Star-Ledger, Inquirer endorse Andrews, Zimmer
By EditorThe Star-Ledger and the Philadelphia Inquirer have endorsed Rob Andrews for U.S. Senate against incumbent Frank Lautenberg in the Democratic primary. Both papers also endorsed Dick Zimmer for the GOP nomination, although the Star-Ledger said they would back Andrews or Lautenberg over Zimmer in the general election.
“
Lautenberg is 84. He's had four terms in the Senate and will be 90 by the time the next term ends. While age alone is not a sufficient reason to back Andrews, who is 50, neither is longevity in Washington a sufficient reason to retain Lautenberg,” the Star-Ledger wrote. “Eliminating the age factor, Andrews still is the better choice. He has a comprehensive vision of where the country should be going and can articulate detailed plans for getting there. On any issue -- from health care, to withdrawing from Iraq, to meeting transportation needs, to dealing with soaring gas prices -- Andrews has well-thought-out proposals.”
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"He told me he had a long political memory and his door would be closed to me. I told him I had a long political memory and I don't ever remember his door being open." -- Assemblyman Willie Brown (D-Newark), on telling U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg that he was endorsing the Republican candidate, Assembly Speaker Chuck Haytaian.
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Syndicate
Gannett E-N-D-O-R-S-E-S Dr. Murray Sabrin
In case anyone missed it this week, Dr. Murray Sabrin's campaign announced the endorsement of Gannett:
http://www.murraysabrin.com/PressReleases.aspx?ID=58
I would much prefer this endorsement than the half-hearted endorsement of the Star Ledger!
Endorsed By a Dead Man
Yes, a dead man endorsed Sabrin from his grave!
Why don't I just say Ronald Reagan endorses Joe Pennacchio!
JFK Endorses Donald Cresitello!
Abraham Lincoln Endorses Dick Zimmer!
huge endorsements
One of the most telling parts of this campaign is evident in the Star Ledger editorial. While Andrews, they mention, went into a multi-tiered plan on expanding health care and making it more affordable (having large companies pay into a health care coverage option, etc.), they report that Lautenberg was vague and nebulous in his response; Lautenberg knew there was a problem but didn't have total grasping of the problem nor a comprehensive solution. The same holds true for Andrews' plan to get the U.S. out of the Iraq War.
Local editorial board endorsements still carry some weight, especially since these boards were able to see these candidates one-on-one and judge which were superior; unfortunately, we voters haven't had the same luxury since Lautenberg has repeatedly refused to appear at forums or debates with Andrews. The Inquirer, a local paper, knows Andrews best, and they wholeheartedly endorsed him over Lautenberg; this should tell voters something.
With these endorsements, and impressive fundraising figures over the last month, Andrews has momentum and support for his campaign. Let's hope it yields a victory for Andrews on 3 June.
If I'm the Republican Nominee..
I wouldn't bother even going in front of the Star Ledger editorial board again..
They've already made their decision..5 months plus before the general election..without even waiting to see how things go on the campaign trail and waiting for the nominee to detail positions further.
Real Fair move.
Double Post
n/t
ALL CAPS
There is a fascinating phenomenon common to Paul/Sabrin supporters. They believe that U-S-I-N-G A-L-L C-A-P-T-I-T-O-L L-E-T-T-E-R-S and H-Y-P-H-O-N-S will somehow enhance their non-existant chance of winning. I also note that instead of linking an actual newspaper article, Sabrin supporters link to Sabrin press releases, whose content resemble a NY Post headline or an entry in Page Six rather than serious political discussion.
Zimmer is a successful lobbyist!
Wow. Zimmer must be good at lobbying to get two newspaper endorsements. Otherwise, I do not see much more in terms of policies that he can stand on. I wonder what he promised so scalled independent press in return? PR spokesman, press secretary, cushy job on the Hill, the White House job? It is funny, the guy did not even make it out of debates yet.
GOP Endorsements
It doesn't matter, these papers would have endorsed Estabrook, Unanue or any of the other names floated by the party elite.
A much needed clean start
Andrews is earning the respect of the media (Star-Ledger and Philly Inquirer) as well as those who need a REAL change. Lautenberg's newest endorsement from Orange Mayor-Elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.(28) is Lautenberg's reaction to the age arguement. He's concerned, and needs youthful support. However, look again. Hawkins is replacing, and is connected to Mayor/Assemblyman Mims Hackett, who JUST YESTERDAY PLEADED GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED EXTORTION IN FEDERAL COURT. YOUR RIGHT NJ, Age isn't, and shouldn't be the reason for Andrews to get elected, but a CLEAN SLATE IS !!
Zimmer
If there is ever been a time in the last 20 years for somone conservative it's now.
What New Jersey does not need is another USELESS - DO NOTHING - BABY KILLING SUPPORTER like Rob Andrews for the US Senate.
But then again New Jersey is full of people who support do nothing elected officals.
Just look at Guardrail Jonnie who was a waste and DO NOTHING as New Jersey's U.S. Senator which he has continued to do as Governor.
Star-Ledger, Inquirer endorse Andrews
"Andrews has well-thought-out proposals.”
"Stupid is as stupid does"
Ledger endorsement is tainted...
.. as is most of what is reported as "news" in this paper. The Newhouse family of limosine liberals retains firm control over the NJN papers and there's usually an agenda well in advance of any election cycle. The Ledger typically endorses the GOP candidate that's least likely to success in November and the Democrat who is most likely to win. So, they were right to endorse Andrews. Their endorsement of Zimmer was simply to help give their chosen candidate an easier ride in November.