A debate among candidates for a northern New Jersey congressional seat was canceled today due to "security concerns," as reports emerge that the incumbent candidate has accused one of his opponents of "inappropriate contact."
Joyce Estey, news director for WRNJ, who was hosting the debate, would not provide details about what security concerns prompted the cancellation. But, LehighValleyLive reports that Estey says it involves "one candidate vs. another candidate."
Republican incumbent Scott Garrett was due to debate Democrat Todd Theise and independent Mark Quick in Hackettstown.
Quick told NorthJersey.com that his office was informed this morning that Garrett had canceled, a move he said was because the Congressman is not "wanting to face opposition from the right."
Quick said he had no intention of harming Garrett. The independent candidate -- a mason and landscaper in Warren County -- has said that Garrett's staff has called police on him after he called the congressman's office several times. Garrett also sent a letter to Quick asking that all contact be conducted through writing due to "inappropriate contact." That message is posted on Quick's Website.
Quick showed up uninvited at a Sunday debate between the Garrett and his Democratic opponent and tried to be included. When he was not, he began shouting at Garrett about illegal immigrants, according to newspaper reports.
Two other candidates, Green Party candidate Ed Fanning and independent James Douglas Radigan, of Sussex County, are also competing in the 5th District, which covers all of Warren County and parts of Sussex, Passaic and Bergen counties.
