Democrat John Adler's record on veteran-related issues has landed him the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars' political action committee in his 3rd Congressional District contest against Republican Jon Runyan.

Adler, a freshman incumbent who serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, accepted the endorsement during a news conference with VFW leaders and other area veterans at Memorial Field on Church Street.  He said the VFW's support would be key politically in the fight to retain his seat representing the district and its more than 66,000 veterans.

More than 50 years after he was injured in the Korean War, Philip Reed is presented his Purple Heart by Congressman John Adler.

Fifty-eight years after Army Cpl. Philip James Reed was knocked to the ground from the blast of an artillery round during the Korean War, tearing up his ankle, the Berkeley resident has been awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries.  

Reed, who turns 80 on Saturday, received the military decoration Tuesday from Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., at a ceremony at the congressman's district office in Toms River.  

Dear Mr. Runyan: These are tough economic times for New Jersey’s families, seniors and small businesses. Local residents deserve to hear our ideas on how to solve the complex problems facing our great country. Starting this month, I propose that we debate twice a month, every month, until the election.

Each year, primary season reveals a dearth of viable minority-party candidates for voters to consider. That's whether the dominant party in a district is Democratic or Republican. That means New Jersey voters must scour every source of information to make wise choices on June 8. In the congressional primaries, only the incumbents are likely to be familiar names.

As a guide, the editorial board makes these recommendations: