The New Jersey Republican State Committee is facing severe financial difficulties and has not paid several staffers in recent weeks, according to several sources familiar with the state party organization.  GOP State Chairman Thomas Wilson, who is expected to be replaced when his term expires in June, is among those who have not received a paycheck.  There are unconfirmed reports that at least two Republican staffers are preparing to leave because they have not been paid.

Republican fundraising woes come at a time when independent polls show Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine trailing the two leading GOP candidates for Governor.  The winner of the Republican primary will likely inherit a state party that has little cash and substantial debt.  One of the top creditors is Drinker Biddle, the law firm that handled Wilson's lawsuit to force Corzine to release his personal emails with his former girlfriend, labor leader Carla Katz.