Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill Challenged To Three Live Debates

PARSIPPANY, NJ - Rosemary Becchi, the Republican challenger in the 11th Congressional District has challenged Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to three debates to be held across the district, beginning in September and ending in mid-October.

“With record unemployment and an economy destroyed by the pandemic, too many people are staying awake at night worrying about how they are going to pay their bills and put food on the table,” said Becchi. “This election might be the most important election of our lifetime and I believe the voters deserve to hear directly from the candidates on what they plan to do to responsibly reopen and get Jersey back to work."

Becchi said te debates should give both candidates the opportunity to share their platforms, expand on their stance on issues, and describe their vision for the future. They should cover a variety of topics, be spread out across the district, and provide an opportunity for voters to ask questions. The debates should be moderated by third parties without a political agenda or platform, Becchi said.

Becchi said she has been talking to voters throughout the district who are tired of politics and just want to know where the candidates stand on the issues. They want elected officials who will put people ahead of politics.

Becchi, a tax policy attorney and the public advocate behind nonprofit Jersey First, previously had plans to challenge incumbent Democrat Tom Malinowski in the 7th District. However, Becchi said she decided to step up to the plate when national, state and local Republican leaders asked her to consider a run in the 11th District instead.

For her part, Sherrill picked up the endorsement of former President Barack Obama last week.

Obama put out his most recent list of endorsements for 2020 stare elections on Monday, which also included Rep. Josh Gottheimer in the Fifth, Amy Kennedy in the Second, Andy Kim in the Third and Tom Malinowski in the Seventh.

"Barack Obama just endorsed our campaign for #NJ11!" Sherrill said on social media. "I'm honored to have his support as we continue our fight for New Jersey families."

The district includes the following municipalities:

Morris County - Boonton Town, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township and Victory Gardens

Essex County - Bloomfield (split with 10th), Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Montclair (split with 10th), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell, West Orange (split with 10th)

Passaic County - Bloomingdale, Little Falls, North Haledon, Pompton Lakes, Totowa, Wanaque, Wayne and Woodland Park

Sussex County - Byram, Hopatcong, Ogdensburg, Sparta and Stanhope

Becchi said she hopes that Sherrill responds quickly to the request.

This post contains reporting by Eric Keifer.

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