Cory Booker’s Big Decision on Iran

Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) both oppose President Obama’s proposed nuclear deal with Iran. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) backs the president.

But the New York-New Jersey region’s most junior Senator, Cory Booker (D-NJ), has yet to publicly take a position.

The stakes are high for all members of Congress. But for Booker, the political considerations back home are significant. Aaron Keyak, a Washington, D.C.-based political strategist and former spokesman for New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler and for former New Jersey Rep. Steve Rothman, said Booker will lose friends no matter which way he votes, because he has friends on both sides of the issue.

For years, Booker has been considered a friend to the Jewish, pro-Israel community in New Jersey. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach says he has been a spiritual advisor to Booker. Booker has also enjoyed financial support from Jewish backers. 

But Keyak also notes that Booker, a junior Senator in the Democratic Party, could offend members of his own party if he votes against the deal – and against Obama.

“Senator Booker will pay a political cost regardless of which way he decides to vote,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Booker said in a statement that Booker won’t bow to political pressure:

“Sen. Booker will make his decision on the Iran deal based upon what he believes is best for America's national security, regardless of political pressure, lobbying, or theatrics.”

Members of Congress in favor of the deal:

New York

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D

Rep. Yvette Clark, D

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D

Rep. Gregory Meeks, D

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D

Rep. Jose Serrano, D

Rep. Nydia Velasquez, D

New Jersey

Sen. Cory Booker, D

Rep. Donald Payne, D

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D

Members of Congress opposed to the deal:

New York

Sen. Charles Schumer, D

Rep. Dan Donovan, R

Rep. Eliot Engel, D

Rep. Steve Israel, D

Rep. Peter King, R

Rep. Nita Lowey, D

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D

Rep. Grace Meng, D

Rep. Kathleen Rice, D

Rep. Lee Zeldin, R

New Jersey

Sen. Bob Menendez, D

Rep. Scott Garrett, R

Rep. Chris Smith, R

Undecided or unknown

New York

Rep, Charles Rangel, D

New Jersey

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., D