It’s time for the big event: the battle of the no. 2s.

This is a historic moment.   It’s the first lieutenant governor debate in New Jersey history.   That’s because it’s the first time we’ve had lieutenant governor candidates.

The three who are participating at tonight’s Monmouth University debate are those who are running with candidates for governor who raised at least $340,000 – the threshold for getting matching funds from the state.  

If you’re reading this you’re probably also near a TV or radio, so tune in to either News 12 New Jersey or 101.5fm to see the action. Or, if not, watch it from the Asbury Park Press’s live feed here.

Representing Democratic Governor Jon Corzine is the “Feisty Jewish Grandmother from Bergen County:” state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck).   A legislator since 1992, Weinberg, 74, won a place on Corzine’s ticket in the aftermath of the corruption bust that ensnared dozens of mostly Democratic state politicians.  Corzine was on the verge of picking state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen), but Weinberg won out because of her reformist credentials – most notably her long running feud with former Bergen County Democratic chairman Joe Ferriero, whose corruption trial is ongoing.  

Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno, 50,  is Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie’s running mate.   A former Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Attorney General, Guadagno adds another layer of law and order to the former U.S. Attorney’s campaign.   She’s been sheriff since 2007, and her decision to have that office participate in the 287g program has had its ups and downs for Christie, complicating his quest for Hispanic support but allaying some conservatives who took issue with Guadagno being pro-choice.  

Running with Daggett is Frank Esposito, a Kean University professor of education and history who met Daggett when they both worked in the administration of former Governor Tom Kean.   Esposito, 68, has served in a number of positions at the university, including a stint as interim president earlier this decade.  

Very few New Jerseyans know anything about the candidates.   According to an October 1 Monmouth poll, Weinberg was the most known of the three, but 85% of registered voters either had not hear of her or did not know enough about her to form an opinion.   That number was 90% for Guadagno and 92% for Esposito.  

In fact, only 39% of registered New Jersey voters have even heard that we’re electing a lieutenant governor this year (down from 59% in August, shortly after the candidates made their choice).    

The candidates will almost certainly be asked to address what they expect to actually do as lieutenant governor, since the law creating the position leaves that open for interpretation.    

The important thing is, however, that there is a designated person other than the Senate President to fill in for the governor if he resigns/leaves the state/falls seriously ill/gets in a car accident/use your imagination.