UPPER SADDLE RIVER - State Senate candidate Jan Bidwell praised fellow Democrat, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg as a “genuine statesman,” and she urged her opponent Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-39th) to show similar grace and not seek re-election this year.

“Sen. Lautenberg is a genuine statesman with a distinguished record of service to the people of New Jersey,” Bidwell said. “I have the utmost respect and admiration for Sen. Lautenberg on his difficult decision to leave public service – a decision he made with the same grace and dignity with which he serves.”

Bidwell took the opportunity to call upon Cardinale – her 39th Legislative District opponent – to “emulate Mr. Lautenberg’s gallantry and not seek re-election to an eleventh term” after more than three decades in the Trenton.

“When Mr. Cardinale first went to Trenton in 1981, New Jersey’s median income was $22,000. Postage was 20-cents. Gasoline cost 90-cents,” Bidwell said. “New Jersey and the demographic makeup of Bergen and Passaic counties have dramatically changed since then. Its residents are now younger, more diverse, and more progressive.”

“Mr. Cardinale has not changed with the times. He no longer reflects or represents the values and concerns that are important to his constituents,” Bidwell said. “The people of Bergen and Passaic counties deserve a fresh, progressive and vocal advocate in Trenton.”

Bidwell is an experienced social worker with an extensive record of community service and activism. She has pledged to promote legislation to stabilize property taxes; create jobs and strengthen small businesses; encourage shared municipal services, champion women’s pay-equity and healthcare; and fight for practical flood-control initiatives.

The 39th Legislative District covers towns in Bergen and Passaic counties, including Mahwah, Ramsey, Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque, Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake.

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