Hopewell Township resident defeated Republican DeForest "Buster" Soaries in November.
By Jennifer Potash
As United State Representative Rush Holt (D-12) began his third term Jan. 7, he told a roomful of supporters how the vista of Capitol Hill still provides a thrill.
"I’m reminded day by day at what must be called hallowed halls or leave Union Station and see the dome yes I still get goose bumps for what that represents," he said. "On days like today think no member of Congress can forget we are here at your pleasure by you and for you."
He also urged his colleagues not to succumb to arrogance and forget the needs of Americans without a seat at the tablethose without health insurance, the elderly and their caregivers and children.
"We must avoid arrogance and we must remember who sent us here and remember why," he said. "We should shout down arrogance."
With a great deal of discussion on Capitol Hill about a pending war against Iraq, Rep. Holt said war is not inevitable.
"I will work to see it is not," he said.
Rep. Holt, of Hopewell Townwhip, defeated Republican the Rev. DeForest "Buster" Soaries in November.
Over 200 residents of Rep. Holt’s district journeyed by bus to Capitol Hill via bus to cheer on their congressman.
"I can tell this is not a Republican crowd," quipped freshman U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) who stopped by the reception en route to his own swearing in ceremony.
Helen Holt, Rep. Holt’s mother and former West Virginia Secretary of State, held the Bible during her son’s mock swearing in ceremony. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) a leader in the civil rights movement, administered the oath of office.
"Rush Holt, my friend, my brother, my colleague, I’m delighted, very happy very pleased to be here with you and the people of the 12th Congressional District of New Jersey," said. Rep. Lewis who campaigned for Rep. Holt last fall. "I say to all of you here, you’re more than lucky, you’re very blessed to have a man like Rush Holt representing you in the Congress."
Later in the day, Rep. Holt and the rest of the House of Representatives were sworn in by Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.). Several members of Congress dropped by the reception to offer praise for Rep. Holt and thank his supporter for returning him to Washington.
Citing Rep. Holt’s physicist background, U.S. Senator Jon Corzine (D-NJ), said the congressman "is a man who thinks well and really does have a grasp on the complicated issues challenging our society" such as stem cell research and preserving the environment.
Rep. Robert Menendez (D-13) who is the third-ranking Democrat in House of Representatives, said Rep. Holt is "tireless advocate" for his district and the state.
Rep. Holt also moved into a more spacious office suite in the Longworth building, gaining the rooms of former Rep. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) who was elected to the Senate in November.

