South Jersey Democrat Expects Party To Make Gains In House
By David Madden
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) - Two local Republican members of Congress have indicated in recent weeks they would not seek re-election this year. One Democrat colleague in the House sees a chance to turn those seats over to his party.
Whether it's changing demographics or a general disdain with the status quo in Washington, South Jersey Congressman Rob Andrews sees a good chance for his party to pick up seats being abandoned by Republicans Jon Runyan in Burlington and Ocean Counties, along with Jim Gerlach in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
"The more competitive seats we have, the better chance we have of winning the house," Andrews said. "These are two races that are plausible for us to win."
Andrews, who is all but certain to seek his 12th term in Congress, doesn't expect the November election to serve as a national referendum. Rather he sees 435 local races…with local concerns.
