In their first debate , both major candidates for New Jersey governor did their best to stay planted in safe, centrist turf.

Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee, worked to sand over his support for President Donald Trump’s broadly unpopular agenda as a sensible, good-for-Jersey posture.

It took some considerable squinting at Trump’s divisive, White nationalist and generally chaotic second term. And his Democratic rival, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, was quick to punch holes in his Trump sanitizing. Missed the debate?: How to watch the NJ governor's debate if you didn't catch it live

But Ciattarelli is banking on the belief that voters are demanding a homegrown, Trenton-devoted steward — and that it will outweigh any concerns about his alliance with Trump. He has sought to cast Sherrill a

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