Doug Forrester

With six days remaining in the 2005 election, the race for Governor is headed toward the Likely Democratic column -- although it's not there just yet. A new Quinnipiac University poll has Jon Corzine leading Doug Forrester by 12 points (although most other independent polls have that number about five points less); the bad news for Republicans is that New Jersey voters now say Corzine is the better candidate on Forrester's two top issues: property taxes and ethics reform. Speculation among political insiders that there was something out there that could hurt Corzine's chances has not materialized -- the best the GOP has right now are some gossip column quotes from a New York newspaper and a pair of tough lines from the Senator's ex-wife in today's New York Times -- hardly enough to sink the Democratic campaign. There is some disagreement within the Forrester campaign over their closing message: they have a commercial featuring Forrester's daughter, but the candidate is resisting a push from some of his consultants to use the spot. Corzine is winning the battle of the millionaires -- last week he put another $6 million into his campaign, while Forrester wrote a $2.5 million check. Forrester seems to have offended some conservative activists over the last two weeks, although there was no evidence of that in today's poll. There is a general assumption among insiders of both parties that the Democrats have a considerable edge on election day; their GOTV operation is more sophisticated -- they have significantly more paid staff and volunteers, and more money for earmarked for the turnout operation.

Four years ago, a Quinnipiac poll released seven days before the election had James E. McGreevey leading Bret Schundler by seventeen percentage points, 52%-35%. The day before the election, Quinnipiac had a final poll showing McGreevey ahead 48%-39%. McGreevey won the election by fourteen points, 56%-42%.

Over the last seven days, three independent polls -- Quinnipiac, The Record, and WNBC/Marist -- had Corzine at the 50% mark, but the reality is Corzine never really needs to get to 50% to win the election; the eight independent candidates, including two that have qualified for matching funds and participated in the gubernatorial debate, will probably get one or two percent of the vote -- as they historically do in New Jersey.

The Battle for New Jersey '05

Jon Corzine 50%
Doug Forrester 38%

Forrester Victorious in WBGO Debate

Campaign calls for end to Corzine's mealy-mouthed, misleading double-talk

Gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester tonight easily defeated Jon Corzine in the WBGO debate.

Forrester in Newark: Corruption Hurts Our State's Most Vulnerable
Rallies with Urban Community Leaders

Gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester today continued his Take Back New Jersey Bus Tour with a stop in Newark to rally with community leaders. Forrester has been on the 30%-in-3 Express since Saturday, talking with New Jerseyans across the state about his plans to cut property tax bills by 30 percent in three years and bring an end to party bossism and corruption in Trenton.

Menendez Introduces Bill to Help Families Between Jobs Afford Health Care

“Health Care COSTS Act� Would Halve Costs of Monthly Premiums

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today introduced legislation to make it easier and more affordable for New Jerseyans to keep their health insurance when they are between jobs by providing them tax credits to cover half the monthly premium for COBRA health insurance.

“Losing your job shouldn’t mean your family loses its health insurance,� Menendez said. “Rewarding work is one of the most fundamental values of our nation, and this legislation will make it easier for New Jerseyans to keep their health insurance when they are between jobs.�

Jon Corzine 44%
Doug Forrester 40%

Hunterdon County Leaders Join 'Take Back New Jersey' Bus Tour

Pledge to fight for Forrester's 30%-in-3 plan for property tax relief

Gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester was joined today in Clinton by Hunterdon County leaders who endorse Forrester and his 30%-in-3 Guaranteed plan for property tax relief. Through Election Day, Forrester's Take Back New Jersey Bus Tour is making multiple stops across the state.

Warren County Leaders Join 'Take Back New Jersey' Bus Tour

Pledge to fight for Forrester's 30%-in-3 plan for property tax relief

Gubernatorial nominee Doug Forrester was joined today in Washington by Warren County leaders who endorse Forrester and his 30%-in-3 Guaranteed plan for property tax relief. Through Election Day, Forrester's Take Back New Jersey Bus Tour is making multiple stops across the state.

The nomination of New Jerseyan Samuel Alito, Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court has added to GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester's problems with his Republican base vote. Forrester issued a statement today clearly annoyed some conservative activists: "As someone who supports a woman's right to choose, I am troubled about one of his decisions that seems to challenge that right. We have to be certain that, in replacing Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the president is appointing a judge who is uncompromising in his support for women’s equality. Although this decision was rendered 15 years ago, I trust the Senate to probe his thinking on this point." Some of Forrester's own staffers say they believed the statement was not a great strategy.

Among Forrester's critics is Bogota Mayor Steven Lonegan, the most conservative of the seven candidates in the '05 gubernatorial primary. "We who share the values and principles that lie at the heart of conservatism are not the minority, we are the majority; not just in the Republican Party but also among Democrats and undeclared voters," Lonegan said. "Unfortunately, Doug Forrester and the liberals who run the New Jersey Republican Party do not understand this. That is why Doug is far behind in the polls and on his way to losing this election."

"He lost my vote a long time ago. I am talking to a Republican loyalist who because of this is not voting for Forrester," said Rick Shaftan, a political consultant who works for conservative candidates. "Maybe the lesbian left will put him over the top but I won't."

Will the Real Doug Forrester Please Stand Up?
Forrester Campaigns with self proclaimed "100% pro-life" Republican

During the Republican Primary Doug Forrester wanted the voters to believe that he was pro-life. Today he wants voters to believe that he's pro choice.

During the primary Doug Forrester made pro-life statements like "all of us are in agreement with proceeding to affirm life."

During the general election Forrester sought the endorsement of Republican pro-choice groups.