DEMOCRATS TAKE ACTION AT EVENTS ACROSS NEW JERSEY DURING ‘SEPTEMBER SURGE: DEMOCRATIC WEEKEND OF ACTION’

DEMOCRATS TAKE ACTION AT EVENTS ACROSS NEW JERSEY DURING ‘SEPTEMBER SURGE: DEMOCRATIC WEEKEND OF ACTION’

Thousands of Volunteers Give Back; Momentum Continues to Build for Democratic Victory in 2009

New Jersey Democrats today are volunteering their time as part of the Party’s unified efforts to connect with communities across the State, during the “September Surge: Democratic Weekend of Action.” Hundreds of events are organized throughout the State to rally support for Governor Jon S. Corzine and Democrats during the weekend -- making it the largest coordinated grassroots mobilization of New Jerseyans this campaign season.

“Over the past three and a half years, we have made the right choices for New Jersey in the face of the worst global economic recession since the Great Depression – investing in education for our economic future, passing the first economic recovery plan, and overseeing private sector job growth,” said Governor Corzine. “Now, with a partner in the White House, there is no limit to what we can achieve. This weekend, we are showing that we are united as Democrats -- answering President Obama’s call to service and working to ensure that New Jersey has a partner to the President in the State House.”

“The strength of this campaign and, indeed, the Democratic Party lies in our ability to connect among incredibly diverse groups of citizens,” said Lieutenant Gubernatorial Senator Loretta Weinberg. “This September Surge weekend is an exciting display of the power of grassroots organizing all across this great state. I am thrilled to help spread the message that the Corzine/Weinberg ticket is the right choice for New Jersey.”

The “September Surge: Democratic Weekend of Action” is a cooperative effort of the Corzine ’09, Victory 2009 and Yes We Can 2.0 campaigns. The weekend kicked off on Friday, September 11, with New Jersey Democrats answering President Barack Obama’s call to action by participating in the “National Day of Service” – a day focused on honoring 9-11 victims by Americans volunteering their time to make a difference in their neighborhoods. Today and tomorrow, Democratic volunteers and supporters are taking part in a variety of campaign activities to continue to build upon the grassroots momentum and engage New Jersey residents in every level of the campaigns’ efforts.

“New Jersey Democrats are doing an outstanding job of taking a proactive role in events across the State as part of the ‘September Surge: Democratic Weekend of Action'," said Democratic State Committee (DSC) Chair Joseph Cryan. “Getting out into our communities is an important part of our efforts to promote our shared values and ensure Democratic Victory this November. Our work, beginning at the grassroots level, will be a significant force in re-electing Governor Corzine.”

Pallone, Lautenberg and Menendez were among the many New Jersey elected officials participating in “September Surge” events over the weekend.

“Governor Corzine has made tough choices to ensure that New Jersey will emerge from the global economic meltdown stronger than ever,” said Congressman Pallone (D-NJ), chair of Corzine ’09 Campaign. “This weekend of action is not just an impressive display of Democratic unity – it is a testament to how hard New Jersey Democrats are willing to work to make certain President Obama has a partner here in New Jersey. By re-electing Governor Corzine we will keep New Jersey moving in the right direction.”

“New Jerseyans understand that Governor Corzine has what it takes to lead New Jersey through this global economic crisis while continuing to create jobs,” said Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), honorary chair of the Corzine ’09 Campaign. “Although he hasn’t always done what’s popular, Governor Corzine has always tried to do what’s right. It’s exciting to see the energy and enthusiasm of Democrats throughout the state coming together as part of this remarkable grassroots effort.”

“The September Surge’ is demonstrating the depth and breadth of support for Governor Corzine,” said Menendez (D-NJ), honorary chair Corzine ’09 Campaign. “Millions of New Jerseyans of all colors, ages and walks of life know that our governor has been ahead of the nation in taking action to create jobs, lower energy costs and lay the groundwork for long-term economic security. That is why we are seeing so many of our neighbors stand up, speak up and work to support Jon Corzine.”

The DSC’s Victory 2009 Campaign co-chairs Senate President Richard J. Codey and General Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. said the mobilization of thousands of New Jerseyans is proof of continued Democratic support.

"This weekend, everyone will see just what New Jersey and the Democratic Party are all about," said Codey (D-Essex). "Thousands of volunteers are energized, and rightfully so, about joining the Corzine/Weinberg team to give back to their communities, help their neighbors, and increase participation in the democratic process. Like President Obama said the other day, this is the true character of America."

"These events and activities are an impressive display by a unified Democratic Party that knows the last thing New Jersey needs is to see the Bush philosophy that has caused us so much pain brought into our state,” said Speaker Roberts (D-Camden). “I thank all the volunteers who are taking part in these efforts that will go a long way toward ensuring the needs and values of working New Jersey families remain a priority thanks to continued leadership from Gov. Corzine and a Democratic Legislature."

Volunteers from all backgrounds are taking action in neighborhoods across all 21 counties of New Jersey. The “September Surge: Democratic Weekend of Action” expanded upon the National Day of Service, when Democrats took a break from campaigning to volunteer at food banks, neighborhood clean-ups and service projects. Grassroots efforts are continuing through Sunday, with outreach to potential voters by thousands of volunteers knocking on doors, phone banking and showing their support for Governor Corzine and New Jersey Democrats at rallies, neighborhood house parties and BBQ's. New Jersey college and university students also are joining in efforts by organizing campus Vote By Mail drives and peer-to-peer communication.

“Governor Corzine is a leader who understands that successful campaigns are built from the bottom up,” said Dr. Randall Pinkett, chair of Yes We Can 2.0. “The community activism that we are seeing throughout New Jersey this weekend is testament to the excitement felt by Democrats across this state. We are united behind our Governor because he shares the values that are so important to all of us. From educating our children to keeping our streets safe, we need Jon Corzine in the Governor’s office for another four years to continue the vital work he has started.”

# # #