Republican U.S. Senate Candidates Agree On Much in Televised Debate

Written By Keith Brown

There was precious little disagreement between the two Republican U.S. Senate candidates Wednesday in a televised debate that aired on News 12.

Frontrunner Steve Lonegan, former mayor of Bogota, and Alieta Eck, a Somerset County physician, were peppered with policy questions by News 12 anchor Luke Margolis during the 30-minute debate.

But the pair were more often in agreement than not, leaving little to set them apart.

Both want to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Both would have been far more skeptical of the $60 billion Sandy aid package until more oversight was assured.

Both favor private health centers to care for infirm indigents,  both repeatedly used the word "liberty," as something to protect and expand by limiting government and both would start with "securing our boarders," when talking about the issue of immigration.

But while the pair shares essentially the same ideology, Eck hinted that the difference might be in their approach to getting things done and working with Democrats to solve problems.

Eck pointed to a bill that she helped shape – S-2231, which would limit doctors’ malpractice liability if they agree to voluntarily give a set amount of time at a free clinic – as evidence that she could work with Democrats in Washington.

"I will work across the aisle with anyone who agrees with common sense solutions," Eck said.

In response to the same question, Lonegan expressed unwillingness to bend.

"There is no such thing as a middle ground with the liberal left," Lonegan said. "And there is no middle ground on defending individual liberty. I will not compromise on it.’"

Lonegan later walked back his rhetoric somewhat by saying there were ways to work together with those with opposing views without compromising core principals.

Lonegan and Eck are unlikely to meet again for a debate before the Aug. 13 primary election. Lonegan has said he will not appear at any event sponsored by the League of Women Voters because he doubted the group’s ability to be impartial. The league had attempted to get both GOP candidates together.

The winner of the GOP primary will face off against the winner of the Democratic field of four candidates. Newark Mayor Cory Booker is the current odds-on favorite, polling far ahead of his competitors, U.S. Reps. Rush Holt (D-12) and Frank Pallone (D-6) and state Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-34).