NEW BRUNSWICK - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez is heading into the final days of New Jersey’s 2012 Race for the U.S. Senate with tremendous momentum turbo-charged by the endorsements of three highly-respected New Jersey newspapers: The Asbury Park Press, The Star-Ledger, and The Burlington County Times.

The following excerpt tells some of the reasons The Asbury Park Press endorsed Senator Menendez today:

“New Jerseyans need someone representing them who knows how Washington works and who has proven himself as someone who fights hard for middle-class citizens.

Menendez, who is seeking a second six-year term, has represented New Jersey well. He has important committee assignments and has brought home substantial funding for New Jersey. He also is confident the Democrats will be able to relieve the gridlock in Washington. Given the current circumstances, we believe Menendez is the best choice for New Jersey.”

Earlier this week, The Star-Ledger's editorial board noted, "Menendez is without doubt the stronger candidate in this race. He’s been an effective advocate for New Jersey."

The editorial board of The Burlington County Times also endorsed Senator Menendez saying, "He worked on lowering the borrowing costs for small businesses, and also was instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Menendez has worked to crack down on abusive lending practices by credit card companies, for pay equality for women, and increased college aid. He also has reached across the aisle to obtain optimum funding for autism research."

"While Senator Menendez has been 100 percent focused on doing all that he can to help New Jersey recover from this week's devastating storm, we greatly appreciate that so many of New Jersey's respected newspapers have endorsed him for re-election," said Menendez for Senate Campaign Manager Mike Soliman.

The Star-Ledger, The Burlington County Times, and The Asbury Park Press join The Record, The Herald News, and The Philadelphia Inquirer in endorsing Senator Menendez for a second term.