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2018 - League of Humane Voters of New Jersey Endorsements
Get out and vote!
November 6, 2018 Election Day
LOHVNJ is an non-partisan organization. For
endorsement purposes, our committee makes no distinction between cruelty to
companion or domestic animals, and cruelty to wildlife.
In certain cases, LOHVNJ has factored in votes cast
during the previous sessions or past positions held by candidates.
State and Federal Elections
In 2018, eight special elections have been called to
fill 10 vacant seats in the New Jersey State Legislature. State and
Congressional races feature exceptional animal protection candidates.
Endorsements - New Jersey Legislature
Nearly one year into New Jersey's legislative
session, many important animal bills have yet to be posted for a committee
or floor vote in the Senate or Assembly. The LOHVNJ scorecard features
existing, and limited, voting records. We endorse the below candidates
because of their strong support for animal protective legislation.
Cited bills:
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Leghold Law
(S179/A3110).
Prohibits cruel body-gripping traps and snares, including the so-called
"enclosed" leghold trap allowed by the Fish and Game Council in
contravention of New Jersey's existing 1984 law that banned all types of
leghold traps.
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Pedals' Law (S2769/A2455). Establishes a 5-year moratorium on the black
bear hunt, restricts baiting in bear country, and implements programs to
restrict human-derived foods and trash.
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Nosey's Law (S1093/A1923). Prohibits the use of elephants and other
exotic animals in traveling circuses. The bill was drafted in honor of
Nosey, an African elephant, now rescued, who, like so many animals used
for human entertainment, suffered decades of abuse in a traveling
circus.
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The Shelter Law
(S2940/A4451). Notably, this bill expands the time during which a
homeless or abandoned animal must be held by a shelter from the grossly
inadequate 7 to 30 days. Our objective is that all New Jersey shelters
be no kill, and operate not for the convenience of those who run them,
but for the animals whose lives depend on adoption. The Shelter Law is a
big step in the right direction.
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Hot Car Law
(S1860/A2318). Expands conditions under which animals left in motor
vehicles may be rescued.
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Bijou's Law (S2514/A3044). Establishes
license requirements for pet groomers. Bijou, a 6-year-old Shih-Tzu, was
tragically killed during a routine trip to the groomer at a well-known
pet store chain.
2018 LOHV-NJ Legislative Scorecard (acrobat PDF)
LOHVNJ-Endorsed Candidates by Legislative District:
To find your legislative district, please click
here.
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District 15.
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D), replaced Elizabeth
Muoio, currently Secretary of the Treasury. Assemblywoman
Reynolds-Jackson co-sponsored and voted favorably for Nosey's and
Bijou's Laws.
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District 32. Assemblyman
Pedro Mejia (D) filled the seat vacated by former Assembly Speaker
Vincent Prieto. Assemblyman Mejia voted favorably for Nosey's Law and
co-sponsored and voted for Bijou's Law.
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District 34. Assemblywoman
Britnee Timberlake (D) replaced Sheila Oliver, New Jersey's Lieutenant
Governor. Assemblywoman Timberlake voted favorably for both Nosey's and
Bijou's Laws.
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District 36. During
his brief tenure, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (D), appointed to
replace Assemblywoman Marlene Caride in District 36, has been an
exceptional animal advocate. Assemblyman Calabrese co-sponsored the
Leghold Law, co-sponsored Pedal's Law, voted favorably for Nosey's and
Bijou's Laws, and voted to release the Hot Car legislation from
committee.
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District 38. When
in the Assembly during the 2016-2017 session, Joseph Lagana (D), who in
January 2018 replaced Senator Robert Gordon, earned a 100 percent animal
protection voting record. In the current session, Senator Lagana voted
favorably for Nosey's Law, is a prime sponsor of the Shelter Law, and
voted for the Hot Car Law.
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District 38. Assemblyman
Christopher Tully replaced Tim Eustace, who sponsored the Assembly
legislation to protect New Jersey's leghold trap law from the Fish and
Game "regulation." Assemblyman Tully voted favorably for Nosey's and
Bijou's Laws, and is a prime sponsor of the Shelter Law.
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District 38. An
Assemblywoman since May, Lisa Swain (D) replaced Joseph Langana, who
moved to the Senate. Assemblywoman Swain voted favorably for Nosey's and
Bijou's Laws, is a prime sponsor of the Shelter Law, and voted for the
Hot Car Law.
United States Congress
State legislative and federal
congressional voting districts are not the same. House representatives
represent districts; U.S. senators represent the entire state. For your
Congressional district, please click here.
Federal voting records of
incumbents can be found here.
(Courtesy of the Humane Society Legislative Fund)
LOHVNJ-Endorsed Candidates by District
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District 4.
Congressman Chris Smith (R).
Animal Protection Scorecard:
100%.
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District 5.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D).
Animal Protection Scorecard:
100%.
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District 8.
Congressman Albio Sires (D).
Animal Protection Scorecard:
100%.
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District 9.
Congressman Bill Pascrell (D).
Animal Protection Scorecard:
100%.
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District 11.
Candidate Bill Webber (R), who had abysmal record for animal protection
in the New Jersey Assembly, is running for the 11th District
Congressional seat. Challenger
Mikie Sherrill (D) is a better choice.
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District 12:
Challenger Daryl Kipnis (R), well known to
LOHVNJ, is a strong supporter of animal protection issues and a much
better choice than incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman (D).
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NOTE
State Senator Jeff Van Drew is running for a seat in Congressional
District 2. Senator Van Drew sponsored and/or voted for many
anti-wildlife bills involving hunting and trapping.
LOHVNJ-Endorsed U.S.
Senate:
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Robert Menendez (D), Animal
Protection Scorecard: 100%.
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LOHVNJ-Recommended Local Candidates
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