The Alternative Press

PATERSON, NJ – The independent candidate in the 9^th District congressional race is calling for a series of monthly debates between now and Election Day.

The candidate, E. David Smith, a rabbi and attorney from Passaic, issued the challenge last Thursday.

"Nearly 50% of the registered voters in the 9th are independent voters and they want their issues discussed,’’ Smith said in a press release. “They also know that the parties promise and don't deliver.  The $15 trillion in debt is from both parties.  The parties are not the solution, they just get votes by rote as voters desperately see-saw in the hope that this one will be better than the other one."

Rep. Bill Pascrell won Tuesday’s bitter Democratic primary, while Shmulney Boteach of Englewood won the Republican contest.

When asked whether Pascrell would participate in the Smoith debate proposal, Pascrell’s spokesman Paul Brubaker said,  "Congressman Pascrell takes every election seriously. He looks forward to discussing issues concerning northern New Jersey's middle class between now and November. Right now, the foremost thought in Congressman Pascrell's mind is deep and sincere gratitude to the voters who so overwhelmingly expressed their confidence in him on Tuesday."  

Boteach, who is also a rabbie, declined to comment on Smith’s challenge.

"This is the Pascrell-Smith-Boteach race because the Republicans have the smallest showing in this district,’’ Smith proclaimed. “Actually, there are more independents than Democrats but we will let Mr. Pascrell's name be listed first because he is the incumbent."