The candidates for the U.S. House are:

Frank LoBiondo Republican

Incumbent LoBiondo took office in January 1995 and has been re-elected in every election since then. LoBiondo is a member of the House Armed Services Committee where he serves on the Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee and the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. Frank is also a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, serving as chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and as a member of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Aviation. Prior to joining the House, he served for six years in the New Jersey Assembly.

Viola Thomas-Hughes Democrat

Thomas-Hughes was elected as a committeewoman for the township of Fairfield in 1994, serving until 1998. She served as deputy mayor from 1999 to 2003, and currently serves as committeewoman. She is employed as a program development specialist by the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

The candidates for the U.S. Senate are:

 Robert Menendez Democrat

Democratic incumbent Menendez was appointed to the Senate earlier this year when Gov. Jon Corzine appointed him to the seat Corzine was vacating. Prior to joining the U.S. Senate, Menendez was elected to the House in 1992 and rose to the third-highest ranking Democrat before being appointed to the Senate. In 2002 he was elected as the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, becoming the highest-ranking Hispanic in congressional history. He previously served as the vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus and has led key task forces on education and homeland security. In the Senate, he serves on the Senate Committees on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; and Budget.

Tom Kean Republican

Republican challenger Tom Kean is the son of former Gov. Tom Kean. He was elected to the Assembly in 2001, serving one term, and was elected to the state Senate in 2003. He became the deputy minority whip that year and was chosen as minority whip in 2004. He serves on the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens as well as the Judiciary committees and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools.

What is your view on the importance of the gaming industry to New Jersey?

 LoBiondo: The gaming industry in Atlantic City is critical to New Jersey’s economy and the livelihood of over 45,000 employees. That is why we need to ensure we work together to continue to promote Atlantic City as the state’s single gaming destination and block efforts by those in Trenton who seek to undermine Atlantic City’s tremendous growth by pushing for video lottery terminals in the Meadowlands.

Thomas-Hughes: The revenues that are derived from the gaming industry in Atlantic City, whether from taxes, employee payrolls, or collateral spending, are an integral part of the funds needed to help this state meet its financial obligations. Every area of New Jersey benefits, as the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has contributed to projects throughout the state, not just in Atlantic City and Atlantic County.

Menendez: The importance of the gaming industry to New Jersey cannot be underestimated. The gaming industry has made Atlantic City the largest visitor destination in New Jersey, generating about one-third of all tourism revenue in the state. And casinos have funneled $7 billion and 55,000 jobs back into Atlantic City's economy. Plus, the $300 million casinos have generated in annual tax revenue has funded many of the programs that New Jersey citizens have come to depend on.

When it comes to federal challenges to gaming, how would you fight for casino employees on Capitol Hill?

L: As one of the founders and co-chairs of the Congressional Gaming Caucus, I work to educate fellow members and congressional leadership on issues affecting the gaming industry and the benefits of legalized gaming. Our caucus has been very successful in beating back several efforts to federally regulate gaming and unfairly tax employees. I am also co-chair of the Republican Labor Caucus, a group dedicated to advancing an agenda to benefit working families. Some of our recent achievements include passing the first minimum wage increase in nearly a decade and enacting a pension reform bill to help protect workers’ pensions.

T-H: Gaming was voted for by the residents of New Jersey, as “states’ rights” allowed us to do. Any challenges from the federal government would have to be studied to ascertain what impact they would have on casino employees and state residents. Casino employees deserve a representative who will fight for their rights the same as the rights of all workers in the state.

M: I have always been a strong advocate for New Jersey’s working families, fighting to preserve job security and protections in the workplace, as well as fighting to increase the minimum wage so that all working families can earn a livable wage. In addition, I have reviewed federal gaming legislation with an eye toward the impact it will have on casino workers and the economy of Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. That’s why I support and voted for the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, which would protect New Jersey’s casino gambling industry from unregulated internet gambling.

Do you favor a federal study on internet gambling? Do you believe it can be controlled, regulated and taxed?

L: I am a cosponsor of legislation that would establish a commission to study whether internet gaming can be properly controlled. With technology continuing to improve I believe it is prudent for the government to re-evaluate its current ban on internet gaming.

T-H: Such a statement about internet gambling gives no information about what that study would be; every study must be looked at individually. I have profound reservations about our ability to control, regulate and/or tax internet gambling. We already have problems protecting information that is supposed to be private and not become public. For example, note the large numbers of identity thefts we are dealing with. There seem to be hackers able to beat or circumvent any system.

M: I voted to prohibit internet gambling because it is unregulated, and I believe it creates an un-level playing field for New Jersey’s casino industry. I will continue to work to see that internet gambling doesn’t harm New Jersey’s industry, whether that be a study or ban.

Several windmills have recently been installed in Atlantic City to garner wind power. Do you favor an expansion of that form of power and federal subsidies to encourage it?

L: I am a strong proponent of alternative sources of energy including wind and solar power and a cosponsor of legislation to increase federal government incentives to develop renewable energy. The key to ending our addiction to foreign oil is to develop renewable sources of energy and to reduce our consumption by increasing automobile fuel efficiency standards.

T-H: I do favor it and I would strongly support federal subsidies to encourage any form of renewable sources of energy. We have waited too many years for our government to realize that fossil fuels are not only finite, but are damaging to our planet. We must move away from our reliance on oil that has for decades driven our foreign policy and led us into confrontations in the Middle East.

M: Yes. It is absolutely essential that we get more of our power from renewable sources and currently the most economical form of renewable power generation is wind. When it comes to offshore wind, however, we also must be mindful of all the possible impacts. In April, the Governor's blue ribbon panel on offshore wind released a report recommending a limited test project to see how a wind farm would affect both the environment and tourism. I endorse this process as the best way to increase the production of renewable energy while at the same time ensuring offshore wind does not hurt tourism.

There have been some proposals to allow drilling for oil off the East Coast, similar to regions along the Gulf Coast and off California. Do you favor that in any manner?

L: I remain strongly opposed to any efforts to drill of the coast of New Jersey. I have sponsored legislation to impose a permanent ban on the practice and have consistently voted against any measure that would endanger our pristine coastline and tourist-based economy.

T-H: We must continue to refuse to allow oil drilling anywhere on the East Coast, whether in New Jersey or states further south. Due to the water’s northward drift, a major spill off Georgia or South Carolina could cause major damage to our beaches, which are an integral part of not only the finances of our state but also the enjoyment of our citizens.

M: No. I am deeply committed to protecting New Jersey’s shores from oil drilling off our coast. Our shoreline is vitally important to the state’s economy and a critical wildlife habitat. That is why I recently introduced the COAST Anti-Drilling Act, which would permanently ban oil and gas drilling in the North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf. It is also why, along with Senator Lautenberg, I put a hold on legislation allowing drilling off the Florida coast to ensure that New Jersey’s shores are protected from drilling for many years to come. This issue is too important for a temporary solution.

Have you accepted contributions from gaming companies or unions connected with the gaming industry?

L: I am extremely proud of the very strong support I have received from gaming industry employees throughout my entire time in Congress and I will continue to be a strong advocate for them in Washington.

T-H: I have accepted donations from neither.

M: Yes.

Atlantic City officials want to close Bader Field when the current FAA contract expires next year. Are you in favor of that or would you prefer to see it remain open?

L: After a nearly 20-year effort, Atlantic City officials were successful in their efforts to close Bader Field. When the airport closes in the next few months, I look forward to hearing about the plans state and local officials have to redevelop the area.

T-H: I would have to consider what is proposed to take its place, as well as what it is costing to operate and whether it makes or loses money. We have an excellent airport, the Atlantic City Airport, that is capable of handling any traffic to the Atlantic City area, and which I would like to see expand flights and destinations.

M: For both the sake of safety and efficiency I think federal funds would be better spent improving services at Atlantic City International Airport rather than keeping Bader Field open.

Where do you stand on proposals in which the state of New Jersey would lease the Atlantic City Expressway and other state highways to private companies for large payments?

L: I am concerned by state efforts to lease public roadways to private companies. Leasing a highway to a private entity makes it ineligible for federal funding. Therefore, the state must ensure that the potential lessee makes ongoing improvements to the roadway to reduce congestion, as well as preserve employee protections and keep toll rates in check.

T-H: Some states and even cities have sold or leased toll roads to private companies, but I could not make that decision without having information about the numbers involved. I am not comfortable selling off our infrastructure without guarantees that the companies leasing or buying are willing to pay an equitable amount. There should also be guarantees that they will be adequately maintained and that rates will not be increased arbitrarily.

M: This is obviously an issue for state government. I do believe, however, that we must ensure these roads remain safe, clean, have adequate signage, and that drivers are not gouged by excessive tolls. That’s why I have and will continue to fight to bring additional highway funding back to New Jersey. Earlier this year, for example, I secured $150 million in highway funds that the administration had threatened to withhold from New Jersey.

New Jerseyans get back just 55 cents of every dollar they send to Washington. What would you do to get more of our money back in this state?

L: I continue to work hard to increase the level of federal investment in southern New Jersey to improve our infrastructure and spur economic development. Since my first election to Congress I have:

• secured over $327 million in federal earmarked funding for the 2nd District, including over $143 million in beach replenishments, over $60 million in highway improvement funding, and over $30 million in economic development projects;

• helped to secure over $150 million in direct federal grants to municipalities and other nonprofits in the 2nd District; and

 • used my position as the senior New Jersey member on the House Transportation Committee to improve the highway and transit formula to ensure the state receives more funding. The recent highway bill (SAFETEA-LU) included a 30 percent increase in highway funds for the state, and a 50 percent increase in transit funds.

T-H: The federal government has mandated programs—No Child Left Behind, Medicaid, etc.—without funding them. We are considered a “Blue State;” we have two Democratic Senators and a majority of Democratic Representatives. Unfortunately, “pork barrel” benefits and favors have gone overwhelmingly to “Red States,” those under Republican control. In other words, decisions are made not on need but for political reasons, just as the New York metropolitan area had 40 percent cuts in funding for Homeland Security, while some Western states received large increases. When we change the makeup and the mindset in Washington we can begin to fund those mandates and award moneys based on need, fairly and without prejudice.

M: As a former congressman and now as New Jersey’s senator, I have consistently fought to increase New Jersey’s share of federal funding. Immediately after 9/11, I helped secure urgent funding to shore up emergency response and communications for New Jersey communities. I have sponsored legislation to base homeland security grants on risk so that New Jersey gets its fair share of funding based on the risks and threats we face. As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I also fought to secure additional funding for New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure—from highways, to transit, to ferries, to Amtrak and other vital investments.

Pay-to-play is a huge issue in New Jersey. Is there anything that can be accomplished at the federal level to control this activity? How would you, as a member of Congress, influence this issue?

L: I am a strong proponent of pay-to-play reform. During last year’s congressional debate on the highway bill, I supported an effort to allow states to enact such reforms without triggering federal contracting rules which would result in the loss of federal highway funding.

T-H: We hear much about pay-to-play, but it is not just a New Jersey issue; it is prevalent throughout the country. It has become a way of doing business, of rewarding those who are cronies or colleagues, although it goes far beyond that. We need legislation on the federal level, not just rules but also enforcement with punishment that assures the law is not worth breaking. As a member of Congress I would support and even introduce such legislation and work to implement it.

M: Pay-to-play reform is essential to the integrity of state government. I applaud the state’s efforts in this regard. Unfortunately, federal law prohibits the enforcement of many of our sensible reforms at the state level in regards to federal funds. That is unacceptable, so I have offered amendments and co-sponsored a bill to correct this problem and ensure pay-to-play is not allowed in New Jersey no matter what government entity supplied the funding.

Lobbying reform is at the top of some agendas. Do you believe the system is broken and must be fixed, or was the Jack Abramoff case just an anomaly?

L: I am a strong proponent of lobbying reform. I voted in favor of legislation that passed the House of Representatives earlier this year which would significantly reduce the influence of lobbyists, eliminate lobbyist-funded trips and impose fines and jail time to those who break the rules.

T-H: I do believe that the system is broken and we must pass legislation to check the abuses. Jack Abramoff was not just an anomaly, but was actually a symptom of a lobbying system out of control. Some of the most crucial bills recently passed in Congress have been virtually written by lobbyists for the energy, pharmaceutical, insurance and banking interests. When their financial wellbeing comes first, who is lobbying for the people?

M: The system is definitely broken. Some reforms have been made, but to fix the system I think we need a complete gift ban and harsh mandatory minimum penalties must be imposed for offenses of public corruption. We need to send a message that if our public officials break the law they must pay a steep price. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress are not serious about reform and have only passed minor changes when an overhaul is needed.

Property taxes are straining the budget of every New Jersey homeowner. Do you believe it is important to address this issue and is there anything that you, as a member of Congress, can do?

L: The property tax system in New Jersey is in need of fundamental reform. I encourage the governor and state legislature to work together to provide meaningful reform and relief to New Jersey families.

T-H: Every homeowner in this state is aware of the increases in taxes and knows that businesses and households have to live within their means if they are to survive, and so must the state. We have obligations, which must be met, including to longtime employees, although we need to analyze and question practices that can be abused. This is a major issue, which we can no longer pass off to some time in the future. As mentioned earlier, unfunded mandates from Washington have added to the costs of operating our state, whether schools, hospitals, or social services. As a member of Congress I will make a priority of New Jersey’s needs to be fully funded.

M: Property taxes are clearly an incredibly important issue in New Jersey. I have worked to expand assistance at the federal level to help offset the cost of state and local property taxes. I introduced the Non-itemizer Real Property Tax Deduction Act to provide taxpayers with an additional standard deduction of up to $1,000 to help ease the burden of local property taxes.

By Roger Gros

Roger Gros is publisher of Casino Connection and Global Gaming Business, a the industry’s leading gaming trade publication. Prior to joining Global Gaming Business, Gros was president of Inlet Communications, an independent consulting firm. He was vice president of Casino Journal Publishing Group from 1984-2000, and held virtually every editorial title during his tenure. Gros was editor of Casino Journal, the National Gaming Summary and the Atlantic City Insider, and was the founding editor of Casino Player magazine. He was a co-founder of the American Gaming Summit and the Southern Gaming Summit conferences and trade shows. He is the author of the best-selling book, How to Win at Casino Gambling (Carlton Books, 1995), now in its third edition. Gros was named “Businessman of the Year” for 1998 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.

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