(02/02/06) NEWARK ? Representatives of various New Jersey businesses got the opportunity to mingle with state leaders Thursday during the 69th annual Chamber Train to Washington.

Members of New Jersey?s business community say the Chamber Train offers a unique opportunity to speak with leaders one-on-one. For politicians, the event allows them to discover what matters most to business representatives. About 1,400 participants are taking part in this year?s Chamber Train.

However, not everyone is feeling the goodwill generated by the trip. Representatives of the New Jersey Citizens Action Group handed out soap at the station, a demonstration for campaign finance reform. Members of the group say ordinary citizens rarely get the opportunity to discuss important matters face-to-face with their leaders.