Weinberg Defends Rothman’s Decision to Challenge Pascrell
Deputy mayor’s decision to run against Republican congressman becomes campaign fodder.
Teaneck Deputy Mayor Adam Gussen’s decision to run against Republican Rep. Scott Garrett has become political ammunition for Rep. Bill Pascrell’s campaign in the mounting fight with fellow Democratic Rep. Steve Rothman.
Congressional redistricting split Teaneck between the 5th District and 9th District, leaving about 80 percent of the town’s population in Garrett’s Republican-leaning district. Instead of challenging Garrett in the new 5th District, Rothman opted to take on Pascrell for the new 9th District.
Pascrell issued a statement Monday swiping at Rothman’s decision to take on a fellow Democrat, while noting Gussen’s challenge to Garrett. The town’s deputy mayor became the first Democrat to formally announce a run against Garrett.
“While some may fear tough races, other Democrats in the 5th Congressional District clearly realize that there are battles we need to fight for the soul of the Democratic Party. I applaud all good Democrats who are willing to offer a clear alternative to Garrett's radical right agenda,” Pascrell said in a statement. “Too often, politicians would rather cut-and-run than stand and fight on the front lines in the battle to protect America's disappearing middle class.”
State Sen. Loretta Weinberg defended Rothman's decision in a statement issued by his campaign.
“This is Steve Rothman’s home district and anyone who says otherwise is simply wrong,” Weinberg said. “Those who suggest that Congressman Rothman should run in Congressman Garrett’s new 5th district, which contains 80% of Garrett’s old 5th district, should be aware of the fact that the 9th is Rothman’s home district -- where he was born, raised, has lived practically his entire life and has represented in Congress for the past 15 years.”
For his part, Gussen wouldn’t take a side in the Rothman vs. Pascrell battle, although he noted Rothman faced a “difficult choice.”
“It’s unfortunate to see the amount of resources that will be spent on an inter-party fight over this,” Gussen said.
Read full statements from Weinberg and Pascrell below:
PASCRELL STATEMENT ON 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CHALLENGER
PATERSON ¬ U.S. Rep Bill Pascrell Jr. released the following statement today on Teaneck Deputy Mayor Adam Gussen’s decision to challenge Congressman Scott Garrett in the 5th District.
“Any Democrat willing to stand up and fight Congressman Garrett in the 5th Congressional District should be commended. Scott Garrett is one of the most Conservative right-wing Republicans in all of Congress. He fights tooth and nail for the NRA while battling against a ban on discrimination against gays in the workplace. Congressman Garrett has a long history of fighting against any attempts at bipartisan cooperation, often at the expense of middle class taxpayers. He stands against eliminating tax breaks for those making more than $1 million dollars a year while also advocating against extending unemployment benefits and minimum wage increases. Scott Garrett is at the heart of the biggest problem in Washington: politicians more focused on their own politics and political survival than the will of the people.
While some may fear tough races, other Democrats in the 5th Congressional District clearly realize that there are battles we need to fight for the soul of the Democratic Party. I applaud all good Democrats who are willing to offer a clear alternative to Garrett's radical right agenda. It is good to see Democrats fighting for core principles. Too often, politicians would rather cut-and-run than stand and fight on the front lines in the battle to protect America's disappearing middle class."
Weinberg's statement released by the Rothman campaign:
Weinberg: Why I Endorse Steve Rothman for Re-Election to his Home Congressional District, The 9th
New Jersey State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-37) released the following statement explaining her endorsement of Congressman Steve Rothman for reelection to his 9th Congressional District. Congressman Rothman was born and raised in the 9th Congressional District, has lived practically his entire life there and currently represents 61% of the registered Democrats within the newly reconfigured 9th.
“This is Steve Rothman’s home district and anyone who says otherwise is simply wrong,” said Weinberg, a leader in the state’s progressive community and former candidate for Lt. Governor. “Rothman is one of the most fearless and progressive leaders in our state and our party.”
Senator Weinberg cited several examples of Rothman’s political courage. “He was the first prominent elected Democrat in New Jersey to support Barack Obama for President when the entire state political establishment was with Hillary Clinton,” Weinberg said. “During the heat of the health care debate, Steve faced down the Tea Party at ten town hall meetings, before thousands, to fight for health care reform and against insurance company abuses. Steve stood up for Frank Lautenberg in 2008 and successfully made sure that the Senator received the support of the Bergen Democratic Party. And as a freshman Congressman he fiercely defended against President Clinton's impeachment. These are just a few of the examples of political and personal courage of Steve Rothman, whom I have known for more than 30 years.”
The new 9th Congressional District contains 35 municipalities, 28 of which are currently represented by Rothman in the old 9th district. Due to Congressional Redistricting, five towns from Passaic County’s 8th district were added to the new 9th, as were two from Congressman Scott Garrett's 5th district, effective January 2013. Those who suggest that Congressman Rothman should run in Congressman Garrett’s new 5th district, which contains 80% of Garrett’s old 5th district, should be aware of the fact that the 9th is Rothman’s home district -- where he was born, raised, has lived practically his entire life and has represented in Congress for the past 15 years.
“I have represented the 9th District for a long time and have unbreakable bonds with these communities and my constituents,” said Rothman, a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. “I look forward to continuing to fight for them and all the people in the new 9th district in Congress.”
