COMPETING FOR CONGRESS...Republican hopefuls seeking the party nod to replace Rep. Mike Ferguson, who is not seeking reelection, for the 7th Congressional District speak with party leaders in Clark last Thursday at the Gran Centurions. Candidate, State Senator Leonard Lance, makes his point. Other candidates are Christopher Venis, Kate Whitman, Kelly Hatfield  and Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks.
 

Editorial: Unaffiliated NJ Voters Can Vote Tuesday in the Pres. Primary...It seems to be "hush-hush." In that 60 percent of New Jersey registered voters are unaffiliated with a political party; many don't realize that they can vote in the New Jersey Presidential Primary on February 5, "Super Tuesday."

Editorial: Gov. Corzine Comes to Cranford...At press time Wednesday evening, Governor Jon Corzine was speaking with and listening to area residents at Union County College in Cranford about his proposal to substantially increase New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway tolls and to sell the future collections for present-day cash to pay for some of the past unfunded borrowing and to fund more state spending.

HANGING ONTO A BIG BEAR...Raider heavyweight Joe Blaes, left, hangs onto Brearley Bear Travis Dilts in the championship bout.

Sports: Blue Devil Hoop Girls 'Press' Tiger Basketball Girls; WF Girls End MSM's Streak; Boys Fall Short of St. Joseph; Cannon, Blaes Win; Barnes, Ridge 2nd At Union County Wrestling Tournament; Blue Devils Catch Fire, Burn Union Farmer Matmen; M.X. Shabazz Bulldogs Rout Raider Lady Cagers: Photos

SUPER TUESDAY...Dennis Kobitz of the Union County Board of Elections discusses the first-ever February New Jersey Presidential Primary to be held next Tuesday with Leader/Times editor Paul Peyton. The interview was videotaped and can be seen at goleader.com.

Devil's Den: WHS Swimmers Look For More County Gold

Government Reform Thought: We believe New Jersey should change its system for Primary Elections to allow voters, regardless of political affiliation, to vote in either Democratic or Republican races.  The only rule should be that they could vote only once.  Voters also should not be listed as affiliated after voting in primaries.   See Year-to-date Reform Thoughts.