Bob Braun profiles Scott Garrett
as grounded in upbringing and history
Bob Braun of the Star-Ledger has over the last few months been publishing columns on our members of Congress. These descriptive articles have provided insight and background information on the delegation. We have published links to these in the past. Today we publish the most recent one and links to the ones we have previously published. They are a must read for anyone planning to go to the 3rd Annual Congressional Reception or the 2nd Annual Report Card.
Congressman Garrett
On Tuesday July 7th, the Star-Ledger published U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett’s conservative beliefs grounded in N.J. upbringing, study of history. Bob Braun’s column notes that “The congressman, considered by colleagues the most conservative in the New Jersey delegation, grounds his views in strongly held values informed by both his upbringing — he was raised by religious parents on a farm in Sussex County’s Wantage where he still lives — and his reading of history. ‘I trust the individual over the bureaucracy,’ says Garrett, adding that it is ‘within the individual where conflicts are resolved.’ People should neither blame others for their problems — nor expect others to solve those problems.”
To read the full article click here.
Congressman Frelinghuysen
On Sunday May 31st the Star-Ledger published Congressman Frelinghuysen carries on a long family tradition. “Portraits of two of the four Frelinghuysens who were U.S. senators. A campaign flag for Henry Clay and Theodore Frelinghuysen — Whigs who lost the 1844 presidential election to Democrats James K. Polk and George Dallas. Political cartoons from the 19th century. A hand-rendered copy of the verdict in the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, a yes vote signed by Sen. Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen.” The article also notes that “He is one of two Jersey members on the House Appropriations Committee — the other is Steve Rothman, a Bergen County Democrat — and it is there where money for New Jersey can be found. Frelinghuysen is on subcommittees dealing with defense and water resources and nuclear energy.” To read the full article click here.
Congressman Rothman
Bob Braun of the Star-Ledger continued his series on members of Congress with “Proud ‘appropriator’ and talker U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman boasts N. J. earmarks.” The article appeared on May 6, 2009. Talk is his strength. Not speeches, but one-on-one with guests, interviewers or witnesses who appear before him as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and three subcommittees — defense, foreign operations, and homeland security. “I am an appropriator,” says Rothman, 56, the former mayor of Englewood, first elected to public office when he was 30. An odd label, but his visitors use it to explain their presence; they want to talk to someone with access to money. It gives him visibility and clout. “That’s good for my district and good for my state.” To read more click here.
Congressman Andrews
On April 19, 2009, Bob Braun continued his Star-Ledger series on NJ’s Congressional Delegation with a profile of Congressman Rob Andrews. The article – After roiling his party, Rep. Rob Andrews immerses himself in the issues – highlights how after defeat last year in a bid for the Senate, Rob Andrews has become involved in the issues confronting us in 2009. The end of the article provides a good summary: “It’s my life,” he says of his work. The comment, thoroughly credible, is no proof of his contention he really intended to leave the House when he ran against Lautenberg.”It’s my life, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.” To read the full article click here.
Congressman Holt
Bob Braun of the Star-Ledger continued his profiles of New Jersey’s members of Congress on Sunday March 29, 2009, with a profile of Congressman Rush Holt. The profile entitled With a physicist’s exactitude, Holt brings the science to the political provides insight into Mr. Holt’s role in Washington. “While he does the required political things expected from a congressman, he does it in an understated, almost detached, way. That doesn’t mean he’s not ambitious. He is. He wants to be a senator.”
Congressman Pascrell
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell praised for personal touch, municipal roots was the headline on a column by Bob Braun in the Star-Ledger. The column provides a fascinating profile of Congressman Pascrell who made the honor roll in the 2008 Congressional Report Card.
Congressman Sires
Sires Finding Niche in Complex Capitol by Bob Braun in the Star-Ledger – provides a profile of Congressman Albio Sires from Hudson County.
Congressman Payne
Are there are two Donald Paynes? Bob Braun of the Star-Ledger continues his series of profiles of our members of Congress. While he’s acting locally, Payne’s always thinking globally focuses on Congressman Donald Payne who was ranked Very Supportive in the first annual Report Card. According to Bruan’s article “There’s the former city councilman and Essex freeholder entirely committed to domestic issues that affect his district — a district nearly 70 percent minority. And then there’s the expert on foreign affairs who, in one week, lectures the Libyan ambassador, reports on his dinner conversation with the president of the Republic of Georgia, sends warnings to the leader of Sudan, discusses peace in Northern Ireland.” To read the full article click here.
