(Bayonne) Hudson County Democratic Chairman Mark Smith expressed disappointment at the surprise endorsement of the Republican candidate for U S. Senate by Mayor Felix Roque of West New York. “Sen. Bob Menendez has been a tireless advocate not only for Hudson County but all of New Jersey during his tenure in the United States Senate,” said Smith. “Senator Menendez has deep roots in North Hudson and I am perplexed that any Democrat would oppose his re-election.”

Smith continued, “In his 30 plus years in public life Senator Menendez has been a true champion of our middle class and I am proudly supporting him for re-election to the United States Senate.” Smith cited Sen. Menendez’s commitment to middle class families and senior citizens as real reasons to support the Senator. “On issue after issue, from support for public education, to health care reform, to retirement security to tax fairness and equity, Bob Menendez espouses the positions that best represent our middle class families,” said Smith. “I am proudly supporting and vigorously working for his re-election as our U.S. Senator and I ask all good Democrats to come together and join the fight to keep Bob working for us.”

Mark A Smith is chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Party. He also serves as Mayor of the City of Bayonne.