Bell and Osborne united for Dem ticket, but Bell v. Osborne created more local energy

NEWARK- A year ago they were fighting each other, but their local rivalry in the Central Ward created sparks from below that ignited  Barack Obama fervor from above to create an excellent environment for high Democratic Party turnout in New Jersey's biggest city.

This year, Central Ward Councilman Charles Bell and the man he defeated, labor leader Eddie Osborne, are on the same team and both seeing the battle develop from the same forward position.

"It's moderate turnout compared to last year, nothing like Obama," Bell said of Election Day turnout. "I will say this, though: compared to most gubernatorial years, turnout is pretty good."

Bell admitted that the Central Ward has been an organizational trouble spot in Newark for the Corzine campaign.

"The problems were created by the death of my buddy (former Central Ward Chairman Dwight Brown, of a massive heart attack this past summer)," but there were enough overlays to cover up the problems," said the councilman.

Osborne is circulating throughout Essex County.

"I'm out here now supporting labor and line A candidates and I can honestly say that people are coming out," said the business manager with Area 1153 Local Laborers. "For this time of day, there are more people than I expected. We put a lot of work into the Central Ward. That's personal for me. We always want a good turnout, and the weather's good, which is in our favor."

A Central Ward source said if the Corzine people can pull 25-35% of what Obama garnered last year, the governor's in fighting shape in Newark, but anything below that, "and we're in trouble - and right now, we're below that."