Andrews Gains Key Political Support in Passaic County

ANDREWS GAINS KEY POLITICAL SUPPORT IN PASSAIC COUNTY
Freeholder Duffy Says Party Needs "New Blood" in U.S. Senate
Calls Andrews Strongest Democrat for General Election

PATERSON -- In a key breakthrough for his U.S. Senate campaign, Democrat Rob Andrews was endorsed today by Passaic County Freeholder Terry Duffy, a popular official and well-known restaurant owner who declared it was "time to bring in some new blood to represent our state in Washington." Andrews was also welcomed here today by Jerry Speziale, the county sheriff and a leading political figure in the region.

The day's events reflected the deep inroads Andrews has made in North Jersey in his bid to win the June 3 primary. A growing number of Democrats are rallying around his candidacy in the belief that he represents a new generation of leadership and would be the party's strongest candidate against the Republicans in the fall campaign.

Duffy voiced that sentiment in endorsing Andrews, saying the congressman offered the party and the state "a bright, vibrant alternative" to incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg. He said that Andrews is the superior choice to confront the nation's serious foreign and domestic problems and represent New Jersey's interests in Washington.

"Rob Andrews would make a great U.S. senator," Duffy said. "He brings a lot to the table in terms of his solid record in Congress and his passion for the core principles of our party. I have the utmost confidence that he will be a magnificent representative for us, and I look forward to working with him after he's elected."

Duffy said that he and other Democrats are concerned that nominating Lautenberg for yet another term was a risk the party cannot afford to take. He cited independent public opinion polls showing a majority of voters saying they might not vote for Lautenberg in a general election because of his age. Lautenberg is 84 years old and would be 91 at the end of his next term if he wins in November.

"When Sen. Lautenberg ran against Millicent Fenwick in 1982, he said she was too old to run again and he defeated her with that argument," Duffy said. "If he thought it was a legitimate issue then, it should be a legitimate issue now." Fenwick was 74 at the time of that campaign. Duffy said he respected Lautenberg but believes it's important that New Jersey Democrats make a transition to a younger, more vigorous candidate who is highly qualified and gives the party its best chance of defeating the Republican candidate in November.

Andrews said Duffy's endorsement was a significant boost to his campaign. He pledged to work with him and other area officials so he can best represent the needs of Passaic County in Washington.

Congressman Andrews will be gaining more support from political and community leaders this weekend as he campaigns in Hudson and Essex counties. He is also continuing to meet the voters in a series of Town Hall meetings he is holding across the state, including one on Saturday afternoon in Montclair.