Democratic challenger Sue Altman has initiated a six-stop town hall circuit across New Jersey's 7th congressional district, aiming to contrast her accessibility with that of her opponent, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield). The first town hall, held in Clinton, marked the beginning of Altman's tour, which will visit each of the district's six counties.
Criticism of Tom Kean Jr.'s Accessibility
Altman criticized Kean for his lack of town halls and in-depth interviews with the press, suggesting this absence signifies a break in tradition from leaders in the district. She emphasized that Kean's relative lack of accessibility is due to an absence of 'political courage.' 'He is not someone whos known for wanting to be in the public eye, and I would respect that if he was accountable to the people of this district in other ways,' Altman said.
During her third town hall in Warren Countys Phillipsburg, Altman reiterated her criticism, pointing to a video where Kean refused to answer questions from an NJ Spotlight reporter. She argued that Keans behavior indicates he is either uncomfortable with his role or unwilling to defend his positions.
Key Issues and Positions
Altman addressed several key issues during the town halls, including infrastructure, particularly the 'erratic nature' of NJ Transit, which she described as unsustainable for the states commuters. She also discussed corporate tax rates, stating she would consider Vice President Kamala Harris proposal for a 28 percent corporate tax rate but emphasized the need to protect small businesses in New Jersey.
On foreign policy, Altman criticized the previous administrations withdrawal from Afghanistan, expressing concern over the Talibans restrictions on women. She also spoke about her evolving stance on police reform, regretting her past use of the 'Defund the Police' hashtag and emphasizing her commitment to finding solutions that balance public safety and community needs.
Engagement with Voters
Altmans town halls feature unscreened questions, a practice she learned from former Gov. Chris Christie. This approach allowed for direct engagement with voters, including Republicans, who posed questions on various topics such as her potential membership in the Problem Solvers Caucus and her stance on LGBTQ+ and abortion rights.
The town hall events have also seen support from other Democratic figures, including Rep. Andy Kim and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who have endorsed Altman and highlighted her commitment to issues like reproductive rights, gun control, and youth involvement in politics.
