Three of the four Democrats running in a special summer primary for U.S. Senate will share a stage Thursday.Front-runner Cory Booker is the one no-show for the candidates' forum in Somerset County.

That leaves Reps. Frank Pallone and Rush Holt and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver to discuss their platforms.

All four candidates have agreed to take part in two debates next month before the Aug. 13 primary.

The Senate seat became vacant with the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg in June.

Two Republicans are also running.

The winner of an Oct. 16 general election will hold the seat for the 14 months remaining in Lautenberg's term.

Another election for a full six-year term will be held a year from November.

 

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM