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| Republican group takes aim at opponent — only it’s Daggett |
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MOUNT LAUREL (AP) — If there was any doubt Independent Chris Daggett has become a factor in the New Jersey gubernatorial election, the Republican Governors Association has ended it.
The group is paying for radio and television ads criticizing Daggett’s proposal to apply the sales tax to more services and use the revenue to cut property taxes. The ads are produced independently of Republican Chris Christie’s campaign.
Christie says Daggett’s plan is no better than the economic policies of incumbent Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine.
The ads take it a step farther, with the tagline, “Chris Daggett: Like Corzine, only worse.”
Daggett is polling in the low teens — and analysts say he’s siphoning support mostly from Christie.
The association won’t reveal how much the anti-Daggett campaign is costing, but spokesman Mike Schrimpf says, “There is no doubt that by Election Day, New Jerseyans will know that a vote for Chris Daggett is really a vote for Jon Corzine.”
The Daggett campaign is wearing the slam like a badge, noting Christie previously said he was “amused” by Daggett.
“Now, apparently, they don’t think we’re so amusing,” said Daggett spokesman Tom Johnson.
Endorsements for Christie, Corzine
MOUNT LAUREL — In a campaign in which Christie’s weight has become an issue, it’s probably not the endorsement he wanted most.
Last week, the New Jersey Restaurant Association said it was supporting the Republican.
“He is committed to making New Jersey a competitive, affordable place to live, work and create jobs,” said Deborah Dowdell, president of the organization.
Meanwhile, Corzine picked up endorsements from three influential pastors in the Black
Ministers Council. The group gives no collective endorsement, but individual members are encouraged to make their picks known.
Candidates let their favorites be known
WAYNE — Friday’s gubernatorial debate ended with a speed-round of lighthearted questions with one-word answers.
The first ones posed little challenge and not much difference. To the question “Bruce or Bon Jovi?” Christie, Corzine and Daggett all chose Springsteen as their favorite New Jersey rocker.
It may have been a tougher choice for Corzine — Bon Jovi played a fund-raiser for him.
All three took the New York Giants over the Philadelphia Eagles in the all-important football question.
The question “Jersey Shore or Jersey farms” produced the biggest distinction.
“What kind of choice is that?” Daggett asked before decisively saying, “both.”
Corzine answered the question, but in a little more than one word: “I grew up on a farm and wanted to go to the shore,” he said. “So I’ll go with the shore.”
Finally, Christie tried for diplomacy: “You said one word, right? — Jersey.”
Created: 10/18/2009 | Updated: 10/18/2009
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