In NJ's 3rd district, primary battles on both sides
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Voters in New Jersey head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots in the primary election. In South Jersey's Third District, which stretches from Cherry Hill to Tom's River, Democratic incumbent US Representative John Adler faces a primary challenge from a man who once supported him.
Democrat Barry Bendar says he went door-to-door encouraging people to support John Adler back in 2008. Now Bendar's challenging the freshman lawmaker in the primary.
"It kind of became apparent to me that the Congressman had become more interested in re-election than standing on principles and ideals of the Democratic party," Bendar said.
Bendar is critical of Adler's vote against healthcare reform. Adler has said the legislation did not do enough to curb costs and keep health care affordable in the long term.
Adler's seat was held by Republicans for decades before he took office.
The GOP candidates hoping to regain the seat are former Eagles lineman Jon Runyan – who's promising to lower taxes and spending. And there's Justin Michael Murphy who's advertising himself as "pro-life, pro-second amendment, and pro-traditional family."