State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-37) hit back today on behalf of U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman against those critics in the U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell camp who say that by moving into the 9th, Rothman is running away from the real fight by challenging Pascrell instead of U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5).
“This is Steve Rothman’s home district and anyone who says otherwise is simply wrong,” said Weinberg, citing a new 5th that contains 80% of Garrett’s old 5th district.
“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,” said Weinberg, who added, “Rothman is one of the most fearless and progressive leaders in our state and our party.”
Trying to get in front of the Rothman wimp factor, spun by Pascrell allies when Rothman ducked a Passaic County reorganization meeting last week, Weinberg listed examples of the congressman’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.”
