FAIR LAWN - Mikie Sherrill is calling on Jack Ciattarelli to release his tax returns.

Asked about that after a rally Monday night, Ciattarelli acted as if it was no big deal.

"We're going to do it," he said. Then, he pivoted.

"Shame on her," Ciattarelli said. He noted that Sherrill was fined for late disclosure of two sales of vested stock her husband received as part of his employment compensation. The fine was $400.

This is not a new story. In fact, it dates back to 2021, but it's no surprise Ciattarelli brought it up.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate talked about this after a rally at the Rail Yard Tavern.

The bar was already packed with supporters and a number of Bergen County GOP officials when Ciattarelli arrived at around 7 p.m.

He was upbeat - as is the norm at such events.

"There are positive signs everywhere," he said, referring to endorsements by Democratic mayors in Dover and Garfield, although the mayor in Garfield has now become a Republican.

This is important. To win, Ciattarelli needs to win over a majority of unaffiliated voters - plus some Democrats.

He also needs to do well in Bergen, the most populous county in the state with almost a million people.

“The road to a statewide victory goes through Bergen County," he said.

Bergen, as most observers know, was once solidly-Republican, but no more. Democrats hold all county-wide offices.

But there is hope in the borough of Fair Lawn for Team Jack.

Phil Murphy won here in 2021, but by about only 800 votes. And last year, Kamala Harris won by only 125 votes over Donald Trump.

Ciattarelli's appeal - whether he is talking to the converted or to those undecided - is simple.

We need change in New Jersey and he's the one to do it. And moreover, Sherrill will bring more of the same.

"This is who she is," he said.

The Democratic candidate's experience as a Navy helicopter pilot is a big part of her campaign ads.

Ciattarelli mocked that strategy, telling the crowd that Sherrill may fly helicopters, but, "She doesn't know a damn thing about the state of New Jersey."

You can expect the Republican to continue making this point between now and election day, and, of course, at their first debate on Sunday..

Asked if he was ready for it, he said, "Hell, yeah."

Ciattarelli also knows that Sherrill will continue tying him to Donald Trump; the president endorsed him during the primary.

His point was that Democrats see Trump as the reason for anything that goes wrong.

"If you have a flat tire on the way home, she's going to blame President Trump," Ciattarelli said.