Newt Gingrich

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: Photo by Getty ImagesAfter launching a Web site yesterday tying Democratic primary challenger Rob Andrews to the Bush Administration’s Iraq policies, incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s campaign put out a press release today digging up some votes Andrews cast in the 1990s that they say demonstrate that he was an acolyte of then-Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

The release noted Andrews’s yes votes on four bills that were part of the Republicans’ Contract with America in January, 1995, and that he voted for the Contract’s provisions more than any other Democratic member of the New Jersey delegation. In three of the bills highlighted, Andrews was joined by at least one other New Jersey Democrat, although no other state Democrats joined him in voting against a balanced budget amendment.

“Andrews cast 31 votes with the GOP majority and against the Democratic minority on portions of the Contract with America,” read the release. “Among these were votes threatening the health and safety of disadvantaged children and the stability of Medicare and Medicaid.”

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama had three fundraising events scheduled in New Jersey today, and will pick up the endorsement of Newark Mayor Cory Booker.  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is signing books today at the Borders in Bridgewater.  President George W. Bush will be in Edison on May 30 to raise money for the New Jersey Republican State Committee.