Philadelphia Inquirer — Sunday, October 15, 2006

The Case for Menendez

U.S. senator

Democrat, age 52

Hoboken

New Jersey voters are being subjected to another election tainted with nasty debates and negative ads. It's a shame; these candidates are better than that. Both have the knowledge and passion to guide the nation on the important issues being lost in the melee.

Bob Menendez has the superior experience, intellect and grasp of issues to serve New Jersey as U.S. senator. In the short time since his appointment to the Senate in January, he's capitalized on leadership skills gained in a 14-year congressional career to pass meaningful legislation, despite being in the minority party. He's more in tune with New Jersey voters on social and fiscal policies than his opponent.

The Opponent

Thomas H. Kean Jr.

State Senator

Republican age 38

Westfield

The Case for Kean

He's a fresh face who expresses a passion for ethics reform at a time Washington desperately needs it. He promises moderation and independence from GOP leaders on the Hill. He may appeal to voters tired of New Jersey Democrats' fiascoes.

Character / Ethics

Kean and Menendez have used debates and TV ads to trade allegations of ethical misconduct and corrupt associates. Controversies include Menendez's renting property to a social-service agency that receives federal funding, a serious error in judgment. Kean paints himself as the crusader, but the campaign contributions he's accepted contradict some of his reform proposals. Still, Menendez's rental blunder gives Kean an edge in this area.

Kean Experience / Credentials

Menendez has served as a school board member, urban mayor, state legislator and 14-year congressman. Since his appointment to the Senate in January, he has fought successfully for prescription drug coverage, port security, and transportation and Amtrak funding. He has the leadership ability to get legislation passed.

Although Kean has a great family pedigree for moderate politics, his five years in Trenton don't match his foe's experience and his issues talk often seems glib and callow.

Menendez Ideas / Issues

Both candidates have solid environmental records and energy policies. Fiscally, both favor balanced budgets, but only Menendez realizes that this means rolling back tax breaks for America's wealthiest. Kean would lock in those tax cuts. Menendez has been a consistent critic of the conduct of the Iraq war; Kean's cries for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign come a little late. Menendez is much more rational than Kean on immigration reform.

Menendez

The Edge: Menendez

Close call

Two good choices

Copyright 2006 Philadelphia Inquirer