Pascrell: lack of New Jersey speakers at both conventions is "an insult"

By Matt Friedman | August 27th, 2008 - 9:11pm
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To U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), the lack of any primetime speakers at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions is just another example of both parties using the Garden State cash machine before abandoning the state to its own devices.

“I think it was an insult to the state of New Jersey because a lot of money comes out of this state for both political parties, and a lot of support for both political parties. So there’s no excusing it,” he said.

Responding to a Star-Ledger report that Sen. Bob Menendez (D-Hoboken) was eventually offered a speaking spot but turned it down because it wasn’t primetime, Pascrell quickly responded that they only offered it “after the fact.”

Pascrell’s reaction is much sharper than Menendez’s public statements on the subject. Meanwhile, Gov. Corzine has repeatedly insisted that the New Jersey delegates have not taken the lack of a public role in the convention as a snub, instead appealing to party unity.

“Corzine or Menendez would have been natural speakers, but I guess the Obama people know what they’re doing,” said Pascrell.

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Is it an insult or not?

Submitted by Wiel on August 27, 2008 - 8:42pm.

This is Pascrell speaking: “I think it was an insult to the state of New Jersey" but "I guess the Obama people know what they’re doing.” Make up your mind Bill. Is it an insult or Obama knows what he is doing? I think it is the former.

Yep.

Submitted by Demsandonts on August 27, 2008 - 11:16pm.

That was some stem winder Pascrell gave four years ago....almost up there with Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech in 1896...

Is Pascrell for real?

Vote Column A - All the way!

David Chase wasn't available?

Submitted by georgeajjan on August 28, 2008 - 7:04am.

He hasn't choked on his money yet, as far as I know.

http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=13996

George Ajjan

More Hot Air from the Passaic

Submitted by SewarenScoop on August 28, 2008 - 8:34am.

Too bad Bill wasn't so concerned when unemployment was 18% in Paterson in 1992, when he voted against tax cuts that overwhelmingly helped his district, when he flip-flopped on Iraq to avoid a primary....

Only problem for Bill is his staff can't go around tearing down Speziale signs for entertainment this year!

Pascrell's Right

Submitted by bergen_prince on August 28, 2008 - 8:55am.

The Ne Jersey delegation is flush with great speakers. Mr. Pascrell and Senator menendez would have been able to elequently make the case that America needs new leadership.

It is a shame that the DNC was more focused on papering over the Clinton issues instead of standing up for the kind of progress that our delgation could have addressed.

Just how do you expect NJ Dems

Submitted by broy on August 28, 2008 - 8:55am.

to Speak when they have all pleaded the 5th. ?

sohbet chat muhabbet

Submitted by blogcu on March 18, 2009 - 3:28pm.

sohbet chat muhabbet

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