Dennis Shulman for U.S. Congress: Sensible Leadership for New Jersey’s 5th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug 19th, 2008

Contact: Jeff Hauser, (201) 767-8162, jeff@shulmanforcongress.com

On the environment as on so many issues, Garrett is out of touch with New Jersey

Environment New Jersey today released its annual scorecard, and the results were mostly high for the New Jersey delegation. With a delegation average of 83%, New Jersey’s two U.S. Senators and eight of its thirteen U.S. representatives scored perfect scores — including two Republicans. The average of Scott Garrett’s five New Jersey Republican colleagues was 80%. On the other end of the spectrum, Scott Garrett scored just 8%, far below the next lowest N.J. score of 54%.

Legislation considered in the environmental scorecard includes measures that would preserve open space, protect clean water, reduce pollution, end subsidies to Big Oil, and fund clean energy alternatives.

“As with many other areas of his record, Scott Garrett’s environmental record is simply shameful. With $69,000 in contributions from Big Oil, it’s no wonder he votes to protect the special interests instead of looking for new energy alternatives. What I don’t understand is Scott Garrett’s problem with clean drinking water and smog-free air,” said Dennis Shulman, Democratic nominee for Congress in New Jersey’s Fifth District.

“From dealing with sinkholes and sludge to clean air and clean water, Garrett has proven time and time again he can’t be bothered with the environmental safety of his constituents, and he can’t be trusted with the energy concerns of this country,” added Shulman. “As illustrated by the admirable scores of Garrett’s Republican colleagues, what matters is not whether an idea is Democratic or Republican, but whether it is good for the country. Scott Garrett’s record reveals that he is part of the special interest culture of corruption in Washington that is endangering the safety and prosperity of our state and country.”

Sources:

• http://www.environmentnewjersey.org/

• http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj-
  -environmentalscor0819aug19,0,7715057.story

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Dennis Shulman was recently profiled by The New Yorker and Time as momentum for his campaign continues to grow, and recent polling in the district validates the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s recent decision to upgrade NJ-5 as an “Emerging Race” and to buy advertising time in the district. Only 31% of likely voters in NJ-5 plan to re-elect Garrett and, by a 68-17% margin, the district seeks change from George Bush’s policies.

Dr. Dennis Shulman has gained international recognition for his 30 years of work as a psychologist, educator, and author. An ordained rabbi for five years and blind since childhood, he has lived in New Jersey’s Fifth District for more than 25 years with his wife, Dr. Pamela Tropper, an obstetrician. They have two adult daughters.

Additional background on Dr. Dennis Shulman and his challenge to Scott Garrett:

• “Garrett faces unique competitor for seat,” Chris Newmarker, Associated Press,

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080803/NEWS02/
808030345/1123

• “A Rabbi in Congress?,” Adam Goodman, Time, http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1824434,00.html

• “On the Trail: First Timer,” Jeffrey Toobin, The New Yorker, http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2008/07/28/080728ta_talk_toobin

• “Garrett tells donors he’s concerned about Shulman,” PolitickerNJ,

http://www.politickernj.com/matt-friedman/21172/garrett-tells-donors-
hes-concerned-about-shulman