PARSIPPANY - Tom Kean Jr. is back. Sort of.

A few weeks after disclosing his battle with depression, the CD-7 congressman has begun making the rounds at street fairs and Republican events.

On Sunday morning, he attended the kickoff for "Our 100 Days of Action" at Morris County Republican headquarters.

He shared the stage with Joe Hathaway, who is challenging Analilia Mejia in CD-11, and Tayfun Selen, who is seeking reelection to the board of county commissioners.

One source said Kean gave a stump speech, but basically eschewed talking about his nearly four month absence. One exception. He did thank his wife, Rhonda, for her support.

Also, James Gannon, the county sheriff, reportedly told Kean that he was an inspiration for publicly sharing his struggle. Those comments are understandable. Gannon, who ran for lieutenant governor last year with Jack Ciattarelli, is a consummate gentleman.

Hathaway had this to say on social media:

"Great turnout ... at Morris County GOP as we kicked off our 100 Days of Action. Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to knock doors, make calls, and put in the work. It was also great to have Congressman Tom Kean and his team with us as we continue building momentum across Morris County.

Campaigns aren't won on Election Day. They're won by volunteers who are willing to show up and fight for our values. Onward to November 3."

This is the "rah rah" stuff one hears at all political events, but there are real questions here.

While showing up at GOP events is one thing, you have to wonder when, and if, Kean will interact with average voters. That's something he failed to do even prior to his illness.

When the federal Department of Homeland Security seemed to change its mind on an ICE center in CD-7 (Roxbury), some cynics wondered if this was done to give Kean a platform. Let him condemn it and show his support for local residents in a Republican-leaning town. That hasn't happened yet.