Elections Bill Pascrell

after redistricting, pascrell s home placed in newly redrawn 9th district. fellow democratic congressman steve rothman decided move reconfigured 9th , challenge pascrell in primary. rothman s home in fair lawn had been drawn republican-leaning district against republican scott garrett. geographically, new district more rothman s district pascrell s. rothman had represented 53% of new 9th, while pascrell had represented 43% of new 9th.

despite this, pascrell defeated rothman in democratic primary on june 5, 31,435 19,947, capturing approximately 61.1% of vote. in general election, defeated rabbi shmuley boteach 73.6% 25.4%.

2012 election controversy

rothman s candidacy in 2012 primary race reportedly devolved highly competitive proxy war on israel. aref assaf, president of new jersey-based american arab forum, published column in star-ledger titled, rothman israel s man in district 9 in wrote:

“as total , blind support becomes reason choosing rothman, voters not view elections in prism need take notice. loyalty foreign flag not loyalty america’s [flag].”

arabic-language campaign posters produced pascrell supporters reportedly encouraged arab diaspora community elect pascrell, friend of arabs. poster touted race important election in history of [arab american] community.

susan rosenbluth, publisher of new jersey-based jewish voice , opinion wrote number of arab-american constituents have come out outrageous attacks on rothman, , commented haven t heard dual loyalty charge years. sharply criticized pascrell remaining silent , refusing condemn charges of dual loyalty.