Kean welcomes Corzine-Palin comparison

DENVER - Not allowing Democrats any daylight on the afternoon following Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) Mile High Stadium acceptance speech, members of the New Jersey delegation celebrated their presidential candidate’s selection today of Gov. Sarah Palin.

Among those GOP politicians psyched about Palin is state Sen. Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr., (R-Union).

"I think she’s a great pick," Kean said of Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz) running mate. "She has executive experience, and she has been a reformer since the beginning of her career. I’ve been saying for days that she’d be a great pick. My wife and daughters are thrilled."

In praising Palin, the Republican took a jab at New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine.

"This is a governor who is a fiscal conservative," said Kean. "I mean, wouldn’t it be great in this state to have someone who actually cuts spending?"

Asked if he believes Palin - who was elected governor in 2006 - takes experience off the table in the Republicans’ assault on the credentials of freshman Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)., Kean said not at all.

"Sen. Obama’s experience is he’s been running for office, while Gov. Palin has been serving," said Kean. "She’s dedicating her whole life to making changes, which is a strong contrast to Sen. Obama."

A supporter of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the GOP Primary, Kean said Giuliani would fulfill a valuable role at the convention next week as the keynote speaker, and in the presidential campaign. He is not disappointed that McCain did not pick Giuliani as a running mate.