April 28, 2008 - 1:10pm
Chris Smith represents New Jersey, but where does he live?
By Matt Friedman
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith: Getty ImagesWhen Rep. Chris Smith was first elected to the House, he was brand new to the Washington scene. But after 27 years of representing New Jersey in Congress, Smith has spent almost half of his life living in Virginia.
Smith went to Washington to take on Washington politics as usual. It took two tries for Smith, then a staunchly pro-life 27-year-old who worked at his family's sporting goods store, to beat liberal Democratic incumbent Frank Thompson. But, Smith won in 1980 after Thompson was indicted on corruption charges over his role in the Abscam sting that ultimately convicted him and four of his colleagues.
Smith soon became a vocal young voice known as a fiscal conservative with an independent streak - while admiring President Reagan, Smith fought his cuts to some social programs in the 1980s.
Twenty-seven years later, Smith maintains a squeaky clean reputation, a record of effectiveness and has, by most accounts, a safe hold on his 4th Congressional District seat. But insiders and some of Smith's many vanquished opponents have whispered that the blue collar kid from Hamilton has become a creature of Washington himself - if only by the amount of time he spends there.
Smith is in his home state only a small fraction of the time. That is a point that the congressman conceded in an interview with PolitickerNJ.com, but he said his virtual absence from the 4th District is a sacrifice he makes for its residents and to be near his family.
Smith has spent about half his life in Congress and has lived in Virginia for most of that time. In 1983, he bought a home in the Washington suburb of Herndon, Va. in order to be near his family while attending to his Congressional responsibilities. He currently rents a small apartment in Hamilton Township.
In 2000, Smith spent 73 days and 41 nights in his district, according to Congressional spending reports. That's 20% of his days (including travel days) and 11.23% of his nights. Since then, records show the number of days Smith spent in New Jersey has decreased almost every year.
2001- 59 days, 31 nights
2002 -56 days, 26 nights
2003- 47 days, 23 nights
2004 -43 days, 19 nights
2005 - 40 days, 15 nights
2006 - 29 days, 7 nights
2007 - 48 days, 22 nights
Over the last eight years, Smith has spent a total of 395 days and 184 nights in New Jersey while on official business. There have been some additional days during even years that aren't accounted for in the Congressional reports, since they were campaign stops and not paid for by his legislative office. But Smith himself says that the numbers are, by and large, accurate.
"I have no reason to question your numbers," said Smith, who said that he only spent seven nights in the district in 2006 because his wife was hospitalized for much of the year. "But the more important question is - and I think it's the only question - are you being effective?"
Smith is the only member of the state's Congressional delegation who does not own a home in New Jersey, but he said homeownership is not a credential for residency.
"Frankly it's an affront to say to anyone who does rent in New Jersey that they're any less a resident of a town," said Smith. "That tells you nothing other than the status of their financial situation at a given time, or a snap shot."
Surprised neighbor: ‘You're kidding'
Most of Smith's neighbors in the quaint, middle-class townhouse complex that he lists as his New Jersey residence were surprised - and sometimes elated -- to hear that their Congressman was also neighbor. PolitickerNJ.com knocked on all of the doors of the units that adjoin Smith's apartment, and of the six neighbors who answered, only one had ever seen Smith. Only two had any idea that he lived there.
Louise Ferrazano, a retired school teacher who lives two doors down from Smith, said that she's seen him a couple times over the last four years, always by himself. While she doesn't know many of her neighbors, she tends to see them more often than Smith.
Seven doors down, a resident said "you're kidding" when told that Chris Smith had an apartment about 100 feet away.
"I don't suppose that's illegal, but if you're representing a district, it would be nice to have the Congressman here," said the neighbor, who said that he's actually a fan of Smith's and didn't want his name used in anything that reflected negatively on him. "I like the way he votes on issues, so I wouldn't want to say anything derogatory."
A sacrifice for his district
Smith prides himself in the amount of work he gets done and argues that no member of the legislature is more in touch with his district's needs.
Raw statistics seem to bear that claim out. Since 1993, Smith has sponsored 326 bills in the House, 33 of which have passed. Combined, the 12 other members of the New Jersey delegation have sponsored and passed the same number of bills.
Since the Web site that tracks Congressional bills began counting in 1993, the numbers naturally favor Republicans, who controlled the House from 1995 to 2007. And, as the longest serving of New Jersey's delegation, Smith's seniority could have factored into his numerical advantage (Rep. Jim Saxton comes in second, passing 14 of the resolutions he sponsored).
But it wouldn't have been possible, Smith said, had he not been so dedicated to the job.
"Within our own district, I don't care what party you're from, whether you voted for me or not, we roll up our sleeves and try to leave no stone unturned on behalf of the constituents," Smith said.
Smith's constituent casework has won him accolades from many non-partisan advocacy groups. Project Freedom, a group that advocates development of housing for the disabled, is honoring him with their June Ronan Angel Award at an October gala. St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton is set to give him their Spirit of St. Francis Award. During one week last month, Smith said he received four awards.
"I'm not an award guy but I keep getting awards," said Smith. "And most of them emanate from the district itself."
He looks at it this way: to be the most effective Congressman in the state means that he needs to work hard day and night for his constituents in Washington committee rooms, hammering out compromises in weekend sessions and lobbying colleagues to get the bills passed.
Smith typically works 12 hours a day, six days a week. He writes his own speeches, comes up with most of his own ideas for legislation and pushes hard to get that legislation through.
"Case work and lawmaking are the two tests. It's not how many cocktail parties did you go to, how many backs did you slap, how many hands did you shake, although I like shaking hands," he said. "It's really all about your work product for your district."
Smith is careful not to criticize how his colleagues spend their time. Most, if not all of them, spend at least half of their days in their own districts. PolitickerNJ.com talked to the staffs of 11 of the 12 other Congressmen (Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen's staff did not return a request for comment), and they all typically head back to their districts as soon as voting ends on Thursday or Friday.
"Congressman Garrett owns a home in Wantage, N.J. and only rents a studio in Washington D.C.," said Mary Vought, press secretary for Rep. E. Scott Garrett. "It's extremely rare that he would be in Washington over the weekend, usually, as soon as votes are over he gets on the next train back to New Jersey so that he can spend more time with his family and attend district events."
Still Smith says that he considers the Garden State his home. He has a New Jersey driver's license, pays state taxes and votes here.
It's not that he prefers to live in Virginia. In fact, he views his time spent there more as a sacrifice.
"I'm on assignment here. I fight for New Jersey in Washington," he said. "I want to fight for my constituents and make a difference in Washington."
Family: ‘To me it's a priority'
Smith moved his young family to Herndon in 1983 - just two years after he entered the House. The decision to move, Smith said, came after he tried it both ways. In 1981 he rented an apartment in McLean, but the next year his family moved back to Hamilton. It was unbearable, Smith said, to spend the majority of his time apart from his family.
While Smith wouldn't speak for how other Congressmen handle their familial obligations, for him, being near his wife is paramount. It even makes him a better Congressman, he said.
"To me it's a priority to be with my wife and to be with my children," said Smith. "It's not a criticism... but it's a hardship for those who don't see their wives."
Smith has raised his four children in Virginia. The youngest of them currently attends one of the state's public universities. But Smith, who has made it a policy not to talk publicly about his children, would not say whether the family pays in-state tuition.
Like Smith, retiring Rep. Mike Ferguson also has four children, who are all still young, and he cited family obligations as the main reason for his decision not to seek re-election this year.
Political implications
Smith has faced questions about his residency in previous campaigns. In 2000, Assemblyman Reid Gusciora made it an issue in his own challenge to Smith.
Gusciora had faced criticism for living in Princeton, which is part of the neighboring 12th District. He countered that by pointing out that Smith spent more time in Virginia than the condo he owned at the time in Washington Township (Smith sold that four years ago and moved to his current rental in Hamilton).
During a debate, Gusciora even said that Smith probably didn't have a driver's license from his native state. Smith responded by showing holding up his valid New Jersey driver's license.
"I have heard people talk about the fact that he spends more time in Washington than he does at home, but it hasn't had traction as a campaign issue in the past," said Ingrid Reed, Director of the Eagleton Institute's New Jersey Project.
Reed said that Smith has a reputation for having excellent constituent services, which may be why that issue has never proved deadly for him in campaigns past.
"He's open that he does have his major residence in the D.C.-area and that's the way he's chosen to represent his people," she said. "It falls apart if he's challenged on it and his constituents, or the voters, demand or find that they want a different mode of their congressman operating. But as you know, by the way he's been re-elected, apparently he's effective as far as the voters are concerned."
But Smith's current opponent, Josh Zeitz, does think that Smith's residence is a relevant issue.
"There's no substitute for a Congressman living in his district, end of story," he said. "I've traveled this district extensively over the last eight months, and everywhere I go people make it clear they have not seen him in a very long time."
Zeitz, who himself only recently moved from outside of the district to Bordentown, where he grew up, said that he most often hears complaints about an affordability crisis in the state. While he admits that Smith has a laudable record on human rights, he hasn't paid enough attention to the issues the issues that are most affecting his constituents.
"He doesn't know there's an affordability crisis, because he's not here on the ground and doesn't share in the burdens of living in New Jersey," he said.
Zeitz bristled that Smith Campaign Manager Martin Gillespie recently pointed out to a Trenton Times reporter that Zeitz had lived outside of the district until recently and voted in New York.
"It is ironic that someone who has been voting in New York ... would make such a charge against Chris Smith, who is known here and has a reputation for working and fighting hard for the people of his district," Gillespie told the paper.
Zeitz moved from the district for college and graduate school, and spent time living in New York and Cambridge, England, where he taught history.
"I'm in my early 30s, and like a lot of people who were born and raised in central Jersey, I traveled out of state for college and grad school to see something of the world," said Zeitz. "My getting an education and my Congressman moving to Virginia are two completely incomparable things."
Residency issues are often brought up to criticize politicians.
Democratic incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg's critics often claim that he spends most of his non-Washington time at his wife's Manhattan apartment, pointing to a lost wallet in the back of a New York taxi as evidence. And the revelation that former Republican Senate candidate Andy Unanue did not own or rent a residence in New Jersey didn't help his short-lived candidacy.
Coming home
Smith said that, during his first reelection campaign in 1982, he was asked where he would go if then Senate President Joe Merlino, who was challenging him, won the election.
"I said I'd live in New Jersey," said Smith, and he hasn't wavered on that.
If and when Smith retires, he'll spend his days in his native state, he said.
"I love New Jersey. I love the shore," Smith said. "I miss the weeks as a kid that I spent in Belmar where my grandmother had a trailer. I had a paper route in Iselin."
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nice
great investigative reporting Matt.
Chris Smith has been absentee for 20+ years. This is more of an indictment against the D's for not fielding a credible candidate against him in years.
Plenty of NJ Congressmen (other than FL who lives on Park Ave) make the weekly commute to D.C. and still call their district home.
Smith likes the D.C. scene. He should quit Congress and stay there.
Zeitz would do better
Besides all the other negatives Smith already has, this is like a cherry on top.
The district would be in much better hands with Zeitz.
absentee representative
This is devastating stuff. The numbers on days and nights Smith spent in the district say it all. How can Smith represent people when he doesn't know their concerns? Who knows what else will turn up when reporters really start digging?
Fiscal WHAT ????
Someone needs to go check their facts .. It seems the buzz word this election cycle is being a "Fiscal Conservative."
We hear it from Leonard Lance, Dick Zimmer and the 472 establishment candidates recruited before him all said the same thing, (well Andy sent his statement from Colorado while skiing, but I digress.)
Chris Smith's record is atrocious on fiscal responsibility, rated near the bottom of the entire GOP caucus by groups like Club for Growth and the ACU, Smith is an anti-business, pro-spending Pro-Life Democrat.
You Guys Live Under a Rock!
Chris Smith is the best congressman New Jersey has ever seen - you guys must be living under a rock.
For example, my husband is a Veteran and Congressman Smith has stood up countless times for veterans like my husband, he did this against his own party's wishes. Look at his record! Smith is constantly fighting for the full funding of Veterans Benefits.
Sadly, this courageous action cost him his committee chairmanship. Suprising how the VA funding came up later for Veterans as an acknowledgment that Smith was right from the start. You are way off the mark by trying to label him some sort of inside-the-beltway DC insider. Smith has been a tireless advocate for our community and I am proud we have him in New Jersey!
Smith puts voters first
Smith is no inside-the-beltway politician but instead is willing to take on his own party and special interests for our district. How about when Smith took on President Bush to get funding for our veterans? He fought for us and lost his chairmanship of the committee because of it. And you know what? Because he put up a fight the veterans ended up getting the funding they so desperately needed.
I am proud to be represented by Smith simply because he is one of the few politicians in Washington who hasn't sold out to special interests, and his record shows it.
We need someone from OUR district and Smith blows Zeitz out
Do you guys really think that Smith fails to represent our district? Chris knows our district and has always fought for us.
I am a homegrown kid. I can tell you all that I know that Chris knows what it is like to be me. He has worked hard his entire life. Smith, like me, worked at a family store. He knows the importance of protecting the working class, as well as the family, and has done so.
If Smith has to live closer to Washington in order to fight for us, then so be it. At least he is working for us and getting stuff done.
Smith has done nothing but good for our great state. Fighting for the working class, our veterans, and our families. That is what I want in my representative, not just someone who lives in our district.
My next door neighbor lives in Jersey, but I think that he would make a horrible representative for our district.
This is not an investigative report, only a political hit job.
Why don't you look out for the common good instead of just sullying a great man's good name.
I thought this election was about issues...
and not the address of Chris Smith. Remind me again exactly what Josh Zeitz has done to find a cure for Autism? Oh right, nothing. And exactly what has Josh Zeitz done to save Lakehurst? Again, nothing. Lakehurst is only one of New Jersey's top employers and thanks to Smith thousands of people didn't lose their jobs. THANK YOU CHRIS SMITH!
Zeitz has done
nothing but write liberal books that nobody reads.
Zeitz has lived in New York for years
Josh just recently came back to New Jersey when he decided he would like to run for Congress. How convenient? He has never contributed anything of value to this community.
From Veterans to Human Rights to Health Care to Lower Taxes and more... Chris Smith has ALWAYS represented us well. Josh is a carpetbagger who is looking to wedge his way into New Jersey's political scene. The people of New Jersey know better and that is why we have always re-elected our congressman, Chris Smith.
A lot of representatives live in the DC area...
I don't understand why it is demanded so much that our representatives live in this state and spend so much time in this state. It's not like Smith doesn't have offices in New Jersey and from what I hear they do an excellent job at constituent services.
Are Montana representatives held to the high standard of spending tons of time in their state? I know New Jersey is not an incredibly long distance from D.C., but it's also not an afternoon drive to get to D.C. either.
I have no problem with a representative for New Jersey who raises his family closer to D.C. and spends most of his time there. Anybody who works a normal job typically lives near or at least in some close proximity to mass transit to get to that place of work and they raise there family there as well. In Virginia you can just hop on the metro and get to D.C., in New Jersey you can't. Being a Congressman is a full time job, sure they have some breaks, but for the most part it's like any other full time job. Are we really asking Congressman Smith to raise a family in NJ when he couldn't be there every day, let alone most of the week? Why the heck are we going to hold our Congressional Representatives to a different standard of where they live/where they raise a family then any other normal working joe?
You know it's not some abnormal thing to have a Congressman who doesn't live full time in the state he represents. Many congressman live around the D.C. area and raise their families there. Why are we going to condemn that? It's a ridiculous standard holding a congressmen to living and raising a family in the state they represent.
It's effectiveness that counts. Smith is in touch with New Jersey's issues and his districts needs. Just because he's not there full time doesn't mean he lacks understanding. His independence on certain issues are what gets him overwhelmingly elected every time and the people of that district respect that.
Anybody who criticizes this can try working full time in D.C. and raising their family in New Jersey and tell me they enjoy it. Sure some can handle the distance, but for others your asking a whole lot.
Friedman Nonsense
Chris Smith is always in touch with his constituents.Chris Smiths staff is the best in the business.Chris always stands by and supports woman,children and our veterans.Chris Smith is highly respected by Democrats and Republicans across the board in Washington.Chris Smith dedicated his life to public service.Chris is a family man who takes care of his sick wife..Matt should me ashamed of himself for spreading lies.But we are just going to work harder for Chris and in November we crush the neophyte Josh Zeitz and get 65 % of the vote again.
Typical
Congressman Smith has been a champion of local needs for like what, a quarter of a century? This is just a hit piece on a man of great character, nothing more. He has fought for and won battles that saved Lakehurst and other local military bases, fought for beach replenishment and a clean environment in NJ.
He is the voice NJ needs in Congress.
Smith is a joke
I can't believe this guy has gotten a pass for a generation. he doesn't even live in jersey anymore? How can he possibly help us?
I worked in DC for a while. 22 nights in district? Thats a joke. These guys get weeks upon weeks of recess where absolutely nothing is going in congress. Why isn't Chris Smith spending that time with his constituents.
It's for his retirement present. What do they get for retirement in Virginia?
Proud of Chris
Everyone who has met Chris Smith knows that he is an exception to the usual rule of professional politicians. Chris Smith is very much 'in touch' with his district, both politically and personally. His office has helped so many people with any number of problems. He is a humble and honest man (amazingly considering his position and seniority). Smith has tried hard to make a positive difference in the lives of his constituents. People in central Jersey and beyond have directly benefited from the hard work Chris and his staff have done. Chris has fought successfully for issues and causes that have seemed lost (autism awareness/funding, Veterans benefits, base closures, ocean dumping, etc.). He has never, from what i have seen, forgotten that the voters are his boss. It is a wonder that politicker would focus on such a non-story as this, especially with other truly news-worthy items out there. Chris is a credit to New Jersey and I for one am proud of Chris.
Chris Smith is a fine Congressman
This article gives Chris Smith full credit for being both a very effective Member of Congress (both nationally AND locally) and a devoted family man who knows how important it is to be near his wife and children. And yet his opponents feel the need to criticize him on this. Pretty sad.
His record - from his devotion to human rights around the world to his sterling constituent services to his willingness to take on his own leadership when he deems it necessary - speaks for itself, regardless of where he lives.
Is a great politician being condemned for doing what it takes?
Chris Smith has been the most responsive Congressman to the people’s needs, which is probably the reason he’s widely respected and continually re-elected. He reveals his heart and true character in his willingness to help people. As an academic without experience, Zeitz does not seem to have this quality. YET, are we seriously condemning him for working so hard in D.C. that he relocated his family there?
The whole premise of this article is ridiculous. Chris Smith is such a "go-getter" that he spends most of his time fighting for our issues. Being the family man that he is, he actually wants to be close to his family, so he moved them to D.C. In 2006 he was bearly in NJ because his wife was in the hospital with something life-threatening! What was it called again? The poor woman...and now Smith is being stoned for caring?? I almost feel offended for him. I usually don't respond to these things, but I am deeply troubled to think we could lose a great congressman...one who actually cares about our needs...due to the fact that he spends so much time fighting for us!
I pity Zeitz and Matt Friedman that this is all they could come up with to attack him on. I doubt his neighbors in D.C. would even know who he is if it wasn't for other familial connections. SO, Mr. Friedman, don't stone a guy for being a good family man and for fighting so hard on our behalf! There aren't enough politicians with this quality!!
NTU Ranking
The National Taxpayers Union released their latest rankings for elected House and Senate members and Chris Smith received: Smith D (26%) Not exactly favorable to the taxpaying American, is he ?
Thank you Chris!
Thank you Congressman Smith for your service to our district. You have fought for us on every issue and your record shows it. I am sick and tired of politicians on both sides of the aisle who spin lies and release hit pieces without lifting a finger to help us. Unlike your opponent in this race you actually understand that we are not ivy league snobs, but just regular people trying to make ends meet. No one in this entire state has done as much for their constituents as you have. I hope your family is well and that you're work on our behalf isn't too much of a burden. Keep up the good fight!
Autism's First Voice in DC
I sit here today reading some of the things written about Congressman Smith and I am saddened that my twelve year old son Danny cannot speak or type. Because if he could he would say Thank you Chris Smith!!!
He would say Thank you for being the first voice of the voiceless autistic children in Washington. Thank You for hearing the cries of the families in NJ who need a leader in Washington to ask why our kids, why so many and why now?
Chris Smith was the founding member of the Congressional Autism Caucus. He was the first to introduce and get passed the Children's Health Act. He has lead to a growth in more research funding with the Combating Autism Bill and more services for autistic children of our soldiers overseas. He voted against the Bush budgets when he felt NJ was being hurt and that is why he is in DC, he could not do that at a local town meeting.
I never thought 12 years ago I would need to stand on the steps of the Capital and cry out for a child's basic rights. I never dreamed that I would have the need to even meet my Congressman but when my wife and I heard the words autism all that changed. We dealt with our own child and then reached out for help. Along with so many others we found a leader in NJ to lean on for support and action. That man is Chris Smith!!! He gave us a Voice and we had the first ever autism rally at the Capital. People came from across the world and we got together and have formed strategies and friendships. Now with 1 in every 95 children in NJ being diagnosed with autism we need Chris Smith to be their voice. Please do not silence us for greed or power.
Why are the rest of you attacking Chris?
Besides envy, what motivation can you have for attacking Chris? He is one of the most trustworthy and effective congressmen in the nation, never mind New Jersey. This article is a disservice to our district. Zeitz is already showing that he cares more about himself than anything else. Josh, if you really want to serve the 4th district, drop out.
Quality over quantity
Let's face it folks, you'd expect a guy who represented the same Congressional District over 26 years to be able to do more and get more out of a trip back to the district, than a freshman or a relatively new person. It's a question of investing in knowledge in your district, versus maintaining accumulated knowledge and keeping it current.
Newer Members spend far more time back home because they need to forge relationships with key local leaders, shake a lot of hands, attend a lot of fundraisers, and learn a lot of local issues. An experienced Congressman already knows the key local leaders, knows the local issues, and knows many of the constituents. Newer members have a large 'up front' investment they need to make in their districts. It usually takes 10 years (at least) before you really know your district like the back of your hand. Once you've made that upfront investment, maintaining your knowledge and understanding takes a lot less time. Each trip back and forth is a 'refresher' course in what your district is all about.
Could Smith benefit from spending some more time back in NJ? Probably. But then again, he's in a position where he can get more out of his 40-60 days in NJ than a person with half his seniority can get in double that time. If Smith's 'work product' was mediocre, and his time spent back in the state was as described, then yes I could see this being an issue. But by all accounts, the guy works his tail off, produces results, and is not in politics to enrich himself (he's one of the least well off financially in the House of Representatives). I think those factors matter a great deal.
Another thing that people should know when assessing this article is that many politicians and famous people who try and spread themselves too thin for the benefit of their constituents often preside over very dysfunctional families. We've seen lots and lots of stories about politicians who are unfaithful to their spouses. We read stories about the kids of famous people whose kids are all messed up (like Coach Andy Reid of the Eagles), or who killed themselves (like Coach Tony Dungy of the Colts).
I think there are very serious benefits to constituents to be represented by a Congressman who makes their own family a priority, and knows that quality time with their kids and their wife matters. A good family man knows, on a first hand basis, what challenges the average father and mother go through in trying to raise their children properly.
A jet-setting Congressman who spends half their waking hours on airplanes or Amtrak going back and forth to the district, and 'contracts out' the responsibilities of fatherhood and motherhood to 'the hired help' -- is this what we really want in our Congressmen and women? Does spending hundreds or thousands of additional hours in a moving car, jet, or train make you better able to understand the challenges facing American families today? I seriously doubt it.
Yellow Journalism
I'm glad to see most people here feel the same way I do about Chris Smith. He is a tireless advocate for many of the people that seem to be forgotten by our other "representatives" (even the ones that stay in the state all year).
This article smells of a smear piece. The D's keep trying to replace him and can't, and in a state as liberal and out of touch as NJ is, continuing to allow D's to monopolize public policy and spending, that's saying something. I would suggest the fact that Chris is in touch with his constituency and goes to bat for people just looking for a fair shake, is a reason he keeps getting re-elected.
Too bad we don't have MORE people like Chris. He is one of the few shining stars NJ has to offer.
Residency
Chris Smith, by all accounts, is a responsive congressman. However, I think this is a legitimate story.
While we have the investigative pad out...
Remind me again how many nights Joe Roberts spends in Camden and how many down the shore?
wow
I think its pretty clear based off the comments that Smith will get 75% of the vote this year. Zeitz is out of his mind if he thinks he can beat Smith. Everyone in the district loves the guy!!! He's been a household central jersey name for the last quarter century and will continue to be for decades to come.
hey ESedler....
we're not comparing Chris Smith to Montana Congressmen, we're comparing him to the other 12 N.J. Congressmen.
They all live in NJ full time and are just as effective (if not more so) than Smith.
He's a do-nothing, Beltway lifer.
Total disgrace.
New Jersey has had a history of people who serve/served in the Congress and didn't live in the district.
Quite frankly, there is no residency rule for members to live in the district. Did anyone know the Speaker doesn't even need to be a member of Congress according to the Constitution?
Former Congressman Frank Guarini was long rumored to live in Manhattan as is our current senator, "Frank the fossil" Lautenberg.
Chris Smith has decided to move his family to Virginia. That was his choice. The voters have a choice to remove him from elected office. The man earns nearly $200,000 a year a member of congress. I'm sure he can afford to come to the district more than two months out of a calendar year. This is one of the shorter commutes for a house member. How about those members who live in Hawaii or Alaska?
This is a legitimate issue and he has a responsibility to actually reside some time in the district he's pretending to represent.
Shame on Democrats for failing to recruit a legitimate candidate to run against him....
Mr. Democrat
Doesn't matter what the twelve other NJ Congressman do. That's their decision and I wouldn't care if they primarily lived in Virginia.
Are you suggesting that it bothers you that Smith moved his family closer to D.C. to raise them and spend more time with them because he works there full time?
Smith does a lot, as mentioned in the article. He's very effective with the causes he primarily works on; veterans issues, human rights, autism.
Zeitz must be desperate
If he plans on making the residency issue the issue of the campaign. If so, he is conceding that he can't outsmart or debate Smith on the issues. Its all smoke and mirrors with Zeitz. The residency issue is a recycled story that pops up every cycle, and every cycle voters make the decision that Smith is an effective Congressman that gets things done for this district. The voters have rejected this washed up story time and time again, and they will again in 2008. Smith will win by another wide margin, and probably bigger given such a poor candidate Zeitz has proved to be.
Come post-election day 2008, Smith will continue to fight for us in Washington while Zeitz continues to write liberal books that nobody reads during the day and will return to his elitist cocktail parties at night.
Re: ESedler
Yes, it bothers me, and I think it would bother a majority of his constituents (if they knew about it, which judging by Smith's re-elect #s, they obviously don't).
The other 12 Congressmen have families and manage just fine. The "spend more time with my kids" response is a red herring. I can't buy that argument. Its a knee-jerk reaction when something negative is written.
Fact is....you're more likely to be "out of touch" with your constituents when you don't live in the District.
That's the definition of Smith.
How many nights
. . . has carpetbagger Hillary stayed in New York since she became Senator? This guy Zeitz sounds more like "Mean Murray" Sabrin than a credible candidate for Congress.
Mr. Democrat...
Fact is Cong. Smith happens to be very in touch with his district based off the fact that he has been re-elected how many times? Are you claiming that the voters of central jersey are stupid and ignorant? You sound like a prime Zeitz supporter. Are you guys going out for cheese and wine together tonight to vent your frustrations of the stupid and ignorant voters of central Jersey?
The only person ignorant is Josh Zeitz who thinks he can actually beat Smith because he's written some books and taught at some liberal institutions. Josh Zeitz... the "oh so enlightened one." Give me a break. Smith has far more in common with the voters then this tool.
Chris is faithful...to his faith, family, and job, in that order
Congressman Smith is a very, very good Congressman. He legislates successfully, as the article described the high number of laws he is responsible for seeing passed. He has been a congressional leader as Chairman of the Veteran's Committee, chairman of a Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, and a key ranking member of that committe now. Overseeing the hearing process and writing legislation takes time, and Chris, while supported by great staff, is a hands on legislator. He does the work...good work and it requires him to be on Capitol Hill doing the work. He determined that the best way to be the best Congressman he can be is to be near his wife and children. Do, they sacrificed their daily life in New Jersey to be near their husband and dad. He manages the best constituent services offices of any Congressperson, and knows his constituents' needs, and addresses them in the district, on the phone, and from his Congressional office in DC when federal or other officials are invited to meet with those with needs.
A young man like Zeitz needs to take a breath and think a little harder about judging how a very effective Congressman has also worked to be a most effective (and loving) husband and father, and now grandfather.
I think Chris spoke very well for himself. He has his priorities straight, and that makes him the best Congressman he can be...while being faithful to God and his family. He is the real deal when it comes to a Congressman with Character.
I'm a loyal republican and a resident of the fighting
fourth and it does kind of bother me that he is rarely in the district. I've voted for him twice and cannot see myself voting for Zeitz, but I would like to see him in Hamilton and the rest of the district more.
Smithies Unhinged
This is a really nasty thread. Some of the commentators make some good points about Smith's record, and others raise legitimate questions about a congressman setting up permenant shop in another state. Can't we can have a respectful debate about whether Smith has been an effective congressman? The anger level here -- directed against Zeitz, and even against the reporter who wrote this article, named Friedman -- is scary. Friedman is just doing his job, and Zeitz doesn't seem to have said anything very unusual, other than saying that he believes congressmen should come home to their districts.
Why is it that every time someone writes an article on Chris Smith, his supporters flood this website with angry rhetoric against his political opponents. We're supposed to have an election every two years, right? Congressmen aren't monarchs. Is it necessary to throw mud at Smith's opponents, or against reporters who cover the election? It seems like Smith supporters are offended that their guy even has to go through the process of running every two years. But that's how the American system works.
Smith has done some good stuff in his career. Why not just point out his accomplishments and stick to the issues? At the end of the day, no one seems to be addressing the main point of this article-- Smith openly admits that he hardly ever makes it back to NJ. Let's keep to the issue at hand and cut out the trash talk.
Sounds like a great deal...
Get elected to Congress. Make $160,000 a year (taxpayer financed). Travel the world on the taxpayer's dime. Live in Virginia where the property taxes are low. Ask other people to fight your battles for you on the blogs. Here's the million dollar question. Will Chris Smith show us enough respect to come home and fight his own battles? I've lived here all my life. I even voted for Smith a few times (not usually, but two or three times). But this is ridiculous. Enough is enough. Come home or go away.
This article is not a story. It's ridiculous.
Can we focus on the issues now?
I am still reading this article. It is very long!
Just a comment. I hope that a piece on Frank's residency is coming next. I cannot wait for the following piece on Zimmer's residency. As a treat, Matt Friedman will write a piece on Andy Unanue's residency in ... Colorado.
With a piece like this as a
With a piece like this as a reward for 27-plus years of exemplary services, it's no wonder that few people with any shred of decency choose to enter public service any more.
Attempts to cast Chris Smith as a creature of Washington are simply untrue and will stand up to any and all scrutiny. The man is being punished for putting his family first and foremost in his life. As another commentator referenced, how many stories have we heard of broken families and messed up children of politicians? Is it any wonder that in many of these cases, the politician neglected his family and was largely absentee?
The facts are quite clear: Throughout his career, Chris Smith has been able to achieve an ideal work-life balance that has enabled him to put his family and consituents first. When in Washington, he works extremely hard serving the people. While other lawmakers spend their days at fancy political lunches and receptions or dialing for dollars, Smith is busy writing laws and making public policy to benefit his constituents, as well as some of the most neglected and overlooked people in the world. When some politicians take fancy "fact finding trips" to desirable vacation destinations, Smith often goes to God-forsaken corners of the globe or to international assemblies where he spends 18 hours a day advocating for human rights.
While scrutiny of this kind is certainly fair game for anyone who chooses to stand before the voters, I hope the message being sent is not decent familymen and familywomen need not apply to represent their consituents in Congress.
Chris Smith
He represents my district. I am a lifelong Dem who has voted for Smith each time (the only Repub I have ever voted for),and likely will again. I do not love the fact that he spends all his time in DC; but I have written or called his office a few times over the years and he has personally called me back each time (and spent time talking to me). I can't imagine other Congressman do the same. I am not anti-Zeitz, as he seems like a good guy; but I will vote for Smith until he gives me a reason not to. This one doesn't do it.
Smear Job
This article is a smear job that is completely bias against Chris Smith .This so called investigative reporting by Mr Friedman who clearly is a Josh Zeitz supporter reaks of a hit job.Why don"t you talk about the issues and the platform of both candidates.The bottom line is after you clear the smoke and mirrors Chris Smiths record and reputation is impeccable and speaks for it self.
Disgusting!
As a registered Indie, this is one of the reasons why I never really chose a party!
With that being said, I do think that Zeitz and his crew are desperate and they know they have no chance against Smith so lets start throwing stupid, assine salvos to smear this man.
Smith wins by at least 10$
PolitickerNJ....
...needs to explain the reasoning behind the story. I would hope, in the spirtit of true journalism and fairness, that Mr. Friedman now go on knocking on every other NJ Congressman's neighbor's doors, including Frank Pallone who moved his family to Washington like Smith did.
I agree with tigeryankee that this story seems to be a smear job rather thank fair reporting.
It's the silly season again
It's the silly season again - time for the usual stories about "shocking scandals" involving politicians. So what is the big news here: Chris Smith chooses to have his family live with him in the same house all year round instead of just seeing them on weekends, holidays, and vacations!
Good God, what kind of a man is he?? Next we'll hear that he believes in... God! Want another "shocking" revelation: some neighbors at his Hamilton apartment building don't know he's a Congressman. Quick, roll the video?
Actually, I almost feel sorry for Josh Zeitz, who appears to be the latest in a long line of Chris Smith opponents who just don't understand how he can possibly win this congressional seat... until after the election... when he win's by ever larger margins. But every two years, a new fresh- faced candidate (sometimes not so fresh), announces that they can beat Smith... that "this year it will be different." How so?
Well, this time they'll EXPOSE the "hidden facts" about Mr. Smith. Did you know he's ... "pro-life"? SHOCKING! Did you know he sometimes votes for legislation that other Republican's voted for? SHOCKING! Did you know he spends more time in the DC-area (which, BTW, is where Congress meets), than he does in NJ? SCANDALOUS! Sure, all these "issues" have been extensively covered by the local press for literally decades, but this year... well "this year will be different."
O....K....
What did Einstein say about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?
Wayne DeAngelo or Gino Melone
I think Smith has done a decent job even if he is a fiscal "moderate." I have seen him speak and you can tell he is very devoted to the area.
Some newbie like Zeitz has no chance. This is a district that is not liberal, it has alot of middle America in it. Even the part of Trenton thats in it is still very Italian, in fact conservative Democrat Gino Melone is their Councilman and they gave Smith 45% of the vote. Bob Martin also split precincts here with Shirley Turner in 2007.
The only way this race could even be interesting would be if DeAngelo, who is a fairly conservative labor-oriented Democrat or Melone who is a longtime Councilman ran. But even with either of those candidates (both of whom I think would be decent Congressmen), Smith's long service and excellent response to public need would be hard to beat. Smith is also only 55 or so, I think he will be the Dean of the House.
Wow.
Seriously, why does this residency issue get trundled out, election after election as if it matters to the voters of the 4th? Like this is news? Wow, way to go... Chris Smith moved to VA in 1983! Way to scoop the other political blogs!! I've never felt especially compelled to comment on anything written here, but this is probably the lamest and most desperate smear piece on Chris Smith I think I have ever read. Amy Vasquez tried this, Carol Gay tried this and it didn't work for either of them. Supporters know from the man directly that Smith's wife has been ill, and the fact that he has to go public with his wife's health issues over a campaign smear piece turns my stomach; my ferverent hope is that this time it will blow up in Zeitz's face in such a way that Smith's 2010 opponent might actually try running a campaign on issues.
Issues like autism, for example... if Zeitz is so in touch with the voters of this district, does he even know what autism is or what a hero Chris Smith is to those of us who are dealing with this heartbreaking disorder in our families? He was leading that charge on the Hill more than 10 before it became fashionable to do so - in LARGE PART TO HIM LISTENING TO HIS CONSTITUENTS. You know. The people he is so out of touch with?? Just on this one very crticial New Jersey issue, he saw the healthcare trainwreck that autism could be and actually went to work a decade ago, trying to get firm incidence numbers and criticizing the CDC for being asleep at the wheel. Thanks to his good work we learned last year that NJ has the highest incidence of autism in the nation, costing taxpayers 90 billion annually to cope with... and those of us who have been lobbying on this issue in Washington are watching the rest of the delegation in this state scramble to run on "autism records" they don't have because suddenly it's timely and they can't ignore it anymore. On behalf of the autistic kids, thank you Chris Smith.
This whole piece would be funny except that it is fueled with such bile and vitriol, it's disgusting.
Chris Smith is a true legislator.
There is great pressure on the family of a Congressman because they are in session weekdays while the children are in school. No one can blame a legislator for bringing his family to the beltway. Many do. That aside, there is no other criticism that Josh Zeitz can find with the Congressman b/c your article speaks for itself in its praise of his tenure. He has been a fierce advoate for the veterans, protected Lakehurst when every other base in NJ fell to BRAC, a leader in the fight against autism, and human rights abuses. Remember his trip to Burma to save the young woman who had been arrested for protesting human rights abuses there? Josh Zeitz claims he moved here after finishing school. He also says he's in his early thirties - how many years does it take to get a masters degree?
Balancing work and family
I think part of the reason so many people's emotions get worked up over this story, is because the story touches a very raw nerve that is near and dear to most Americans: how to balance the needs of work and family.
The fact is, there is no one magic balance that can apply to everybody. Every family needs to find its own stable equilibrium.
Smith has clearly decided he's found his balance. In his case, he spends less time than perhaps other NJ Congressmen and Senators in the state. But then again, how many of Smith's NJ colleagues have stable marriages and solid relationships with their kids? Having known Smith personally for some time, and seen him at various Hamilton and Ocean County functions, I can vouch that he is a solid family man who takes great pride in attending his kids' sports games, and knowing what they're up to in school. Can every other NJ politician say the same? Many of his colleagues are divorced.
But the real issue is, has Smith's balance worked? Has it paid off? I think, on the review of evidence, the answer is an overwhelming 'hell yes!' His family is in good shape by all accounts, and his work performance has been noted by many as top notch.
Where's the beef? It seems Smith has found a way to balance the needs of work and family. Why throw rocks at the guy? Most of us spend our whole lives trying to balance the competing needs of work and family and never get it exactly right.
Where have all these poster been for the last year?
I hate when the campaigns send these chumps on.
Chris Smith's living Arrangements VS. Josh Zeitz's
Puff Piece. How can a man that hasn't lived in New Jersey for the past couple years, obviously moved back just so he could run for government office, complain about the living arrangements of his opponent? You want to run for Rep in NJ. Fine. You move back from living out of the country to do so. Fine. You want to make your opponent's living arrangements a point in your campaign when you yourself haven't even been living in NJ. Lame!