The issue became particularly prickly for Menendez at the Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston at a candidate's forum sponsored by United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ last night. Lieberman was the first Jewish politician to be on a national ticket when he was the Democratic vice presidential candidate in 2004.

A audience member asked Menendez why he was putting party loyalty ahead of a good candidate by backing Lamont. Menendez became indignant and he told the crowd of hundreds the premise of the question was dead wrong. He called Lieberman a "tremendous Senator," and said, "We wish him well. We hope he returns."

But after the event, safely away from the hundreds of audience members, Menendez had a different response when a reporter asked if he was endorsing Lieberman. No, he said, he is "officially" supporting Lamont, the party nominee.

Republican state Sen. Tom Kean Jr., who backs Lieberman, denounced Menendez for trying to have it both ways. "I think New Jersey voters who want to look into the character of Bob Menendez need to look no further than the treatment of Joe Lieberman. Menendez went before a group of concerned Jewish voters and he tried to hoodwink them . . .it's absolutely despicable," said Kean.