Rep. Saxton to retire after completing current term

Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.), who represents New Jersey's Third Congressional District, announced Friday that he would retire after finishing his current term.

Saxton, 64, a Republican whose district includes Burlington, Camden and Ocean counties, has served in Congress for 23 years.

He cited various health conditions, including his recent treatment for prostate cancer, as reasons for his retirement. "Although I had intended to run in 2008 and was planning a strong campaign, developments which occurred earlier this year regarding my health have prompted me to make this decision," he said in a statement.

"When making tough decisions, I have honestly weighed the pros and cons at hand," Saxton added, "and when possible, compromised and worked with Republicans and Democrats for the greater good."

Saxton had a moderate voting record in Congress, opposing partial-birth abortion and funding of embryonic stem cell research but supporting gun control and campaign-finance reform.

His retirement from one of the six Republican seats held by New Jersey congressmen — seven congressmen from the state are Democrats — at a time when the GOP is expected to suffer losses during the 2008 elections may represent a further setback for Republican leadership, which is already facing the retirement of several other strong incumbents.

Saxton has always been elected by a substantial margin, garnering 58.2 percent of the vote in the 2006 race. His departure leaves the 2008 race wide open, however, in a centrist district that voted for Al Gore in 2000 and President Bush in 2004.

On campus, political groups from both sides said they are preparing to put renewed energy into their efforts to win the seat for their party.

College Democrats vice president Rob Weiss '09, who also serves as president of the College Democrats of New Jersey, noted that Saxton had already been facing strong opposition from Democratic challenger John Adler. His retirement "turns a competitive race into a very competitive format, a strong chance for us to pick up a seat," Weiss said. "Politically speaking, that makes our job easier."

Saxton had recently come under fire from Democrats for siding with Bush by voting against the Children's Health Insurance Program.

College Republicans president Jon Fernandez '08, however, noted Saxton's long record of service. "Jim Saxton had a tremendous legacy and accomplished a lot for New Jersey, and I hope that that legacy isn't missed," he said. "Part of the reason he was so good for New Jersey was that he was moderate on issues and embraced good bipartisan legislation."

Fernandez added that, despite the strong Democratic push to win Saxton's now-open seat, Republicans haven't given up on staying in power in the third district. "I'm sure that in 2008 we'll be involved in that race," he said. "I think that [Saxton's] district will be a challenge for the Democrats to take over, but it will also be a challenge for us to hold."

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Saxton, meanwhile, drew praise from New Jersey representatives from both parties, including Democrat Rush Holt, who represents the state's 12th District, which includes Princeton. "Congressman Saxton has been a dedicated servant and leader for his constituents in New Jersey's Third District, and I wish him good health and success," Holt said in a statement.

Saxton has been popular across South Jersey for fighting against the closure of Fort Dix and two other military bases in Burlington County. Thanks to his efforts, Congress decided to expand and merge the bases, saving 17,000 jobs. He also pushed for environmental causes, such as a beach erosion repair project on Long Beach Island.

Matthew Salesi '11, who is from Toms River, which is located in Saxton's district, said he has a personal reason for supporting Saxton. Salesi's grandfather was in the Navy and had difficulty collecting the supplemental health insurance he had been promised. "At a loss for what to do, he actually wrote a letter to Jim Saxton asking him for help," Salesi said. "To his delight, [Saxton] ended up getting the whole situation fixed."

Salesi added that he was surprised by the news of Saxton's retirement. "Even in a place where Democrats normally win by large margins, he was very popular," Salesi said. "He seemed to be doing very well."

Prior to launching his political career, Saxton was an elementary school teacher. He first won his seat in Congress in 1984 and has been elected to 12 consecutive terms.