Things get Heated Up in a Debate Between the Two Candidates!

On Monday September 13^th, 2010, rivals Adler and Runyan answered questions at a forum in Mount Laurel, NJ. Both candidates took turns answering questions from the government affairs committee and the audience. Obviously, the candidates did not agree on much and major differences were seen in each candidates stand on fixes for the economy and their ideals on healthcare.

According to the New York Times, in the past, the incumbent voting record has been against the Health Care Bill, and Adler once again, voted against it in this year’s election. Advocates from Adler’s campaign have not only accused Runyan of being vague in his plans for improving healthcare, but they have also accused him of planning to eliminate some of healthcare’s most vital programs.  Advocates from Adler’s campaign supported their argument by warning voters and senior citizens that Runyan’s campaign is being funded by party leaders who are in support of privatizing Social Security and Medicare. Adler said, "If you look at the consequence of his tax and spending policy and his affiliation with the people who are supporting his campaign, the inevitable consequence is harm to senior citizens in terms of Social Security and Medicare."

In his defense, on Tuesday September 14^th, 2010, Runyan held a press conference in Toms River, NJ to address the lies Adler published in a campaign mailer that accused Runyan of having plans to end Medicare and Social Security if elected to office. Runyan says, "These are programs we need and programs we have to preserve for the future, our future generations, and I've told (Adler) that, time and time again.” Runyan then went on to accuse Adler of resorting to “distasteful” campaign tactics by making personal attacks on him after having 22 years in public office.

Medicare and Social Security are two aspects of healthcare that greatly affect voters, more particularly senior citizens. As I mentioned in my last blog, political scientist Brigid Harrison from Montclair State University revealed that voters really need a candidate who can help them overcome their economic turmoil. I believe that the issue of healthcare will be a critical factor in impacting who will steal the lead in this political race, especially due to the force of the fallen economy on its citizens. 

The Candidates Are Already Playing Dirty

            Election Day is less than two months away and candidates John Adler and Jon Runyan are really heating up their battle for a seat in the House of Representatives. Currently, the House has 255 Democrats, 178 Republicans, and 2 vacancies. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has deemed this district a leaning Democratic, implying that Adler has the advantage. The Republicans must obtain 38 seats in order to take over the House, and experts say the outcome for the Third District of New Jersey could make a critical difference in which political party comes out on top.
            In early 2010, Runyan was accused of taking advantage of a New Jersey property tax break by registering the 5 acres surrounding his house as farmland. Records show that he uses his "farmland" to graze donkeys and sell timber. This seems extremely ironic to me as Runyan is a Republican using the Democratic Party's animal symbol to evade his taxes. Adler's recent campaign brochure showed Runyan and his donkeys covering up his gated mansion, clearly attacking Runyan by labeling him as being a wealthy Republican who finds loopholes for a tax break.

Runyan retaliated with home mailings that showed a caricature of Adler with fire coming out of his rear that read "Liar, Liar, pants on fire."

             Although the battle for a seat in the House seems to have gotten pretty rough, analysts say that these attacks on each other's weaknesses probably will not sway voters. Political scientist Brigid Harrison from Montclair State University reveals what voters really want: a candidate that can help them wade through their economic turmoil. Being a resident in the state of New Jersey and a voter myself, I agree with this ideal. The current economy needs a candidate that can make a change. Even if it is not a big change, little steps will eventually help us out of this fallen economy.



Sources:

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/ex-nfl_player_congressional_ca.html

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20100910_In_3d_District__Adler_and_Runyan_firing_away_already.html

Introduction to New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District Election

For 123 years prior to Adler’s victory in 2008 the third district of New Jersey used to be a strictly Republican district. Democratic candidate John Adler and Republican candidate Jon Runyan are leading one of the most critical congressional district campaigns in this coming November 2010 election.  

Jon Runyan, a former American football offensive tackle, announced his plans to run for candidacy in November 2009 against John Adler for the third congressional district of New Jersey, and won the Republican nomination on June 8, 2010. As a former Philadelphia Eagle, Runyan holds a lot of fans votes in this southern New Jersey County. Runyan has introduced new political issues such as his vote against ObamaCare and more importantly, his anti-environmental stand for offshore drilling. Runyan believes that “safe” offshore drilling will ultimately help to create jobs, lower energy costs, and reduce our dependence on the Middle East for oil.

Running against Runyan, John Adler , the current congressman for the third district of New Jersey, is severely opposed to Runyan’s energy policy. Adler has sponsored New Jersey’s Clean Cars Act, American Clean Energy and Security Act, Global Warming Response Act, and he continues to be a defender for the environment. In his past two years in office, Adler has received a 93% voter rating from the League of Conservation Voters, proving that his stand for environmental safety is greatly supported by the general public.

This particular election caught my interest because of the extreme difference between the candidates, as well as the difference between their stand on many critical issues while trying to gain as much voter support as they can. As candidates for the third congressional district of New Jersey, the result of this election will significantly impact not only the district, but also representation of the entire state of New Jersey.           

Sources:

http://www.politickernj.com/alan-steinberg/41223/competitive-new-jersey-us-house-representatives-races

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heather-taylormiesle/congressional-candidates_b_694690.html

http://adlerforcongress.com/node

http://runyanforcongress.com/