LoBIONDO: DCCC TARGET

National Journal Hotline On Call, 1-30-07
In a wide-ranging interview at DCCC HQ, Chairman  Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) said Dems will remain on the offense in ’08, singling out NJ and MI.  He also named GOP Reps. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2), Tim Walberg (MI-7) and Joe Knollenberg (MI-9) as “top targets” who weren’t challenged in ’06.

The following articles show that the DCCC have said that LoBiondo is a top target for the Democrats in 2008:

"Van Drew may well challenge LoBiondo"
Press of Atlantic City
Monday, February 11, 2008

It looked like Republican U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo would get a free pass to re-election - again. But the twists and turns of this presidential election may produce a surprise in the 2nd Congressional District.

It had appeared the Democrats' top prospect, state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, would not run for LoBiondo's House seat. Insiders said the party was ready to concede the district, which covers all or parts of six southern counties. But Van Drew can't be counted out just yet. < read the full story in .pdf format >

"LoBiondo is prime target for Democrats in 2008"
Press of Atlantic City
Sunday, November 11, 2007

Winning elections has been little more than a formality over the years for U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd.

He has clobbered every opponent from Vineland to Ventnor, defending his heavily Republican district by racking up 2-to-1 margins of victory in six elections. The last time LoBiondo lost an election, the Nirvana anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit" monopolized the airwaves and a team from Canada won baseball's World Series. < read the full story in .pdf format >

"Democrats Eye Garden State Gains"
Wall Street Journal
November 19, 2007

McGrath said Democrats were already looking to target Saxton, Ferguson, and Rep. Frank LoBiondo, and the two open seats are now even more appealing to Democrats. Ferguson’s 2006 challenger, Assemblywoman Linda Stender is running again, and Democratic State Sen. John Adler is making a bid for Saxton’s seat. Democrats are eyeing LoBiondo’s Atlantic City area district, but the labor-friendly Republican has handily won re-election since he first entered the House in 1994. < read the full story in .pdf format >

"DCCC Chairman backs Adler and Stender, courts Van Drew"
PolitickerNJ.com
November 30, 2007

Democratic Congressional Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen came up to New Jersey today to show his organization's support for two congressional candidates: state Sen. John Adler and Assemblywoman Linda Stender, and he brought U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone with him.

Both Democrats declared their candidacy early, thinking they were goingto run against incumbents. Now those seats have unexpectedly opened up, which gave Van Hollen an opportunity to turn GOP state Chairman Tom Wilson's own words against him. < read the full story in .pdf format >

"Van Drew v. LoBiondo?"
Bridgeton News
December 11, 2007

Soon-to-be state Sen. Jeff Van Drew has not decided whether he wants to run against U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo in 2008.

Van Drew said Monday he has been approached about running next year against the long-time Republican congressman by everyone from "local leaders to (Cumberland County Democratic Committee Chairman) Lou Magazzu to just individual residents. < read the full story in .pdf format >

"Democrats may shift attention from LoBiondo"
Press of Atlantic City
December 18, 2007

The decision by two New Jersey congressmen not to seek re-election could change the dynamics of the 2nd Congressional District.

Last summer, national Democrats targeted U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, who up to now has easily defended the seat he won in 1994. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ran ads bashing LoBiondo in anticipation of mounting a challenge. < read the full story in .pdf format >

AWARDS

I was honored by the Humane Society of the United States for my continued support of legislation to protect animals from suffering and abuse throughout 2006. As a true lover of animals and owner of two rescued Weimaraners, I am honored to receive this award from the Human Society of the United States. Their tireless efforts and advocacy on behalf of animals has served as a model for me, and I will continue to work with the Human Society on issues important to their members. NOTE: Congressman LoBiondo, who scored a perfect 100 on the annual Humane Scorecard, received the “Humane Advocate” award from the national organization. The average score was 57 in the House of Representatives.

AGRICULTURE

Congressmen Jim Saxton (NJ-03) and I are pleased to announce that the Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center of Rutgers University’s New Jersey Agriculture Experimentation Station will receive $483,000 in federal funding. The center is expected to use funds to develop pest management methods to reduce pesticide use, and to identify health benefits of cranberry and blueberry consumption.

AVIATION/HOMELAND SECURITY

I am pleased to announce a total of $450,000 in federal funding for the proposed Aviation Research and Technology Park at the William J. Hughes FAA Tech Center in Atlantic County. Secured in the past two weeks through two annual spending bills, $350,000 would be directed to the Richard Stockton College for the development of academic programs at the proposed industrial park. The remaining $100,000 would be directed to Atlantic County for design of the 55-acre site. Plans for the proposed Aviation Research & Technology Park at the FAA Tech Center are clearly progressing, which is great news for both Atlantic County and the aviation industry at large.

EDUCATION

The Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District has been selected to receive funding under the Teaching American History Grants Program through the U.S. Department of Education.  Over a three year period, the school district will receive $493,215 in federal funding.  The grant will be used to raise student achievement by improving teachers’ knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for American history through intensive, ongoing professional development.

 

ENVIRONMENT

In February, I admonished the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget for again failing to include funding for beach renourishment projects in South Jersey. During a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I pressed representatives from the Administration for their logic in recommending no federal resources for the projects. I  continue to be absolutely astonished by the Office of Management & Budget (OMB) directive to zero out funding for projects to renourish our beaches and protect our seaside properties, businesses and economy along our shores. It is just totally unbelievable and I am outraged. In light of the lessons learned from recent hurricanes, I would think the OMB would do the relatively simple math and realize they are saving taxpayers money by spending a few million now to restore eroded beaches and dunes, rather than spending billions after a hurricane to rebuild our coastal cities. New Jersey’s 130 miles of coastline and beaches are the foundation for the state’s $20 billion tourism industry. It is imperative that our state receives its fair share of federal funding to promote healthy beaches and protect those who visit them.

New Jersey’s Republican Congressmen sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine expressing their opposition to his proposed toll and restructuring plan. U.S. Congressmen Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), Jim Saxton (NJ-03), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Scott Garrett (NJ-05), Mike Ferguson (NJ-07) and Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) joined in calling for Governor Corzine to "seek alternatives to (his) proposal which would focus on containing the explosion of state spending over the last eight years."

FIRE/EMERGENCY GRANTS

Two communities in Cumberland County will be sharing $78,450 in federal funding for various equipment and vehicle purchases by the local first responder units. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program awarded these federal grants. $48,750 to the Dividing Creek Fire Company to assist in the purchase of a new first responder’s vehicle and $29,700 to the Downe Township Fire/Rescue Company #1 to assist in the purchase of a rescue boat and a supply hose with necessary adapters.

The Elsinboro Fire Company will receive an additional $19,135 in federal funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). This is the third grant for the fire company, with previous awards of $34,592 (2003) and $56,570 (2004).

 

HEALTHCARE

Since 2003, I have worked to ensure access to rehabilitative care for patients across America would not be restricted due to a Medicare policy known as the “75 Percent Rule.” Over the past four years, I was able to secure temporary delays to the full implementation of the seventy-five percent level. At a press conference in January '08 at the Rehabilitation Hospital of South Jersey, I announced along with Dr. Francis Bonner and Rich Kathrins that I have secured a permanent freeze at the sixty percent level, thus preventing additional restrictive conditions against patients needing rehabilitative care. I appreciate the diligent efforts of Dr. Bonner, Rich Kathrins, the Blue Ribbon Panel and their teams in educating not only myself, but other members of Congress on this critical issue. It is with their partnership over the past five years that we are able to announce our success on this day.

IMMIGRATION

I would be the first to vote against an amnesty bill should it be presented to the House of Representatives. As I have always said, I firmly believe that any proposed solution must include an effective, fair temporary guest worker program that remains true to its name: those who come to the United States should only be here on a temporary basis and return home through a program that is truly enforceable.

TAXES

I voted against the estimated $400 billion tax increase provided for under the House’s “Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Resolution.” According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the tax increases would cost approximately 3.4 million New Jersey taxpayers an additional $3,779 on average in federal taxes over the next five years. Over the past decade, Congress has made great efforts to ensure that married couples are not unfairly over-taxed; that parents are not penalized for having children; and that our small businesses are not targeted for being too successful. With approval of the House Democrat’s budget, all of those gains are erased. This budget will needlessly saddle millions of New Jersey taxpayers with an additional $3,779 bill on top of their excessive state and local tax obligations. Without hesitation, I strongly reject placing these avoidable fiscal burdens on the backs of South Jersey’s taxpayers and small businesses.

The following is Congressman LoBiondo's reaction to President Bush’s economic stimulus package:

“It is critical that we fully understand the severity of the situation and act quickly to both protect our economic growth and to calm the real anxiety of American families, including those in South Jersey. I am encouraged that the Democrat leadership in Congress has reached out to Republicans and the White House to craft this economic stimulus package. I eagerly await the specific details so that we can have a clear picture of how this stimulus will benefit taxpayers and their families. Additionally, I hope the cooperation and bipartisanship continue beyond this moment so that Congress may begin to address other critical issues facing the country.”

Congressman LoBiondo issued the following statement after voting in favor of the President’s economic stimulus package crafted in cooperation with the Republican and Democrat leadership in the House. The stimulus package was approved 385 to 35:

“As I previously stated, many parts of the country are just waking up to the slowdown of the nation’s economic growth. However, regions such as South Jersey, have long struggled and our families and seniors have long had to fight just to keep up. I applaud the House for its quick and overwhelming approval of this first step in helping South Jersey families. While this action should help calm the anxiety of Americans, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide additional assistance. South Jersey families need more than short-term fixes; they need to be empowered to make their own fiscal choices without the burden of unnecessary taxes. “I am also encouraged the Democrat leadership in Congress reached out to Republicans and the White House to craft this economic stimulus package. I hope the cooperation and bipartisanship continue beyond this moment so Congress may begin to address other critical issues facing the country.”

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