New Jersey

Less than an hour before state Sen. Joe Pennacchio is to formally announed his run for U.S. Senate, one of his likely primary opponents has trumpeted the support of two powerful out-of-state Republican Senators.

According to a press release from Anne Evans Estabrook’s campaign, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Ensign (R-NV) contributed $5,000 and $10,000 to her campaign, respectively.

State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio will announce today that he is entering the race for the Republican nomination for United States Senator.  The Brooklyn-born Dentist and legislator from Morris County, wants to take on the Democratic incumbent, Frank Lautenberg.

Fourteen years after he mounted a self-financed primary challenge against Congressman Dean Gallo, who was dying of cancer, “Jersey Joe” Pennacchio will announce today that he is a candidate for the Republican nomination for United States Senator.  Since his ’94 race, which featured a harsh attack on Gallo – Pennacchio says he didn’t know the incumbent was sick – Pennacchio courted establishment Republicans in Morris County and became popular enough to win special election conventions for Freeholder and State Assembly with the support of some of Gallo’s closest friends.  When the State Senate seat in District 26 opened up, Pennacchio won the GOP nomination by acclamation.

A guest column from Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, a Morris County Republican:

During his inaugural address, Governor Corzine repeatedly emphasized one theme: “hold me accountable.”

So, as the midterm elections approach, and his Party defends its record – his record – the question presents itself: has Corzine fulfilled the promises made during his campaign, or in his inaugural?

Corzine enjoys a huge advantage: following Jim McGreevey, virtually anyone looks good by comparison. The Democrats under McGreevey compiled one of the most shameful records of political and fiscal irresponsibility ever witnessed. The Democrats turned New Jersey into a national laughing stock, an economic basket case. If Corzine inherited a mess, his Democratic legislative counterparts created it.

Corzine promised change: an end to fiscal gimmicks, REAL property tax relief and reform (without new taxes), and a rebirth of ethical standards. He assured us that his private life would not impinge upon his public duties. He pledged to drive a hard bargain with state employee unions and to end the power of political bosses.

Quinnipiac University will release a new poll on Tuesday on Gov. Jon Corzine's job approvals and the 2008 U.S. Senate race.  Corzine had a 48%-39% approval rating in the last Quinnipiac poll, released on July 9.

The paralysis in Washington on immigration reform creates an opportunity for New Jersey to fill the void.

Both Democratic presidential candidates lead Republican John McCain in the contest for New Jersey’s fifteen electoral votes in November, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released early this morning. Clinton beats McCain 47%-41%, and Obama leads 46%-39%. Obama leads McCain among independent voters, while Clinton has a clear advantage among women.

Obama, who lost the February 5 New Jersey primary by ten percentage points, is more popular in New Jersey than Clinton. Obama has a 58%-21% favorability rating, while Clinton’s is at 50%-43%. McCain is at 52%-28%.