New Jersey will get to exercise one of the most important freedoms next month in the congressional primary elections.

Candidates seeking to represent much of Ocean and Burlington counties in Congress spent the day at the Jersey Shore.

Republican Tom MacArthur was in Brick for the township's annual Memorial Day celebration. "It's a good opportunity to remember that we owe our freedom to people that gave their last full measure," said MacArthur.

His primary opponent, Steve Lonegan, was in Lavallette today and remembered his father's service in Korea. "I was so proud when we buried him, of his Navy tombstone," he said.

The two took a holiday break from campaigning Monday, but with just eight days left until the primary, both are still pressing for a final advantage.

Both want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, but they are politically at odds. MacArthur has party support, while Lonegan is using an outside track and some recent history in his favor - he crushed Cory Booker in Ocean County during last year's failed run at the U.S. Senate.

Whoever wins will have a shot at one of three Democrats vying for that nomination. Burlington County Freeholder Aimee Belgard has the party's support in both Ocean and Burlington counties. Opposing her are attorney Howard Kleinhendler and retired millwright Bruce Todd.