Gubernatorial primaries underway
By Wally EdgeThe race for the 2009 Democratic gubernatorial nomination has begun, with Congressman Bill Pascrell and Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo saying that they would consider running if the incumbent, Jon Corzine, decides not to seek re-election to a second term.
If Corzine were to leave office early, Senate President Richard Codey would succeed to the governorship. Codey served as Governor when James E. McGreevey resigned, and then backed down from a bid for a full-term when Corzine, willing to self-fund his campaign, secured the endorsement of key county Democratic organizations. Codey, his friends say, is unlikely to back down again.
Some Democrats say Codey hasn’t completely ruled out a challenge to Corzine in the Democratic primary if the Governor’s approval ratings continue to decline.
Codey, the state’s most popular politician according to a Zogby International poll released today by Garden State Equality, would have trouble gaining the support of certain Democratic powerbrokers. Pascrell and DiVincenzo are well liked by party leaders in South Jersey; in 2000, Pascrell bucked much of the North Jersey establishment by backing former Gov. Jim Florio against Corzine in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary.
The Republican primary for Governor is already underway. U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie is viewed as the front runner, and former Bogota Mayor Steven Lonegan is also planning to run. Last week, bio tech millionaire John Crowley said he would not rule out a gubernatorial bid; Crowley is hosting a party for GOP delegates at the national convention in Minnesota next month.
Contributors
Wally Edge
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Bob Torricelli
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Michael Patrick Carroll
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Debbie Holtz
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Steve Lonegan
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Dr. Joseph Marbach
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Rob Tornoe
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Juan Melli
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Carla Katz
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Patricia Quattrocchi
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Quote of the Day
“For a guy who’s got nothing but adoring press for seven years, and is unknown to 70 percent of the public, it’s not easy to win if you’re a single-issue candidate. Our feeling is, bring him on.” -- Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan, on Republican Chris Christie, who is resigning as U.S. Attorney to run for Governor.
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In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
Christie Gives Notice, and G.O.P. Gains Hope ― DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
Christie's legcy― THE BERGEN RECORD
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It.― WASHINGTON POST
Immigrants still in New Jersey― THE BERGEN RECORD
Now it's the Dems' chance to be dumb― PAUL MULSHINE
Corzine likely to go nowhere― THE DAILY RECORD
SILENT ON CHARGE; LIPSKI TELLS OF ALCOHOL BATTLE― STEVEN LIPSKI
Syndicate
Codey would challenge Corzine?
Codey was scared of Corzine's money 4 years ago, I can't believe that's changed.
Typical Codey game... flirt with the idea to put a little scare into Corzine and give his friends in the media something to write about.
South Jersey Will Decide
Pascrell, DiVincenzo,and Codey can split up the Northern vote which will give the Southern counties the deciding vote. Or a South Jersey candidate , such as Andrews or Sweeney can reap the benefits of the North Jersey battles. Pascrell will never be supported in South Jersey. Codey will have to make a lot of promises to avoid a primary against a South Jersey candidate. DiVincenzo would " sell" the best. In any case, despite the factthat most of the Democratic Party votes are " above" Trenton, the next non-Corzine candidate for Governor will have to " come South " to win.
Do not count out Ferriero.
If he survives Christie's investigations, he will be in a position to play the playmaker with Corzine. Bye, bye Sen. Weinberg and the rest of the Real Democrats.
Does Codey have the &*^% to run?
he was scared out of the race once before but his poll numbers have stayed consistently high. Can he do it? Will he do it? The power of incumbency is immense and Patti McGuire is a killer-I can see her starting to "visit" a few folks and reminding them what the Governor could do to them....
Does Codey have the b__ls to run
Corzine's
Money
scared Codey last time, what makes you think he has the stamina to challenge all that money!Steve Lonegan will win.
Steve Lonegan has what it takes to win state-wide. He has energized taxpayers more than anyone in recent memory. Even the Dems smell blood.
The real battle will be between country club republicans and conservatives in each county, for the party line and endorsement. Count me in among taxpayers throwing their support behind Steve Lonegan.
Laus Deo,
Jesse O. Kurtz
Managing Editor for The Atlantic City Scoop
http://cityofatlantic.wordpress.com
Jesseokurtz@gmail.com
The race begins November 5th
With McCain now 5 points ahead in the national polls and the luster of the Obama star starting to tarnish, the prospect of McCain carrying New Jersey is real.
Suburban Democrats are the key to any Obama victory. Can he carry Bergen County? Most political observers agree that carrying Bergen County is tantamount to a statewide victory.
Specifically, where will he win? In conservative South Bergen which is dominated by Reagan Democrats and church going Catholics?
How about central Bergen in towns like Paramus or Ridgewood?
If McCain garners better than 48% of the vote, you will have an all-out primary in both parties. If McCain actually pulls the upset, that could cost Adler a seat as well as Stender with Lautenberg hanging on for dear life.
The limousine liberals and country club types are looking for a candidate and it looks like the want Christie. But where does he stand on any issue important to voters in a GOP primary?
Locking people up and playing sheriff doesn't get you to the statehouse.
If McCain wins New Jersey, Corzine is finished politically.
Vote Column A - All the way!