Even an LG debate can have its moments.

As Jim Gannon and Dale Caldwell faced off Tuesday night in a debate televised by WPIX, the "millionaire's tax" came up.

New Jersey, of course, already taxes those earning more than a million dollars a year at a special rate - 10.75 percent. So, the question apparently was about whether that rate should be increased, although it was not phrased that way.

This is where Gannon's answer made some waves.

The Republican sheriff from Morris County began by making a genuine point. That is, the state budget has dramatically increased under Phil Murphy and that too much of that money supports "pork products" in Democratic areas.

Part of the discussion revolved around finding money for needed programs to offset federal budget cuts. Gannon said that in a budget as bloated as the state budget, that should be relatively easy to do.

But what about the millionaire's tax, he was asked.

"Taxes are on the table," he said.

Gannon went on to say we should not target millionaires, noting that many times, those are the people who create jobs.

"They're employing us," he said.
He was asked again about new taxes in a Ciattarelli-Gannon Administration.

"Well, you have to look at it. You have to look at the whole thing."

Team Mikie was paying attention. The Mikie Sherrill campaign immediately dispatched a statement headlined:

"Jack ticket says "Taxes are on the table.'"

That was not surprising.

Gannon's statement in its entirety made sense, but don't be surprised if you see clips of Gannon talking about taxes in an upcoming Sherrill TV ad.

Sticking with taxes, the candidates were also asked about property taxes - a big issue in New Jersey, but also one that is generally ignored in state elections. That's because no candidate wants to upset local leaders by saying simply, "We have too many towns and school districts. We need to combine them."

The candidates were asked if property taxes would be lower after four years if they got into office.

Caldwell said that's the goal.

Gannon set the bar much higher.

"Yes they will," he said.

* * *

This was a peaceful debate by any standard. The moderators, however, sought to show at least a philosophical divide.

Gannon was asked his views on Donald Trump and whether he backed him. He replied that he voted for Trump all three times he has run for president.

Caldwell was asked about Zohran Mamdani, the leading candidate for mayor of New York City.

Republicans have sought to tie Sherrill to the very left wing Mamdani throughout the campaign.
Caldwell didn't take the bait, or, if you prefer, he dodged the question. He said he wasn't paying all that much attention to the New York City race.

But Caldwell has been paying close enough attention to the inner workings of New Jersey Republicans.

He used his closing statement to remind all that radio show host Bill Spadea, who lost the Republican primary, has not endorsed Ciattarelli.

In this debate, that qualified as a zinger.