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N.J. Rep. Scott Garrett: I have no malice toward gays

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By Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on January 16, 2016 at 8:05 AM, updated January 16, 2016 at 10:17 AM

WASHINGTON — Under fire for reportedly refusing to contribute to a Republican group because it backed gay candidates, U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett said his opposition to same-sex marriage comes from his faith, and he does not “have malice” toward any group of people.

“My colleagues and my constituents know that I am a devout man of faith, and therefore I support traditional marriage,” Garrett said in a statement released by his campaign late Friday. “Calling me names or implying that I have malice in my heart for any person or group of people is false and completely disingenuous.”

Garrett (R-5th Dist.) has faced sharp criticism for reportedly telling fellow Republican members of the House Financial Services Committee that he was not contributing to the House GOP’s fundraising arm because it backed gay candidates. Garrett has never denied the reports. His statement was the first lengthy response since the controversy erupted last summer.

He and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.) are among 154 House Republicans — a majority of the conference — who are sponsoring legislation to allow groups and individuals to cite their religious beliefs and deny service to same-sex couples.

U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett’s reported remarks on gays has Democrats looking at winning the congressional district.

“Like all Americans who exercise their right of free speech and religion, I make contributions to people and organizations who share my beliefs on important issues, in this case traditional marriage,” Garrett said. “Since then, I’ve continued my support of the Republican Party and the ideals we represent on behalf of our country and every American.”

Garrett called the criticism an effort by the “Washington establishment” to “distract from my work to revive the economy and hold the government accountable by portraying me as something I’m not.”

He said that several prominent Democrats, President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hiilary Clinton, also initially opposed same-sex marriage.

Was Obama “a bigot before he changed his view on traditional marriage in 2012 when it was politically convenient?” Garrett said. “Or Hillary Clinton? Or President Bill Clinton?”

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/01/nj_rep_garrett_defends_position_on_gay_marriage.html

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N.J. Rep. Garrett, who opposed Speaker Boehner, looks for new leadership

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Rep. Garrett: Boehner Resignation Is Surprising (Bloomberg News)

By Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, one of the few House Republicans who voted against re-electing John Boehner as speaker, said he would “look forward” to electing a new leader of the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives.

“The American people are frustrated with Washington, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the people’s House to select leadership that expands opportunity for all, puts hardworking American families first, and has strong principles that represent everyone,” said Garrett (R-5th Dist.).

Garrett praised Boehner (R-Ohio), who announced his resignation Friday, as “a dedicated public servant”  and wished him “all the best as he begins his next endeavor in life.”

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/nj_rep_garrett_opposed_house_speaker_looks_for_new.html

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N.J. Rep. Scott Garrett bucks House Republican leadership in vote for speaker

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N.J. Rep. Scott Garrett bucks House Republican leadership in vote for speaker
By Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett, New Jersey’s most conservative member of Congress, voted against John Boehner for House speaker, separating himself from most House Republicans.

Garrett (R-5th Dist.) voted instead for Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.,) , who was one of several alternatives offered instead of Boehner. Some of the opposition was driven by those House Republicans who want to be more confrontational with President Obama.

“With a new Republican majority in the Senate, a large number of my constituents have called on me to demand new leadership in the House,” Garrett said in a statement after the vote “I hear you, and I agree.”

Boehner (R-Ohio) who has been speaker since Republicans regained control of the House in 2011, was re-elected today with 216 votes. Webster had 12. A scattering of votes went to other Republicans. Most Democrats backed their leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

Few lawmakers vote against their leaders, who can retaliate by denying coveted committee assignments, refusing to bring their bills up for votes, and decline to raise or contribute money to their campaigns.

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/01/garrett_bucks_house_republican_leadership_in_vote_for_speaker.html