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

October 14th, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2008
Contact: Jeff Hauser, 201-767-8162, jeff@shulmanforcongress.com

With scandals surrounding Garrett, whose legacy on the Banking Committee is an unmitigated disaster for New Jersey and the nation, the Democratic Party sees a great chance to win

Haworth, NJ — The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today added Dennis Shulman to its “Red to Blue” program. Shulman earned a spot in the competitive program by establishing significant local support and skillfully showing New Jersey voters that he stands for change and will represent new priorities.

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support.  The program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for their campaigns.

“Our grassroots campaign for change has been growing so rapidly in Northern New Jersey, and we welcome the additional support,” said Dennis Shulman, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District.  “Why have people throughout the district, from school teachers and retired truck drivers to hardworking mothers of seven, dedicated their time and their $10 and $15 checks to this campaign?  Because we have been speaking the truth about the key issues of the day, and taking the fight to Scott Garrett, who is ridiculously out of touch on the issues and corrupt to boot.”
 
“The hardworking families of New Jersey pay their taxes fully — shouldn’t Scott Garrett pay his too? Voters are sick and tired of having a member of Congress who believes that “representing them” means putting the special interests in charge of his office.  After November 4th, we will provide the district and country the change we need to get our economy moving again.”

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen said, “Dennis Shulman is running a solid campaign and is committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts. With less than 21 days to make his case for change to voters, the Red to Blue program will give Shulman the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November.”

Red to Blue was a proven success in the 2006 cycle. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns averaging $404,000 per campaign.  Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

###

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 decision to upgrade NJ-5 as a “Red to Blue” priority 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:
“Rabbi With the Compelling Back Story Is Not to Be Ruled Out,” Peter Applebome, The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/nyregion/14towns.html

 ”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

• Press Releases