Andrews: it was never my intention, but I'll seek reelection to the House

By Matt Friedman, PolitickerNJ.com Reporter

U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews officially announced this morning that he will seek reelection to the House seat that he’s held for 18 years, just months after he took his name off the ballot to challenge U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and said on multiple occasions that he would not seek to return to Congress.

In a statement issued while he held a press conference in Camden to announce his decision, Andrews said “It was not my intention to answer the call of my neighbors and friends who have indicated they would stand with me if I sought re-election.” But after exploring private sector opportunities and discussing it with his family, Andrews said that “after much deliberation, thought and prayer, I have decided that I will seek re-election to the House this fall.”

Andrews said that the decision of who will be the party’s nominee will be left up to the county committees that comprise the district. The county committees, however, are virtually certain to vote to put Andrews back on the ballot. The district’s huge Democratic advantage also makes Andrews a near shoe-in for reelection.

“In the course of the last few months, I have felt humbled and grateful that South Jerseyans from all walks of life and from all backgrounds have asked me to seek a return to the Congress of the United States in the November election. These expressions of support mean a great deal to me and my family, and I want to express my gratitude to all who have offered them,” said Andrews.

MATT FRIEDMAN is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at matt@politicsnj.com.

Related topics: Frank Lautenberg, Dale Glading, NJ-01, ROB ANDREWS, RNCC

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