Editorial: For Congress, N.J. Republican Primary

As the seven-term congressman in New Jersey's Second District, Frank A. LoBiondo should coast to victory in the June 3 Republican primary. Not only is LoBiondo the favorite, he's clearly the best choice for GOP voters in a district that sprawls from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore.

A hardworking moderate who understands the need for bipartisanship, LoBiondo, 62, has worked to improve homeland security in his district and served as a watchdog on environmental issues that affect his coastal and farming communities. The Ventnor resident who once worked in the family trucking business brings a wealth of real-world experience to Congress. For several terms, he's also served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and House Armed Services Committee.

GOP challenger Donna M. Ward, a former freelance court reporter from Mantua, only joined the race in late March as a protest over the federal bailout of Wall Street firm Bear Stearns. That about sums up the breadth of her candidacy.

In November, a challenge from Democratic Cape May City Councilman David Kurkowski awaits the GOP primary winner. That nominee should be

FRANK LoBIONDO

.