It’s easy for some to overlook Sussex and Warren, two relatively, rural and Republican-leaning counties in mostly urban and “blue” New Jersey.

That can be a challenge for Rep. Josh Gotteimer, who represents the counties in the House.

Pandemic or not, politics moves on.

To that end, some Republicans, including his GOP opponent Frank Pallotta, have criticized Gottheimer for not getting enough money for northwest New Jersey.

Gottheimer held a virtual press event today with three local mayors and a local businessman to highlight COVID-related funds coming to Sussex and Warren and also what more needs to be done.

He said updated figures show that Sussex has received $292 million and Warren $228 million in funding from the CARES Act, which was the massive federal stimulus bill passed by Congress early in the pandemic.

Beyond that, he said the counties also have received millions of dollars more through the Paycheck Protection Program and other pandemic assistant programs. And he said all municipalities in the counties have received some form of direct assistance.

No one quibbled with any of that, although there were concerns from local officials that the state doesn’t seem to have a formal “reopening” plan.

Of more interest, perhaps, is what happens next, if anything.

“We must absolutely pass another COVID relief package,” Gottheimer said.

This has proven to be difficult.

President Trump just a few days ago said he would not consider a new stimulus package until after the election. He backtracked a bit a short time later, but things are still unclear,

Gottheimer said negotiations among all parties – the Democratic-House, the Republican-Senate and the White House – must continue.

He added that it’s “inexcusable” for anyone to walk away from the table.