Garrett brings out last minute Giuliani endorsement

Not to be outdone by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s endorsement of Democrat Dennis Shulman, U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) today announced the support of Bloomberg’s predecessor, former Republican mayor and presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.

And while Bloomberg’s endorsement of Shulman centered mostly around the gun control issue, Giuliani said he was backing Garrett because of his fiscal conservatism.

"I am pleased to endorse Scott Garrett today because we share the same fiscally conservative principles,” said Giuliani in a statement. “Scott Garrett has been called a Hero of the Taxpayer – and rightfully so. He has been a true leader in the fight to lower taxes on New Jersey families, working diligently to ease the burden of the AMT and fighting to bring back more of the money New Jersey sends to Washington. Even when challenged by members of his own party, Scott stood up against wasteful spending. I know first-hand the determination it takes to make a stand on what you think is right, and Scott’s resolve in protecting the taxpayer should be commended.’

Garrett’s district has emerged as a late breaking competitive race this election cycle.

Shulman Campaign Manager Jeff Hauser responded that the endorsement of a Republican by another solid Republican -- even a socially moderate one -- pales in comparison to the endorsement of the independent-turned Republican-turned indpependent Bloomberg.

"It is no surprise that someone who has been one of George Bush and Dick Cheney's favorite surrogates would support a loyal Bush-Cheney supporter like Scott Garrett," he said. Democrats endorsing Democrats and Republicans endorsing Republicans are not big news in a heated general election -- but when the nation's best known and best respected Independent, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, chooses to make an endorsement, unaffiliated voters should and will take notice."