Jeff Hauser

After blind rabbi/psychologist Dennis Shulman’s impressing fundraising, extensive press coverage and a Democratic wave, U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) still managed to easily hold on to his seat on Tuesday.

The margin was even one point wider than in 2006, when Democrat Paul Aronsohn didn’t have nearly as many resources at his disposal.

“I think it really honestly was his message, especially his fiscal conservatism.  The smaller government, less taxes message really resonates with 5th District voters,” said Garrett Campaign Manager Amanda Gasperino.  “We did a really good job getting his message out and communicating it effectively, which is why you saw an even larger win this cycle.”

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It’s a war of endorsements in the 5th District today.

U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett’s (R-Wantage) campaign just rolled out its second big name election eve endorsement: publishing tycoon Steve Forbes.

Forbes, a New Jersey native, kept his endorsement brief.

“I’ve known Scott for years. He’s a fiscal conservative who puts taxpayers before big government,” he said in a statement. “Congress needs more common-sense leaders like him.”

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There's no question that 5th District congressional candidate Dennis Shulman is benefiting from a national environment that favors Democrats.  But in his native Bergen County, which holds about 65% of the district's voters, he's faced with what could be a less hospitable environment for his party.

Last month, Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero was indicted on eight corruption counts.  So was the less-known but extremely influential general counsel of the party, Dennis Oury.  The investigation continues, with subpoenas continuing to land in towns and agencies across the county, and Republicans think they actually have a shot at picking up at least one freeholder seat on the all-Democratic board.

Ferriero did endorse Shulman in the primary against attorney Camille Abate, which led to him getting the coveted organization line.  But while the Democratic brand in Bergen may be tarnished, Shulman may be lucky to not be tied too closely with it.  In fact, he said it's never been raised once to him by a constituent on the campaign trail.

"Not a single person I've spoken to throughout the district, when I go to the fairs or football games... have ever referred to it. My race is a national race with national issues," he said. Read More >

There’s plenty of outrage to go around in the 5th Congressional District.

Today, the Dennis Shulman campaign decried a mailer from incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) that put a small picture of Shulman, a rabbi, in front of a much larger picture of a Hamas member carrying an AK-47.

“Should we be talking with terrorists,” it reads in large, blood red letters.  “Dennis Shulman thinks so.”

Garrett also put out a commercial asking “What do we really know about Dennis Shulman, the man spearing Scott Garrett?,” and referring to him as an “extremist who believes America must negotiate with terrorists.” 

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U.S. Rep.Scott Garrett isn’t following John McCain’s example and formally suspending his campaign, but his staff insist that he’s spending most of his time in Washington right now.

”Congressman Garrett is in Washingtonworking diligently to help find a solution to the current economic crisis. He has always put the needs of the district before political campaigning, and this is no exception,” said Garrett Campaign Manager Amanda Gasperino. “Taking leadership on the need for sensible legislation, Garrett has introduced a bipartisan bill to form a Select Committee to investigate the financial bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, AIG, and Bear Stearns. Additionally, the Congressman has demanded that President Bush provide transparency in the 700 billion dollar bailout plan to protect the interests of taxpayers."

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A campaign consultant for Rep. E. Scott Garrett (R-05) called out Democratic challenger Dennis Shulman for hypocrisy today regarding the influence of lobbyists in his campaign.

A week after Shulman’s campaign criticized Garrett for hiring a new chief of staff who used to lobby for mortgage giant Countrywide Financial, Garrett consultant Matt Leonardo sent out a blistering email pointing out that Shulman Campaign Manager Jeff Hauser was a lobbyist for the Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CCIR) last year.

“It appears Dennis Shulman and Jeff Hauser have egg on their faces,” said Leonardo.

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U.S. Rep Scott Garrett (R-Wantage)A staunch opponent of mortgage company regulation and bailing out distressed borrowers, U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) has a new chief of staff with ties to the troubled mortgage industry.

Amy Smith, who was hired as Garrett's chief-of-staff in March, spent two years as a lobbyist for the boutique firm Bartlett, Bendall and Kadesh, LLC, during which time she helped lobby for Countrywide Financial, the mortgage giant that has borne part of the blame for the subprime crisis, along with several other clients.

That, according to the campaign of 5th District Democratic challenger Dennis Shulman, represents a "revolving door culture in Washington."

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