As many of you know, New Jersey has one of the most right wing republicans in Congress, Scott Garrett. He was one of 11 congressmen to vote against rebuilding New Orleans. He is generally out of touch with New Jersey. Fortunately, the people of NJ-05 have gradually realized this and he has won by progressively smaller margins in each election.
Even better, we have the pleasure of voting for a truly moral man in Dennis Shulman this year. Even better, Congressional Quarterly has just upgraded the race from Safe Republican to Republican favored. This could be the year where we can finally get rid of Garrett.
More below the fold
The article begins with
The campaign of Democratic rabbi and psychologist Dennis Shulman for New Jersey’s 5th District is beginning to gain steam, capturing local and national support as well as attention as he seeks to become the first blind member of Congress in generations.
More importantly, he has shown strong fundraising ability so far.
In his bid to unseat three-term Republican Rep. Scott Garrett , Shulman reported more than $300,000 raised through March 31, including donations from Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer ’s political action committee, Washington state Rep. Brian Baird ’s campaign committee, and members of the psychology and religious communities. Shulman also invested $52,000 in personal funds into his campaign. He reported $246,000 remaining after expenses.
These fundraising totals place Shulman far ahead of previous challengers to Garrett, each of whom ran tough, hard fought races that whittled away at Garrett's dwindling support in the district and have become key advisers and supporters to the Shulman campaign.
That is a good start, but he needs our help. Garrett has raised $700,000 total. However, Shulman is getting some good help.
Shulman campaign manager Jeff Hauser said future fundraisers are planned with several prominent officials such as state party chairman Joseph Cryan and Gov. David A. Paterson of New York, who is legally blind. Paterson, 2004 presidential candidate Wesley Clark, and Rep. Steven R. Rothman of the neighboring 9th District are among those who have endorsed Shulman’s campaign.
Due to Shulman’s signs of viability, CQ Politics is changing the rating of the race to Republican Favored from Safe Republican. The rating means that Garrett remains highly favored to retain his seat but does face a credible challenge this year.
Additionally, recent polling in the district validates the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's recent decision to "target" this congressional district, revealing that only 31% of likely voters plan to re-elect Garrett and, by a 68-17% margin, the district seeks change from George Bush's policies.
Garrett is out of touch with NJ and Shulman needs help in making that case.
Garrett opposes abortion, including in cases of rape and incest, favoring an exception to save the life of the woman. He favors prohibition on same-sex marriage and stem cell research. The American Conservative Union gave Garrett a score of 100 percent in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Ratings for 2007 are not yet available.
Garrett has received low marks from environmental groups due to his opposition to stringent clean air regulations and support for drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, among other issues.
Garrett is one of the DCCC targets this year. DCCC target page
Shulman supports abortion rights, redeploying troops from Iraq, and opposes drilling off the coast of New Jersey. He also supports the separation of church and state. He would be a good progressive in a district that needs one.
Donate here. Let's give a good man a fighting chance to knock off one of the worst Republicans in Congress.