Thomas Kean Jr. on Government Reform Republican challenger

No in-person early voting

Excerpts from veto message:New Jersey voters have been able to vote early in person in every election since 2009, via "Vote by Mail." I support responsible and cost-efficient election reform that increases voter participation because democracy works best when the most people vote. But this bill risks the integrity and orderly administration of our elections by introducing a new voting method and process, and would cost $25 million.

Legislative outcome:Kean voted NAY; Bill S.536 passed Senate 21-15-3; House equivalent S.2364 passed House 46-31-3; vetoed by Gov. Christie; veto sustained.

Keep the Senate filibuster rules, to encourage negotiation

KEAN: No. Negotiation and compromise under the current rules are the best means to success and promotes bipartisan solutions to our nation’s challenges.

MENENDEZ: Under Bush, Washington has become too partisan and divided. Senate rules are meant to overcome that by encouraging debate and compromise. They should be preserved.

Disallow dual-office holding for politicians

KEAN: I sponsored legislation to prohibit dual-office holding. It undermines the integrity and honesty of government. Regrettably, Bob Menendez was a dual-office holder.

MENENDEZ: Voters have the final say in who represents them in government. If the electorate votes you into office, that is the will of the electorate.

Ban pay-to-play practices to reform Congressional lobbying

Menendez should give back dirty money

Campaign-finance reform is signature issue in legislature

Kean’s last day in the Assembly featured a dramatic standoff with Democratic Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, who blocked a final effort to bring his campaign-finance reform bill up for a vote. In the aftermath, Kean came off as a young crusader, while Sires accused him of grandstanding in preparation for a statewide run. Since then, the reforms Kean was advocating have become mainstream fare, promised by both of this year’s candidates for governor.