Schaer says he'll back Arab-American candidate, just not Merhi
By Wally EdgeAssemblyman Gary Schaer says that comments made by Arab-American businessman Sami Merhi in a Star-Ledger column written by Tom Moran is "evidence that he is unfit to have the endorsement of the Passaic County Democratic Party." Moran wrote that Merhi "was hesitant to condemn Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the two groups responsible for most suicide bombings in Israel and the occupied territories, even though he was perfectly comfortable condemning al Qaeda."
Schaer, an Orthodox Jew from Passaic, says that he is open to supporting a candidate from the Arab-American community on the Democratic line, just not Merhi. "Hamas is an organization that since September 2000, is credited with over 500 terrorist attacks, killing 400 Israelis and wounding over 2,100. Among their more infamous attacks was the bombing of a hotel during a Passover Seder holiday celebration in March of 2002, killing 30 and wounding 140 mostly elderly participants." The freshman Assemblyman was among the key players in a move to reject Merhi as a candidate for Freeholder.
Congressman Bill Pascrell, who supported Merhi's Freeholder bid, issued a statement today saying: "I unequivocally condemn any organization that commits acts of terrorism, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Any person who thinks differently is flat out wrong."
Contributors
Wally Edge
South Jersey Democrats are touting Cinnaminson native Anthony Mazzarelli, the head of the emergency medicine department at Cooper University ... >
Bob Torricelli
Everybody needs to start a new job with a list of priorities and Chris Christie is no exception. There might be a thousand things that need to get ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Political discourse in America contains much in the way of intellect or intellectual honesty. One considers the Federalist Papers with wistful awe: ... >
Jeff Michaels
The NJ gubernatorial election result demonstrates that Governor-elect Chris Christie resurrected the center-right voter coalition of Republicans, ... >
Richard LaRossa
With a convincing win in defeating an encumbent Governor, why were there no coattails? >
Alan Steinberg
As in any transition, speculation is rampant as to whom Governor-elect Chris Christie will appoint as Chief of Staff, State Treasurer, and Attorney ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
Now that the dust has finally settled after the grueling campaign for governor, there are a number of lessons that we can draw from this ... >
Carla Katz
When he was growing up, Chris Christie's folks must have taught him that when he went to a new playground, he should pick a fight with the ... >
Joey Novick
“My work is done here. Winfrey has finally succumbed,” announced Novick at a press conference, pumping his fist in ‘win’ style. ... >
Murray Sabrin
New Jersey voters repudiated Governor Jon Corzine's policies of the past four years on November 3rd. Republican Chris Christie and Independent ... >
Poll
Hot Topics
Most Active Stories
- Christie transition team members to assume more specified roles tomorrow
- Between two Tuesdays ago and next Monday: welcome to Atlantic City
- Sweeney subs for sitting senate president at On the Record taping
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Exploring congressional bid, Runyan meets with Gilmore
- Weinberg to Sweeney: honor your committment on marriage equality
- Sweeney: economy is the issue now, not marriage equality
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Sweeney subs for sitting senate president at On the Record taping
- Exploring congressional bid, Runyan meets with Gilmore
- Sources: Watson Coleman still seeking speaker's chair
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Weinberg to Sweeney: honor your committment on marriage equality
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Fifis formally announces Burlco Dem leadership bid
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Quinnipiac: Christie leads 50%-40%
- Quinnipiac poll has Christie ahead by 4 points as Corzine gets closer
- Christie, in West New York, takes questions
- Gore makes his case for Corzine
- Potential LG rivals Allen and Weinberg ally for county committee reform legislation
- Final debate schedule
- Torricelli on making perfection the enemy of good
- Autistic man seeks Assembly seat in 37th
- Jeb Bush attends Christie fundraiser
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
"An Irish wake." -- New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittell, on Senate President Richard Codey's party in Atlantic City.
Recent Press Releases
- Nov 20 2009
- Nov 20 2009
- Nov 19 2009
Syndicate
