenton.

(TRENTON, NJ) – State Democratic Party Chairman John S. Wisniewski issued the following statement regarding Governor Chris Christie’s announcement of the process to fill New Jersey’s US Senate seat:

(Trenton)- Yesterday, a television advertisement funded using federal Sandy relief aid began airing on network television.  The ad features Governor Chris Christie and his family.  With New Jersey 2013 gubernatorial elections less than six months away, Governor Christie’s use of federal tax dollars for television airtime should be questioned.  Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, released the following statement:

(Trenton)- Congressman Joaquin Castro will serve as the keynote speaker at the New Jersey Democratic State Committee’s Annual State Conference.  Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, released the following statement:

CHRISTIE WAS AN EARLY SUPPORTER OF BUSH, AND HELPED RAISE HIM $350,000 BECOMING A CAMPAIGN “PIONEER” BOOSTER 

Christie Joined The Bush Campaign Even Before He Announced For President, “And Traveled Frequently To Austin To Discuss The Then-Texas Governor's Potential Bid.” “Christie said he formally met Bush in early 1999 - before Bush had announced his candidacy - and traveled frequently to Austin to discuss the then-Texas governor's potential bid. Christie said he was asked to become counsel to the presidential campaign in New Jersey shortly before Bush announced his candidacy in 2000. Once in that post, Christie helped raise thousands of dollars for the campaign.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 12/22/01]

Christie Still Has No Plan to Spur Middle Class Jobs

(Trenton)- This morning, Governor Christie’s administration released New Jersey’s unemployment numbers for March 2013.  With the March 2013 rate at 9%, this marks 46 straight months with unemployment at or above 9%.

Where’s Christie’s Jobs Plan?

(Trenton)- Today, Governor Christie’s administration announced that New Jersey’s unemployment rate for February 2013 was 9.3%.  This marks 45 straight months with unemployment at or above 9%, and another month with New Jersey’s unemployment rate well above those of other states in the region as well as the national average.  Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, released the following statement:

Christie Should Stand By His Words on Sick Leave Payouts

(Trenton)-  The Ocean County Sheriff died following the 2012 election, leaving a vacancy in the county position.  A special election will be held in November, but Governor Christie can appoint an interim sheriff to serve now.  The Christie administration is vetting the Republican candidate, Michael Mastronardy, to serve as interim sheriff.  Mastronardy, the current Toms River Police Chief, would have to retire from the police force in order to serve as sheriff.  Mastronardy stands to receive a $237,925 payout for unused sick and vacation leave payouts upon his retirement from the police force.

(Trenton)- In 2009, when Chris Christie was a candidate for New Jersey Governor, he criticized then-Governor Corzine for New Jersey’s high unemployment rate.