CRYAN/REDD ANNOUNCE UNANIMOUS DEMOCRATIC SUPPORT OF WEINBERG AS LG CANDIDATE

    (ENGLEWOOD) – New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chair Joseph Cryan and Vice Chair Dana Redd today announced unanimous Democratic support of Governor Jon S. Corzine’s selection of Loretta Weinberg as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.  

    “The overwhelming show of support for Loretta Weinberg as the Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor exemplifies that Governor Corzine has selected the most qualified candidate,” said Democratic State Committee Chairman Cryan.  “Loretta brings a wealth of experience as a lawmaker.  Her personal strength and integrity guarantee that she will be a strong force as a running mate.  She will complement the Governor’s efforts and help to ensure his successful reelection.”
   
    “Loretta Weinberg is a woman of amazing character.  Throughout the course of her career she has always stood for what is right,” said Democratic State Committee Vice Chair Dana Redd.   “I am proud to support a woman as the first Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor, especially when that woman is Loretta Weinberg who I know will work hard for all New Jerseyans.”

    Senator Weinberg also received unbridled support from U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and New Jersey’s U.S. Congressional delegation including John Adler (D-3), Robert E. Andrews (D-1), Rush Holt (D-12), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-6), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-8), Donald M. Payne (D-10), Steve Rothman (D-9) and Albio Sires (D-13).  Weinberg also received endorsements from Democratic Legislative Leadership and every Democratic County Chair from all 21 counties across New Jersey.

Endorsements by New Jersey U.S. Senator:

Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ)

    “Senator Loretta Weinberg is a good friend, an accomplished legislator and a proven reformer with the strength, courage and experience to lead New Jersey should the situation arise.  I applaud Governor Corzine’s selection and am confident that voters across New Jersey will embrace Sen. Weinberg’s steady-hand, principled record and her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor.”
 
Endorsements by U.S. Congressional Members:

Congressman John Adler (D-3)
                
    "A leader with integrity, Loretta is a strong advocate for middle class families. “She will work to lower taxes, help small businesses create jobs, and make government more efficient and accountable.  I look forward to working with Loretta to advance the priorities of South Jersey and the Shore area."
 
Congressman Rush Holt (D-12)

    “I can't think of a better Lieutenant Governor choice for Governor Corzine.”
 
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-6)

    "This is an excellent selection by Governor Corzine. Loretta Weinberg will be a genuine asset during the campaign and a strong addition to the Corzine Administration as New Jersey's first lieutenant governor. Loretta possesses the most admirable qualities of public service. She is smart, compassionate, understanding, honest and completely selfless in her decision making. She is also tough and always willing to stand up and fight for the right things, even if it means taking on powerful interests."
 
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-8)

    "I would like to voice my enthusiastic support for Jon Corzine's selection of Loretta Weinberg to be his running mate. An inspired selection, whether it be improved health care or a cleaner environment or reforming our government, Loretta adds a strong record of experience and accomplishment for a strong ticket."
 
Congressman Donald M. Payne (D-10)

    “Gov. Corzine made an excellent decision by selecting Sen. Loretta Weinberg as the candidate for lieutenant governor. Whether leading the fight for ethics reform, open government, better health care or women’s rights, Senator Weinberg has never been afraid to stand by her principles to do what’s right for New Jersey families.”

Congressman Steve Rothman (D-9)

    "I've known Loretta Weinberg for most of my adult life. She has been a role model, mentor, ally and dear friend through ups and downs in both of our lives.  Governor Corzine made an outstanding choice that is consistent with what he wants to achieve in office.  Loretta has the integrity, intellect, honesty and toughness to be a truly effective right hand during Jon Corzine's second term."
 
Congressman Albio Sires (D-13)

    “Gov. Corzine made the right choice for New Jersey in selecting Sen. Loretta Weinberg as his candidate for lieutenant governor. Sen. Weinberg has built an impeccable record of unquestionable integrity, always willing to take a principled stand on issues large and small. Her tireless devotion to improving the lives of New Jersey families makes her an excellent choice and a perfect complement to Gov. Corzine.”
 
Endorsements by Legislative Leadership:

Senate President Richard J. Codey (D-Essex)

        “With his selection of Loretta Weinberg as the first ever candidate for Lieutenant Governor under the Democratic banner, Governor Corzine is making a definitive statement about his priorities in this race.

        “During the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes, we need responsible, compassionate leadership in New Jersey.  I believe that the Corzine-Weinberg team has the dedication, commitment and vision to best serve the people of New Jersey moving forward.

        “As a State Legislator, Loretta has consistently stood up for the underdog.  She has pushed for open government legislation and ethics reform when it wasn’t the fashionable thing to do, but the right thing to do.  She has worked tirelessly to create a safer, more effective health care safety net for all New Jersey citizens, regardless of their ability to pay.  And she has fought for progressive causes like stricter drunk-driving standards, handgun safety and marriage equality, leading by conscience, rather than polling data.

        “I look forward to working with Governor Corzine and Senator Weinberg towards a Democratic victory in November.”
 
Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester)

    “I applaud Governor Corzine for his selection of Senator Weinberg as his running mate this November from a field of a number of qualified candidates.  She brings an impressive résumé to the ticket and a track record of successful advocacy on behalf of the people of New Jersey.  I look forward to working with them on the campaign trail as we promote Democratic ideals and real solutions to the problems facing New Jersey’s residents.”
 
Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts (D-Camden)

    "I couldn’t be more thrilled by Gov. Corzine’s choice of Sen. Loretta Weinberg as his candidate for lieutenant governor. Senator Weinberg is a top-notch selection and I look forward to seeing her serve New Jersey in her new role. Her record is impeccable, whether it be combating autism, protecting renters, safeguarding new mothers and their babies or fighting for more open government. Her strong record on ethics and government integrity cannot be questioned and is just what this state needs.”

Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer)

    "Senator Loretta Weinberg is an exciting choice for lieutenant governor and I am extremely pleased with Governor Corzine's wise decision. Loretta is the complete package and a great asset to New Jersey.  "She is tough, but also caring. She is a businesswoman, but also a grandmother.  She has devoted her life to caring for those less fortunate, whether it be children with autism or victims of domestic violence, but is also resilient as can be when it comes to fighting for ethics and good government.  Governor Corzine has made an outstanding selection.”
 
Endorsements by Democratic Leaders:

Senator Bob Smith (D-Middlesex)

    “Senator Loretta Weinberg is a superb choice for lieutenant governor. Throughout her lifetime of service she has built a record of integrity and accomplishment few can match and all admire. I have the utmost confidence Sen. Weinberg and Governor Corzine will serve New Jersey proudly.”
 
Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex)

    "I'm sure the governor made the right choice," Buono said. "She will be a great candidate, and I'll do everything I can to help the governor get re-elected."