VOTERS DESERVE A REPRESENTATIVE WHO WANTS TO REPRESENT THEM
Joe Vas Fails to File For the Special Election to Fill Out Menendez’s Vacancy, Ignoring the Needs of the District

(West New York) – Despite repeated and hypocritical claims of public service, 13th Congressional District candidate Joseph Vas failed yesterday to file nominating petitions to run for the special election that would fill the vacancy in the 13th Congressional District this November. Governor Corzine recently ordered a special election primary to run concurrently with the regular congressional elections on June 6th. The winner of the special primary will run as the Democratic nominee in the November election to fill out the remainder of former Congressman Menendez’s unexpired term immediately following the general election this fall. The 13th Congressional District vacancy arose when Menendez was appointed to the United States Senate earlier this year by Governor Corzine.
“Despite his repeated claims that issues in Washington deserve immediate attention, Mr. Vas’ actions clearly demonstrate that he does not believe the voters of the 13th Congressional District deserve to be represented in Washington this fall,� said Julie Roginsky, a spokeswoman for Speaker Albio Sires, who is running in the June primary for both the unexpired term and the regular term that begins with the swearing in of the new Congress next January. “Speaker Sires feels strongly that the needs of 13th District voters must be addressed as quickly as the law allows and that is why he wants to get to Washington as quickly as possible.�

Roginsky pointed out that issues such as the war in Iraq, fiscal policies, health care, and homeland security concerns are too important to wait for a representative who refuses to be seated until the next session of Congress convenes in 2007.

“Speaker Sires has a record of improving the quality of life for the residents of this district, whether it is providing free college tuitions for qualified students, expanding prescription drug policies for seniors or strengthening our state’s homeland security,� Roginsky added. “The voters need a voice even before this session of Congress adjourns to stand up for their priorities in Washington against the right wing zealots who have hijacked our nation. Sadly, if Assemblyman Vas refuses to represent the voters of this district this year, what assurances do we have that he will adequately represent them in the future?�

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