Payne Gets Senate Endorsement

US Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) endorsed Donald M. Payne, Jr. to represent the 10th Congressional District, Menendez’s office said in a statement.

“Donald has the skill, the passion and the commitment to make a difference in Congress.” Senator Menendez continued, “Whether it is working on innovative public/private partnerships to create jobs, helping young people get the skills they need to compete in the job market or working with Planned Parenthood to provide affordable women’s health care, Donald Payne, Jr. lives up to his slogan-The guy who gets things done.”

Payne, the president of the Newark Municipal Council, is seeking the seat previously held by his father, Donald Payne Sr, who died in March. Three other candidates are seeking the seat, including Ron Rice Jr., Payne’s colleague on the municipal council.

Menendez said he rarely endorses in special elections, but  ”The stakes in
Washington are higher than ever,” he said in a statement. “While the extreme Republicans in Congress look to turn the clock back on families, on women and on seniors, Donald Payne, Jr. will be an unwavering advocate for the people he represents. Donald has the strength of character and the experience to stand up to the House Republicans and their Tea Party allies.”

“I was proud to work with Congressman Payne and to call him a friend. His passing leaves us all poorer. While I have enormous respect for all three candidates, I am strongly endorsing Donald Payne, Jr. to carry
on the work on Congressman Payne, not because he is his son, but because he has the skills and the vision to carry on that record of outstanding public service,” Menendez added.