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Rep.-Elect Max Rose Committed to Bipartisan Israel Ties

JI INTERVIEW —  Congressman-elect Max Rose (D-NY) discussed his surprising victory over Republican incumbent Dan Donovan in a phone interview with Jewish Insider’s Jacob Kornbluh while at orientation on Capitol Hill last week.

“We not only knew that we could win, but we always had a plan to win,” Rose said of his six percent margin victory over Donovan, who represented the more Republican-leaning district of Staten Island in New York City. “We did not run this race out of any allegiance to the Democratic Party. We ran this race with a goal of beginning the rewarding process of changing politics in this country and that’s what we are all about.”

Rose said that despite being a member of the Democratic majority, he intends to join the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY). “It’s important that we put the country first and that’s what I’m always going to be about, no matter how tough the decision is.” And when it comes to foreign policy, Rose says he would support President Donald Trump’s moves when necessary. “I am not in this to make sure Donald Trump does not get any wind. I am in this so I can make sure that America as a country and the world is safer, more prosperous, and a more just place, and I’ll work with anybody, this president included.”

Asked about his new colleagues in Congress who have shifted away from the traditional longstanding support of Israel, Rose — who pledged during the campaign to be both a proud Democrat and a proud supporter of Israel — said he believes in “quiet coalition-building and relationship-building” when it comes to Israel and the Middle East. “I believe that is central around supporting Israel, and I am committed to fostering our very strong and bipartisan relationship with Israel,” he added.

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