UNION - Mikie Sherrill called it a "new low."

The reference was to the unredacted release of her Naval Academy records by the National Archives.

Jack Ciattarelli countered by saying the release was "unfortunate," but that Sherrill still should release all of her records. And he suggested the congresswoman's behavior was worse than she is saying.

In a story that exploded into the race a week or so ago, it was revealed that Sherrill did not attend her 1994 graduation ceremonies at Annapolis. She said it was because she did not turn in some of her classmates suspected of cheating.

Ciattarelli speculated her transgression was more serious than that.

That was the "exchange" - sort of - at a Kean University forum between the candidates Friday night on WPIX TV. The candidates did not debate with each other. They appeared separately for a 30-minute discussion.

In addition to that simmering issue, both candidates cleaned up some previous campaign statements.

At a debate on Sept. 21, Sherrill was asked if she backed raising the state's sales tax. She said she would not commit to anything just yet.

Tonight, she said she would not increase the sales tax. It is now 6.625 percent.

Ciattarelli had a lingering tax issue as well.

At the lieutenant governor's debate a few days ago, GOP candidate Jim Gannon said "taxes are on the table," a remark Team Mikie jumped on.

Tonight, Ciatttarelli explained:

"He's the lieutenant governor, I'm the governor." He said he has no plans to raise taxes.

The moderators referred to a recent Emerson poll that essentially had the race deadlocked. Since then, however, there has been a Fox poll that gave Sherrill an 8-point lead.

Both candidates reiterated previous positions on property taxes, always a key issue.

In truth, neither candidate is offering anything bold - like mandating small towns and school districts to merge.

Sherrill wants more shared services among towns and talked about incentives - a "carrot" - to get that done.

Ciattarelli remains a supporter of home rule, suggesting that is what most people like.

Throughout the campaign, Ciattarelli has said electing Sherrill would mean four more years of Phil Murphy.

So, Sherrill was asked to grade the governor.

She gave him a B, saying the state still has too much red tape and regulatory barriers.

An actual debate between Sherrill and Ciattarelli is set for Oct. 8.