“IT WAS A SCARLET NIGHT”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2007

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744
Ken Lundberg ( Martinez ) (202)228-5957


SEN. MENENDEZ WINS WAGER WITH FLA. SEN. MARTINEZ AS RUTGERS DEFEATS #2 USF, 30-27
Menendez asks Rutgers fans to suggest best way to enjoy fresh Tampa strawberries; he had wagered New Jersey saltwater taffy and cranberries

WASHINGTON – Last night in Piscataway, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team defeated the #2 University of South Florida Bulls , 30-27. With the outcome, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) won a wager on the game with fellow Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) – Menendez will receive a first batch of fresh Tampa strawberries. Sen. Menendez had put New Jersey saltwater taffy and cranberries on the line.

“It was definitely a scarlet night,” said Senator Menendez. “Coach Schiano and the boys once again have our spirits sky high after another big win – the whole state is proud of our team. I do congratulate South Florida on what has been and I’m sure will continue to be a terrific season.

“I’ve been thinking of the best way to enjoy the fresh Tampa strawberries. With breakfast? For dessert? Maybe as part of a New Jersey fruit salad? If any Rutgers fans out there have suggestions, I would love for them to send them to my office. Really, my only regret for Sen. Martinez is that he won’t be able to sample our state’s famous saltwater taffy or ripe cranberries – he’ll have to come up and visit us in New Jersey to get a taste for himself.”

“It was a tough and well-played game. Fortunately, this is just minor set-back for the Bulls,” Senator Martinez said. “To help remind Senator Menendez that Florida is the sweetest place to live, visit, and play sports, I’m giving him the first batch of strawberries from my great state.”

The first batch of fresh Tampa strawberries will likely be ready for delivery to Sen. Menendez next month.

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Afshin Mohamadi
Press Secretary
Senator Robert Menendez
202-224-4744
For the latest news from Sen. Menendez, including video and audio updates, visit http://menendez.senate.gov/