The absence of the president demonstrates the maneuvering Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli is attempting ahead of next month’s election.

Energy costs have become a central issue in the governor’s race between Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican, and Representative Mikie Sherrill, the Democrat.

Though Sherrill has been named the favorite in every public poll released so far, the Republican Party — in New Jersey and the national party organization — is not shying away. Ciattarelli came just three points shy of unseating incumbent Gov.