PATERSON – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today released the following statement regarding a 2012 primary election in New Jersey’s new 9th Congressional District.

"I am proud that I have fought hard for every constituent from the day I took office in Congress back in 1996.  Too many in Washington seem to lose touch, but I never have because for me, job one has been to fight for my constituents, every day.  Regardless of today's news, I am already out there working for the people of the new 9th Congressional District.  I have received a tremendous response from the people of Passaic, Bergen and Hudson Counties,” said Pascrell, who sits on the House Ways and Means Committee and House Budget Committee.

“Everyone who knows me knows that I am a fighter who is ready for whatever may come.  I will be as relentless in the election as I have been for my constituents.  I do not know the meaning of the word quit," Pascrell said.