New Jersey’s Democratic Congressional delegation issued a scathing statement on Rob Andrew’s Senate candidacy today, saying that he broke his pledge to fully support incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg for reelection and that his conduct has been “both outrageous and unacceptable."

Six of the state’s seven Democratic Congressmen -- Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Steve Rothman, Rush Holt, Albio Sires and Donald Payne -- co-signed the statement, in which they called on their Democratic colleague to drop his candidacy.

"It is now clear that Congressman Rob Andrews has failed to gain thenecessary support to realistically compete in this race, and therefore, we urge Congressman Andrews to end his campaign,” they said.

The congressmen, four of whom are interested in succeeding Lautenberg some day, also argued that Andrews’s primary challenge will weaken the eventual Democratic nominee against his Republican challenger.

“An Andrews candidacy will no doubt drain resources from a strong general election campaign against a Republican nominee who will be a vote for more of the disastrous policies of the last seven years,” they said. “Congressman Andrews pointlessly staying in this race is exactly what the Republicans desperately need and doubtlessly want."

The Congressmen said that during a dinner last October with the delegation and Sen. Lautenberg, Andrews joined them in pledging his “full and complete” support to the incumbent Senator.

“We did so enthusiastically, and with no quid pro quo or conditions,” read the statement. “Now, Congressman Andrews is breaking his promise to each of us and to Senator Lautenberg.”