Size not a factor in NJ race

The race for New Jersey’s 3rd congressional district doesn’t pit two candidates from the same weight class.

But the election battle between 6-foot-7-inch former Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Jon Runyan and the considerly lighter Harvard Law graduate John Adler has turned into one of the most even matches in the region.

Heading into the last 24 hours, both Democrat Adler, a state representative, and Republican Runyan said they feel confident about the outcome.

“The enthusiasm has been tremendous throughout the campaign,” Runyan’s campaign manager, Kristin Antonello, said. “We’ve been meeting voters all over the district and we’re feeling great.”

Similarly, Adler’s campaign said his recent issues forums have turned voters toward him. “John Adler will win because of his centrist voting record, his nonpartisan problem-solving attitude and his accessibility,” Adler spokeswoman Carol Gaskill said. “After hosting nearly 140 town hall-style events, voters know that John Adler is working to grow our economy, create private sector jobs and reduce the deficit.”