Holt Looks Forward To 'Vigorous' Primary Campaign

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12) said he looks forward to a “vigorous” Democratic primary campaign in the race for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant following the death of Frank Lautenberg.

Holt repeatedly pointed to his voting record in the House during a 15-minute conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon. The call was intended to draw attention to Holt’s new campaign website and web ad, launched hours earlier.

Holt, who in early polling is a distant second to Newark Mayor Cory Booker, said he planned to ensure that voters in the August primary know what the differences are between him and his opponents, but he stopped short of saying he would not run a negative campaign.

“I have a record I’m proud to point to in this primary,’’ Holt said. “Voters need to know what their choices are and I certainly want to make sure that they know what those choices are.''

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-12), state Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-34) and Booker also are running for the Democratic nomination.

Holt said the election should be about issues and not celebrity, a veiled shot at Booker’s popularity.

"I am the person of substance in this race and the person who is best experienced and can best carry on the progressive fight in the Senate,'' he said. 

Holt dismissed arguments among some poiliticos that he is running simply to neutralize Frank Pallone’s campaign.

“I have seen tougher campaigns,’’ Holt said. “I’m intend to win; I expect to win.’’