LoBiondo, Hughes Meet in First Candidates Forum

U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2) touted his experience and William Hughes Jr. called for new leadership as the candidates in the Second Congressional District race made their first joint appearance of the race Thursday night, The Press of Atlantic City reports.

The incumbent LoBiondo highlighted his efforts working with Democrat Rob Andrews to keep nerve gas out of the Delaware River, as well his efforts to procure aid for the region following Superstorm Sandy, according to the report.

Hughes, the Democratic challenger, took aim at the lack of cooperation in Congress. He said Port Salem is a foreign trade zone that could benefit the region, according to the report.

The District includes all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties, as well as parts of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Ocean counties.

Hughes’s father, William Hughes Sr., represented the District for nearly 20 years. He defeated LoBiondo in the 1992 race. He opted not to run for re-election in 1994, and LoBiondo has served ever since.

Thursday night’s Candidates Forum was in Carney’s Point in Salem County. For more on the forum, visit pressofatlanticcity.com.

Election Day is Nov. 4.