WASHINGTON – Last night, the Philadelphia Phillies won their first World Series championship since 1980 and the first major professional sports championship for the city of Philadelphia in 25 years. New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), today saluted the Phillies for their remarkable run to the pennant. They released the following statements:

Senator Menendez said: “This is a day of celebration for all Phillies fans in the Garden State, which is just a Ryan Howard homer away from Citizens Bank Park. Today, we all feel like the Philly Phanatic. My sincere congratulations to Charlie Manuel and his crew on their dominant run through the playoffs. Nothing, not even a 48 hour rain delay, could stop them.”

Senator Lautenberg said: “This is a great day for Phillies fans in South Jersey and across the region. Today, after years of rooting and waiting, these die-hard fans can now celebrate another championship. The Phillies' victory is proof a team with dedication and commitment will find a way to win. Congratulations to the 2008 world champion Phillies.”

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