Democratic congressional candidate Scott Salmon says he will push the federal government to make a huge investment in infrastructure upgrades if he beats Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton) in the 7th district this fall.

“I’m passionate about upgrading our infrastructure because it’s a perfect example of how politics can improve our everyday life,” Salmon said in an e-mail to supporters.

An attorney from Scotch Plains making his first bid for public office, Salmon says that 42% of New Jersey roads are deficient, and that it costs an average driver $2,000 a year in repairs and lost time.

“The sad state of our infrastructure has been wildly apparent,” Salmon said. “It’s an enormous problem, one that I’m determined to fix.”

Salmon says he drives a 2007 Toyota Yaris, which can be seen as he livestreams his campaign. He says he’s glad he has a car that gets 40 miles per gallon, which is saving him money this weekend. His schedule calls for a two-day, 300-mile campaign swing through Hunterdon and Warren counties.