Lawsuit tries to keep N.J. base open

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TRENTON, N.J., Sept. 3 (UPI) -- A federal lawsuit tries to block the Defense Department from closing Fort Monmouth, N.J., a base on the Jersey Shore.

A federal judge is scheduled to hear the case next Tuesday. The plaintiffs argue the Base Closing and Realignment Commission failed to comply with the acts that created it, by saying the base should only be closed if it would not harm the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The plaintiffs include members of the state's congressional delegation, local officials, unions, defense contractors and members of the armed forces.

"If we win, the remedy is simple," said Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., whose district includes some of the base. "Take the base off the list."