Sparks Fly In NJ-02 Congressional Debate
Stockton University, New Jersey – October 25 2024 – Challenger Joe Salerno was anything but deferential to three-term Incumbent Jeff Van Drew as they faced off on the stage of Stockton University. It was a departure from the polite and mechanical tone of previous debates, and Van Drew seemed taken aback by Salerno’s constant pressure. Salerno’s confidence and command of the facts made him look like the incumbent rather than his defensive opponent.
Van Drew tried to emphasize Salerno’s political inexperience as a first-time candidate. Salerno responded by pointing out that Van Drew has not passed a single piece of legislation under his sponsorship over his three terms, and had in fact voted against several bills that provided funding for South Jersey projects that he has tried to take credit for. When Van Drew claimed to have the support of labor, Salerno noted that “in 2019, the AFL-CIO gave my opponent a 100% rating, In 2024, that rating is now zero.” It was typical of the fact-based barrage that kept Van Drew on his back foot for most of the session.
The candidates differed on several major issues. Salerno supports abortion rights, while Van Drew does not. Salerno believes the US should continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, while Van Drew thinks it will cost too much. They also had differing views on alternative energy, immigration measures, and the best way to create new jobs in South Jersey. Taken together, Van Drew argued for sticking to more of the same in South Jersey while Salerno made the case for new policies and direction. The face-off showed why Salerno has been such a formidable candidate and why many are predicting a defeat for the incumbent that was unimaginable six months ago. The full debate is available from Stockton University’s Hughes Center for Public Policy. Voters will make the final call on November 5th.
