This big-time N.J. Republican is now in more trouble with voters (and Trump's a reason)

WASHINGTON  -- Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, New Jersey's  most powerful lawmaker in Washington, is now also its most endangered.

The Cook Political Report, a Washington-based publication that tracks congressional races, downgraded Frelinghuysen's chances of being re-elected next year, saying the race now was a toss-up.

"Frelinghuysen looks unprepared for his first real race in decades," wrote David Wasserman, Cook's House race editor.

Responded Frelinghuysen's political consultant, Mike DuHaime: "He's wrong."

Cook also rated the district being vacated by retiring Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist., as a toss-up. Every other N.J. incumbent was considered as least a slight favorite for re-election.

Frelinghuysen has backed most of President Donald Trump's agenda, from repealing the Affordable Care Act to rolling back environmental regulations. Democratic Gov.-elect Phil Murphy carried the district in this month's election and Trump won with less than 50 percent in 2016.

"This ratings change shows how vulnerable Representative Frelinghuysen is ahead of next year's election," said Evan Lukaske, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which has targeted Frelinghuysen's district and three other Republican-held House seats in New Jersey.

The National Republican Congressional Committee wasn't concerned.

"If Beltway prognostication translated into electoral performance, Hillary Clinton would be president today," NRCC spokesman Chris Martin said. "Congressman Frelinghuysen is running on a strong record of accomplishment with the resources needed to win."

Wasserman cited Frelinghuysen's vote for the House budget resolution that targeted the deduction for state and local taxes and allowed Republicans to prevent a Senate filibuster and pass tax legislation without any Democratic votes.

That vote, Wasserman said, may have given "Democrats another line of attack in one of the most highly-taxed districts in the country."

One of his Democratic opponents, Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, wasted no time in attacking Frelinghuysen over the legislation.

"The people of the 11th district are not going to forget that Congressman Frelinghuysen voted yes on the budget bill that laid the groundwork for the elimination of the state and local income and sales tax deductions and the capping of the property tax deduction," Sherrill said. "When it counted the most, Congressman Frelinghuysen did not stand up for his constituents."

Frelinghuysen did vote no on the final bill, which the progressive Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy said made New Jersey one of only four states in the country with an overall tax increase.

"Despite ultimately voting against the entire package, Frelinghuysen's behavior and voting record are making some Garden State pundits wonder if he intends to run at all," Wasserman wrote.

Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist. also voted for the House Republican health care bill that the Congressional Budget Office said would leave 23 million more Americans without insurance.

He backed legislation that offered tax breaks to victims of Hurricanes  Harvey, Irma and Maria that were denied to those suffering property damage due to Hurricane Sandy.

And he still faces a House ethics complaint after identifying a member of an opposition group to her employer.

At the same time, as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Frelinghuysen secured $900 million in federal funding for the Gateway project, which includes the construction of new train tunnels under the Hudson River.

He also has stepped up his fundraising. He raised $1.2 million through Sept. 30, compared with $588,320 in the previous period.

His previous Democratic challenger, Joseph Wenzel, didn't report spending any money.

This time around, Sherill brought in $744,014 through Sept. 30. Passaic County Freeholder John Bartlett raised $260,041.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.

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