Lautenberg family rejects Booker (WTF?)

[Tx4obama]

Frank Lautenberg family backs Frank Pallone, knocks Cory Booker

Family members of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) said Monday they’re backing Rep. Frank Pallone in the Aug. 13 Democratic primary to fill the seat — and took a swipe at Newark Mayor Cory Booker while they were at it.

“Frank Pallone knows that gimmicks and celebrity status won’t get you very far in the real battles that Democrats face in the future,” members of Lautenberg’s family said in a statement. “… While it may not always attract glamorous headlines, Frank knows that to be effective you must put New Jersey and your principles first, not your own glory.”

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Still, some of Lautenberg’s political advisers have moved on to work for Booker: Lautenberg’s former campaign manager, Brendan Gill, and his communications director, Julie Roginsky, both work as advisers to Booker now, and Booker is using the same media and polling firms that Lautenberg used.

Most polling in the race shows Booker with a large double-digit lead over Pallone and the other candidates in the race, Rep. Rush Holt and state Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver.

Full article here: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/cory-booker-senate-election-frank-lautenberg-frank-pallone-93818.html?hp=r1

[msongs]

1. maybe they are looking for more substance than glitz and PR razzle dazzle nt

[MrSlayer]

2. Booker is the exact opposite of what we need.

His type, the Wall Street suck up type, are what has pretty much destroyed this party and this country. A Reaganite through and through. Good for the Lautenbergs.

I'd rather see Holt win personally but anyone but Booker should be the mantra.

[madaboutharry]

3. Rush Holt and Frank Pallone

are true liberals and unabashed democrats.

[BeyondGeography]

4. Booker had the temerity to openly consider running for Lautenberg's seat while he was still alive

There is no principle involved here, just hard feelings.

[Beacool]

5. They feel that he disrespected Senator Lautenberg.

Booker announced early this year that he wanted to run for Lautenberg's seat. One glitch though, Lautenberg hadn't decided whether he wanted to retire.

Booker is brash and pushy, he offended the Senator and many of his supporters in NJ. He may win the senate seat, but there are some in NJ who won't forget what he did.

[JustAnotherGen]

6. I'm voting for Pallone

In the Primary. It's not a big deal. And no worries. At the end of the day everyone registered as a Democratic Party member is going to the polls in October and voting Booker. They can talk all they want about being a petulant snot if they don't get their way - but we know we have a duty to do here in Nj -


Since try as we might -and as much as I personally want Buono to be Governor - we aren't going to be able to get rid of Governer Dougboy.

It's the only punch in the face we can give to the IndieTeaPublican Party in the fall. Although - I hope folks wise up and realize that Doughboy is REALLY running for President right now - he doesn't give a shit about being Governor anymore. But they aren't.

ETA: This is a petty thing - but a significant thing . . .
http://allevents.in/New%20York/NYC-Young-Professionals-for-Cory-Booker/395048020612510
Showed up on my twitter feed (following him) yesterday. But that's why in spite of him winning the Primary as a 'given' I'm more comfortable voting for Pallone. There are several young professional organizations in NJ with just as much money to 'give' as the one in New York City. I know - I was involved in two until my priorities changed the past year or so and I've sort of aged out. My husband was as well. There are young hip entrepreneurs here too. It's fine to go to this but he better stop just assuming he's going to win and get VOTERS in NJ at THEIR events.

Petty - but they can't vote for him see? I guarantee quite a few LIVE across the bridge whereas is you are in Central NJ in the Telecom and Pharma alley - there's a good chance you live close to where you work.

[dsc]

7. good for them

Booker is pro wall street and anti teacher. He will be a significant step down from Lautenberg and frankly is a huge example of what is wrong with the party both in NJ and outside of it.

[Chan790]

8. This. n/t

[KamaAina]

9. Why WTF?

Are the Lautenbergs under some obligation to support the candidate who generates the most media noise?

[tallahasseedem]

10. Cory Booker is not always on our side...

he is about being a celebrity first, Wall Street second and then maybe some Dem values later on.

[Beacool]

11. Yes, he's the type of politician who rebels in being in front of a camera.

Like someone said, he wants to be the bride at the wedding and the corpse at the funeral.

[karynnj]

12. There is nothing wrong with them supporting Pallone, who they likely agree with more

However, it is very obvious that Booker will get the nomination -- and we will see the family support the Democrat - Booker. Both Pallone and Holt are outstanding Congressmen.

[tabbycat31]

13. This does not surprise me

It was well known that Booker and Lautenberg did not especially get along, particularly towards the end when Booker forced Lautenberg into retirement (I was at his retirement announcement). The feeling I got in the room at the retirement announcement was that people thought Booker was a punk who should have waited his turn (remember governor, LG-- a running mate position--, and senator are the only statewide elected offices in NJ so there's a deep bench with few positions).

Ideologically, the closest candidates to Lautenberg would be Pallone or Holt.

(Disclaimer, I already voted for Pallone).

[The Great Dadda]

14. I like Booker

His track record is one of progressiveness and aid towards the poor.