U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9) issued a statement today in response to former President Bill Clinton's endorsement of Rothman's rival, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9).

"While I have great respect for Bill and Hillary Clinton, five years ago I endorsed Barack Obama for President and served as his campaign's Northeast Co-Chair because I believed then, as I believe now, that he was the right choice for progressive Democrats," said Rothman.

"This election will be won by the candidate who most shares the Democratic Party’s ideals and values. I’m the only candidate who is a consistent champion of progressive values like standing up for a woman’s right to choose and fighting for marriage equality. Unlike Bill Pascrell, I voted against oil drilling 50 miles off the New Jersey coast, against the $5 billion, 700-mile long Mexican border fence and against eliminating estate taxes for billionaires. That’s why I will win this race.”