The top three candidates to become New Jersey's first lieutenant governor will debate live on News 12 New Jersey Thursday.

Democratic state Sen. Loretta Weinberg is running alongside Gov. Jon Corzine. Weingberg is a veteran of New Jersey politics and has a feisty reputation. She has delivered some of the sharpest attacks so far on Republican Chris Christie.

Christie's running mate on the Republican ticket is Kim Guadagno, the state's first female sheriff. She is also a former federal prosecutor. Guadagno's selection emphasizes the law and order message that Christie is known for.

Independent Chris Daggett has tapped educator Frank Esposito as his running mate. Esposito served in several roles at Kean University, namely as a history and education professor as well as interim president.

A number of other independents are also running for the position, but none raised enough money to qualify for the debates.