How Israel emerged as an issue in New Jersey's hottest congressional races
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal has given embattled New Jersey House Republicans another way to try to stave off a Democratic wave this fall.
Both Reps. Tom MacArthur and Leonard Lance quickly embraced Trump's decision, part of their effort to attract pro-Israel voters who might otherwise go elsewhere in a state where a recent Monmouth University Poll gave Trump a 35 percent job approval rating.
"There are voters where Israel is a top priority for them and would swing their vote regardless of party," said MacArthur's campaign consultant, Chris Russell. "People do vote on issues. This is one that is important to a significant group."
The issue is potent because both MacArthur and Lance face challenges from well-financed Democrats who previously served in President Barack Obama's administration and supported the deal to relax economic sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear program.
Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/05/pro-israel_community_divided_in_nj_congressional_r.html
