Glading Announces Support for
SAFE Commission Act in Congress

Congressional candidate says bipartisan bill
to establish an independent financial oversight
commission is good for country

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 1st District, announced today his support for H.R. 3654, the SAFE Commission Act. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), the SAFE Commission Act would “establish a commission to develop legislation designed to reform tax policy and entitlement benefit programs and ensure a sound fiscal future for the United States.”

The SAFE Commission Act currently has 111 cosponsors in the House, including members of both parties. The incumbent in New Jersey’s 1st District, Rob Andrews, is not a cosponsor of the bill.

“Unfortunately, too many of the career politicians down in Washington are concerned only with getting re-elected and ‘bringing home the bacon,’ rather than showing real leadership for the future of our country,” Glading said. “Because those career politicians are so unduly influenced by special interests and lobbyists, we must establish a commission of experts that will determine the best approach for tackling our future tax and entitlement crises. Our children and our grandchildren deserve no less.”

“We have seen with the recent financial collapse that many in Congress cannot be trusted to do what is best for the country when forced to choose between that and the lure of campaign contributions,” Glading continued. “Mr. Andrews voted for the 1999 bill that deregulated the banking industry and allowed for this financial collapse to occur. In exchange, he received more than $1.3 million in campaign contributions from financial industry sources.”

“Rob Andrews took the money and left the rest of us – the taxpayers – holding the bag,” Glading concluded. “We must not allow this to happen again. Implementing the SAFE Commission Act and sending an honest representative down to Washington are two key steps to bringing real reform to the people of South Jersey.”

Fact Check:
Rob Andrews’ Misleading Math

BARRINGTON – In a series of recent interviews, U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews has proposed repealing the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, using the money instead to fund big government programs. The only problem is Andrews says he plans spend the same money seven different ways, and the numbers just don’t add up.

In an interview with the Courier-Post, Congressman Andrews said that he supported eliminating the tax cuts and spending the higher tax revenues to “pay back the nation’s debt and use the rest to institute universal health care for children.” (“Andrews, Glading agree on bailout,” The Courier-Post, September 23, 2008)

The United States’ public debt is approximately $9.7 trillion. The Joint Committee on Taxation reports that allowing the entire 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to expire would only raise $2.4 trillion in revenue – over ten years!

The Tax Policy Center reports that maintaining the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for those who earn less than $250,000 a year would cut the total revenue to $1.6 trillion.

That means Rob Andrews’ math is a mere $8.1 trillion off – and that’s without even beginning to look at health care.

But it doesn’t stop there. He has other plans for how to spend the money, too.

Just two days before the Courier-Post interview, Andrews told the Gloucester County Times that he advocates funding transportation projects such as the interstate redesign and the rail line extension by “letting the Bush tax cuts expire.” (“Congressional hopefuls sound off on transit mess,” The Gloucester County Times, September 21, 2008)

Over the past two years, Andrews has also suggested using the higher taxes to pay for veterans’ health care (US Fed News, March 14, 2007); to reduce the deficit (US Fed News, November 29, 2006); and to expand health coverage for the uninsured (Philadelphia Inquirer, November 13, 2006).

“Some of these projects are things we ought to pursue,” said Dale Glading, Andrews’ opponent in the 1st Congressional District race. “However, Rob either doesn’t understand basic math or he is once again insulting the voters’ intelligence.”

“You simply cannot spend the same money seven different ways,” Glading challenged. “To mislead the public into thinking otherwise is simply another instance of Rob being untruthful with South Jersey voters.”

“People in South Jersey are tired of politicians lying through their teeth just to get re-elected,” Glading concluded. “The voters are demanding someone who will be honest with them, and Rob Andrews has proven time and again that he has his own version of the truth.”

The Luxurious Life of Rob Andrews

Nine-term incumbent spends tens of thousands
on fancy restaurants, limousines,
and lavish gifts for campaign financiers

BARRINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews, a nine-term congressman who has spent the past 18 years as part of the Washington elite, has been living luxuriously thanks to the generosity of campaign contributors he subsequently rewarded with expensive gifts.

In a Federal Election Commission report covering operating expenditures made from December 2006 through April 2008, Rob Andrews’ wasteful spending was made public but never exposed to the voters – until now.

Over that period, Rob Andrews spent $55,577 at restaurants, bistros, and cafes – excluding fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and cafeteria dining on the Capitol. Despite having the ability to vote on critical fiscal issues in Congress, Rob Andrews wasted $908 at a single fondue restaurant.

It turns out Rob Andrews has a sweet tooth, too. How else can you explain his spending a preposterous $33,047 at Chocolate Heaven and $1,841 at Godiva? Of course, he claims that the tens of thousands he spent on chocolate were gifts for campaign financiers and campaign workers – as if that makes it any better! Of course, the chocolates were only a fraction of the total he spent on gifts for financiers and campaign workers: $77,152, including gifts at Tiffany & Co.

Over the years, Rob Andrews has been given considerable praise for not maintaining a residence in Washington, DC. Instead, Rob Andrews spent $52,797 at hotels, including $12,168 at the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel!

It figures that Rob has to get to and from the fancy restaurants, hotels, and chocolatiers. So, when he doesn’t have his own gas-guzzling Ford Expedition at his fingertips, he spends $41,294 on limousine and car services!

One thing is clear: Rob Andrews cannot be trusted with our tax dollars down in Washington. A wild and irresponsible spender with his campaign dollars, he has shown no respect for “other people’s money” – especially ours. We have no choice but to question the fiscal responsibility and judgment of anyone who spends almost $35,000 on chocolates.

The median family income in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District is just over $47,000 per year. Rob Andrews spent almost 20 percent more than the median family in his district earns in a year on fine dining alone.

The bottom line: Rob Andrews is out of touch with his constituents. It’s time to send him home.

Rob Andrews vs. Rob Andrews

18 years in Washington have separated
Rob Andrews not only from the truth,
but from his own memory

BARRINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews, a 9-term congressman who has spent the past 18 years as part of the problem in Washington rather than the solution, has been irreversibly corrupted by his time inside the Beltway.

Rob Andrews, candidate for Congress in 1990:

Mr. Andrews, a lawyer who is a summa cum laude graduate of Bucknell and a magna cum laude graduate of Cornell Law School, says, "The first responsibility of a candidate is to tell the truth."
(“Anti-Florio Fever Is Giving A Headache to a Democrat,” The New York Times, October 27, 1990)

Rob Andrews, after 18 years in Washington:

“Rob Andrews lied. Plain and simple.”
(“Editorial: Andrews' Reentry; A bare-faced liar,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 5, 2008)

“Plain and simple, Andrews hedged his bets and lied to the public.”
(“Rob Andrews lied to South Jersey voters,” The Courier-Post, September 5, 2008)

Back in 1990, when Rob Andrews was “running scared” after his predecessor and political mentor, Jim Florio, lied to the people of New Jersey and went back on his word not to raise taxes, this is what he had to say:

“Jim Florio doesn't have a tax problem; he has a credibility problem,” concedes Mr. Andrews, who is perceived as Mr. Florio's hand-picked successor. “Jim Florio in the First District was thought of as somebody different, somebody you could trust. Now, the thought is, we got duped.”
(“Anti-Florio Fever Is Giving A Headache to a Democrat,” The New York Times, October 27, 1990)

Many voters feel the same way now about Rob Andrews. They thought he was somebody different, somebody they could trust. They “got duped” again. Rob Andrews, just like Jim Florio before him, has a credibility problem. Just like Jim Florio in 1993, Rob Andrews needs to be sent home on November 4.

Debates were the cornerstone of Rob Andrews' Senate campaign, but he's not running for the Senate now
Those who followed the Democratic U.S. Senate primary heard it again and again: U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews complaining that incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg wouldn’t engage him in enough debates.

He got two – both shortly before election day. 

Now, Republican Senate candidate Dick Zimmer is sounding a similar theme, complaining that Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park) won’t live up to the standard he set in 1982, when he wanted to debate Republican rival Millicent Fenwick in all 21 counties.

But don’t expect Andrews (D-Haddon Heights) to back up Zimmer on this one. 

“The Congressman supports Senator Lautenberg and has no further comment on the campaign,” said Andrews Chief of Staff Bill Caruso.

Dale Glading Challenges
Rob Andrews To Six Debates

Congressional candidate reminds incumbent
of debate demands in previous campaign

BARRINGTON – Dale Glading, candidate for U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 1st District, has challenged incumbent Rob Andrews to a series of six debates between now and the November 4 election. Glading has suggested that three debates would be held in Camden County, two in Gloucester County, and one in Burlington County.

A copy of the letter Glading sent via registered mail to Andrews’ home is below:

Dear Congressman Andrews:

I was deeply disappointed by your recent decision to break your promise and re-enter the race for the 1st Congressional District. After repeatedly vowing not to run under any circumstances, you have further tarnished your already damaged reputation by not keeping your word. More importantly, your lack of truthfulness and the entire placeholder charade have disenfranchised tens of thousands of Democratic voters.

I entered the race back in January because I believe that our district deserves a congressman who cares more about his constituents than about his own political ambitions. Considering your recent deception of the voters, I am even more convinced that my decision to challenge you was the right one.

In your unsuccessful primary campaign against Sen. Frank Lautenberg, you challenged him to a series of seven debates. According to your own press release, no one should be “anointed to their Senate seat rather than face his opponent in fair and open debates on the issues that matter most to our families.” I agree and believe that the same standard applies to the U.S. House of Representatives.

A series of debates would show the voters the respect they deserve as they decide who is better equipped to represent them in Congress. As you said during the primary season, “the people of New Jersey who are working harder than ever to make ends meet for themselves and their families deserve no less.”

With this in mind, I respectfully challenge you to a series of six public debates prior to the General Election on November 4th. Based on the composition of our district, I would suggest three debates in Camden County, two in Gloucester County and one in Burlington County.

As time is of the essence, I ask that you reply to my challenge by September 19th so our respective campaigns can make the necessary arrangements. I look forward to your prompt reply and to a public discussion about our respective positions and the challenges facing the 1st Congressional District.

Sincerely,

Dale M. Glading
Candidate for Congress, NJ-1

Rob Andrews vs. The Truth
Volume I

Congressman fights epic battle
against truth, facts, and reality

BARRINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews has a problem: he is incapable of telling the truth.

Rob’s claim: “Andrews told reporters on a conference call following the announcement that he passed up a lucrative position with financial and securities firm Goldman Sachs that was ‘more wealth than [his] family could have ever imagined’ to re-enter the House race.” (“Andrews Reverses Course, Re-Enters New Jersey Race,” Congressional Quarterly, September 4, 2008)

The truth: Rob and Camille Andrews raked in $457,000 last year. The median family income in the 1st District is a little over $47,000. Rob Andrews already makes 10 times more than the median family he has failed to represent, but apparently that wasn’t enough.

Rob’s claim: “After making what he called a “very personal and perplexing decision” over the Labor Day weekend, Andrews said he will ask the county committee members in his district to nominate him again on Monday.” (“Andrews announces re-election campaign,” The Hill, September 4, 2008)

The truth: Rob told PolitickerNJ.com all the way back on August 28 that he planned to make an announcement about his decision to go back on his word again and run for Congress. The decision was made before the Labor Day weekend, but, as Rob surely knows, when you lie as much as he does, it’s hard to keep your story straight. (“Andrews to address his future next week,” PolitickerNJ.com, August 28, 2008)

Here’s what the Philadelphia Inquirer had to say about Rob’s latest deceptions:

“Rob Andrews lied. Plain and simple.”
(“Editorial: Andrews' Reentry,” September 5, 2008)

Here’s what the Courier-Post had to say:

“Plain and simple, Andrews hedged his bets and lied to the public.”
(“Rob Andrews lied to South Jersey voters”, September 5, 2008)

Through his indefensible conduct, voters can now determine very easily when Rob Andrews is lying: any time his lips are moving.

Rob Andrews’ decision to return to the U.S. House of Representatives is not surprising, especially to those political insiders who suspected that he bought a special insurance policy back in April when he made a seemingly abrupt decision to challenge Frank Lautenberg in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.  By negotiating a deal that designated his wife, Camille Andrews, as his replacement, Andrews created continued speculation that he would come back to Congress if he lost.  During the Senate campaign, and through most of the summer, Andrews insisted that he would not run for the House seat he’s held since winning a November 1990 special election; his constant Shermanesque statements were not taken seriously. 

U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews officially announced this morning that he will seek reelection to the House seat that he’s held for 18 years, just months after he took his name off the ballot to challenge U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and said on multiple occasions that he would not seek to return to Congress.

In a statement issued while he held a press conference in Camden to announce his decision, Andrews said “It was not my intention to answer the call of my neighbors and friends who have indicated they would stand with me if I sought re-election.” But after exploring private sector opportunities and discussing it with his family, Andrews said that “after much deliberation, thought and prayer, I have decided that I will seek re-election to the House this fall.”

Andrews said that the decision of who will be the party’s nominee will be left up to the county committees that comprise the district. The county committees, however, are virtually certain to vote to put Andrews back on the ballot. The district’s huge Democratic advantage also makes Andrews a near shoe-in for reelection.

U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-Haddon Heights): Politicker file photo 

MINNEAPOLIS - Hearing the news that U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-Haddon Heights) intends to pursue re-election to the U.S. Congress after repeatedly denying that he would run again, Camden County Republican Chairman Richard DeMichele bewailed Andrews’s actions as "distasteful and misleading."

"If you can’t believe him when he tells you about one of his most intimate decisions, how can you trust him making decisions in Washington?" DeMichele said of the man who forsook his congressional seat to unsuccessfully challenge U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-Cliffside Park), swearing all along that he was done with Congress.