Incumbents face growing list of competitors

STAR-LEDGER STAFF

The line of challengers just gets deeper for Thomas Giblin and Sheila Oliver.

In 2005, it was a cakewalk for the Democrats, now firmly planted in the 34th District seats in the Assembly. In 2007, the Republicans stirred the pot a little by putting up two opponents.

Now, the field has expanded again -- to six players in all.

The Rev. Clenard Childress Jr., who last time carried his pro-school-choice message under the GOP flag, is back this time as an independent with running mate David L. Taylor Jr., an attorney. Their slogan: "A Better Tomorrow."

On the GOP line is Michael G. Mecca III and Matthew Tyahla, young Republicans joining the independents in a politically unenviable fight in a Democratic heartland.

But to hear Childress tell it, he's undeterred in a year with a close New Jersey gubernatorial race and an economy seemingly on life support.

"Let's face it. There has never been a climate like this," he said.

The sentiment was echoed by his running mate.

"A lot of this, I think, obviously is timing. We're banking on the timing and our message," Taylor said.

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