Editor’s Note: “Hey, NJ” is part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” project, made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. Read more here. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube.
Hey, NJ! This week, we’re talking about the mysterious absence of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. from Congress.
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has not voted on the House floor since March 5. Kean’s chief of staff explained that he was “addressing a personal health matter.” But after Kean was absent from a reception in the Capitol for Gov. Mikie Sherrill last week, members of New Jersey’s delegation said their calls and texts to Kean went unanswered. Kean on Monday thanked his supporters but offered no additional details in a social media post on his official campaign accounts. Kean’s statement said he would return to Congress shortly.
Hosts Maddi Ference and John P. McAlpin are joined by Washington correspondent Benjamin J. Hulac to discuss what we know, the implications for Congress and the debate around transparency and accountability in public office.
We want to hear from you! What stories should we be covering? What questions should we be asking? Let us know! Send an email to underthedome@njspotlightnews.org.
Hey, NJ is hosted by John P. McAlpin and Maddi Ference as part of NJ Spotlight News’ “Under the Dome” reporting series.
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Graphic designer: Renee Maskin
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Audio editor: Renee Maskin
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