CANDIDATE TAKES ON BEACH ISSUES

TOMS RIVER - Sen. Thomas Kean Jr., R-Union, talked about beach
replenishment on beaches in Lavallette and Ortley Beach, where the
sand was covered with waves during the weekend's storms.

Kean, building up support in his bid against Sen. Robert Menendez for
U.S. Senate, said he would work on a bipartisan basis to return
taxpayers' money to New Jersey.

"We need someone in D.C. who will get the money back," he said.
"Unfortunately, we only get 55 cents back for every dollar we send to
D.C."

He said he's tired of hearing residents complain that they are
"waiting two or three more years, until the kids graduate college, and
then they are leaving the state" because they can't afford it anymore.

One of the most important issues that requires funding is beach
replenishment, he said. More than just for tourism and recreation,
strong beaches are needed to protect homeowners.

Kean walked from blanket to blanket on the beach, shaking hands and
making quick conversation, followed by a few dozen supporters.

With beachgoers and at a few stops on boardwalks, he quickly hit high
notes of his campaign. Homeland security funds need to be re-allocated
so that New Jersey, which is close to previous terror targets,
receives more money. Immigration procedures also need to be reformed.

He said he was against the appointment of Zulima Farber, who stepped
down from the position of attorney general at the end of August over
public criticism of ethics issues. He also wants Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld to step down.

"We need a new set of eyes and ears on Iraq. The world's changed
dramatically in six years," he said.

Many of the people enjoying the beach seemed surprised by the
politician making the rounds. At least one knew him from northern New
Jersey. Another, a silent man standing in the back of one of his
speeches, was there to protest.

James Miller, Silverton, walked a wheelchair carrying only flowers to
the event. He said his wife, Cheryl, died of multiple sclerosis three
years ago. When alive, she continually worked for the legalization of
medical marijuana to ease her suffering.

"Multiple sclerosis patients deserve all options, including medical
marijuana," he said.

Kean, as a member of the senate Health, Human Services, and Senior
Citizens committee, could be an important vote toward the use of the
drug, he said.

"He doesn't acknowledge he has influence in the committee," he
said.

"I have concerns about the program," Kean said later. "I have concerns
with the way the bill is currently drafted. It's very broadly drafted."