Bitter Congressional Race Nears End In New Jersey

PARAMUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A competitive congressional race in northern New Jersey has featured nonstop nastiness.

As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, seven-time incumbent Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) said his race with Democrat Josh Gottheimer is one of two different visions.

"My vision is one of keeping as much money in your pocket as we can, not sending money to Washington – and if they want to look at my opponent, I guess it's a total 180 degrees," Garrett said.

But Gottheimer's vision does not sound all that different, Silverman reported.

"If you wanted someone who's going to fight to get lower taxes, but actually improve things, I hope you support me," he said.

Gottheimer, a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and strategist for Microsoft, said infrastructure is critical.

"I have a whole plan that does this without raising taxes,' he said.

Gottheimer calls himself a progressive on social issues, in contrast with Tea Partier Garrett.

"We need a more moderate approach," he said.

Asked about his record on gay rights, Garrett said: "I am a Republican as you know. I'm going to support those who are Republican who stick by Republican principles."

He said one of those principles is traditional marriage.

The bitter race has involved numerous attacks, including an unauthorized flier that portrayed Gottheimer as the devil.

Gottheimer, who is Jewish, called the fliers "blatantly anti-Semitic."

The flyers were circulated at schools and train stations in the New Jersey congressional district that stretches from the suburbs across from New York City to rural towns.

Garrett denounced the flyer portraying Gottheimer as the devil with horns and a pitchfork. Campaign manager Sarah Neibart called it disgusting and said she would never authorize it.

She also called on Gottheimer to turn the flyer over to authorities to check their origin and whether they were a manufactured ``political ploy.''

Both sides have also called one another liars.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)