ORANGE MAYOR-ELECT HAWKINS ENDORSES LAUTENBERG FOR SENATE

Orange Mayor-Elect Hawkins Endorses Sen. Frank Lautenberg for Re-Election

Orange Mayor-elect Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. today announced he is endorsing Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg for re-election.

"Senator Frank Lautenberg has fought hard and effectively for the people of New Jersey and on the merits, deserves re-election. Senator Lautenberg has been a strong and consistent opponent of the Iraq war and has been a leader in the fight for universal health care, urban aid, stronger federal funding for education and tax fairness.

"In my campaign for Mayor, opponents tried to make an issue of my age, but the voters repudiated the argument, recognizing that chronological age is not a fair way to judge a candidate. Frank Lautenberg has demonstrated the wise judgment, commitment to New Jersey and robust good health to make it clear that he will serve us well in another term in the U.S. Senate," Mayor-elect Hawkins said.

"I am honored to accept Mayor-elect Hawkins' endorsement.  He has served on the front lines of public safety and knows first-hand what is needed to make our communities more secure.  I will continue my work in the Senate to prevent gun violence and ensure our local governments have the necessary funds to protect our residents," Sen. Lautenberg said.

Mayor-elect Hawkins won the Orange election on May 13.  He has served with distinction in the West Orange Police Department for the past four years.  He is also the creator of the Orange Essex Jaycees, which promotes volunteerism among young professionals and entrepreneurs.

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