NEW BRUNSWICK - State Democratic Party Chair Joseph Cryan just pumped up the crowd here at the Heldrich Hotel.

"Yes, we can," he cried. "Yes, we can! And in New Jersey, yes, we did!"

The chant was a nod to the Garden State victory tonight of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Il.).

Cryan then introduced Party Vice Chair state Sen. Dana Redd (D-Camden).

“You have already spoken,” said the short list candidate for lieutenant governor in 2009. “You do not want divisive politics.”

Three women widely viewed as rising stars in the Democratic Party are likely to receive consideration for Lt. Governor next year when Jon Corzine picks a running mate: State Sens. Dana Redd (D-Camden) and Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark), and Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz. 

State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex)

JERSEY CITY - Asked about state Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) as a potential candidate for lieutenant governor, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-Hoboken) said he liked the idea.

"She is one of several people in our party who would be an excellent candidate," Menendez told PolitickernJ.com at an Obama rally on Saturday. "It's the governor's decision ultimately, of course, and I do not envy him, because there are numerous qualified people."

Other potential lieutenant governor candidates among the Democrats include Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing).

REDD RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR CORZINE’S ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROPOSAL

TRENTON – Senator Dana Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and Chairwoman of the School Facilities Subcommittee of the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Schools, issued the following statement today regarding Governor Corzine’s economic stimulus proposals, which were delivered in a joint legislative hearing in the Statehouse this afternoon:

“Particularly when State residents are worried about the nation’s long-term and short-term economic health, Governor Corzine today outlined a bold plan which will help New Jersey weather the worst of these uncertain times.

REDD STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS

CAMDEN – State Senator Dana Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, issued the following statement regarding the seventh anniversary of the September 11 attacks, in which terrorists flew hijacked planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. A fourth plane was brought down by passengers near Shanksville, Pennsylvania before it could reach its target:

“Today, families across America will mourn the single largest attack on American soil in history. September 11, 2001 was a shock to so many of us who could never imagine such a devastating attack on our friends, family members, neighbors and fellow Americans.

HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES ARE NOW LAW

New Laws Part of Rationalization in Health Care Resources Recommendations

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was signed into law today by Governor Jon Corzine.

The first bill in the package, S-1794, requires each general hospital in New Jersey to annually conduct a public meeting for the community it serves. The meetings will focus on the delivery of care to the community, and give local residents a chance to form a dialogue with hospitals’ executives to discuss how better to serve the community.

“Our local hospitals serve as safe havens for the residents who live nearby, and they play a vital role in the communities they serve,” said Senator Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, who is a prime sponsor of S-1794. “Hospitals can only continue to provide this necessary care if they are in tune with the needs of residents, so it is imperative that the lines of communication are open between hospital administration and the public.”

REDD STATEMENT ON THE SIGNING OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REFORM BILL

MOUNT LAUREL – Senator Dana L. Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, a sponsor of S-1783/A-500, legislation that revises the Fair Housing Act to require municipalities to offer affordable housing options, today released the following statement and applauded Governor Corzine for making the bill’s provisions a reality. The bill signing was held at the Ethel R. Lawrence Homes.

“It is interesting that New Jersey, one of the nation's most ethnically and economically diverse states, is also one of the most segregated. For far too long, wealthier municipalities have been able to pass on their responsibility to provide affordable housing options by paying local urban centers to take on their obligations through the use of Regional Contribution Agreements (RCAs).

MADDEN-REDD RESOLUTION ADVANCES TO PROMOTE LYME DISEASE AWARENESS

TRENTON – The Senate today gave final approval to a resolution, AJR-64/SJR-32, sponsored in the Senate by Senators Fred Madden and Dana Redd, to designate May as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month” in New Jersey.

“Our goal is to encourage prompt detection of Lyme Disease infection so those afflicted get treated and avoid exposure later on to serious neurological disorders,” said Senator Madden, D-Gloucester and Camden.

Prominent, Diverse Group of Democratic Figures Signifies Broad Support

HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE MEASURES APPROVED BY HEALTH COMMITTEE

Bills Part of Rationalization in Health Care Resources Recommendations

TRENTON – A package of bills sponsored by members of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee which would address hospital governance in an attempt to keep hospitals competitive in New Jersey was unanimously approved by the Health Committee today.

“These bills are part of the recommendations set forth by the Reinhardt Commission to Rationalize Health Care Resources in New Jersey,” said Senate Health Committee Chair, Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex. “We spend billions every year to support health care around the State, and we must ensure that we’re spending our health care dollars wisely and efficiently. We need to make sure we’re getting the biggest bang for our buck, and I applaud my Committee members for stepping up to work to fix the problems many hospitals are facing around the Garden State.”