Thread: NJ Lawmakers graded on illegal immigrant votes

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Gannett State Bureau

TRENTON

A new and relatively small advocacy group taking up illegal immigration issued report cards on New Jersey's federal lawmakers Wednesday, flunking Democrats but giving stars to most Republicans. The group meets in members' homes.

The group claims about 100 members, says it started up sometime in the spring -- the co-chairmen gave conflicting answers as to when -- and that it lacks a permanent headquarters or an address.

It is called New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control, espousing legal immigration and a tougher federal stand on enforcing immigration laws.

Gayle Kesselman of Carlstadt, Bergen County, co-chairwoman of the group, said they took 10 legislative measures that came up in the House and Senate and examined the lawmakers' votes, with an eye toward wanting to keep illegal immigrants out.

They said the state's two U.S. senators, Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken and Frank Lautenberg, D-Cliffside Park, failed, as did Democratic Reps. Rob Andrews of Haddon Heights, Rush Holt of Hopewell Township, Mercer County, Frank Pallone Jr. of Long Branch, William Pascrell Jr. of Paterson, Donald Payne of Newark and Steven Rothman of Fair Lawn. All but Andrews and Lautenberg received an F-minus.

Among congressional Republicans, Scott Garrett of Wantage got an A-plus, and Frank LoBiondo of Ventnor an A. Grades of B went to Michael Ferguson of Warren Township, Somerset County, Rodney Frelinghuysen of Harding and Jim Saxton of Mount Holly. Republican Chris Smith of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, received a C-plus.

Spokesmen for both the Menendez camp, and the camp of his challenger, state Sen. Thomas H. Kean Jr., R-Westfield, said they had never heard of the group.

Originally Posted by UB

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Gannett State Bureau

TRENTON

A new and relatively small advocacy group taking up illegal immigration issued report cards on New Jersey's federal lawmakers Wednesday, flunking Democrats but giving stars to most Republicans. The group meets in members' homes.

The group claims about 100 members, says it started up sometime in the spring -- the co-chairmen gave conflicting answers as to when -- and that it lacks a permanent headquarters or an address.

It is called New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control, espousing legal immigration and a tougher federal stand on enforcing immigration laws.

Gayle Kesselman of Carlstadt, Bergen County, co-chairwoman of the group, said they took 10 legislative measures that came up in the House and Senate and examined the lawmakers' votes, with an eye toward wanting to keep illegal immigrants out.

They said the state's two U.S. senators, Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken and Frank Lautenberg, D-Cliffside Park, failed, as did Democratic Reps. Rob Andrews of Haddon Heights, Rush Holt of Hopewell Township, Mercer County, Frank Pallone Jr. of Long Branch, William Pascrell Jr. of Paterson, Donald Payne of Newark and Steven Rothman of Fair Lawn. All but Andrews and Lautenberg received an F-minus.

Among congressional Republicans, Scott Garrett of Wantage got an A-plus, and Frank LoBiondo of Ventnor an A. Grades of B went to Michael Ferguson of Warren Township, Somerset County, Rodney Frelinghuysen of Harding and Jim Saxton of Mount Holly. Republican Chris Smith of Hamilton Township, Mercer County, received a C-plus.

Spokesmen for both the Menendez camp, and the camp of his challenger, state Sen. Thomas H. Kean Jr., R-Westfield, said they had never heard of the group.

Thanks for the information. I was wondering if no one in NJ cares about the invasion of illegals we have. Menendez is 100% for amnesty. I hope he does not win.