As Goya Foods heir Andy Unanue starts his first ever race for elected office, he’ll have an experienced team waiting for him.

Once he gets back from Colorado.

Unanue is on a vacation with his extended family in Vail, and he won’t be returning to New Jersey in time to attend the Republican conventions scheduled for this week in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Middlesex and Salem Counties. He planned the trip a year ago, he said, and even a Senate candidacy isn’t enough to make him shirk the familial responsibility.

Instead, he’ll send surrogates to the conventions, and will address screening committees in conference calls. He plans to return to his homes in New Jersey and New York City early next month.

“I’m not a politician. I don’t really worry about how hard it’s going to be,” Unanue said when asked if not being able to attend the conventions will hurt his chances. “I’m worried about winning the primary and the election. I’m in the process of aligning myself with what I would consider the best and most talented staff.”

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Date: September 20, 2006
Contact: Annie Mayol/Dan Faraci
(973) 777-1352
(202) 445-8266 cell

Washington, DC – Tonight, Jose Sandoval, candidate for U.S. Congress in NJ-08, received strong backing from key Hispanic leaders in Washington, DC. U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (FL) and U.S. Congressman Luis Fortuño (PR) hosted a fundraising event for Sandoval at the Akerman Senterfitt law firm. Present at the event where leaders from Capitol Hill and the private sector eager to hear Sandoval’s message for change in New Jersey.

“Jose Sandoval is the best person to represent the 8th Congressional district of New Jersey, said U.S. Congressman Fortuño. “Jose is someone who has listened and worked with the community. He understands the needs of the people, particularly the Hispanic community who have been underrepresented.� said U.S. Congressman Fortuño. “The district needs a new voice in Washington and Jose is the best person for the job.�

“Much like me, Jose Sandoval came to this country with very little. However with hard work and dedication, he too has achieved the American dream and wants to help others achieve it as well,� said Senator Martinez. “As a successful urban real estate developer and family man, Jose understands that increasing education and economic opportunities are the keys for revitalization. I know Jose will not be afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work it takes to achieve results for the people of New Jersey. That is exactly what the voters of the 8th district need from their representative in Washington.�

“I am honored to have received such strong support from important national leaders such as U.S. Senator Mel Martinez and U.S. Congressman Luis Fortuño,� said Sandoval. “People from all over the district have expressed their support for me. They tell me that they are desperate for a change and that are tired of the politics as usual that have only brought them higher taxes, failing schools, and less affordable housing. They say that we need better representation in Washington to once again make the American Dream attainable. I look forward to being that new voice to represent the people of Passaic and Essex counties in New Jersey.�

Jose Sandoval is running for New Jersey’s Eight Congressional District. Jose is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, and immigrated to the United States in the early 1970’s, where he has been a resident of New Jersey ever since. Jose has a BA in Economics and Finance from Rutgers University, and a law degree from Cleveland State University. He owns an urban real estate company in Paterson, New Jersey.

Jose is married to Amy and has four children.

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Senator Martinez, Forrester Meet with Community Leaders
Former HUD Secretary joins Forrester’s 'Take Back New Jersey' Tour in Hudson County

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez of Florida and gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester today met with Hispanic community leaders and business owners in Union City.