New Jersey 2006 Senate Debate: on Government Reform


Robert Menendez: Keep the Senate filibuster rules, to encourage debate

Q: Do you think there should be a change in the Senate rules governing the filibuster?

KEAN: No. Negotiation and compromise under the current rules are the best means to success and promotes bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges.

MENENDEZ: Under Bush, Washington has become too partisan and divided. Senate rules are meant to overcome that by encouraging debate and compromise. They should be preserved.

Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate (X-ref Kean) Sep 24, 2006

Robert Menendez: Allow dual-office holding for politicians, if voters choose

Q: Should public officials in New Jersey be allowed to hold more than one public office?

KEAN: I sponsored legislation to prohibit dual-office holding. It undermines the integrity and honesty of government. Regrettably, Bob Menendez was a dual-office holder.

MENENDEZ: Voters have the final say in who represents them in government. If the electorate votes you into office, that is the will of the electorate.

Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate (X-ref Kean) Sep 24, 2006

Thomas Kean Jr.: Keep the Senate filibuster rules, to encourage negotiation

Q: Do you think there should be a change in the Senate rules governing the filibuster?

KEAN: No. Negotiation and compromise under the current rules are the best means to success and promotes bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges.

MENENDEZ: Under Bush, Washington has become too partisan and divided. Senate rules are meant to overcome that by encouraging debate and compromise. They should be preserved.

Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate Sep 24, 2006

Thomas Kean Jr.: Disallow dual-office holding for politicians

Q: Should public officials in New Jersey be allowed to hold more than one public office?

KEAN: I sponsored legislation to prohibit dual-office holding. It undermines the integrity and honesty of government. Regrettably, Bob Menendez was a dual-office holder.

MENENDEZ: Voters have the final say in who represents them in government. If the electorate votes you into office, that is the will of the electorate.

Source: Hall Institute N.J. Senate Virtual Debate Sep 24, 2006

  • The above quotations are from New Jersey Senate Virtual Debate - moderated by the Hall Institute, August to September 2006.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Government Reform.
  • Click here for more quotes by Thomas Kean Jr. on Government Reform.
  • Click here for more quotes by Robert Menendez on Government Reform.
2008 Presidential contenders on Government Reform:
Republicans:
Chmn.John Cox
Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Gov.Mike Huckabee
Rep.Duncan Hunter
Sen.John McCain
Rep.Ron Paul
Gov.Mitt Romney
Sen.Fred Thompson
Democrats:
Sen.Hillary Clinton
Sen.John Edwards
Sen.Mike Gravel
Rep.Dennis Kucinich
Sen.Barack Obama
Third Parties:
Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney
Socialist: Brian Moore
Independent: Mayor Mike Bloomberg
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