Englewood, NJ – New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman’s defeat in the Democratic primary on June 5 has presented the state’s 9th district Jewish voters with a choice, between a non-Jewish Democrat and his rival, a Jewish Republican.
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Democrats consider the district safe, meaning they do not feel it is in danger of falling into Republican hands and most Jewish residents of the newly-drawn 9th district, which includes Bergen, Passaic and parts of Hudson counties, are also seen as leaning heavily toward the Democratic side.
For them, Steve Rothman was an ideal candidate. One of the top players on the pro-Israel scene, a moderate in his views, and well known to his fellow Jewish constituents.
His rival, and now the Democratic candidate, Bill Pascrell has less of a track record with the Jewish community. He previously represented a district with a more significant Muslim population and had less contact with Jewish voters and activists.
Pascrell will be facing in November Rabbi Shmuli Boteach, the winner of the Republican primary. Boteach, who aims to be the first rabbi elected to Congress, is well known both within the Jewish community and outside. A rabbi to the stars who has broadened his reach to write about sex, family life, and Jesus Christ, Boteach is hoping to win over Jewish voters who might have voted for Rothman but are now wary about Pascrell.
Boteach has become a media focused celebrity and now wants the spotlight of a politician. Unfortunately, he will lose badly in the general election. The Jewish vote in this district, even if it goes for Boteach, will not be nearly large enough to offset the Democratic regisration edge.
The guys a little crazy and a little modern ( what else to expect from a Hollywood rabbi) but not a bad guy at heart, certainly far better than this muslim-associated democrat.
I’d vote for him. So would a lot of others.
Rabbi Schmuley is the type of guy you want to take to a automobile race. I might like sitting with this guy and watching the cars go around in circles.
I live in BC. Trust me, he has virtually no shot. Rothman was well known and got less than 40% of the vote, which is effectively a landslide. Boteach is a virtual unknown. I would be surprised if he even gets 30%. Pascrell is extremely popular in his community.
If he gets 10% of the vote I would consider it a neis. But I am intensely curious to to see his pitch to the Muslim community. We may be surprised at the response.
I emailed him a number of times asking for his stance on ObamaCare, in the event the Supreme Court doesn’t rule it unconstitutional. Its been a few weeks and he hasn’t answered.
Why’s he campaigning under the “Rabbi” banner?
…seems he wants it all… Kedusha, tumoh,
Church, state, the “rebbe”, Michael Jackson….
Now Madonna…
Each on it’s own, nu….
But the kugel recipe he’s concocted leaves me with a horrible taste.
In the secular Jewish market his book sells for obvious reasons.
But that will not get him elected by the Goyim because by the Goyim he is no big metzia.
The Goyim have much more proste, vulgar books and don’t need his.
In answer to your title question…I hope not!
Vote for Shmuley Boteach
Your roses will be more red
Your danishes will be more abundant
The day will go better
Shmuley for Congress
Everyone needs a rabbi who loves the idea of a kosher j-man.
Horray!
Boteach proves that it’s not a good idea to vote for a candidate based on his religious affiliation or ethnicity. The subject matter of his books — specifically the last one about Kosher J — proves how “unorthodox” his approach will probably to issues concerning the frum community,
I will vote for him any day.
all politicians are abit meshuega – who cares?
I’d rather have a guy like him – and a chabdnik abissel in Congress than many other contenders. At least he’s open to EVERYONE!!!
What can I say..some of the negative comments must be jealous?
Pascrell eagerly socialized and receives endorsements from Mislim Clerics in Paterson that preach Jihad and openly support Hamas.
If Shmuley wants to win, all he has to do is respond to every question pose to him with the following; “Did you know that Pascrell associates with Jihad and Hamas supporters?”
If he does this, he will win 70-30.