November 1, 2008 - 8:41pm
News

Rothman heading for Chicago on Election Day

JERSEY CITY – He stood with Sen. Barack Obama (D-Il.) before anyone else in the New Jersey Congressional delegation, and for that a crowd of Obama backers gave him his props here today when U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-Fairlawn) climbed onto the stage.

“Not only will an Obama presidency change the world,” Rothman argued. “It will change the way Americans see each other.”

The congressman soaked up the cheers.

He won’t be here with his fellow New Jerseyans come Tuesday night.

“I was honored that Senator Obama asked me to come to Chicago,” Rothman said. “It’s a great honor.”

Closer to home, the congressman believes Rabbi Dennis Shulman has a good shot in his 5th District challenge of U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage).

“It’s a very close race, and it’s the first time in maybe 40 years that Democrats have as good a chance as this to win that seat with a down-to-earth, brilliant candidate,” Rothman said of Shulman.

The fact that Bergen County Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero is facing corruption charges won’t deter Democrats on Election Day, he added.

“The voters are going to vote for the best people,” said Rothman. “I am confident Bergen will vote for Obama.”

Max Pizarro is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at max@politicsnj.com.