Put five Democratic candidates for governor in a room for almost an hour and what do you get?

A rambling conversation, some barbs, a few good points, but no coherent theme. Those watching Monday night's "live conversation" among Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill and Steve Sweeney probably wished the candidates had more time. That was not the case.

Polling has been light and with six candidates (Sean Spiller did not qualify for Monday's event), results can be inconclusive. One doesn't need all that much support to be in the lead.

That said, a recent poll put Sherrill and Fulop one and two. Which is why there was some friction between them.

Sherrill talked about building more housing as a way to expand the supply and lower prices. She said tax abatements can help.

Fulop responded, "You haven't built a single unit."

A constant theme of Fulop's campaign is that as Jersey City mayor, he knows more details about how state and local government works than a congresswoman like Sherrill.

Undaunted, Sherrill quipped that Fulop has few obstacles in Jersey City, noting that the City Council is on his side.

Later, Fulop talked about using state surplus to meet pressing demands; Sherrill said that could be problematic, prompting Fulop to retort that meeting emergencies is a proper use of surplus, or a "rainy day" fund.

The discussion at NJPBS studios in Newark occurred a few days after, and a short distance away, from where Baraka, who is also the mayor, was arrested for "trespassing" at an immigrant detention center.

He was asked if his actions were an effective way to get things done?

"Absolutely," he said, adding that he wants to show all people in New Jersey that he will protect them.

None of the other candidates criticized the mayor's actions.

"I don't think the mayor was trespassing," Sherrill said.

This soon dissolved into a conversation on immigration and some disagreement over the pending Immigrant Trust Act, which would allow New Jerseyans to seek protection and support from state and local agencies without fear of deportation. It also would limit the state's involvement in the federal detention and deportation system by creating new data privacy protections for people who interact with state and local agencies.

Sweeney said the act would give "false hope" to people; Fulop disagreed.

Sherrill also had some doubts about the act surviving a court challenge.

Fulop called that an "excuse," but relying on her experience as a lawyer and federal prosecutor, Sherrill said it's a "good excuse."

After some more back and forth, Gottheimer chimed in with a comment with which no Democrat would disagree:

"The bigger question is Donald Trump is out of control." he said.

Sweeney was enthused as well, calling the president a "criminal."

A perennial New Jersey issue is "home rule," which results in 564 municipalities and even more school districts than that. And, of course, very high property taxes.

Consolidating small towns and/or school districts has been talked about for years, but hardly ever happens.

Fulop said home rule is a problem and that a governor must be willing to confront that. Asking towns and districts to merge "nicely" is not the way to go.

Regarding affordability, another long standing problem, Gottheimer contended he is the only candidate with a plan to cut income and property taxes.

Baraka was unconvinced, saying Gottheimer wants to cut taxes for the rich.

Gottheimer countered that property taxes in Newark have risen 25 percent on Baraka's watch. The mayor said that's not true.

The mayor also proposed funding school districts through the income tax, and not property taxes.

As things wound down, all candidates vowed to fight the Trump Administration at every turn. Gottheimer was most rhetorical, saying:

"He's going to keep messing with us, and he's screwing with our families. We're going to screw with him. That's got to be our attitude."

The debate ensued at just about the same time, Trump endorsed Jack Ciattarelli in the GOP primary.

Ciattarelli's name, a bit oddly, was not mentioned in the debate. But all candidates did pledge to back the primary winner this fall.