President Trump loomed large as New Jersey's candidates for governor, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, met on the debate stage for the first time Sunday night .

Questions from the moderator and audience members ranged from taxes and cost of living in the state to education to artificial intelligence.

Sherrill, a member of Congress, repeatedly tried to link her opponent to the president during the town hall-style debate.

"He'll do whatever Trump tells him to do," Sherrill said in her opening statement.

Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, did not criticize Mr. Trump or his plans but stressed his independence.

"My job is to advocate for the 9.3 million citizens of this state, and I'll always do right by the citizens of this state, no matter who occupies the

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