NJ Congressional Candidates On The Campaign Trail
By Cleve Bryan
LAWNSIDE, N.J., (CBS) -- Wearing an Eagles jersey while greeting shoppers outside ShopRite former linebacker Garry Cobb is tackling a Congressional seat held by Democrats for nearly 30 years.
"I'm not a politician, I think people are tired of politicians," says Cobb in a booming voice developed over years as a sportscaster for WIP and CBS 3.
New Jersey State Senator Donald Norcross is running on the Democrat ticket against the Republican Cobb for the 1st Congressional District.
Norcross is a career labor leader and has served as a state lawmaker since 2010.
"I've worked in labor all my life, I understand how to fight for good wages, good benefits and that's exactly what we'll be doing when we go to Washington," said Norcross on Tuesday in Deptford Township at an event to recognize the construction of a solar array on the Kinsley Landfill.
As you might expect both candidates condemn gridlock in Washington and believe job creation is their principal objective.
Norcross sees expanding commerce along the Delaware River as an opportunity for regional economic growth.
"What we want to create is not free trade but fair trade and the same thing with our tax policies, to change them to invest in America," says Norcross.
Cobb identifies job training as a key economic initiative including more investment into training for incarcerated youth and recipients of welfare.
"I'd like to go after technology, I think that's where the growth is, and I think that is affected by our educational system. I think we need to emphasize STEM which is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math," says Cobb.
Both men say working with members of an opposing political party won't be a problem for them.
Norcross points out he's been negotiating deals with Governor Christie's Republican administration for years, while Cobb jokes he has reach compromises daily with his wife who is a registered Democrat.
You may also be interested in:
