COUNCILMAN QUINTANA ENDORSES ANDREWS FOR U.S. SENATE

COUNCILMAN QUINTANA ENDORSES ANDREWS FOR U.S. SENATE
Andrews Captures Support of Majority of Newark Council

NEWARK -- Councilman Luis A. Quintana, one of the most prominent Hispanic-American elected officials in New Jersey, today endorsed Congressman Rob Andrews for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination. Quintana's endorsement gives Andrews the support of a majority of the City Council in Newark, a Democratic Party bulwark in Essex County and the state.

Quintana said he is supporting Andrews over Sen. Frank Lautenberg in Tuesday's Senate primary because of the congressman's record on the critical issues facing New Jersey and the nation and the need for new leadership and change in the party. He said Andrews would be a more forceful, effective advocate for the city of Newark and the state in Washington.

"Rob Andrews has always been on the front lines on issues of critical concern to hard-working Americans, including the Hispanic community, and I am eager to have him as our advocate in the United States Senate," Quintana said. "The fact that a majority of the City Council in this vibrant and diverse city supports him in the this very important election speaks volumes about how Congressman has connected with the average men and women of this state."

Quintana, who was elected in 1994, is the first Hispanic-American to be elected to an at-large position on the Newark City Council. Previously, he was deputy mayor of Newark. He gained a reputation as an advocate for urban youth through his early work as a youth counselor at the North Ward Center in Newark. He has been a longtime advocate for youth programs and legislation to benefit the young people of the city and surrounding area.

"There is no more important priority for us as a nation to make sure our young people get a quality education and have access to the kinds of after-school programs that provide an alternative to life in the streets," Quintana said. "Rob Andrews has always been committed to those goals, and I'm confident he will continue doing so in the Senate. I urge all Democrats to vote for him in June 3."

Andrews said he was honored to have Quintana's support, calling him one of the most important and effective leaders in Essex County. He said receiving endorsements of a majority of the City Council demonstrates the appeal of his message of change and makes him more eager than ever to fight for their needs in the U.S. Senate.