Bergen Democrats Back Steve Rothman in House Race

Bergen County Democratic leaders are supporting Rep. Steve Rothman over Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. in the 9th Congressional District.

The Democrats will face each other in the June primary after a redistricting panel redrew boundaries to reflect population changes. Rothman decided to move back to Englewood instead of challenging Republic Rep. Scott Garrett in the 5th Congressional District.

Pascrell will likely have the edge when Democrats in his home district of Passaic County hold their convention on March 24. Bergen County Republicans on Thursday night endorsed Rabbi Shmuley Boteach to run against either Rothman or Pascrell in November. The rabbi is an author and TV personality who was Michael Jackson's spiritual adviser.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)