THOMAS H. KEAN

Robert Kennedy once said, "The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use, rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public."

When I was growing up we had leaders who had the character and core principles that could not be compromised by personal or political profit. We may have disagreed with these leaders on policy but we respected them for fighting for their constituencies and, most importantly, real policy solutions.

It has been a long time since we had that kind of leadership representing the people of New Jersey, but it is that very kind of leadership I promise to deliver.

My opponent Bob Menendez has made a career living off the public and after a decade and half of serving in Congress, one has to ask: is Bob Menendez fighting for us? I believe - as almost all of the major newspapers editorialized when he was hand picked by Jon Corzine - that "Bob Menendez does not represent a clean slate."

While my opponent has done nothing to reform government and fight for higher ethical standards...

ROBERT MENENDEZ

First, I want to thank the Hall Institute for organizing this historic virtual debate. I also want to thank Tom Kean Jr for agreeing to join me in discussing the issues in this forum.

New Jersey's voters deserve the chance to see where we both stand, who we stand with and what we stand for. My opponent and I have very different beliefs. I believe President Bush has led our nation down a perilous course. And, I work hard each and every day to change the dangerous direction in which we are heading. On the other hand, Tom Kean, Jr. wants to go down to Washington and march lock-step in George Bush's army.

I grew up in Union City in a cramped tenement apartment. My mother was a seamstress, my father a carpenter. They raised me to honor the value of hard work and to respect my neighbors. They also taught me to always stand up for what is right. No matter what.

When I was in high school, I was accepted into the honors program. However, the public school system forced me to pay extra to purchase school books. That struck me as wrong. Frankly, my concern was...