Rivalry intensifies as political opponents clash in heated gubernatorial debate

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — The gubernatorial race in New Jersey’s Republican primary took a fiery turn as four candidates engaged in their inaugural debate before the upcoming June 10 election. State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, ex-state Sen. Ed Durr, and radio host Bill Spadea engaged in a spirited exchange lasting nearly two hours at Rider University in Lawrenceville.

The candidates did not hold back, frequently talking over each other and facing interruptions from moderators as they launched relentless attacks. At times, they vied for the title of the staunchest supporter of President Donald Trump, with Bramnick standing out as the sole skeptic of Trump on the stage.

In a pointed jab, Ciattarelli took aim at Spadea, highlighting that Republicans who knew Spadea best had endorsed him over the former radio host. Spadea retorted sarcastically, offering congratulations while Bramnick alluded to Ciattarelli’s two previous unsuccessful bids for governor, labeling him a “two-time loser.”

The gubernatorial race unfolds against the backdrop of Trump’s second term and the GOP’s efforts to reclaim the governorship in a state that has historically swung between parties during gubernatorial elections but tends to lean Democratic in presidential and midterm polls. While Spadea, Durr, and Ciattarelli have embraced Trump, Bramnick has maintained a cautious distance, emphasizing the importance of appealing to not only Republican primary voters but also to Democrats and independents to secure victory in New Jersey.

Spadea proudly declared his allegiance to Trump since the beginning of his presidential campaign in 2015, referencing Trump’s iconic escalator descent. Durr, running as a pro-Trump candidate in 2021, triumphed over the influential Democratic Senate president but suffered defeat in the following election cycle.

When questioned about their stance on executive orders issued by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy prohibiting local law enforcement from collaborating with immigration authorities, each candidate expressed opposition and pledged to reverse these directives if elected. Regarding the possibility of supporting an amendment to safeguard abortion rights in the state constitution, with abortion currently legalized in New Jersey, Bramnick affirmed his support, while Durr and Spadea opposed the idea. Ciattarelli expressed his backing for abortion rights but did not specify his stance on an amendment.

With Murphy ineligible for a third term, gubernatorial contenders from his party engaged in their own debate on Sunday. New Jersey and Virginia stand as the sole states with regularly scheduled gubernatorial contests this year.

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