Cresskill — Dennis Shulman may not be able to see, but he certainly can listen.

The Democratic candidate for Congress in state’s 5th District began his listening tour July 1 when he visited seniors at CareOne at Dunroven in Cresskill, a facility offering both long- and short-term rehabilitation services.

Shulman, a Demarest resident, introduced himself to the seniors and explained the aspects that set him apart from other candidates.

"Most people who run for Congress are lawyers," Shulman said. He explained that he is a clinical psychologist and a rabbi. He also talked about his blindness. "You may have noticed my white cane. I’ve been blind since I was a teenager. I’m now 58 years old. I’ve been blind for 40 years."

Shulman told the seniors that obstacles like blindness shouldn’t hold people back. "No matter how disabled a person is, no matter how difficult life is, we can do better. We can find a better way to solve problems," he said.

Issues such as the war in Iraq, global warming and the economy have inspired Shulman to run.

"I’m heartbroken about the fact that our country under George Bush has lost its way," he said. "I’m running for Congress because I’m truly outraged by the direction of our country and the person who represents this district."

Shulman criticized that representative, Scott Garrett (R-NJ), for voting against Head Start, a program for underprivileged preschoolers, voting for the war in Iraq and supporting oil and gas companies.

"Scott Garrett is a Republican, but he’s farther right than most Republicans," Shulman said.

Many seniors in the crowd were unaware of Shulman’s campaign and were amazed by his personal history.

One man asked, "You’re a rabbi, a psychologist and you’re blind?" After Shulman answered yes, the man said, "That’s great. Good luck to you."

Choosing CareOne at Dunroven wasn’t an unusual choice for Shulman. "I’m committed to senior citizens," he said. He has worked with seniors as a psychologist and a rabbi, saying many of his congregants are 70 to 80 years old.

Listening has been a major part of Shulman’s campaign from the start. "All of it’s been a listening tour for me. Really hearing what people have to say, what the major issues are," he said. "One of the things I hear is that I’m a good listener."

Shulman’s busy schedule is exciting for him. "It’s been quite a whirlwind of activities. It’s been fabulous for me. I’ve met with and talked to thousands of people of all ages," he said.

In addition to the CareOne at Dunroven event, Shulman visited the home of Councilwoman Esther Fletcher in River Edge July 1 to discuss the housing crisis, gas prices and the economy. He also attended July 4 events, including parades in Ridgewood and Paramus and a fair in River Edge’s Veterans Memorial Park.

Shulman believes voters are asking for change and thinks that they will cast their ballots for it in November.

"I’m hoping when I’m elected in November and go to Congress in January, I take the message of ‘We can do better’ to the entire country," he said.

E-mail: sartor@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6703