HANOVER TWP. – One of Donald Trump’s constant laments has been that European allies of the United States are not paying enough for their own defense.

What does Mikie Sherrill think about that?

That was one of the pointed questions asked of the CD-11 Democratic congressional candidate at Thursday’s Morris County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Sherrill said the issue is not new, pointing out that she heard such talk more than 20 years ago when she graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Sherrill said she agrees that our allies should pay more money for their own defense, a statement that, ironically, puts her in the same league as Trump.

But then she added that it’s vital for the United States to maintain and strengthen its relationship with our current NATO allies. She said she feared there has been too much of a drift toward Russia.

Sherrill, who has experience dealing with the Russians through her time in the military, said she thought Russian president Vladimir Putin is determined to show that democracy is not working. While it was left unsaid, that was an obvious reference to Russian hacking and reported 2016 election interference.

Sherrill speculated that the most recent genesis of Russian animosity to democracy was the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990, which she said was a huge psychological blow to Russian leaders. Putin is a former KGB agent.

Given the fact foreign policy is not always a congressional campaign debate topic, this was an interesting interlude.

Sherrill was also asked about Picatinny Arsenal, a Morris County military base that outgoing Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen long has championed. There are always rumors Picatinny will close and there is some worry that no matter who wins on Nov. 6, the base’s interests will be represented by a freshman member.

Sherrill said she already is talking to people in the defense industry about Picatinny, in addition to staffers with the state’s two senators, Bob Menendez and Cory Booker. She also said that if elected, she would seek a seat on the Armed Services Committee to better protect the interests of Picatinny.

The bipartisanship nature of military and foreign policy doesn’t last forever.

Sherrill’s speech reiterated a central campaign theme – Republican candidate Jay Webber is not qualified to represent the district.

“I don’t think he shares our values in the 11th District,” she said of Webber. She noted that Webber has opposed marriage equality as a state assemblyman and that he supports defunding Planned Parenthood.
Sherrill also continues to hammer Webber for backing the recent federal tax plan. Sherrill says capping the deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000 will cost many families in the 11th District, which includes parts of Essex, Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties.

Webber, who is scheduled to address the chamber next week, contends that the tax plan has helped New Jersey by stimulating the economy and increasing job growth.

Sherrill also sought to stress her bipartisan credentials by talking about how Joe Biden, who campaigned for her earlier this month, gave a moving tribute to Republican John McCain at his recent memorial service. Her point seemed to be that seriously attacking problems – like genuine friendships – are beyond simple politics.

The Democratic candidate is running for the first time. but she already seems to have picked up the subtleties of campaigning – do all you can to act like everybody else.

Asked a question about small business growth, Sherrill ticked off a number of small shops in Morristown, including a tailor where she said she just dropped off a pair of pants.

“I’ll let you know how they come out,” she told the audience at the Birchwood Manor.