ELIZABETH - First came Caroline Kennedy, then Patrick Kennedy, and tonight at the Portuguese Social Club, Bobby Kennedy, Jr. appeared in support of Gov. Jon Corzine.

Heedless of specific state issues, Kennedy went right for the jugular.

"We cannot reward Republicans for what they did to this country during the eight years prior to Barack Obama," said the son of the late Attorney General and 1968 candidate for president. "How can Chris Christie come over and seriously run for governor? It's time for them (Republicans) to sit down and let someone else run the state."

More than one thumb and forefinger blew a shrill and long whistle of approval into the big room amid resounding hand claps.

In the back, while co-headliner U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) ginned up the mostly female crowd with a mammogram rip snorter, state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Elizabeth) ordered a Coke and said, "The public has seen it," speaking of Christie's temperament, "and that's part of the reason why Jon's going to win."

Crediting Corzine for helping to foster a culture in the state that has enabled the legislature to go from 43rd in the country to 11th in the ratio of women to men, and noting the presence in the governor's cabinet of more women than men, Democratic State Party Chairman Joe Cryan hailed Corzine as "the greatest governor in the history of the State of New Jersey."

Corzine jogged up onstage to stand beside his running mate, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) and emcee Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth). 

"There are a few hours left - thank God," the governor said. "The Democratic Party is the party of inclusion. We are blessed to be the party of inclusion. And this state - it's so diverse. Our strength is making sure everyone is at the table."

The crowd rose for a standing ovation as "We are Family" rocked the speakers.