Camille Andrews a No-Show at Town Hall Debate

Congressional candidates invited
to town hall debate in Blackwood;
Glading appears, Andrews a no-show

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, was the sole participant in a town hall debate held last night at the First Baptist Church in Blackwood. His opponent, Camille Andrews, failed to appear at the debate and refused to acknowledge her invitation by a respected member of the South Jersey community.

“GOP candidate debates solo,” The Courier-Post, Richard Pearsall, July 1, 2008
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080701/NEWS01/807010362/1006

"An invitation was sent to both candidates, but Ms. Andrews did not respond," David L. McMurray, the pastor at First Baptist said, referring to Camille Andrews, the wife of the congressman and the nominal Democratic candidate for his seat. "You will have to make your own conclusions about that."

Camille Andrews could not be reached for comment Monday.
…
Putting the congressman's "batting average" at getting bills passed at ".002" Glading characterized the Democrat from Haddon Heights as ineffective and out of touch and contended that Andrews' wife -- "or whoever the Democrats decide to run in her place" -- will only provide more of the same.
…
Both Rob and Camille Andrews said in April that they want a fair and open process to pick his successor.

What has transpired in the intervening three months has not been open.

“I am disappointed, but not surprised,” said Glading. “It was one thing for Camille Andrews to refuse to respond to my challenge, but to refuse to even acknowledge an invitation from a respected member of the community is inexcusable. It smacks of the kind of arrogance that is unbefitting of someone seeking public office.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the town hall meeting last night, and I am looking forward to many more,” Glading added. “It’s time we had a representative in Congress who listened to the people and shared their priorities. I’m going to be that representative when I’m elected this November.”

“The incumbent has mailed it in for the past 11 years,” Glading continued. “Rob Andrews has been tired of the 1st District since 1997, when he first decided to move on and run for higher office. Ever since then, he has put it on autopilot and failed to represent his constituents. It’s time we had someone who really cares about the people rather than his own political ambitions.”

“The people of this district simply can’t take any more of this abuse,” Glading concluded. “The Andrews-Norcross machine believes your taxes are too low, your government is too small, and you don’t know how to run your own life. Well, they’re wrong, and the people of this district won’t stand for it any longer.”

Media Advisory:
1st District Town Hall Meeting

Congressional candidates in 1st District
invited to town hall meeting in Blackwood

BARRINGTON – Congressional candidates Dale Glading and Camille Andrews, running to represent the 1st District of New Jersey, have been invited to attend a town hall meeting tonight at the First Baptist Church in Blackwood, NJ.

The venue is located at 899 Little Gloucester Rd. in Blackwood, and the event begins officially at 7:00 PM. It will continue until 8:30 PM, and refreshments will be served afterwards. Admission and refreshments are free.

Glading will be available to the media after the town hall debate, and campaign staff will be available throughout the course of the evening. Reporters and photographers are strongly encouraged to attend.

###

In Case You Missed It:
Wrong Priorities and Shady Dealings in the 1st District

Rep. Rob Andrews ignores $140/barrel oil
to focus on transgender issues;
Camille Andrews and Donald Norcross
refuse to return calls

“Transgender rights hearing earns Andrews praise, pans,” The Courier-Post, June 27, 2008
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/NEWS01/806270364

But the hearing drew a rebuke from the Republican candidate in the congressman's district, who questioned Andrews' priorities.

"While the families of the 1st District are struggling to make ends meet, with gas prices reaching $4 a gallon," GOP candidate Dale Glading said, "Rob Andrews has demonstrated once and for all how out of touch he is with the people he has failed to represent."

"We're not making a statement one way or another about transgender rights," Tim Saler, Glading's campaign manager, said. "We're just saying that if you had a list of things that need addressing right now, transgender rights would not be at the top."

…

As for the 1st District congressional race, Andrews said "I have made it clear that I am not seeking re-election."

He will, he said, "support the Democratic candidate with great enthusiasm."

Just who that candidate might be remains a mystery.

Several local Democrats, including Assemblyman John Burzichelli of Paulsboro, have expressed interest. Donald Norcross, a labor leader who co-chairs the Camden County Democratic Party and is the brother of Democratic power broker George Norcross, also has been mentioned as a contender.

Donald Norcross could not be reached for comment Thursday.

…

Meanwhile, Glading, a Barrington resident who heads a prison ministry, continues to campaign as if he knew who he was running against, inviting Camille Andrews to a series of six debates.

She has not responded, but "there will be a chair for her," the candidate says, when he attends the first of them Monday at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Blackwood.

Camille Andrews could not be reached for comment Thursday.

“Andrews takes on job bias,” The Gloucester County Times, June 27, 2008
http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-3/121455064013970.xml&coll=8

The hearing touched off criticism from political adversaries, including Dale Glading, a Republican who is running for the 1st Congressional District seat Andrews holds. Glading said in a statement the congressman should be working on economic issues, not trying to "pander to yet another special interest group."

…

Glading argued Andrews does not represent his district's values and does not understand families' economic struggles. Glading is running against the congressman's wife, Camille Andrews, who won the Democratic primary after her husband announced he would not seek re-election.

Rob Andrews’ Wrong Priorities

Congressional candidate Dale Glading
exposes Rob Andrews’ callous attitude
towards New Jersey’s families and their struggles

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, questioned Rep. Rob Andrews’ ability to represent his district after Andrews held a controversial hearing on transgender issues in Washington this morning.

“While the families of the 1st District are struggling to make ends meet, with gas prices reaching $4 a gallon and the devastating floods in the Midwest causing food prices to skyrocket even further, Rob Andrews has demonstrated once and for all just how out of touch he is with the people he has failed to represent,” Glading said.

“In tough times, we need real leaders who will stand up and fight for the people they represent,” Glading continued. “Rob Andrews decided instead to pander to yet another special interest group rather than take on the difficult challenges New Jersey families are facing in today’s economy.”

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays – also known as PFLAG – actively promoted Rob Andrews’ Washington hearing this morning. The purpose of the hearing was to “educate lawmakers about the challenges the transgender community faces in the workplace.”

PFLAG defines the transgender community as including “people who identify as transsexual, transgender, crossdressers, genderqueer, bigender, androgynous and others.” (Bringing the Message Home 2008 - PFLAG Lobbying Manual, pg. 10)

“Rob Andrews and the Norcross machine have made it clear to the voters of the 1st District: they do not represent our values, and they do not care about the struggles we face on a daily basis,” Glading added. “I’m not surprised that someone with almost half a million dollars in family income last year, like Rob Andrews, can’t grasp the day-to-day difficulties New Jersey families face – like having to choose between filling up the gas tank and going grocery shopping.”

“I represent the other 98.4 percent of the district that doesn’t make more than $200,000 in a year,” Glading concluded. “I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck, and I make this promise to the people of the 1st District: when I’m elected to Congress, I will fight for the issues that are important to you, not special interest groups.”

Glading Accepts Two Debate Invitations

1st District congressional candidates
invited to debate in Blackwood and Pine Hill;
reform candidate Dale Glading accepts immediately

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, accepted two invitations today to debate his opponent before a town hall audience.

The first debate will take place on Monday, June 30, at the First Baptist Church in Blackwood. The debate will last from 7:00 PM through 8:30 PM, and citizens from across the 1st District are encouraged to attend with questions. Refreshments will be provided following the debate.

The second debate will take place on Thursday, July 31, at the Hope Chapel in Pine Hill. The debate in Pine Hill will last from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. As with the first debate, citizens are encouraged to attend with their questions.

“I am thrilled that these two venues have invited the candidates to appear before the voters of the district and answer their questions,” Glading said. “Despite my opponent’s refusal to accept my debate challenge earlier this month, I am hopeful that she will finally come out of the smoke-filled back rooms and appear before the voters.”

Members of the media may attend both debates and should contact the campaign via telephone or e-mail to coordinate credentials and availability.

Camille Andrews Refuses to Debate the Issues

Dale Glading challenges Camille Andrews to six debates,
Andrews refuses to respond by deadline

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, challenged placeholder candidate Camille Andrews to a series of six debates on June 5. Despite receiving Glading’s letter by certified mail well in advance of the June 13 deadline, Camille Andrews refused to respond to the challenge.

“It is disappointing to the citizens of our district that Camille Andrews has chosen not to follow in her husband’s footsteps in desiring to publicly debate the issues affecting the people of New Jersey,” Glading said. “Camille Andrews is hiding from the voters of the 1st District, choosing to spend her time instead in the smoke-filled back rooms of the party machine.”

“I will not allow Camille Andrews to again deny the people of the 1st District the opportunity to participate in this election,” Glading added. “I intend to hold the six town hall debates I challenged Camille Andrews to participate in, regardless of her attendance.”

Glading stated in his June 5 letter the desire to hold six debates, with three in Camden County, two in Gloucester County, and one in Burlington County. He also expressed a desire to hold the first debate in June.

The Glading campaign is currently open to invitations from all venues for the town hall debates, and interested parties should contact the campaign via telephone or e-mail.

“Camille Andrews and Frank Lautenberg have something in common: they are scared to debate the issues before the people,” added Tim Saler, Glading’s campaign manager. “Leaders like John McCain, Dick Zimmer, and Dale Glading have repeatedly asked their opponents to participate in town hall meetings to discuss the issues affecting the American people.”

“Their opponents have consistently refused to participate, and it is an insult to the voters that people like Camille Andrews and Frank Lautenberg think they can represent us without ever hearing our concerns,” Saler concluded. “Enough is enough. It’s time we send real leaders who care about our concerns, like Dale Glading and Dick Zimmer, to Washington instead.”

Glading Receives Key Trade Association Endorsement

Congressional candidate receives early endorsement
from trade association representing 40,000 companies

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, received an endorsement yesterday from the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ political action committee.

The committee, NAW-WDPAC, “was created to affect the composition of Congress by helping elect pro-business candidates supportive of the wholesale distribution industry.”

Glading for Congress Hosts Pastors’ Breakfast

Area pastors and clergy unite to discuss
issues affecting communities and congregations

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, hosted a breakfast meeting yesterday in Blackwood for area pastors and clergy. Pastors from throughout the 1st Congressional District attended and voiced their concerns about America’s moral decline.

“That's what 33 years of one-party rule will give you," Glading said. “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The machine politicians’ three-decade stranglehold on South Jersey has to be broken for our families to see any relief.”

Pastor after pastor decried the social ills that are driving families apart all throughout America. They left the meeting energized to take a public stand for defending their values and holding the career politicians accountable for their failure to represent their constituents. Many of the clergymen also stated their intention to launch aggressive voter registration drives in their churches.

“We're starting to see a grass-roots movement amongst area pastors and other clergy,” Glading added. “As private citizens and community leaders, they are tired of seeing the moral fabric of our society torn into pieces by career politicians and corrupt party bosses.”

“They have become so arrogant about their abuse of power that they no longer care that the values they legislate are fundamentally opposed to the values of many of their constituents,” Glading concluded.

In Case You Missed It:
Courier-Post Exposes Andrews’ Quid Pro Quo

Reform candidate Dale Glading
first to demand accountability from
career politician Andrews on unethical earmark

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, was the first to reveal Rep. Rob Andrews’ unethical earmarks, now under investigation by The Courier-Post.

According to The Star-Ledger, Rob Andrews has directed $2.27 million of our taxpayer money to the law school since 2001. (“Lautenberg campaign questions Andrews' earmarks for Rutgers”, The Star-Ledger, May 13, 2008)

In exchange, The Courier-Post exposed the fact that Rob Andrews has received $16,500 in political contributions from employees of the Rutgers University Law School since 2002 and an additional $3,250 since 2005 from Rutgers’ lobbying firm. (“Andrews cites benefits of earmarks”, The Courier-Post, June 11, 2008)

“This blatant misuse of taxpayers’ dollars is just one in a series of unethical earmarks sponsored by Mr. Andrews,” Glading challenged. “Virtually every time Rob Andrews requested federal money for a private company, that company’s lobbyists and its employees contributed to his campaigns.”

“Apparently, Mr. Andrews was far more interested in getting elected to higher office than in serving our district,” Glading alleged.

“If nothing else, Rob Andrews’ unethical earmarks have afforded Camille Andrews one thing: job security,” Glading added. “That’s job security that the citizens of his district no longer have in today’s tough economy, because Rob Andrews would rather invest more than $2 million of our money in his wife's law school program than try to fight high gas prices and outrageous property tax bills.”

“This much is clear: neither Rob nor Camille Andrews have our best interests at heart,” Glading concluded. “Rob Andrews has failed to properly represent us, taking our money and funneling it to his wife’s program. And Camille Andrews’ participation in this shady deal proves that she is unfit to represent us, too.”

Glading Demands Answers from
Andrews Clan About Unethical Earmarks

Congressional candidate calls on machine politicians
to level with constituents about
multi-million dollar giveaways

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, today called for Rob and Camille Andrews to come clean about the millions of dollars in unethical earmarks allocated to Camille Andrews’ employer from 2001 through 2005.

As reported by The Star-Ledger, Rep. Rob Andrews acquired $2.27 million in federal earmarks for the Rutgers Law School and “consistently directed taxpayer money to a program his wife controls.” (“Lautenberg campaign questions Andrews' earmarks for Rutgers”, The Star-Ledger, May 13, 2008)

“The citizens of this district are tired of hearing Mr. and Mrs. Andrews spin this story to their advantage,” said Glading. “The simple truth is that they got caught with their hands in the cookie jar. It’s time for the Andrews clan to level with the people they have failed to represent.”

“The hard-working people of our district are tired of career politicians treating our money as their own,” Glading added. “For Mr. Andrews to hand-deliver our hard-earned money to his wife’s program at Rutgers is both arrogant and reprehensible.”

“Mr. Andrews’ previous attempts to spin his indefensible conduct have been unconvincing," Glading continued. “Camden is the poorest and third most dangerous city in America, and all Mr. Andrews can think of doing to help its citizens is to send millions to his wife's law school.”

“Of course, we can't expect a couple that declared nearly half a million dollars in income last year to understand how the rest of us live,” Glading concluded. “They simply can’t relate to the day-to-day struggles that we face, with gas prices rising out of control and the highest property taxes in the country.”