Adler, Runyan Look For Last-Minute Converts In NJ Congressional Race

CHERRY HILL, NJ (CBS) -- One of the closest races this year in New Jersey is the 3rd Congressional District, featuring first-term Democratic incumbent John Adler fighting to retain his seat against Republican challenger Jon Runyan.

After shaking hands with patrons at Ponzio's Diner in Cherry Hill on Monday, Adler slid into a booth to savor a platter of pancakes, one of the few hot meals he's able to eat recently because of the frenetic pace of his schedule:

"The reality is that people have a good choice between a right-wing guy who doesn't know the issues very well, or a guy who is right down the middle, a centrist who wants to solve problems to help our country."

On Capitol Hill, Adler voted against health care reform and for the stimulus program.

Challenger Jon Runyan was in Ocean County on Monday.  A former standout offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, he has received plenty of support from Governor Christie.  Runyan says he and the governor are on the same page when it comes to cutting spending and taxes:

"Whether it's the State of New Jersey taxing people -- pushing people out by taxing people -- or the federal government pushing jobs overseas, it needs to be addressed because it's creating all of the problems that we have."

The district runs through Burlington and Ocean counties, and includes Cherry Hill in Camden County.

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio.