Stender Raises Over $615,000 In Race For Congress

(SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ) – Looking to build upon her success from 2006, Linda Stender announced today that her campaign raised over $615,000. This fundraising success surpassed their goal by a large margin and is helping the Stender campaign get off to a great start in the fight to turn New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District seat blue.

“After seven years of misrepresentation from Bush Republicans, the residents of the 7th District are eager for a change in direction,” said Stender. “The disastrous record of Bush and his Republican Party has become even more pronounced since the 2006 elections. I have no doubt that the voters are even more anxious to follow through in 2008.”

The Stender campaign has garnered the support of Democratic leaders in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties, grassroots activists throughout the state, and most importantly, the voters of New Jersey’s 7th District. Hundreds of first-time donors have been brought into the process. And there has been particularly strong support from the online community – with over $165,000 raised through the innovative grassroots fundraising website ActBlue.

Earlier today, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced that the Stender campaign is one of only seven to be invited to be a part of the “Red to Blue” program. The program is designed to single out campaigns in the strongest position to turn Republican districts to Democratic, and offer fundraising and structural support. The DCCC selected Stender based on the campaign’s early strength and momentum, as well as their ability to surpass early fundraising goals.

“Linda Stender is effectively building on her strong and aggressive campaign of last cycle,” said DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “Earlier this year, Congressman Mike Ferguson decided to retire rather than again face Stender. Her support of stem cell research, opposition to the war in Iraq, and record of accomplishment will bring fresh leadership to the district. Linda Stender’s strong name identification in the most expensive media market in the country will also help turn New Jersey’s seventh congressional district from red to blue.”

“The time for change in the 7th District is now,” reiterated Stender. “I will continue to fight to end Bush’s war in Iraq, bring about a sustainable national energy plan, fund stem cell research and make sure all our children have access to affordable healthcare.”