PSEG Faces Backlash Over Support Of Rep. Scott Garrett: Reports

The ripples of Public Service Electric and Gas' decision to support 5th District Republican Rep. Scott Garrett continue to be felt.

People protested outside the utility company's Elizabeth office last week with signs stating "don't donate to hate," and stop funding bigots," NJ.com reported.

State Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen, Passaic) attended the rally and said in the report that Garrett "really doesn't represent New Jersey. He represents something far more right-wing that our state is."

Garrett has faced considerable criticism from his constituents, businesses, and organizations regarding comments he made a year ago about his refusal to pay dues supporting the House's fundraising campaign because it supports gay candidates.

The state's largest utility donated to a Political Action Committee that donates to federal candidates that "support its business interests," The Record reported, which includes Garrett. The PAC is funded by employees, according to mycentraljersey.com.

"While we know that there are many critical social and human rights issues confronting the country today, our employees fund the PAC to support our business agenda," the statement said. "So, we focus solely on business issues when making PAC contributions."

State Senate President Stephen Sweeney announced Sunday night that he would back out of a breakfast sponsored by PSEG, according to The Record.

He said in the report that he hopes the utility, "does the right thing by condemning Rep. Scott Garrett, requests the return of its money, and commits to never supporting him again."

Garrett is facing growing competition from Democratic challenger Josh Gottheimer in state's only competitive House race. Gottheimer is a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton.

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Photo: Scott Garrett, photo via Wikimedia Commons, used with permission