WOODBRIDGE – Today, two State lawmakers, two prominent local Middlesex County officials and a Middlesex Democratic Party Chair announced their endorsement of Congressman Rob Andrews for United States Senate.  State Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Woodbridge, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-Sayreville, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman and East Brunswick Democratic Chairman Shawn P. Taylor have each expressed gratitude for the many years of service from incumbent Senator Frank Lautenberg, though suggested it was time for new leadership in the Senate. “Congressman Andrews and I have discussed our shared passion for bringing real universal health coverage to all New Jersey residents.  I believe he will bring that same passion and commitment to all Americans as a U.S. Senator.", said Senator Joe Vitale, chairman of the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee in the NJ Senate.  Vitale went on to say that “Senator Lautenberg has served the people of New Jersey with distinction and passion, and now is an opportunity to pass the torch," said Senator Vitale.  "Congressman Andrews has the skills, the priorities and the drive to be a worthy successor to Senator Lautenberg's legacy of tenaciously fighting for the interests of New Jersey's residents.  I'm proud to stand with Congressman Andrews as we seek a better tomorrow for the Garden State." John Wisniewski, Sen. Vitale’s 19th District counterpart in the General Assembly, was equally pleased by Andrews’ entrance into the race. “New Jersey Democrats will have the opportunity this year to make a choice about which candidate they prefer to run against the Republicans in November. We need the strongest possible candidate in the general election and I believe Rob Andrews is that kind of candidate.” Wisniewski went on to say that “As chairman of the Transportation Committee I have the utmost respect and admiration for Sen. Lautenberg and his years of service, but I am confident Andrews will be a diligent advocate for New Jersey residents and our growing transportation needs in Washington”.  "When I was New Jersey's Treasurer I worked closely with Congressman Andrews on issues related to Camden and its economic recovery and I was impressed with his commitment to his constituents," said Mayor McCormac of Woodbridge, New Jersey's fifth largest municipality. "I am encouraged that he will bring the same passion and commitment to all of New Jersey" "I'm proud to stand with my fellow Middlesex County Democrats to endorse Congressman Andrews, because I truly believe he represents the change we need in Washington D.C.," said Mayor Reiman. His record and vision on the issues of health care and our economy represents the direction our country should follow. "Senator Lautenberg has served a long and distinguished career in the Capitol, but Congressman Andrews represents the future. I firmly believe that he will serve New Jersey well as its newest United States Senator." "This is shaping up to be a year of change for our country, and we need bold new leadership to ensure that New Jersey's interests are enhanced," said Shawn P. Taylor, East Brunswick Democratic Party Chairman.  "Senator Lautenberg has developed an impressive record in the U.S. Senate, and Congressman Andrews will bring renewed energy and intensity to the problems facing our State and America.  Congressman Andrews has the qualifications and the ideas to serve New Jersey well as our next U.S. Senator."  ###