Politics & Government

Pascrell Wins 9th District

Incumbent Democrat defeats Englewood Rabbi for redrawn congressional district.

Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell has defeated Republican challenger Shmuley Boteach for the redrawn 9th district, the Associated Press reports.  

Pascrell was expected to capture the heavily Democratic district, but faced a media blitz from Boteach, a celebrity rabbi known for his book "Kosher Sex" and his reality show. 

Despite vying for a district where voter registrations favor Democrats, Boteach received more than $1 million in support from casino mogul Sheldon Adelson to a SuperPAC backing him. 

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The rabbi's platform included making marriage counseling tax-deductible, support for school vouchers and less government intrusion in business.

An eight-term congressman, Pascrell came to the new 9th district following a bitter primary fight with his longtime friend and fellow Democrat Rep. Steve Rothman. 

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Pascrell focused on economic issues, social security, foreclosures and veterans issues. 

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