NJ Herald: Candidates take campaigns to the state fair

August 8th, 2008

By TOM HOWELL JR.

thowell@njherald.com

FRANKFORD — Democrat Dennis Shulman, a blind rabbi seeking a seat in Congress, visited incumbent Scott Garrett’s home turf on Thursday in his bid to break Republican control of the 5th district.

“The main thing is, this is where the people are,” said Shulman, 58, of Demarest.

Garrett made a simultaneous visit to the Sussex County Farm & Horse Show/New Jersey State Fair, a traditional venue for politicians to hob-knob and listen to their constituents’ concerns.

A Wantage native, Garrett said he has been a regular at the fair since his teen years, when he established the swine show and baby animal exhibit.

Both candidates were aware that they were vying for voters at the same time and place.

“It’s unusual for him to be here (in Sussex County), but I guess he wanted to be here for at least one event,” Garrett said of Shulman.

Shulman’s camp disagreed with their opponent’s assessment, noting the rabbi will run his campaign throughout the district consisting of most of Sussex County, all of Warren County and portions of Passaic and Bergen counties.

“Sussex County can’t be taken for granted and will not be taken for granted,” said Megan Ward, chairwoman of the county Democratic Committee.

Soaring energy prices were the topic du jour at the fairgrounds along with a stumbling housing market and overall economic woes.

Shulman said his track record of success as a clinical psychologist and Jewish cleric, despite his disability, shows he can overcome challenges and meet the needs of voters.

“I’m really troubled that policy seems to be set by people with ExxonMobil and other companies,” Shulman said. “I’m very worried about people having to choose between food, medicine and heating.”

A group of Shulman’s young campaign workers donned cowboy hats and stood in front of the Republican fair tent, mimicking oil fat-cats as they effusively thanked Garrett (who was not there).

Garrett said more than 60 percent of Sussex County residents commute out of county, highlighting the need to address gas prices that hover around $4 per gallon.

After a visit to the biodiesel tent at the fair, Garrett said energy problems should be addressed in multiple ways: conservation, fossil fuel alternatives and increased domestic production.

“We don’t believe the answer lies in picking winners and losers,” he said of legislators seeking a cure-all.

Garrett was trailed by seven high school and college-aged campaign assistants who donned white T-shirts and handed out fliers and stickers for the incumbent.

At the Newton Rotary food stand, grill master Carl Lazzaro, of Fredon, shared a laugh with Garrett as the congressman puzzled over the grilled — not boiled — corn on the cob.

“C’mon, farm boy!” Lazzaro quipped.

Thelma Munson, a Hampton resident who used to in work in Garrett’s office, recognized the congressman as he walked by her bench near the Richards Building.

“I think he’s doing a good job,” she said of Garrett’s record in Congress.

Her friend, Claire Pettenger, of Lafayette, said the race could become interesting by November, as long as Shulman’s supporters hit the polls.

“There are a lot of votes down there (in Bergen County), so we’ll see,” she said.

Big names in the local Democratic party followed Shulman, including Ward, former party chairman Howard Burrell and former sheriff’s candidate Wayne Yahm, who is eyeing another run in 2010.

Meanwhile, Donna Griff, of Byram, spoke with potential voters about her bid for a seat on the county freeholder board. She said she is the right person to address concerns about taxes, growth in the county and transportation, among other issues.

“I think it’s time for change,” she said. “It’s time to see a Democrat on the board.”

After a spin around the grounds and several interviews, Shulman went into meet-and-greet mode with the general public.

Alice Shenusay, of Andover Township, told Shulman about the health coverage woes her family faced when her son got out of college.

“Are you a Democrat?” Shulman asked at one point.

“I am now,” Shenusay replied.

(Read original at NJ Herald)

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