NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY

Population (1994): 7,904,000 (up 2.2% from 1990), 3.0% of U.S. total

Voting-age pop.: 5,974,000; 1994 turnout, 34%

Median age: 34.5 years

Median household income: $42,280 ($10,016 above U.S. median)

Unemployment: 6.4% (0.8% above U.S. average, March 1996)

Last presidential election: Clinton (D): 43% Bush (R): 41% Perot (I): 16%

Congressional delegation: Seven Democrats, eight Republicans

Ben Franklin, referring to the state's position between Philadelphia and New York City, called New Jersey "a valley of humility between two mountains of conceit." Though still in the shadow of the two cities, the state is a political bellwether, with social diversity that echoes the nation's own.

ROBERT TORRICELLI (D) SENATE (OPEN SEAT)

BORN: Aug. 26, 1951, Paterson EDUCATION: Rutgers U, A.B., 1974, J.D., 1977; Harvard U, M.P.A., 1980 FAMILY: Divorced RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 594, New Brunswick 08903. Tel.: 908-249-0800

The fight to replace retiring Senator Bill Bradley has been a ferocious one. But while much of his time in the House has been spent dealing with foreign policy, Torricelli is focusing on domestic issues for this campaign, especially the environment and gun control.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES National Service YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "When the [CIA] was implicated in the death of an American in Guatemala, I broke the silence...and defended a widowed housewife against the American intelligence community."

DICK ZIMMER (R) SENATE (OPEN SEAT)

BORN: Aug. 16, 1944, Newark EDUCATION: Yale U, B.A., 1966, L.L.B., 1969 FAMILY: Wife, Marfy Goodspeed; two children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New Jersey Assembly, 1982-87, Senate, 1987-90; U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6888, Lawrenceville 08648. Tel.: 609-844-1188

Zimmer's six years in the House have been characterized by fiscal conservatism and a moderate, sometimes even liberal, record on domestic issues. He may be best known for sponsoring "Megan's Law," requiring that local police be notified when a convicted sexual offender moves to the area.

THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR National Service NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I represent the traditions of New Jersey..., being a fiscal hawk in spending taxpayers' dollars as carefully as they spend their own paychecks."

ROBERT E. ANDREWS (D) District 1 (Southwest--Camden)

BORN: Aug. 4, 1957, Camden EDUCATION: Bucknell U, B.A., 1979; Cornell U, J.D., 1982 FAMILY: Wife, Camille Spinello Andrews; two children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer, adjunct professor POLITICAL CAREER: Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, 1987-90, director, 1988-90; U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: 26 Springdale Road, Building 27, Cherry Hill 08003. Tel.: 609-424-5757

Andrews has compiled a record in the House that is liberal on cultural issues but conservative, for a Democrat, on the economy and foreign policy. He has voted against several tax increases and in 1994 proposed the "A-to-Z" plan, which would have set aside 56 hours of debate for budget-cutting proposals. More successful was a bill creating the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, which Andrews drafted.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "[The 'A-to-Z' proposal would] put the onus on members of Congress to explain why programs should continue."

MELVYN SUPLEE (R) District 1

BORN: Nov. 4, 1938, Philadelphia EDUCATION: La Salle U, B.S., 1967; Temple U, M.P.A., 1991 FAMILY: Wife, Celeste; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army Reserve, 1960-61, 1961-66; Army, 1961 OCCUPATION: University contract specialist POLITICAL CAREER: Republican candidate for mayor of Bellmawr, 1994; Republican candidate for New Jersey Senate, 1995 ADDRESS: 323 Anthony Drive, Bellmawr 08031. Tel.: 609-933-2057

Suplee was chosen by a congressional committee to replace G.O.P. nominee Sophia Nelson when she quit the race for personal reasons. Suplee charges incumbent Robert Andrews with alienating Democrats in Congress, endangering his ability to form coalitions with them on legislation. Suplee also supports term limits, balancing the federal budget and reducing immigration.

THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "As your representative, I will fight to reduce immigration...I will strive to establish term limits and terminate the congressional pension system."

RUTH KATZ (D) District 2 (South--Atlantic City; Vineland)

BORN: Aug. 19, 1952, Atlantic City EDUCATION: U of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1974; Emory U, J.D., 1977; Harvard U, M.P.H., 1980 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public-health program director; lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Democratic nomination for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: Mainland Plaza, 545 Tilton Road, Northfield 08225. Tel.: 609-272-9770

Katz' background, her political views and her fund-raising abilities make her a serious challenger to conservative incumbent Frank LoBiondo. She is a moderate, supporting current levels of funding for Head Start and college loans. She also favors welfare reform that would require recipients to work, as long as children are protected.

THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Frank LoBiondo and his Republican Congress want to cut back on every environmental law...just when we can finally see through to our beautiful ocean, walk on clean beaches and breathe fresh air."

FRANK LOBIONDO (R) District 2

BORN: May 12, 1946, Bridgeton EDUCATION: St. Joseph's U, B.S., 1968 FAMILY: Wife, Jan; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Trucking-company operations manager POLITICAL CAREER: Cumberland County Board of Freeholders, 1985-88; New Jersey Assembly, 1988-95; Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1992; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 550, Vineland 08360. Tel.: 609-507-0473

After surprising observers by knocking off a more moderate primary opponent in 1994, LoBiondo became a loyal member of the Republican freshman class, generally sticking to the conservative policies he ran on. He has shown a soft spot for Social Security and Medicare, as well as an occasional environmental bent, but retains solid conservative credentials.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "You and your family have to balance your budget; so too should the Federal Government."

JOHN LEONARDI (D) District 3 (South central--Cherry Hill)

BORN: Nov. 19, 1955, Brooklyn, N.Y. EDUCATION: Niagara U, B.S., 1979 FAMILY: Wife, Linda; four children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: Army, 1979-92; Army Reserve, 1992- OCCUPATION: CEO and president of multiple-listing service POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4126, Cherry Hill 08034. Tel.: 609-429-5419

Leonardi has issued position papers on a wide variety of topics, but his focus is on preserving Medicare--partly by trimming benefits for the well-off--and achieving a balanced budget. He would lower the deficit by repealing what he considers G.O.P.-sponsored tax breaks for the wealthy and by cutting the defense budget.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NR Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "It is this idea that an ordinary citizen can govern our country that makes our nation great. However, this greatness is slipping away with the predominance of career politicians on Capitol Hill who have lost touch with the average citizen."

H. JAMES SAXTON (R) District 3

BORN: Jan. 22, 1943, Nicholson, Pa. EDUCATION: East Stroudsburg State College, B.A., 1965 FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Real estate broker; elementary school teacher POLITICAL CAREER: New Jersey Assembly, 1976-82; New Jersey Senate, 1982-84; U.S. House, 1984- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 795, Mount Holly 08060. Tel.: 609-267-8811

Although essentially a mainstream Republican, Saxton has split with many in his party by voting often in favor of gun control and environmental protection. He once tried to stop G.O.P. efforts to weaken the Clean Water Act and called on President Clinton to stop the dumping of dredged silt off the New Jersey coast. This formula has increased his margin of victory in each of the past three elections, making the well-financed Saxton a formidable incumbent.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I just can't tolerate the extreme attempts by some to gut the Endangered Species Act and thereby sacrifice the survival of hundreds of species."

KEVIN MEARA (D) District 4 (Central--Trenton)

BORN: May 3, 1958, Trenton EDUCATION: Mercer County Community College, A.A., 1985 FAMILY: Wife, Maryann; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Navy Reserve, 1976-77 OCCUPATION: Public-utilities manager POLITICAL CAREER: Hamilton Township Municipal Council, 1990-93; Democratic nominee for Hamilton Township Council, 1993 ADDRESS: 188 Ellwood Street, Hamilton 08610. Tel.: 609-587-8937

Meara is a nonpartisan Democrat who is antiabortion like his opponent, supports "workfare" and wants to tighten immigration restrictions. More traditionally, he is a pro-labor NAFTA dissident and would have voted for Clinton's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays in the military. Still, these "old" Democrat positions may not work against incumbent Christopher Smith, who beat his last challenger by 37%.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "More than anyone [else on the Hamilton Township municipal council], I have fought higher taxes and spending in the municipal and school budgets."

CHRISTOPHER SMITH (R) District 4

BORN: March 4, 1953, Rahway EDUCATION: Trenton State College, B.A., 1975 FAMILY: Wife, Marie; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Sporting-goods executive POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1978; U.S. House, 1980- ADDRESS: 1351 Kuser Road, Hamilton 08619. Tel.: 609-581-9292

Smith's 16-year House career is anchored by his defense of veterans and his fierce antiabortion stand. The Jewish War Veterans named him Legislator of the Year in 1996 for his work on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He has used his position on the International Relations Committee to oppose aid programs abroad sponsored by Planned Parenthood. Apart from abortion, he has a decidedly moderate record.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Christ said it in Matthew 25: 'Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, you do likewise to me.' That was my motivating scripture through all of my years in Right to Life, and it continues to be."

BILL AUER (D) District 5 (North and West--Ridgewood)

BORN: July 9, 1940, Munich, Germany EDUCATION: City College of New York, B.S.E.E., 1970; New York U, M.S.E.E., 1974 FAMILY: Widowed; two children RELIGION: Lutheran MILITARY: Army, 1959-62 OCCUPATION: Direct-mail advertising POLITICAL CAREER: Candidate for the Allendale Borough Council, 1992; Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 97 Broadway, Park Ridge 07656. Tel.: 201-391-9116

Except for making the deficit a top priority, Auer is a liberal. A native of Germany with first-hand experience of a state-run health-care system, he supports universal health care, wants defense-spending cuts and thinks gays should be allowed to serve in the military. But after losing to Marge Roukema by 52 points in 1994, Auer is an underdog, especially in this Republican district.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NR Defense YES Abortion NR Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The many questionnaires I receive all ask me what I think of this or that right. Never does anybody ask what I think about our responsibilities."

MARGE ROUKEMA (R) District 5

BORN: Sept. 19, 1929, West Orange EDUCATION: Montclair State College, B.A., 1951 FAMILY: Husband, Richard; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: High school government and history teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Ridgewood Board of Education, 1970-73; U.S. House, 1980- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 625, Ridgewood 07451. Tel.: 201-445-7030

After eight terms, Roukema is the senior Republican woman in the House and one of its most influential G.O.P. moderates. The American Conservative Union consistently gives her tepid ratings of just over 50%. A pro-choice environmentalist, her party's leadership nonetheless entrusts her with the chair of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion NO* Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We do not pretend that an assault-weapons ban will end all crime, or even all gun violence. But taken in step with a strong crime bill, this can start to end the national epidemic of violence."

STEVEN CORODEMUS (R) District 6 (Central--New Brunswick; Long Branch; Asbury Park)

BORN: Jan. 19, 1952, Irvington EDUCATION: Rutgers U, B.A., 1974; Seton Hall U, J.D., 1979 FAMILY: Wife, Michele; two children RELIGION: Greek Orthodox MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Borough of Atlantic Highlands councilman, 1986-89; New Jersey House, 1991- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 160, Atlantic Highlands 07716. Tel.: 908-870-8686

The Sixth District, culturally diverse and largely middle class, often mirrors national political trends. A mainstream small-government Republican, Corodemus says four-term incumbent Pallone has not written or sponsored enough legislation in his House career. To do well here, Corodemus will have to capture the same moderate voters Republicans need nationwide.

THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "[The Republican-sponsored federal welfare-reform bill] gives states the flexibility to design their own programs that work best for their citizens."

FRANK PALLONE JR. (D) District 6

BORN: Oct. 30, 1951, Long Branch EDUCATION: Middlebury College, B.A., 1973; Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, M.A., 1974; Rutgers U, J.D., 1978 FAMILY: Wife, Sarah; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Long Branch city council, 1982-88; New Jersey Senate, 1984-88; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3176, 540 Broadway, Long Branch 07740. Tel.: 908-571-4141

Pallone is independent: one of a handful of non-Southern Democrats to support the Contract with America's tax-cut proposal, he also voted with the liberal wing of his party in opposing gatt and NAFTA. Consistently green, he worked to stop the dumping of contaminated dredge spoils off the New Jersey coast and supported the purchase of wetlands for the National Wildlife Refuge system.

THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: [On the bill that would make English the official U.S. language] "To think the language of Shakespeare needs government help to survive is an insult."

ROBERT FRANKS (R) District 7 (North and Central--parts of Woodbridge and Union)

BORN: Sept. 21, 1951, Hackensack EDUCATION: DePauw U, B.A., 1973; Southern Methodist U, J.D., 1976 FAMILY: Wife, Fran RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Newspaper owner POLITICAL CAREER: New Jersey Assembly, 1980-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 313 South Avenue, Sanwood 07023. Tel.: 908-889-2214

Seeking a third term, Franks has the advantage of a definitive victory in his past two races--by a landslide 21% in 1994. In Washington he is a dedicated budget cutter, earning two Taxpayers' Friend awards from the National Taxpayer's Union. Though picked by Newt Gingrich to help in the transition to the Republican-controlled 104th Congress, he does not always vote a party line.

THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I hear time and time again that although families...are working harder and longer than ever before, they're still falling behind. Part of the reason is that the average family's federal, state and local tax burden has risen from 13% in 1950 to 40% in 1995."

LARRY LERNER (D) District 7

BORN: March 21, 1935, Newark EDUCATION: Newark College of Engineering, B.S., 1956; Georgetown U, J.D., 1961 FAMILY: Wife, Beverly; four children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: Army Reserve, 1957-65 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 2020 Morris Avenue, Union 07083. Tel.: 908-810-1996

Though he has never held elected or appointed public office, Lerner has long been a political activist. In 1974 he led a suit that ended tax exemptions for organizations with whites-only clauses in their constitution. He has consistently lobbied for the release of wrongly imprisoned Jews in the former Soviet Union. His platform calls for stringent environmental protection and job-training programs for laid-off workers. And though he is a masterful fund raiser, his is an uphill run in the Republican Seventh.

THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I remember what it was like without Medicare...when children had to sell or mortgage their houses to provide health care for their parents."

BILL MARTINI (R) District 8 (North--Paterson)

BORN: Feb. 10, 1947, Passaic EDUCATION: Villanova U, B.A., 1968; Rutgers U, J.D., 1972 FAMILY: Wife, Gloria; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1974-77; Clifton city council, 1990-94; Passaic County freeholder, 1992-94; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 1064 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove 07009. Tel.: 201-890-7768

Locked in one of the closest races in New Jersey, Martini has credentials that may invite crossover votes. He is endorsed by the Sierra Club for his environmental record--he led an effort to prevent development of the 17,500-acre Sterling Forest--is pro-choice and voted to raise the minimum wage. Still, Martini won his freshman election by only 1%, and his popularity hasn't been tested against a challenger as well known as Pascrell.

THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We are at a crossroads nationally...people will have to decide on going forward and making some changes, or maintaining a Big Government."

WILLIAM PASCRELL JR. (D) District 8

BORN: Jan. 27, 1937, Paterson EDUCATION: Fordham U, B.A., 1959, M.A., 1961 FAMILY: Wife, Elsie; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army, 1961-62; Army Reserve, 1962-67 OCCUPATION: City official; teacher POLITICAL CAREER: New Jersey Assembly, 1988-; mayor of Paterson, 1990- ADDRESS: 63 Quartz Lane, Paterson 07012. Tel.: 201-473-9696

The New Jersey Conference of Mayors named Pascrell its Mayor of the Year for 1996, a sign of his prominence and popularity--and reason for incumbent Bill Martini to worry. At a time when Congress is wrestling with a federal deficit, Pascrell boasts of balancing Paterson's debt-laden budget--though he raised taxes to do it--and of creating a prevention-oriented health-care plan and a publicly financed home-building program.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The Republicans talk about cutting $270 billion from Medicare to save it...but what they don't tell you is that they need those Medicare cuts to pay for a tax break they want to give to wealthy Americans."

KATHLEEN DONOVAN (R) District 9 (North--Fort Lee, Hackensack)

BORN: Sept. 5, 1952, Queens, N.Y. EDUCATION: Rutgers U, B.A., 1974; Cleveland State U, J.D., 1977 FAMILY: Single; one child (adopted) RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Transportation official POLITICAL CAREER: New Jersey House, 1986-88; sought Republican nomination for New Jersey Senate, 1987; Bergen County Clerk, 1989- ADDRESS: 75 Essex Street, Hackensack 07601. Tel.: 201-343-1533 Though running for a seat long held by Democrat Robert Torricelli, Donovan, a self-described moderate Republican and a recent commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has much to recommend her to both parties. She is pro-choice, pro-gun control and pro-environment, and has been endorsed by Local 346 of the Laborers Union as well as by the head of the Cuban American National Foundation.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "At the Port Authority we've cut costs without reducing services, we've increased productivity and we have held the line on tolls and fares."

STEVEN ROTHMAN (D) District 9

BORN: Oct. 14, 1952, Englewood EDUCATION: Syracuse U, B.A., 1970-74; Washington U, J.D., 1974-77 FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Englewood, 1983-89 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 714, Hackensack 07602. Tel.: 201-646-0808

Although Rothman has the endorsement of retiring Congressman Robert Torricelli, his record of service is primarily at the local and municipal level. He also has had difficulty finding issues on which to disagree with Kathleen Donovan; their responses to the Time/CQ questionnaire are similar. In the end, against a dynamic opponent, he may have to hope that party affiliation, in this generally Democratic district, is victorious.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NR Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE "Everyone wants to lower taxes, balance the budget and eliminate the deficit. The real challenge is how we can accomplish all of this without harming our senior citizens, our children and our environment."

DONALD M. PAYNE (D) District 10 (Parts of Newark and Jersey City)

BORN: July 16, 1934, Newark EDUCATION: Seton Hall U, B.A., 1957 FAMILY: Widowed; three children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Community-development executive POLITICAL CAREER: Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, 1972-78; Newark Municipal Council, 1982-88; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2406, Newark 07114. Tel.: 201-643-4422

Payne's liberal voting record and focus on African-American issues have won him four trips to Congress and, in 1994, chairmanship of the Congressional Black Caucus. Along with domestic issues, such as family leave and the motor-voter bill, he has worked on U.S. policy toward blacks worldwide, even criticizing Clinton for not doing enough for war-torn Rwanda.

THE ISSUES

Budget No Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I would not call myself electrifying, but I think there is a lot of dignity in being able to achieve things without having to create rupture."

VANESSA WILLIAMS (R) District 10

BORN: Sept. 16, 1961, Newark EDUCATION: Rutgers U, B.S., 1979-83; Rutgers U, Newark, J.D., 1986-90 FAMILY: Husband, Michael E. Powell RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 909A Broad Street, Suite 314, Newark 07102. Tel.: 201-399-0158

Given incumbent Donald Payne's history of winning re-election races, challenger Williams has her work cut out for her. However, deviating from the standard Republican platform, Williams may draw some moderate votes for her pro-choice and affirmative-action support. Her other stands are more conventionally Republican: welfare ought to be reformed on "workfare" principles, the government should give vouchers to parents to use at whatever school they wish and a balanced-budget amendment should be passed.

THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE "I fully expect and intend to beat Congressman Payne."

CHRIS EVANGEL (D) District 11 (North--Morris County)

BORN: July 22, 1957, Jersey City. EDUCATION: Rutgers U, B.A., 1979; Harvard U, M.P.A., 1981 FAMILY: Wife, Lori RELIGION: Greek Orthodox MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Municipal bond analyst; federal budget examiner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 591, Morristown 07963. Tel.: 212-533-1927

Evangel, a nonpolitician with consistently liberal leanings, supports increased federal employment-training grants, incentives for teenage mothers to stay in school, tax breaks for companies that train laid-off workers, and increased funding for environmental programs. But he will have to run a strong race in order to beat Frelinghuysen, who won by 43% in 1994.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We need to refocus our economic policies to foster investment both in our nation's capital base and, more importantly, our labor base."

RODNEY FRELINGHUYSEN (R) District 11

BORN: April 29, 1946, New York City EDUCATION: Hobart College, B.A., 1969 FAMILY: Wife, Virginia; two children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: Army, 1969-71 OCCUPATION: Public official POLITICAL CAREER: Morris County freeholder, 1974-83; New Jersey Assembly, 1983-94; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 826, Morristown 07960. Tel.: 201-292-3656

Through his seat on the Appropriations Committee, Frelinghuysen spent much of his first term working quietly to cut federal spending, while supporting funding for the Urban Core Mass Transit project, Superfund cleanups and housing for the elderly and disabled.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NO NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "There has been fundamental change to the way Washington works...Powerful committee chairmen are limited to six-year tenures. House rules have made it tougher to raise taxes."

DAVID DEL VECCHIO (D) District 12 (North and central--Flemington; Princeton)

BORN: Oct. 15, 1956, Dover EDUCATION: Rutgers U, B.A., 1979 FAMILY: Wife, Karen Kominsky RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Aide in Governor's treasurer's office POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Lambertville, 1992- ADDRESS: 3131 Princeton Pike, Building 4, Suite 210, Lawrenceville 08648. Tel.: 609-219-0515

Del Vecchio, the mayor of a small Delaware River town, is a nonpartisan Democrat who supports the Brady Bill and opposes prayer in schools. His environmentalism has won him the endorsement of the Sierra Club, but he also backs the death penalty--opposed by Republican Mike Pappas. In the end, abortion rights, which Del Vecchio supports and Pappas condemns, may be the difference in this race. THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "The question of who will represent the 12th Congressional District...will be decided by middle-class people, like myself, who know that their parents depend on Medicare and Social Security to live out their retirement in dignity."

MIKE PAPPAS (R) District 12

BORN: Dec. 29, 1960, New Brunswick EDUCATION: Seton Hall U, 1979 FAMILY: Divorced; one child RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Insurance-agency partner POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Franklin Township, 1983-84; Somerset County freeholder, 1984- ADDRESS: 3616 Route 22 West, Somerville 08876. Tel.: 908-534-8587

Another small-town mayor, Pappas won an upset victory in the G.O.P. primary to fill the seat being vacated by Senate hopeful Dick Zimmer. A consistent conservative--except for his opposition to the death penalty--he is against abortion, advocates welfare reform and supports restructuring the tax system.

THE ISSUES

Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "I am not a one-issue candidate...I am not out of the mainstream. The radical positions of the Democrats are what is out of the mainstream."

ROBERT MENENDEZ (D) District 13 (Parts of Jersey City and Newark)

BORN: Jan. 1, 1954, New York City EDUCATION: St. Peter's College, B.A., 1976; Rutgers U, J.D., 1979 FAMILY: Wife, Jane; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Union City Board of Education, 1974-78; mayor of Union City, 1986-92; New Jersey Assembly, 1987-91; New Jersey Senate, 1991-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 848, Union City 07087. Tel.: 201-271-1661

The 13th District is 41% Latino, and both major-party candidates are Hispanic. Menendez, in general a loyal Democrat, broke with Clinton in opposing NAFTA and the U.S.-led bailout of Mexico. But having won his two previous general elections by an impressive margin, he is considered the favorite in this race.

THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We should not resent the coordinated actions of the Japanese government, banks and industry, but we should learn from them...we must require that the rights of American citizens are freely and fairly ensured in the arena of international trade."

CARLOS MUNOZ (R) District 13

BORN: Aug. 1, 1936, Havana, Cuba EDUCATION: Havana U, D.V.M., 1960; Complutense U (Madrid, Spain), D.V.M., 1972 FAMILY: Divorced RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Human-services employee; food salesman; bridal-shop owner POLITICAL CAREER: Republican candidate for New Jersey Senate, 1982, 1991; Republican candidate for county freeholder, 1990 ADDRESS: 4104 Bergenline Avenue, Union City 07087. Tel.: 201-617-9010

Munoz, well-known in this heavily Latino district, has a history of running for state and county seats--and losing. But this is the first run for a national office for the Cuban native. His No. 1 goal: to balance the federal budget. His next priority is reversing what he sees as America's moral decline.

THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Ni angel...Ni diablo...Un hombre del pueblo."