Tuesday's Republican debate seemed a bit of an afterthought.

Jack Ciattarelli was endorsed by Donald Trump, so the race is over, right?

Bill Spadea met that hurdle head on.

"The president endorsed a poll - a poll that was conducted and paid for by Jack's campaign," he said. Interestingly, this was not Spadea's take when the endorsement was made.

Ciattarelli said Trump endorsed him, because he's the only candidate who can win in November.

Jon Bramnick, who many observers (for what it is worth) consider the toughest Republican in the November race, said he has the "basic principles" of the GOP. Still, Bramnick is far behind in the polls.

Unlike the first match among the three, this one was relatively tame, although there were a few barbs. The debate was sponsored by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and Rider University

The polarization of the day seems to push partisan debates to the political edge. The Dems do this as well as the Republicans.

At Tuesday's session, there was general agreement, for instance, on how to handle crime.

There were calls to bring back the death penalty (in some cases), end bail reform (a Chris Christie initiative), prosecute more juveniles as adults, reopen prisons and fill them up and in Ciattarelli's case, support "no-knock warrants." He said it more than once.

Some county prisons have closed and have been combined with those in other counties because of a drop in inmate population.That really is a good thing. And yes, some of it is attributed to bail reform.

Let's keep in mind that whatever study or statistics you consult, violent crime in the state is among the lowest in the nation. Those who question that can check it out themselves.

The candidates, crime wise, were on firmer ground in condemning "flash mobs" on the Jersey Shore. A recent riot at the Menlo Park Mall would fit that description too.

There was agreement on giving police more leeway to arrest minors, but, admittedly, there is no real answer to controlling the start of these uprisings on social media.

Ciattarelli continues to claim that Spadea is too cozy with "illegal aliens." Spadea says his words were misconstrued.

At any rate, they continued to spar.

Spadea said Ciattarelli loves giving "illegals" driver's licenses; Ciattarelli retorted that Spadea supports amnesty.

Bramnick, at one point, stepped in and said there is nothing wrong with a "pathway to citizenship" for people here who are working hard and obeying the law.

Talk about property taxes can not be avoided.

The Democrats on Sunday in various ways spoke about consolidating towns and school districts to cut down on costs.

None of the three Republicans would go there. Spadea said he's against the idea outright.

Ciattarelli said consolidation can happen if towns want it - which means it will never happen.

An observation. It's disconcerting that all three GOP candidates seem so devoted to "home rule," a Jersey concept that was probably outdated 50 years ago.

We did mention some "barbs."

Bramnick said of Spadea:

"I'm not sure (being) a radio host is real experience for running the state of New Jersey." Spadea said the comment was not worth a response.

Spadea, of course, went after Ciattarelli, noting that he has spent millions tearing him (Spadea) down.

"Well Jack, I'm still here," he said.