Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) was quick to respond, and to do so in some pretty strong terms, after PolitickerNJ speculated that the Congressman might retire in light of his low fundraising this past quarter:
I wonder who gave out the creative writing assignment to suggest that I was retiring from Congress? After all, I love helping my constituents, bringing an unprecedented amount of federal dollars back to many regions in New Jersey (as our only Democratic Appropriations Committee member); and working with my House colleagues and the Obama White House in matters of our national security and foreign affairs. And I’m running for reelection in 2010, and for many years more.
Rothman also said that his political standing in New Jersey “is as good as anyone’s, maybe better,” and that he has more total campaign funds on hand than all but one other member of the state’s congressional delegation, and he is 10th highest overall among the House Democrats.