Mercer County Republican sheriff candidate Jim McSorley challenged Mercer County Sheriff Larkin to a series of 13 debates in 13 weeks throughout Mercer County's 13 municipalities.

"The citizens of Mercer County deserve to know wher we as the candidates stand on the important safety issues facing our towns in the county," McSorley said. It's time for Sheriff Larkin to discuss the numerous issues that he has failed to address for the past seven years he has been in office."

"Every town in Mercer County feels the effect of the spreading gang threat and the lack of leadership that Sheriff Larkin has shown on the issue," McSorley said. "For seven years my opponent has failed to lead and it is time for a change. I served over 25 years in the New Jersey State Police, a duty that I believve has given me the experience necessary to make an effective sheriff. I look forward to continuing my service to the public and providing the leadership that the Mercer County Sheriff's Office so desperately needs," he said.

In the letter to the Larkin campagin McSorley indicated he is willing to debate his opponent "anywhere, anytime, on any topic and in front of any audience." McSorley also commented that "residents from each of Mercer's 13 municipalities deserve an opportunity to hear from the individuals who wish to serve as sheriff. The people should know who stands where on the issues facing Mercer County so that they can make an informed decision on Election Day."

In McSorley, told Larkin that it is "our duty, to allow the public to make a just evaluation in regards to our resumes, credentials, experience and ideas for making Mercer County a safer place for all residents.