Free Republic

TRENTON, May 6 In a debate that was more a get-acquainted session than a heated clash over the issues, the three Republican candidates for United States Senate last night engaged in a largely genial exchange on taxes, Social Security, the environment and combating terrorism. The candidates, all of whom have name recognition in the single-digits, according to recent polls, went to great lengths in a televised debate on New Jersey Network public television to lavish praise on President Bush. They all made passing reference to the ethical questions that have dogged the incumbent they hope to unseat, Democratic Senator Robert...

With the primary a month away, the three Republican U.S. Senate candidates are poised for a competitive stretch run with the winner possibly being determined during the last weekend of the race. It won't be an easy sprint: Political observers say the candidates, who have been on the stump for months, are still trying to get Republican voter attention in a race that's being ignored by many party members. The candidates must now concentrate on the difficult task of attracting support not just from inattentive party members, but party members who regularly vote in primaries. The battle for the votes...