By John Celock
New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D) is moving his reelection campaign into high gear with a new commercial saying he’s working to end gridlock in Washington.
Booker uses the commercial to tout his record in a year in the Senate, including reaching out to Republicans and Democrats in Washington for meetings. Booker, a former Newark mayor elected in a special election last year, is facing off against Republican Jeff Bell in his bid for a full term.
“As an anecdote to Washington gridlock, I promised to work with anyone serious about helping New Jersey, “ Booker said. “I meant it and did it.”
Booker has been known for his outreach to GOP colleagues in Washington, including working with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on legislation. As Newark mayor, Booker was known for his working relationship with Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Newark issues.
Booker was elected to a 14-month term last year following the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D). In the 2013 race, Booker defeated Republican Steve Lonegan by a closer than expected 10 points. The Democrat has maintained a steady lead against the underfunded Bell, who has focused his campaign on returning the country to the gold standard.
Bell was the 1978 GOP Senate nominee and spent three decades living in Virginia before returning to New Jersey to challenge Booker. Bell defeated four little known challengers in the June primary.
Booker concluded the ad by sticking to a nonpartisan message, similar to what he’s said since his time in City Hall.
“It’s not about right or left,” Booker said. “New Jersey it is time to move forward.”