(WHITESBORO, AUGUST 25) - Republican Gubernatorial nominee, and former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler joined Cape May County Republican Chairman David Von Savage Saturday to announce that Whitesboro native Stedman Graham, a nationally known leader in promoting leadership development and minority issues has agreed to moderate a debate on minority issues between Schundler and Jim McGreevey.

“As the mayor of New Jersey’s most diverse city I consistently demonstrated an ability to work across racial and ethnic lines to accomplish good things for the entire community.” Schundler said. “I am enthusiastic to work with leaders of all ethnic and racial groups in New Jersey to tackle the quality of life problems that confront us all. I particularly want to address those concerns specific to our minority communities.”

Von Savage first challenged Jim McGreevey nearly a month ago to debate Bret Schundler on minority issues in a Lincoln-Douglas style debate to take place in Whitesboro. Jim McGreevey remains silent. Today, Von Savage renewed the challenge.

“We know Bret Schundler has an excellent record of representing minority concerns as Mayor of Jersey City. We don’t know as much about Jim McGreevey’s record in Woodbridge, because he won’t talk about it.” Von Savage said. “Jim McGreevey’s failure to accept this invitation is an insult to the people of Cape May County. His unwillingness to participate in a minority issues dialogue is curious, if not troubling. Today we’re giving him a second chance and his response, or lack thereof, will send a clear signal to the people of South Jersey.”

Von Savage announced that Whitesboro native Stedman Graham told Secretary of State DeForest Soaries that he would moderate a minority issues debate if McGreevey agrees to participate. Graham writes and lectures about promoting leadership skills and the responsibilities of Black role models in America.

Schundler said he looks forward to the discussion.

“Those who seek to lead this state have a responsibility to communicate their vision for New Jersey’s future to citizens of all backgrounds living in all parts of New Jersey,” Schundler said. “Jim McGreevey has an obligation to participate in this debate.”