An unlikely defender of Menendez
2006-09-08
Source: New Jersey Star-Ledger
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rss feedOn the issue of homeland security, Tom Kean Jr. contends that U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez is a failure. The Republican challenger for Menendez's seat has repeatedly blamed the Democrat for the defeat in Congress of a key recommendation of the 9/11 commission.
But Kean's father, who chaired the commission, expressed a different view two years ago. After Congress approved legislation enacting many of the commission's proposals, Tom Kean Sr. sent Menendez a letter citing his "leadership" in the effort.
"Your dedication to passing this conference report never wavered. The Congress' approval of the legislation this week owes much to your commitment," read the letter signed by Kean and Lee Hamilton as chairman and vice chairman of the 9/11 Public Discourse Project, the successor to the commission.
The letter went on to say, "We strongly believe that, as a result of your and others' commitment and dedication to reform, the American people are safer and more secure."
Menendez, who is facing a tough challenge from Kean Jr., said yesterday the letter shows the Republican state senator has been distorting his record on homeland security.
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