OLD BRIDGE – Fighting to remain as the state senator from the 12th District, state Sen. Sam Thompson in his appearance before fellow Republicans tonight made a simple case.

“Only two senator are rated as taxpayer heroes,” Thompson said. “I am one of those two senators. That is my record.”

There was scattered applause.

“Tomorrow I’m catching a train to go down to the White house to be with Donald Trump,” the senator added.

Big applause.

He also voted against the gas tax hike as part of the deal to fund the state Transportation Trust Fund.

Applause.