Teaneck Democratic Councilman Endorses Rep. Scott Garrett For Reelection

TEANECK, N.J. — Democratic Councilman Mark Schwartz has endorsed Rep. Scott Garrett, a Republican, for reelection to New Jersey's 5th Congressional District.

Schwartz cited Garrett's record of never voting to raise taxes and him being an advocate for the State of Israel as reasons for the endorsement.

"We should be honored to give him our votes and send him back for another term," Schwartz said in a statement Monday. "It's imperative that Scott be able to continue his work, and I'm honored to put Teaneck ahead of party and reach across the aisle and give him my support."

Garrett has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation supporting Israel’s right to defend its sovereignty, recognizing Jerusalem as the absolute capital of Israel, and condemning Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. He introduced the Jerusalem Embassy Recognition Act, and cosponsored the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act.

As a member of the Iran Sanctions Conference Committee, Garrett called for sanctions against the Iranian regime, and has subsequently opposed President Obama's Iran nuclear arms deal.

Garrett is running for an eighth consecutive term against Democrat Josh Gottheimer, a former Microsoft executive and speechwriter for President Bill Clinton from Wyckoff. Garrett said he was "honored" to receive Schwartz's endorsement.

“Mark is a tireless advocate of the people of Teaneck and the 5th District. On issues close to home, there can be no compromise," Garrett said. "Mark and I agree that we can never raise taxes on our families, and that we can never compromise the security of the United States and Israel.”

Teaneck is split between the 5th and 9th congressional districts. About 80 percent of the township is located in the 5th District. The redistricting took effect in January 2013 and was based on the results of the November 2012 general election, making Teaneck one of 14 municipalities, and the only one in Bergen County, to be split across two districts.

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