Congressman Chris Smith was re-elected by the voters of the Fourth Congressional District to the 2015-2016 114th Congress Tuesday night. The latest preliminary numbers compiled show he won a landslide victory of at least 67.95 percent of the vote.
Representing large parts of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, Smith, 61, ran on a record that included strong constituent service and having the fourth-highest number of House bills enacted into law. Two 2014 laws he authored on autism and international child abduction prevention, and a House-passed international version of Megan’s Law to protect children from predators, all stemmed from casework involving New Jersey residents. He also ran on his work on human rights, Alzheimer’s disease, Lyme and Ebola and promoting job creation and protecting the workers at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Smith issued the following statement:
“Words are inadequate to express my gratitude and thanks to all who made tonight’s election victory possible.
“First, thanks to my wife Marie and my family. Marie isn’t just the love of my life but the source of countless encouragements, wisdom and practical direction.
“Special thanks to my dedicated professional staff all of whom, like me, regard the work of lawmaking and constituent casework not as a job—but a mission.
“Special thanks as well to County Chairman Shaun Golden, and this extraordinary party of individuals, for selecting exceptional candidates for office and for working tirelessly to make government work at all levels for the people and not the other way around.
“And thank you voters for your support and trust. Be assured, I will work hard every day to earn your trust.
“As all of us know, the challenges we face at home and overseas are enormous—and seemingly intractable. But with faith in God, tenacity, courage and good will, no problem need be unsolvable. And no bad policy need be forever.
“Together we can create the climate conducive to optimal job growth and sustainable economic prosperity.
“Together we must strive to restore American values, the rule of law and imbed incentives that reward hard work, prudent risk and the entrepreneurial spirit that built this nation.
“Together we must mitigate Obama debt—now at $17 trillion. If we fail, we burden our children with conscionable debt payments in perpetuation.
“Together we must ensure that no veteran and servicemember is ever left behind. Ever! And that our military be strong, able to meet any challenge anywhere, anytime, and act as a deterrence to aggression.
“And together we must rescue Americans from the egregiously flawed Obamacare laws.
“President Obama has inflicted serious damage on America and the world.
“Tonight is a turning point to begin the arduous process of rebuilding and restoring America’s greatness.
“There’s so much to do!
“It’s up to us to do it!”
[TLS]
Congressman Chris Smith is a great public servant who has won praise and admiration from so many, not just in his district or across NJ but all across this country. People are watching him and I think he ought to run for president someday as he would make for a great president.
Six years ago I had 4 brain aneurysms two of which burst. I’m told I am lucky to be alive. I was put on socal security disability. I worked hard to get off it. I went back to work got.off disability and they left me on medicare because not one insurance company would take me. Now I can’t get a secondary insurance even under the affordable care act. I have constant follow up with neuro surgeon. The testing and md visits are beyond what I can pay. If I tell the truth about my health history I’m penalized in this country. I worked all my life since I was 14 years old. I was always proud to be a US citizen, now I’m not. I can’t pay my bills, afford all the drugs or treatments or dr appts I just stopped all treatment before I loose my house. I should of stayed on disability like half the country who sees it as the golden ticket. Can you see any kind of help for people who are in my situation? People who want to work and can’t get health coverage. Thank you.