Booker Absence At Senate Debate Draws Attention

Cory Booker made news by not being at Saturday's first debate in New Jersey's U.S. Senate race.

While his opponents discussed jobs, gun control and other issues, they spent time pointing out that Newark's mayor had skipped the debate.

Rep. Rush Holt said voters didn't get the chance to hear where Booker stands on the issues.

Rep. Frank Pallone said Booker showed in comments made during the last presidential election that he's "very much with Wall Street."

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports State Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver said Booker's absence is "beginning to perturb us."

Booker's campaign released a statement saying he agreed to two debates, the same number as in the last Democratic Senate primary in 2008.

The candidates are vying to fill late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's Senate seat.

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