Cost overruns of more than billion dollars have Republicans exploring a potential lawsuit to block the use of highway tolls for construction of a rail tunnel under the Hudson River.

Kean, Ferguson and Lance make the rounds in Cranford

CRANFORD -- State Sen. Leonard Lance (R-Flemington) said turnout is high today, but that it won’t necessarily benefit his opponent in the 7th District Congressional race.

“I’ve been endorsed by every editorial board based upon my independence and views on the issues, and I believe that the public will vote based upon the issues,” said Lance, who’s running against Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Fanwood).

At his own polling place in solidly Republican Hunterdon County, Lance and his wife were voters numbers 305 and 306 as of 10:30 a.m., which Lance called a “very healthy” turnout.

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce seek Democratic support for vital economic development bills.

Governor Corzine is talking about the right moves when it comes to ethics reform. Republicans who have been advocating these reforms for the past three years welcome his decision to join the fight, and hope he can sway the members of his party who have blocked reform.

Senator Kean urges Governor Corzine to accept the challenge of defending his toll hike plan in person and not just leave Turnpike officials to face the public's wrath.

BUONO-KEAN PROPOSE LIMITS TO CRACK DOWN ON OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUG ABUSE

Measure Would Require Age-Verification for Purchase of Cough Medicines Containing DXM

EDISON – At a news conference at Edison High School today, State Senator Barbara Buono unveiled legislation, sponsored by Senator Buono and Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., requiring that customers be at least 18 years old to purchase over-the-counter cough and cold remedies containing dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient which, when abused by teenagers seeking to get high, can have potentially lethal consequences.

“New Jersey needs to step up and address this very serious danger to the health and safety of our teenage sons and daughters,” said Senator Buono, D-Metuchen. “DXM abuse can have lasting and potentially fatal consequences for teenagers who misuse this legal, inexpensive, and easily accessible substance in order to achieve a high. By instituting common-sense limitations on who can purchase products containing DXM, we can reduce the risk that our children will add to the growing number of tragic statistics.”

MEDIA ADVISORY - SENATOR BARBARA BUONO TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON BUONO-KEAN DEXTROMETHORPHAN LEGISLATION

EDISON – On Wednesday, September 3rd Senator Barbara Buono will hold a press conference to discuss legislation that she and Senator Tom Kean Jr. will introduce this fall. The bill would prohibit the sale of any product containing Dextromethorphan to anyone under the age of 18 years old. It targets recreational abusers of the over-the-counter drug that is commonly found in over 100 common cough and cold remedies.

“The abuse of Dextromethorphan is a growing problem in New Jersey and across the United States,” said Senator Buono (D-18). “Because the drugs are so readily available to kids, abuse can be easily hidden from even the most involved parent.”

Governor's spending plan assures higher taxes, fees and tolls

At 6:30 this evening on NJN, PoltickerNJ.com correspondent Matt Friedman will join a political roundtable to discuss New Jersey's current political scene. Friedman will be joined by Gannett New Jersey's Greg Volpe, Politifax's Nick Acocella, and the Bergen Record's Charles Stile, with NJN Senior Political Correspondent Michael Aron hosting the discussion.

The roundtable will recap the state's U.S. Senate primary elections, ongoing budget negotiations, legislative hearings on executive county school superintendents and the possibility that Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine's emails to Carla Katz may be made public.

One of the most accomplished individuals to call Gloucester County home will be honored by the Republican Party on May 27. Former Governor and 911 Commission Chairman Tom Kean, along with his son, New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. will appear together to honor Gene McCaffrey. It is unusual for the two Kean's to appear together at a public event, due to their schedules.