Senate Candidates Home | Congressional Map | Senator Bob Menendez
Senator Bob Menendez Democrat of New Jersey
For U.S Senate in 2012Statistics
Party: Democrat
Born: January 1, 1954
Education: Saint Peters College, B.A. 1976; Rutgers U. J.D. 1979
Occupation: Attorney, Author
Family: Divorced; two children
Religion: Roman Catholic
Political Career: Union City Board of Education, 1974-82; mayor of Union City, 1986-92; N.J. Assembly 1987-91; N.J. Senate 1991-93; U.S. House 1993-2006; U.S. Senate 2006-present
Committees: Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Finance; Foreign Relations; Chairman Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee 2008-2010
Why Your Support
Menendez is the only Hispanic in the Senate and the first of either party elected to a leadership post in Congress when he served as House Democratic Caucus chairman before his appointment to the Senate in 2006. He works particularly hard to protect the rights not only of Hispanics but also of all immigrants. Menendez is known for his strong support for women, children and families. “I know personally the struggles many families are facing…every family has its own story and its own challenges. Government certainly doesn't have all the answers, but there is a role for the federal government to provide a support structure to help families meet those challenges.”
Although New Jersey is considered a “blue state,” in November of 2009 the state elected its first Republican Governor in 12 years, conservative Chris Christie. Christie has become a national poster child for the Republican Party because of austerity measures and severe budget cuts he has imposed. New Jersey’s “blue” hue is not so bright and Menendez could be vulnerable, especially if challenged by one of the state’s popular GOP members of Congress, Chris Smith or Leonard Lance. JAC would lose an ally with a consistent positive vote on ours issues.
Background
Benjamin Franklin described New Jersey as “a valley of humility between two mountains of conceit.” In colonial days, New Jersey was overshadowed by New York and Philadelphia. However, Thomas Edison’s laboratory at Menlo Park gave birth to General Electric and Bell Labs. Today, New Jersey has transitioned from reliance on vegetable farming (thus the nickname Garden State) to become a powerhouse in cutting-edge technology. Geographically, there is great diversity in a relatively small area – from beaches to mountains. Demographically, there is old Quaker stock and new Hispanic arrivals. Economically, there are inner city slums but also huge hunt-country mansions.
The state ranks 11th in population, with a median income of $66,509 and a median age of 38.2yrs. Obama carried New Jersey with 57% in 2008; Kerry carried the state with 53% in 2004.
About The Candidate
Bob Menendez’ story is the quintessential American story. He grew up the son of immigrants in a tenement building in Union City and has risen to become one of 100 United States Senators and a member of the Democratic leadership. Menendez attended public schools and the state’s universities. He became involved in public service as a 19-year-old college student when he launched a successful petition drive to reform his local school board. He served as a school board member, a mayor and a state legislator. Senator Menendez has an excellent voting record on JAC’s issues and has spoken out for a woman’s right to choose and the importance of Supreme Court justices who will uphold Roe v. Wade.
