Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Belleville) was one of four Democratic legislators to bash GOP gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie for opposing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which they say could have cost unemployed New Jerseyans $200 million in extended unemployment benefits.
"New Jersey families who are unemployed are struggling to make ends meet, yet Christie would refuse more than $200 million in federal stimulus funding that is a direct lifeline for these families in need," Caputo said in a statement released by the Democratic State Committee. "Hardworking New Jerseyans who through no fault of their own have already suffered the loss of their job and income deserve support, not Christie's bloated rhetoric and Bush policies that would have devastating impacts on their future."
But Republicans had a good comeback to the use of Caputo as a surrogate, pointing out Caputo's two public offices.
"The irony of state Democrats preaching about unemployment that's climbed to a 32 year high on their watch is only matched by the insensitivity of Assemblyman Ralph Caputo," said Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for the Republican State Committee. "While struggling, out-of-work New Jerseyans continue looking for jobs that Governor Corzine has lost, Caputo sits on the sidelines collecting two paychecks as a county freeholder and state assemblyman. How much more out of touch can you be?"
