NEWARK - Sunday's debate among Democratic gubernatorial candidates fell on the same night as the final game of the Mets-Yankees Subway Series. And at two and a half hours, it was almost as long as the game, which is saying a lot.

The time did allow for detailed discussion of issues, even if when things wound down, it was hard to recall what a candidate said back in the "second inning."

Thankfully, the debate among Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill and Steve Sweeney did delve into key state issues (Candidate Sean Spiller did not qualify for the debate in terms of campaign money raised). The debate was sponsored by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and Rider University.

Development, or more specifically the building of housing, has been talked about a lot.

All five candidates backed the state taking a stronger stance in getting this down, Sweeney noted that towns have had more than 50 years - since the Mount Laurel court decision - to construct affordable homes.

This is a big deal.

As of now in New Jersey, municipalities control development as anyone familiar with local planning boards understands. The state somehow interceding with local boards is not going to be accepted, which is something the candidates have to know.

Fulop seemed to get this, noting that many people living in a town move there because they like how it developed.

Education also produced an interesting discussion.

Baraka said at a debate last week that public schools should be funded by income taxes - not property taxes.

This would do two things. It would substantially lower property taxes, but would likely raise income taxes for some. Or rather, those who are wealthy.

There are reasons why Baraka may be the most liberal in the race and this is one of them. Labels aside, using the income tax to support public schools would spread the cost over more people.

The candidates were asked if they backed Baraka's idea.

No one did.

There was much talk about consolidating school districts. There are more school districts than towns in New Jersey, and more superintendents than mayors. This is a perennial issue. Getting it done would require strong action by the governor. It would also require the governor to ignore the yelping of local school boards. This is truly an issue that's easier to talk about than actually do.

Amid the long night, Fulop found himself very much alone on congestion pricing. He supports it.

Gottheimer, who has been very active condemning charging an additional toll to enter midtown Manhattan, said costs for New Jerseyans are high enough. The others agreed.

Fulop said he understood the politics, but that his view is backed by many transportation, environmental and health groups.

The opening and closing statements - 90 seconds each - gave insights into the candidates' psyche with three weeks to go until the primary.

Sherrill acknowledged some of her opponents could be tired of her talking about her military career flying Navy helicopters. She said she was going to keep on doing it, because it emphasizes her commitment to service.

Baraka said some think he is unelectable because he is "too Newark, too progressive and too black." It was a rather blunt analysis in the final minutes of the debate. His point -- he is who he is, and he is happy about it.

Sweeney brought up the tendency of many to say they are "outsiders." Sweeney, a former Senate President, scoffed at that, arguing it's the "insiders" who know how to get things done.

Gottheimer stressed his commitment to lower taxes and also brought up his original victory back in 2016 when he ousted conservative Republican Scott Garrett in CD-5. His point - he can win tough races.

Fulop, answering a question about cutting the state budget, pointed to Rutgers and the money it spends on football. This could be a sacred cow to some - the last two governors, Murphy and Christie, both promoted Rutgers football. But in sports - and politics - there is a bottom line.

Since joining the Big Ten in 2020, Rutgers has never had an in-conference winning season.

\