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NJ Senate Candidates Meet In Final Debate

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The two candidates for New Jersey's open Senate seat went head to head in South Jersey Wednesday night. It was the second and final debate between Newark Mayor Democrat Cory Booker and Republican Steve Lonegan, taking place at Rowan University. They went back and forth on many issues, including how they would deal with the two big national issues of today.

The final face to face showdown before next week's special election between Cory Booker and Steve Lonegan. Their thoughts on the government shutdown, no real surprises from Lonegan.

"However, I think it is absolutely essential that we postpone the implementation of the Obama health care plan for one year," Lonegan said.

And Booker.

"We send people to Washington to work together to solve our problems."

As for the debt ceiling. Booker says it's urgent.

"We need people that will raise the debt ceiling and not play this shutdown politics that plays with the full faith and credit of the United States of America," Booker said.

Lonegan questioned the seriousness of the debt ceiling but offered this.

"I would support raising the debt ceiling with corresponding spending cuts. We need to start cutting the size of government."

During the exchanges, Booker tried to link Lonegan to the far right, as for his opponent.

"I don't know if my opponent is running against me or running against Barack Obama," Booker said.

"Both," said Lonegan.

"Because you're one in the same."

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