Author Archive

On Chat Box, David Cruz talks with Republican strategist Chris Russell and New Jersey State Democratic Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr., who break down President Biden’s State of the Union Address. They discuss Biden’s push for bipartisanship and if politicians in Washington and New Jersey can find a way to work together on several issues. Russell and Jones also discuss upcoming key legislative races in the state.

On Chat Box, David Cruz talks with Republican strategist Chris Russell about the state of New Jersey’s Republican Party. They discuss the Trump effect and if former President Donald Trump is the right GOP candidate in the 2024 presidential election, as well as what the GOP agenda needs to be going forward.

LeRoy J. Jones Jr., Chair of the NJ Democratic State Committee and Chris Russell, Republican strategist and most recently a strategist with Jack Ciattarelli’s gubernatorial campaign, talk about the top legislative priorities for Democrats and Republicans. Also, reactions to Gov. Murphy’s inaugural speech, redistricting and the future direction of both parties in the state.

David Cruz breaks down all the headlines on redistricting in NJ – from the fight between Democrats and Republicans over the redrawing of the state’s congressional map and what it means for you and your community. Henal Patel from the NJ Institute for Social Justice joins Cruz to explain why redistricting matters and what’s at stake. Also, what are the top issues and priorities for Democrats and Republicans as Gov. Murphy starts his second term? Cruz talks with Republican Strategist Chris Russell and LeRoy J. Jones Jr., Chair of the NJ Democratic State Committee.

With less than a week to go before New Jersey elects its next governor, a new Monmouth University poll puts Gov. Phil Murphy 11 points ahead of his Republican challenger, Jack Ciattarelli, 50 to 39. But Ciattarelli campaign strategist Chris Russell maintains that “…we’re looking at a pretty close race on Election Day. Could go either way but it’s margin-of-error type stuff.”

Chris Russell, the founder of Checkmate Strategies, talks to C&E’s Sunny Khahera about the evolution of his firm. One important lesson for firm owners: never forget this is ultimately a customer service business.

Our Chief Political Correspondent Michael Aron went on the record with Chris Russell, political consultant for the Ciattarelli campaign.

C&E’s Shane D’Aprile hosts a breakfast discussion with Elena Neely of the United States Postal Service, Maren Helsa of Mission Control, and Chris Russell of Checkmate Strategies.

Host Michael Aron wades into President Trump’s Presidency so far. Last week’s travel ban and his Supreme Court nominee lead the headlines. Has Trump’s use of Twitter changed how the President communicates with the public? Republican Strategist Chris Russell, Democratic Strategist Bill Pacrell III, Republican County Chairman Paul DiGaetano, and former DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa break it all down.