Pallone Makes It Official, "I'm In"

TRENTON, NJ— At an afternoon press conference in Trenton, NJ, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced his candidacy to fill the remaining term of the late Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. Immediately prior to hand-delivering nominating petitions signed by supporters to New Jersey’s Division of Elections, Pallone told a crowd of gathered reporters of his intention to run for the open Senate seat.


“Today, I am proud to stand here and declare my candidacy to be the next U.S. Senator from the great state of New Jersey,” said Pallone. “Although I wish this opportunity to run for the seat vacated as a result of the loss of my good friend and colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg, had never risen, I am committed to carrying on his legacy of fighting for New Jersey.”

Pallone, a 13 term Congressman from Long Branch spoke of his long record of advocating for all New Jerseyans and laid out some of his top priorities.

“I’m in,” said Pallone. “I’m in this race because families in our state and throughout the nation are hurting, and I believe that we have a responsibility to roll up our sleeves, get to work and help. Throughout my career, I have been committed to public service and to the idea that, no matter the size of the challenge, I would continue to stand and fight and work toward sensible solutions.”

A progressive Democrat with a long record of achieving results for New Jersey, Pallone cited his core Democratic principles and belief that government can be a tool for good as influencing his decision to run for the Senate.

“I’m running for the Senate because we need to focus on getting people back to work, rebuilding our economy, making sure our environment is clean and safe for future generations, and standing up for equality for all Americans,” said Pallone. “We can’t wait for solutions. We need results from proven leaders now, which is why I am entering this race and why I am asking for the support of New Jerseyans to be our state’s next Senator. I have never backed down from a fight, regardless of how long the odds are, and I will continue to stand firm in my fight for New Jersey.”

Assembly Speaker Oliver To Seek U.S. Senate Seat

The race to succeed the late Frank Lautenberg for the U.S. Senate just got a little more crowded last night according to PolitickerNJ, when NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver announced in East Brunswick that she will be a candidate to succeed Lautenberg and would file petitions in Trenton later today seeking his open seat.

Oliver has been playing coy by not saying whether or not she intended to run in this years special election even though she has been quietly gathering signatures this past week.

When Speaker Oliver makes it official by dropping off her petitions, she will join Congressmen Rush Holt and Frank Pallone and Newark Mayor Cory Booker as declared candidates who will face off against each other during an August primary that will determine who will face an as of yet, unnamed Republican challenger.  

A Champion and a Friend

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:


On Monday, New Jersey lost a champion and a friend. I don't think there will ever again be anybody quite like Sen. Frank Lautenberg.

Frank came from humble beginnings, and he never forgot that. The GI Bill sent him to Columbia University, and he always felt grateful for that and felt a need to pay back.

Much has been said about his accomplishments: keeping trains and buses safe, promoting public health, safeguarding chemical plants, keeping cigarettes out of planes, and more. But what stands out in my mind is what Frank did to prevent drunk driving. As part of his transportation work, he established limits on blood alcohol levels. Today you could fill several football stadiums with people who are alive only because of Frank Lautenberg – and not one of them knows who they are.

Frank was dogged; he was persistent. His colleagues in the Senate would sometimes laugh or smile about that: “Here comes Frank again to try to twist our arms.” They liked him. Frank did his homework; he knew what he was talking about, and he just kept fighting.

Frank and I worked together on a number of things, so I feel this loss very personally.

Keeping Veterans Safe

Last month, I wrote to you about my effort with Rep. Jon Runyan to provide an additional $20 million for veteran suicide prevention in the 2014 VA budget. This week, there’s good news: the House has approved the funding we fought for and sent the proposal to the Senate for further consideration. This represents a continuation of funding that I first helped to secure in 2011.

This continued funding sends a clear message to our soldiers and veterans: Your country is committed to helping you cope with your service, and we will do everything possible to keep you safe.

Veterans who are struggling with the emotional, physical, family or career consequences of their service can call 1-855-VET-TALK (1-855-838-8255), 24 hours a day. The call is free, and all counselors are veterans.


Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Buono for Governor Statement on Christie's Senate Election Decision

Buono for Governor Spokesman David Turner issued the following statement regarding Governor Christie’s decision to hold a Senate election three weeks before the November general election:

"Earlier this year, the Governor cited money as to why he vetoed early voting. However, despite costing millions of dollars, Governor Christie made the cynical and arrogant decision to call a special election in October. His choice made it clear that he does not care about wasting taxpayer money. Moreover, by holding two elections within weeks of each other, the Governor will needlessly disenfranchise voters. He should change his decision and hold the election on November 5."

Comedian Steve Martin Endorses Nebraska's Bob Kerry For Senate

A very funny and a truly classic endorsement of a political candidate from a celebrity.

Comedian and "home crafts expert" Steve Martin, endorses Bob Kerrey (D) for U.S. Senate in his race to once again become Nebraska's Senator.

(hat tip - Political Wire)


Steve Martin has some great reasons for endorsing Bob Kerrey in Nebraska's U.S. Senate race, but you'll have to watch to find out -- and you might just learn something. About home crafts. Stand with Bob at www.bobkerrey.com/stevemartin

On Wednesday, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) delivered a speech on the Senate floor to expose VP Candidate Paul Ryan's budget impact on middle-class families.