(AP) - The three candidates forlieutenant governor in New Jersey exchanged sharp-tongued, spiritedwords during their only debate on Thursday, clashing on issuesincluding health care, taxes and the Republican gubernatorialcandidate's weight.

The sparring started early and continued throughout the90-minute showdown. The Nov. 3 gubernatorial election between Gov.Jon Corzine, Republican Chris Christie and independent ChrisDaggett is the first in New Jersey history to also have alieutenant governor. Recent polls show the race between Corzine andChristie about even.

Thursday's live, televised debate was the little-knownlieutenant governor candidates' opportunity to introduce themselvesto the public. Corzine is running with Sen. Loretta Weinberg ofBergen County, Christie is running with Monmouth County Sheriff KimGuadagno and Daggett is running with educator FrankEsposito.