Tuesday Is D-Day For Gottheimer And Garrett

WYCKOFF, N.J. — The representation of New Jersey's 5th Congressional District could radically change Tuesday if Democrat Josh Gottheimer wins.

If elected, Gottheimer would be the first non-Republican to represent the district since Percy Hamilton Stewart did so in the early 1930s.

The campaign between Republican Scott Garrett and Gottheimer has reached a fever pitch in the last two weeks, with both sides calling the other a liar and accusing one another of doctoring images in campaign materials. One political watchdog group has classified the race as leaning toward Gottheimer winning.

Gottheimer's campaign has spent a considerable amount of time attacking Garrett, citing reports calling the seven-term incumbent a bigot and Tea Party obstructionist.

The former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton has also spent a considerable amount of campaign ink attacking Garrett's voting record, referencing him not supporting legislation designed to help 9/11 first responders. He has said that Garrett does not represent "Jersey values."

Garrett has also come under attack since Politico reported last year he refused to pay his dues to the National Republican Congressional Committee because it backs gay candidates.

Gottheimer, a socially progressive, fiscal-conservative has received endorsements from the National Association of Realtors, the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association, and the union representing more than 5,000 firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and dispatchers in New Jersey and the Sierra Club.

The district is made up of municipalities in Bergen, Sussex, Passaic, and Warren counties. In Bergen, the municipalities include: Fair Lawn, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Hillsdale, Mahwah, New Milford, Oakland, Oradell, Paramus, Ramsey, Ridgewood, River Edge, Teaneck, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Wyckoff.

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Photos: Rep. Scott Garrett and Josh Gottheimer — Wikimedia Commons and Josh4Congress