LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli clashed over the economy, President Donald Trump’s leadership and political divisions as they faced off Sunday night for the opening debate in New Jersey’s high-stakes governor’s race.

Security was tight at the town hall-style debate at Rider University, which played out shortly after the memorial for slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk in Arizona.

The tense national climate looms over the contest in New Jersey, which has drawn intense interest from the White House, political activists and political leaders on both sides with Election Day just six weeks away.

Long considered a reliably blue state in national elections, New Jersey has swung between Republicans and Democrats during its odd-year gubernato

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