DENVER --If U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-Haddon Heights) does go back on his pledge and returns to his House seat, don’t expect U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) to welcome him back.

When asked whether he would “forgive and forget” Andrews’s primary challenge against Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park), Pascrell said “I look at it this way, who am I to forgive anyone?”

It’s the scenario that won’t die, no matter how many times Andrews denies it.  South Jersey sources here at the convention continue to speculate that there’s a slight chance Andrews will return to the seat – the ballot spot for which is being held by his wife.  Even the revelation that Andrews is in job negotiations with Goldman Sachs hasn’t extinguished the idea. 

Pascrell, who is interested in succeeding Lautenberg some day, remembers that night Chinese Food dinner at Frank Lautenberg’s apartment when all the New Jersey congressmen pledged to support the senior Senator for reelection. 

“Rob did what he had to do, and I’m disappointed in him.  People don’t forget in politics.  The name of the game is to remember,” he said. 

Pascrell said that he talks to Andrews on the House floor, and holds no animosity towards him.  But that doesn’t exactly mean that there are no hard feelings. 

“When a person tells you one thing and then does another thing, that means he didn’t think very highly of telling you in the first place…. But I’ve always held him in high regard. I think this is a flaw he has politically.  He may overcome it, he may not overcome it.  I wish him well.  Nothing but success,” said Pascrell.  “But I have a good memory.”