7th C.D.

Clockwise from lower left: Leonard Lance, AD Amar, Martin Marks, Darren Young, Kelly Hatfield, Thomas Roughneen, Kate Whitman. 

MOUNTAINSIDE - The seven Republican candidates for Congress in the 7th District debated at Town Hall here on Thursday night in a one-hour forum moderated by Fred Rossi of the Westfield Leader and Scotch Plains Fanwood Times.

As expected, most of the criticism flew in the direction of state Sen. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon), who in turn directed his ire at the $10 trillion national debt.

Iraq War veteran Thomas Roughneen of Watchung attacked Lance’s environmental advocacy, while Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks and businesswoman Kate Whitman of Peapack-Gladstone blasted him for not being a more effective fighter in state government for property tax relief.

MOUNTAINSIDE - At the GOP debate here on Thursday night, Darren Young, a late entry into the primary running on a ticket with U.S. Senate candidate Murray Sabrin, delivers his closing remarks.

A Ron Paul Republican, Young develops computer software and lives with his family in Summit.

State Sen. Leonard Lance has raised just shy of $300,000 for his seventh district Congressional race, according to Republican sources not affiliated with his campaign.

Lance, who plans to release his totals soon, would not confirm or deny the sum when reached for comment.

“It will be very healthy,” he said.