Virginia

With an infusion of national GOP resources into New Jersey's U.S. Senate race, Senate Democrats have convinced the Democratic National Committee to take out a loan of between $5 and $10 million to help their party compete with Republicans. "The money is not designated for specific Senate races, however, sources tell us that two races in particular were used as leverage in negotiations between the DSCC and the DNC. Those two races: New Jersey and Virginia," reported Hotline on Call.

Among the Democrats attending Mark Warner's North Jersey fundraiser last night: State Senator Paul Sarlo, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, Democratic State Chairman/Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, former Democratic State Committee Counsel Angelo Genova, Kerry '04 spokesman Tom Barrett, Cumberland County Democratic Chairman and Freeholder Louis Magazzu, Essex County Freeholder Linda Lordi Cavanaugh, Parsippany Mayor Michael Luther, Highland Park Mayor Meryl Frank, West Orange Councilman Robert Parisi, and lobbyists Robert Sommer and Adam Kaufman. The former Governor of Virginia has already signed up three key New Jersey fundraisers: New Jersey Kerry '04 Co-Chairman John Graham, Democratic National Committeeman Alfred DeCotiis, and lobbyist (and ex-Bob Torricelli fundraiser/staffer) Michael Kempner. Kempner has been friends with Warner since 1980, when the two worked together as fundraisers for the Democratic National Committee.

Warner also headlined a fundraiser for the Assembly Democrats in Trenton that brought him kind words from Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and Assembly Majority Leader (and former Democratic State Chairwoman) Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Four top New Jersey Democratic fundraisers are sponsoring two fundraising events this month for Mark Warner, the former Governor of Virginia who is mulling a bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. Kerry '04 N.J. Co-Chairman John Graham, Democratic National Committeeman Alfred DeCotiis, lobbyist Michael Kempner and Kerry '05 fundraiser Zenon Christodoulou are heading a high dollar event at the MWW offices and a $25/head reception in Bergen County on June 20.

CARDINALE: SELF SERVE GAS WILL LOWER PRICES
Lower Prices, Less Pollution, More Convenience will Result from Self Service

Senator Gerald Cardinale, (R-39), is drafting legislation which would authorize service stations to permit consumers to dispense motor fuel. Current law only allows authorized employees of motor fuels retailers to dispense gasoline or diesel fuel.

ASSEMBLY APPROVES DANCER LEGISLATION THAT STREAMLINES LICENSING PROCESS FOR LIVE
HORSE RACING PARTICIPANTS

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer, that would make New Jersey a member of the National Compact Licensing Program and streamline the licensing process for participants in live horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering, was approved today by the General Assembly.

The bill, A-2464, would enact the Interstate Compact for Horse Racing Licensees and recognize the creation of the Interstate Licensing Compact Committee to streamline the licensing process for all parties involved with pari-mutuel wagering. That includes horse owners, riders, agents, trainers, starters, timers, judges, grooms, drivers, and any other person(s) acting in any capacity in connection with the training of horses or the actual running of the races.

KARCHER BILL TO PUSH INTERSTATE RACING COMPACT APPROVED BY SENATE

Bill Would Streamline Horse Racing License Process, Promote Shared Services by States

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would enroll New Jersey in a multi-state agreement to streamline the licensing process for horse racing participants was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0.

"Horse racing in New Jersey is a multimillion dollar industry that draws thousands of race fans to tracks like Monmouth Park during the height of the season," said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. "We have a proud tradition in the racing world, and we must maintain our competitive edge to bring in the biggest purses and the best races. This legislation will allow us to be on a level playing field with other states, and ensure that our horse racing professionals are not locked out of other markets because of incompatible licensing requirements."

BURZICHELLI WELCOMES SPECIAL MASTER
IN BORDER DISPUTE WITH DELAWARE

The Cook Political Report's Jennifer Duffy was just on MSNBC for a quick, three-question segment-- one on New Jersey, one on Virginia, and one on California. She noted poll show most voters here are "discouraged," and don't believe either candidate will do anything on property taxes, the top issue. Duffy: "I wouldn't be suprised to see turnout a little lower (than in past gov. races). There are races at the state legislative levelthat might prop it up a little, but maybe not enough."