(WEST ORANGE, NOVEMBER 3) - Schundler for Governor campaign manager Bill Pascoe today issued the following:

“Now, more than ever, our country needs leaders at every level of government who recognize how the world has changed in the wake of September 11. President Bush reaffirmed this point during his weekly radio address to the nation today when he outlined the steps that leaders of federal, state, and local governments should take to defend our nation from bio-terrorism. Bret Schundler is prepared to lead New Jersey’s war against terrorism. That’s why three New Jersey Congressmen have endorsed Bret’s comprehensive five-point Homeland Security Plan. We’re proud to have the backing of Rep. Chris Smith, Rep. Mike Ferguson, and Rep. Jim Saxton, who serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism.

“Congressman Chris Smith says: ‘It is clear that Bret Schundler has the qualities of strategic vision, dedicated leadership and executive experience that New Jersey needs in the future, and his comprehensive plan reflects this. I am particularly impressed with the Plan’s emphasis on identifying possible terrorist targets and then preparing plans to protect them pro-actively. It is not enough to just respond to an emergency -- the next Governor must protect and prevent terrorist acts before they occur.’

“’New Jersey is already on the front line in our nation’s fight against terrorism. We need a Governor who clearly understands the challenges ahead of him, and the skills to successfully prepare and defend our state and its people from future attacks. Bret Schundler is the right choice for New Jersey,’ added Smith, who serves as both Vice Chairman on the International Relations Committee and the Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe.

“Congressman Saxton, considered one of the most active and informed members of Congress on terrorism issues says, ‘[Bret Schundler’s Homeland Security Plan] is an excellent framework that would advance the protection of our water supplies, transportation and other critical infrastructure in New Jersey…I’m looking forward to working with Bret toward a safer, more secure New Jersey.‘

“Given that homeland security is an issue on the minds of New Jersey voters, we will be making a concerted effort this weekend to communicate the details of Bret Schundler’s Homeland Defense Plan to 500,000 homes via direct mail. This mailer also reaffirms Bret’s strong relationship with President Bush and Vice President Cheney along with his personal commitment to work with them to make sure our families are safe and our nation is prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The Bret Schundler’s Homeland Defense Plan is posted on the Web.