New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2009
Encyclopedia
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2009 took place on November 3, 2009. Democratic
Governor Jon Corzine
was running for a second term and was being challenged by Republican
Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett
and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates. Christie won the election, with about 48.5 percent of the vote, to 44.9 percent for Corzine and 5.8 percent for Daggett. Christie won the largest margin for a first term Republican since 1969. Christie assumed office on January 19, 2010.
This was the first election to fill the newly created office of Lieutenant Governor
. The candidates for governor and lieutenant governor were joined together as a single choice, so that voters did not have the opportunity to split the ticket. Kim Guadagno
, Christie's running mate, became New Jersey's first lieutenant governor following her inauguration.
, who ran on a platform of fiscal discipline, governmental reform, and removing the tolls on the Garden State Parkway
, the New Jersey Turnpike
and the Atlantic City Expressway
; perennial candidate
Jeff Boss; and businessman and former Congressional candidate Roger Bacon. A Quinnipiac
poll conducted shortly before the primary and released on May 20, 2009 indicated that 65% of Democratic primary voters would vote for Corzine, with the other three candidates each receiving 4%-5%. Also, 62% of Democrats approved of him while 24% didn't.
On the primary election night, when Corzine accepted his party's nomination, Vice President Joe Biden
campaigned for him, saying that he and President Barack Obama
would help him get re-elected. Biden also characterized Corzine as "America's governor."
Lonegan disputed the nominating petitions of Brown, Keller and Levine, and administrative judges ruled that their petitions fell below the threshold of 1,000 valid signatures. As such, their names were removed from the primary ballot.
mayor Steve Lonegan. Both sides released numerous television and radio advertisements, as well as mailers to registered Republicans. Christie focused on his record of fighting corruption, while Lonegan emphasized his credentials as a lifelong conservative
.
On April 1, Lonegan released the first attack ad of the 2009 campaign, and released another one on April 19. He accused Christie of ethically dubious awarding of no-bid monitor contracts during his tenure as U.S. attorney, described him as a moderate
, and made other allegations. However, on April 24, Christie responded with a new 60 second radio ad noting that Lonegan has lost many elections in his career, including losing by a landslide to Steve Rothman
for Congress in 1998 and finishing fourth (out of seven) in the Republican primary of the 2005 New Jersey Governor's race
. He also claimed that Lonegan's "flat tax" plan, a crucial part of the candidate's platform which calls for applying the same income tax rate to everyone, "would raise taxes on almost 70 percent of New Jersey workers," and characterized Lonegan's previous attacks as "desperate."
Among those to endorse Christie in the primary were former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean, Sr., businessman Steve Forbes
, former New York City
Mayor Rudy Giuliani
and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
. In addition, all county GOP organizations endorsed Christie, as did several New Jersey congressmen.
Joe the Plumber
endorsed Lonegan and campaigned with him on May 5. On May 14, United States Rep.
Ron Paul
(R-Texas
) sent out an email endorsing Lonegan and asking for donations to Lonegan's campaign. Economists Art Laffer and Peter Schiff
also endorsed Lonegan, as did New Jersey General Assembly
man Michael J. Doherty
.
Christie was declared the winner of the primary, defeating Lonegan by a margin of 55 to 42 percent. Lonegan immediately endorsed Christie, stating:
, while the other, held on May 17, was broadcast on the New York television station WABC-TV
. Both debates were between Christie and Lonegan. Because Merkt did not meet the fund-raising or spending thresholds set by the state, he was not allowed to participate.
However, all three candidates were featured in two additional radio-only privately-sponsored debates shortly before the primary.
Write-in candidates
. Corzine also released the first two television campaign ads, both were 30 second spots, released on January 5. One of the ads compared the two candidates' positions on social issues. The Republican Governors Association
shot back, releasing two of its own television ads showing how Corzine has broken campaign promises on June 16.
Corzine was criticized by GOP leadership for granting contract concessions to state workers, by granting them an additional seven paid days off, after threats were made to protest the primary election night event where Vice President Biden was the keynote speaker. It is estimated that these concessions will cost the state $40 million.
The election became a three-way race on July 7, when independent candidate Christopher Daggett
announced that he had raised enough money to qualify for public funds and to qualify for participation in the debates.
On July 15, the New Jersey chapter of a liberal environmental group, the Sierra Club
, released a report critical of the Corzine administration's environmental record, with New Jersey Executive Director Jeff Tittel stating that group believes "this will go down as the worst environmental administration in state history." The state organization formally endorsed Daggett on August 17, its first endorsement of an independent candidate.
Corzine was the target of a vigorous advertising campaign funded by the Christie campaign and the Republican Governors Association
, attacking his record as governor, tying him to corrupt officials, and assailing him for failing to deliver on his campaign promises. The RGA set up a mock newspaper website, "The Corzine Times", collecting newspaper articles critical of Corzine.
One of Corzine's main lines of attack involved Christie's ties to the unpopular former President of the United States
George W. Bush
, who appointed Christie to the U.S. Attorney's office in 2001. In August 2009, Bush political strategist Karl Rove
revealed that he had held conversations with Christie about a potential gubernatorial run during Christie's time as U.S. Attorney. U.S. Attorneys are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities by the Hatch Act of 1939
. Corzine quickly incorporated this into his advertisements targeting Christie.
The Corzine campaign filed requests under the Freedom of Information Act
since March 2009 seeking records of budgets, travel expenses, and no-bid contracts from Christie's tenure as U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney's office did not release the requested documents before election day. Christie Facts, a website paid for by the Corzine campaign, attacks Christie on many fronts, including for not demanding an end to the "stonewalling" by the U.S. Attorney's office. On August 12, Christie's successor, Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra, Jr.
, issued a press release defending the office:
On August 18, 2009, Christie acknowledged that he had loaned $46,000 to First Assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Michele Brown
two years ago, while serving as her superior as the state's U.S. attorney, and that he had failed to report the loan on either his income tax returns
or his mandatory financial disclosure report to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. In response to the disclosure of the financial relationship between Christie and Brown, Weinberg called on Brown to recuse herself from the task of retrieving U.S. Attorney’s Office records requested by the Corzine campaign under the Freedom of Information Act. On August 25, Brown resigned from her post, stating that she does not want to be "a distraction" for the office. Although the Corzine campaign sought to make the loan a major campaign issue, a Quinnipiac
poll showed that only 43% of voters believed that the loan controversy was a legitimate attack, while a plurality of 49% called it an unfair attack.
As of September 20, Corzine had put out 4,806 television advertisements to Christie's 1,393 ads.
, Gannett New Jersey, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, was held on October 1 in Trenton
. It was televised on NJN. It was widely reported by mainstream media that Chris Daggett won the first debate.
The second ELEC-sanctioned debate, sponsored by Fox News, The Record
, WWOR-TV
out of Secaucus
, and WTXF-TV
out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
, was held on October 16 at William Paterson University
in Wayne
. It was televised on WWOR-TV and WTXF-TV.
All three candidates appeared in a third debate, which was not sanctioned by the ELEC, that was held on October 22. The debate was broadcast on the radio on WBGO
, a Newark
-based jazz station, and was simulcast on WNYC
out of New York City, New York, WHYY-FM
out of Philadelphia, and public radio stations throughout the state of New Jersey. Christie and Daggett agreed to participate in a fourth debate, broadcast on the radio on New Jersey 101.5; Corzine declined to participate.
There was also a debate between the three major candidates for lieutenant governor: Loretta Weinberg
, Kim Guadagno
, and Frank Esposito
. This debate, sponsored by Leadership New Jersey, was held at Monmouth University
in West Long Branch
on October 8. It was televised on News 12 New Jersey
and broadcast on the radio on New Jersey 101.5.
was created. As such, this year's candidates were the first gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey history to pick running mates. All 12 candidates for governor appearing on the ballot selected their running mates by the July 27, 2009 deadline.
Christie, as the Republican nominee for governor, selected Monmouth Beach
's Kim Guadagno
, the sheriff of Monmouth County
, as his running mate. Others mentioned for the post had included New Jersey Senators
Diane Allen and Jennifer Beck, as well as Bergen County
Clerk Kathleen Donovan
.
Corzine, as the Democratic nominee, selected Teaneck
's Loretta Weinberg
, a New Jersey Senator
and former New Jersey General Assembly
woman, as his running mate. Other mentioned for the post had included Newark Mayor Cory Booker
, New Jersey Senator Barbara Buono
, New Jersey General Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
, and wealthy businessman Randal Pinkett
.
Daggett, having qualified for matching funds, selected Ocean Township
's Frank J. Esposito
, a longtime professor and administrator at Kean University
who served as an advisor to the Commissioner of Education
in the Thomas Kean, Sr. administration, as his running mate. Others mentioned for the post had included Edison
Mayor Jun Choi
and Passaic County
freeholder James Gallagher
.
Other Lieutenant Governor candidates on the ballot:
, Middlesex County
, Union County
, Passaic County
, and Bergen County
are considered "toss-ups." In the Democratic primary, Corzine got over 70% of the vote only in the urban areas, doing relatively poorly among suburban Democrats. His weakest performance was in Warren County
, where he won with just 55% of the vote. On the other hand, Corzine performed strongly in Bergen County, winning with almost 87% of the vote. In the Republican primary, Christie lost some key Republican strongholds, such as Hunterdon County (where he received 45.8%) and Warren County
(where he received 46.9%) to Lonegan.
According to a September 1 Quinnipiac University
poll, Hudson County
and Essex County
were the only counties where a majority of voters viewed Corzine favorably. Corzine had upside-down ratings in all 19 other counties in that poll. In contrast, Christie had upside-down ratings in those two counties but was viewed favorably by pluralities of voters in every other county except for Atlantic County
, Ocean County
, and Monmouth County
, where a majority of voters viewed him favorably.
, but it was the most important issue for only 4% of likely voters. Christie attacked Corzine's record of raising taxes, failing to deliver property tax relief, and presiding over a period of unusually high unemployment in the state. Corzine pointed to the global economic recession as the reason for the state's economic troubles. However, Republicans contended that Corzine's policies led to over-taxation and economic decline, causing an out-migration of residents documented in a report by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.
Christie also campaigned on the issues of ethics, reducing corruption, and ending fiscal waste. These issues were brought back to the forefront of the debate after 44 individuals, including several public officials in New Jersey, were arrested by the FBI in July 2009 in Operation Bid Rig
. Corzine was not a target of the probe; however, the office of a member of his cabinet, Commissioner of Community Affairs
Joseph Doria
, was raided by the FBI in connection with Operation Bid Rig. Governor Corzine asked for, and accepted, Doria's resignation on July 23. Doria has not been charged with any crime. Although Corzine has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the corruption sting, which resulted in the arrests of mostly Democratic officials, nevertheless further injured Corzine's reputation. Former EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg predicted in his July 23 column that the corruption scandal would doom Corzine's re-election bid, as ethics would become a major issue again, thus helping Christie. State Senator Ray Lesniak, a prominent Democrat, acknowledged that "If it’s about ethics, Corzine loses. Not because Jon Corzine’s weak on ethics, but because it’s Chris Christie’s strength, and now it’s national news." Paul Mulshine, a conservative columnist for The Star-Ledger
, wrote in a July 28 column that the excessive "red tape
" prolonged by the Corzine administration contributed to the corruption, further harming Corzine's campaign.
As the Democratic nominee, Corzine was considered to have an inherent advantage in the "blue state" of New Jersey. No Republican has won New Jersey's electoral votes in a presidential election since George H.W. Bush in 1988
. Furthermore, prior to the 2009 election, no Republican had won a statewide election in New Jersey since 1997
, when Governor Christine Todd Whitman
won re-election with 47.1% of the vote. The last Republican to win a statewide election in New Jersey with over 50% of the vote was incumbent Governor Thomas Kean
in 1985, who won with 71% of the vote. No Republican has won a U.S. Senate election in New Jersey since liberal Republican Clifford Case in 1972.
Between February 2009 and the end of his term, Corzine's approval ratings ranged between 33% and 42%. His disapproval ratings ranged between 46% and 66%.
Some thought that Corzine would benefit from the popularity of President Barack Obama
, who carried the state in 2008 with 57% of the vote and had higher approval ratings than Corzine had. However, Obama's approval ratings in the state varied, ranging from as high as 68% in a June Quinnipiac
poll to as low as 53% in a PPP poll, which is lower than what he obtained on election day in 2008. Another poll in July gave him 55% approval in the state, also less than what he obtained on election day. In the same poll 47% believed Obama would help Corzine's numbers in the election by campaigning with him.
After Vice President Biden's June appearance at a "poorly attended" Corzine primary-night event, the Barack Obama administration approached President of the New Jersey Senate and former governor Richard Codey
to consider running in the governor's place if the incumbent withdrew from his reelection bid, citing polls showing that Codey led Christie. Obama held a campaign rally for Corzine on July 16. Originally the rally was set to be held at Rutgers University
, but ultimately it was held at the PNC Bank Arts Center
instead.
"*" denotes voluntary response only. In the August 26–30 FDU poll, 4% also responded "neither" or "other."
Current candidates
Former candidates
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
Governor Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
Jon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
was running for a second term and was being challenged by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Chris Christie, Independent Christopher Daggett
Christopher Daggett
Christopher Jarvis "Chris" Daggett is a former regional administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection...
and nine others, in addition to several write-in candidates. Christie won the election, with about 48.5 percent of the vote, to 44.9 percent for Corzine and 5.8 percent for Daggett. Christie won the largest margin for a first term Republican since 1969. Christie assumed office on January 19, 2010.
This was the first election to fill the newly created office of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
. The candidates for governor and lieutenant governor were joined together as a single choice, so that voters did not have the opportunity to split the ticket. Kim Guadagno
Kim Guadagno
Kim Guadagno is the first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, having won the 2009 election as the running mate of Governor Chris Christie. She is also concurrently the Secretary of State of New Jersey.-Early life:...
, Christie's running mate, became New Jersey's first lieutenant governor following her inauguration.
Candidates
- Roger Bacon, businessman
- Carl BergmansonCarl BergmansonCarl A. Bergmanson is a conservative Democrat and was the mayor of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, a borough 10 miles west of New York City, from 2004 - 2007. Bergmanson is a vocal critic of the Democratic Party establishment in New Jersey...
, Former Mayor of Glen RidgeGlen Ridge, New JerseyGlen Ridge is a borough in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 7,527. In 2010, Glen Ridge was ranked as the 38th Best Place to live by New Jersey Monthly magazine.... - Jeff Boss, perennial candidate
- Jon CorzineJon CorzineJon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
, incumbent Governor
Campaign
Although Corzine was unpopular among independents and Republicans, he polled much more highly among registered Democrats. His three opponents were former Glen Ridge mayor Carl BergmansonCarl Bergmanson
Carl A. Bergmanson is a conservative Democrat and was the mayor of Glen Ridge, New Jersey, a borough 10 miles west of New York City, from 2004 - 2007. Bergmanson is a vocal critic of the Democratic Party establishment in New Jersey...
, who ran on a platform of fiscal discipline, governmental reform, and removing the tolls on the Garden State Parkway
Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is a 172.4-mile limited-access toll parkway that stretches the length of New Jersey from the New York line at Montvale, New Jersey, to Cape May at New Jersey's southernmost tip. Its name refers to New Jersey's nickname, the "Garden State." Most New Jersey residents refer...
, the New Jersey Turnpike
New Jersey Turnpike
The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey, maintained by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. According to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, the Turnpike is the nation's sixth-busiest toll road and is among one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United...
and the Atlantic City Expressway
Atlantic City Expressway
The Atlantic City Expressway is a , controlled-access toll road in New Jersey, managed and operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority...
; perennial candidate
Perennial candidate
A perennial candidate is one who frequently runs for public office with a record of success that is infrequent, if existent at all. Perennial candidates are often either members of minority political parties or have political opinions that are not mainstream. They may run without any serious hope...
Jeff Boss; and businessman and former Congressional candidate Roger Bacon. A Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in Hamden, Connecticut, United States at the foot of Sleeping Giant State Park...
poll conducted shortly before the primary and released on May 20, 2009 indicated that 65% of Democratic primary voters would vote for Corzine, with the other three candidates each receiving 4%-5%. Also, 62% of Democrats approved of him while 24% didn't.
On the primary election night, when Corzine accepted his party's nomination, Vice President Joe Biden
Joe Biden
Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, Jr. is the 47th and current Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama...
campaigned for him, saying that he and President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
would help him get re-elected. Biden also characterized Corzine as "America's governor."
Results
On ballot
- Chris Christie, former U.S. Attorney
- Steve LoneganSteve LoneganSteven M. Lonegan was mayor of Bogota, New Jersey from 1995–2007 and a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of New Jersey in 2005 and 2009. He is the Director of the New Jersey chapter of Americans for Prosperity....
, Former mayor of BogotaBogota, New JerseyAs of the 2010 Census, Bogota had a population of 8,187. The median age was 38.6. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.0% White, 9.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 9.8% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander, 14.8% some other race and 4.1% reporting... - Rick MerktRichard A. MerktRichard A. "Rick" Merkt is an American Republican Party politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1998 to 2010, where he represented the 25th legislative district...
, AssemblymanNew Jersey General AssemblyThe New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
Removed
- South BrunswickSouth Brunswick Township, New JerseySouth Brunswick Township is a Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 43,417....
businessman David Brown - LeesburgLeesburg, New JerseyLeesburg is an unincorporated area within Maurice River Township in Cumberland County, New Jersey, United States. The area is served as United States Postal Service ZIP code 08327....
resident Christian Keller - Franklin TownshipFranklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey-Communities of Franklin Township:The following are census-designated places, unincorporated enclaves, and historical communities located within Franklin Township...
Mayor Brian D. LevineBrian D. LevineBrian D. Levine is the mayor of Franklin Township , New Jersey, a community with more than 60,000 residents.A Republican, Levine has been elected to the mayoralty twice, in a municipality with a heavy Democratic advantage in voter registration...
Lonegan disputed the nominating petitions of Brown, Keller and Levine, and administrative judges ruled that their petitions fell below the threshold of 1,000 valid signatures. As such, their names were removed from the primary ballot.
Campaign
Most of the focus in the primary campaign was on the Republican contest between the front-runner, former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who was heavily favored by the party establishment, and former BogotaBogota, New Jersey
As of the 2010 Census, Bogota had a population of 8,187. The median age was 38.6. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.0% White, 9.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 9.8% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander, 14.8% some other race and 4.1% reporting...
mayor Steve Lonegan. Both sides released numerous television and radio advertisements, as well as mailers to registered Republicans. Christie focused on his record of fighting corruption, while Lonegan emphasized his credentials as a lifelong conservative
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism...
.
On April 1, Lonegan released the first attack ad of the 2009 campaign, and released another one on April 19. He accused Christie of ethically dubious awarding of no-bid monitor contracts during his tenure as U.S. attorney, described him as a moderate
Moderate
In politics and religion, a moderate is an individual who is not extreme, partisan or radical. In recent years, political moderates has gained traction as a buzzword....
, and made other allegations. However, on April 24, Christie responded with a new 60 second radio ad noting that Lonegan has lost many elections in his career, including losing by a landslide to Steve Rothman
Steve Rothman
Steven R. "Steve" Rothman is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1997. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life, education and career:Rothman attended Washington University Law School...
for Congress in 1998 and finishing fourth (out of seven) in the Republican primary of the 2005 New Jersey Governor's race
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2005
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 2005 was a race for the Governor of New Jersey. It was held on November 8, 2005. Incumbent Democratic Governor Richard Codey, who replaced Governor Jim McGreevey in 2004 after his resignation, did not run for election for a full term of office.The primary...
. He also claimed that Lonegan's "flat tax" plan, a crucial part of the candidate's platform which calls for applying the same income tax rate to everyone, "would raise taxes on almost 70 percent of New Jersey workers," and characterized Lonegan's previous attacks as "desperate."
Among those to endorse Christie in the primary were former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean, Sr., businessman Steve Forbes
Steve Forbes
Malcolm Stevenson "Steve" Forbes, Jr. is an American editor, publisher, and businessman. He is the editor-in-chief of business magazine Forbes as well as president and chief executive officer of its publisher, Forbes Inc. He was a Republican candidate in the U.S. Presidential primaries in 1996...
, former New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani
Rudolph William Louis "Rudy" Giuliani KBE is an American lawyer, businessman, and politician from New York. He served as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001....
and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney
Willard Mitt Romney is an American businessman and politician. He was the 70th Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and is a candidate for the 2012 Republican Party presidential nomination.The son of George W...
. In addition, all county GOP organizations endorsed Christie, as did several New Jersey congressmen.
Joe the Plumber
Joe the Plumber
Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher , is a conservative activist, author, and commentator. A resident of Holland, Ohio, United States, he gained significant attention during the 2008 U.S. presidential election after he was videotaped questioning then-Democratic candidate Barack Obama about his small...
endorsed Lonegan and campaigned with him on May 5. On May 14, United States Rep.
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
Ron Paul
Ron Paul
Ronald Ernest "Ron" Paul is an American physician, author and United States Congressman who is seeking to be the Republican Party candidate in the 2012 presidential election. Paul represents Texas's 14th congressional district, which covers an area south and southwest of Houston that includes...
(R-Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
) sent out an email endorsing Lonegan and asking for donations to Lonegan's campaign. Economists Art Laffer and Peter Schiff
Peter Schiff
Peter David Schiff is an American investment broker, author and financial commentator. Schiff is CEO and chief global strategist of Euro Pacific Capital Inc., a broker-dealer based in Westport, Connecticut and CEO of Euro Pacific Precious Metals, LLC, a gold and silver dealer based in New York...
also endorsed Lonegan, as did New Jersey General Assembly
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
man Michael J. Doherty
Michael J. Doherty
Michael J. Doherty is an American Republican Party politician who serves in the New Jersey Senate representing the 23rd legislative district. He won the seat held by Marcia A. Karrow, who had earlier been selected by a party convention to succeed Leonard Lance after his election to the United...
.
Christie was declared the winner of the primary, defeating Lonegan by a margin of 55 to 42 percent. Lonegan immediately endorsed Christie, stating:
Debates
Two state-sponsored televised debates were held before the primary. The first, on May 12, was broadcast on NJNNew Jersey Network
The New Jersey Network, or NJN, was a network of public television and radio stations serving the U.S. state of New Jersey. NJN was a member of the Public Broadcasting Service for television and the National Public Radio for radio, broadcasting their programming as well as producing and...
, while the other, held on May 17, was broadcast on the New York television station WABC-TV
WABC-TV
WABC-TV, channel 7, is the flagship station of the Disney-owned American Broadcasting Company located in New York City. The station's studios and offices are located on the Upper West Side section of Manhattan, adjacent to ABC's corporate headquarters, and its transmitter is atop the Empire State...
. Both debates were between Christie and Lonegan. Because Merkt did not meet the fund-raising or spending thresholds set by the state, he was not allowed to participate.
However, all three candidates were featured in two additional radio-only privately-sponsored debates shortly before the primary.
Fundraising
| Candidate | Amount of money |
|---|---|
| Chris Christie | $3 million |
| Steve Lonegan | $500,000 |
| Rick Merkt | $44,000 |
Polling
| Source | Dates Administered | Christopher James Christie | Steve Lonegan | Richard Merkt | Difference between two top candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | May 27, 2009 | 46% | 35% | 4% | 11% |
| Monmouth University | May 20, 2009 | 50% | 32% | 2% | 18% |
| Rasmussen Reports | May 13, 2009 | 39% | 29% | 3% | 10% |
| Quinnipiac University | April 4–20, 2009 | 46% | 37% | 2% | 9% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | March 30 - April 5, 2009 | 44% | 21% | 2% | 22% |
| Quinnipiac University | March 4–9, 2009 | 45% | 19% | 1% | 21% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | February 25-March 2, 2009 | 43% | 15% | 1% | 28% |
| Quinnipiac University | January 29-February 2, 2009 | 44% | 17% | 2% | 27% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | January 2–7, 2009 | 32% | 15% | 5% | 17% |
Results
Major
The following three candidates all qualified to appear in the state-sponsored debates.- Chris Christie, RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
of Mendham TownshipMendham Township, New JerseyMendham Township is an affluent township in Morris County, in the central portion of northern New Jersey, United States, located more than due west of New York City. As of the 2000 United States Census, the township population was 5,400...
– former United States AttorneyUnited States AttorneyUnited States Attorneys represent the United States federal government in United States district court and United States court of appeals. There are 93 U.S. Attorneys stationed throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands...
for the District of New JerseyUnited States District Court for the District of New JerseyThe United States District Court for the District of New Jersey is the federal district court whose jurisdiction is the state of New Jersey....
(2001–2008) and former Morris CountyMorris County, New JerseyMorris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown....
FreeholderBoard of Chosen FreeholdersIn New Jersey, the Boards of Chosen Freeholders are the county legislatures in each of that state's 21 counties.- Origin :New Jersey's system of naming county legislators "freeholders" is unique in the United States...
(1995–1998)
- Jon CorzineJon CorzineJon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
, DemocratDemocratic Party (United States)The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
of HobokenHoboken, New JerseyHoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
– incumbentIncumbentThe incumbent, in politics, is the existing holder of a political office. This term is usually used in reference to elections, in which races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbent. For example, in the 2004 United States presidential election, George W...
Governor (serving since 2006) and former United States Senator (2001–2006)
- Chris Daggett, IndependentIndependent (politician)In politics, an independent or non-party politician is an individual not affiliated to any political party. Independents may hold a centrist viewpoint between those of major political parties, a viewpoint more extreme than any major party, or they may have a viewpoint based on issues that they do...
of Basking RidgeBasking Ridge, New Jersey- Demographics :As Basking Ridge is not an independent municipality, the following demographic data is based on the United States Census Bureau figures for the ZIP Code Tabulation Area for the 07920 ZIP Code...
– former New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor
Minor
The following nine candidates were third-party or independent candidates who qualified for the ballot but did not raise enough money to qualify for the state-sponsored debates.- Jason Cullen, Riverdale Board of Health Chairman, ran under the banner People Not Politics
- Kenneth Kaplan, real estate broker and perennial candidatePerennial candidateA perennial candidate is one who frequently runs for public office with a record of success that is infrequent, if existent at all. Perennial candidates are often either members of minority political parties or have political opinions that are not mainstream. They may run without any serious hope...
, was unanimously selected by the New Jersey Libertarian PartyNew Jersey Libertarian PartyThe New Jersey Libertarian Party is the state affiliate of the national Libertarian Party in New Jersey. As of June 3rd 2011, there were 1,451 registered Libertarians in New Jersey ....
State Committee on April 26, 2009, to be the party's candidate for governor. Kaplan previously chaired the state party and sat on the state party's steering committee. He had been the Libertarian nominee for governor in 1993, and he has run for General AssemblyNew Jersey General AssemblyThe New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
on multiple occasions.
- Joshua Leinsdorf, a former Princeton School Board Member, ran under the banner Fair Election Party
- Alvin Lindsay, Jr. of Sewell ran under the banner Lindsay for Governor
- Attorney David R. Meiswinkle of East WindsorEast Windsor Township, New Jersey-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 24,919 people, 9,448 households, and 6,556 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,592.8 people per square mile . There were 9,880 housing units at an average density of 631.5 per square mile...
ran under the banner Middle Class Empowerment
- Greg PasonGreg PasonGregory "Greg" Pason is an American democratic socialist politician, activist, and National Secretary of the Socialist Party USA. Additionally, Pason has served in various positions in the Socialist Party of New Jersey and Northern New Jersey Socialist Party, currently serving as co-chair of the...
, National Secretary of the Socialist Party USASocialist Party USAThe Socialist Party USA is a multi-tendency democratic-socialist party in the United States. The party states that it is the rightful continuation and successor to the tradition of the Socialist Party of America, which had lasted from 1901 to 1972.The party is officially committed to left-wing...
and a state committee member of the NJ National Writers Union, ran as the Socialist candidate.
- Kostas Petris of Bordentown ran under the banner For The People
- Attorney Gary T. SteeleGary T. SteeleGary T. Steele is a tax attorney and former candidate for Governor of New Jersey from Kinnelon, New Jersey.-2009 campaign:He ran for governor, as an independent, on a platform of tax reform...
of Kinnelon ran under the banner Leadership, Independence, Vision
- Gary Stein of Mullica ran using different slogans in each county; for example, his slogan in Atlantic CountyAtlantic County, New Jersey-National protected areas:* Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge * Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
was Rock The Boat. Stein is not the same person as former New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Gary SteinGary Stein (New Jersey Supreme Court Justice)Gary S. Stein is a United States attorney and former Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, He served on New Jersey's Supreme Court for 17 years where he wrote over 365 published opinions. From 1982 until 1985 he served as the Director of the New Jersey Governor’s Office of Policy and...
.
Write-in candidates
- Angela Lariscy, communist political organizer and perennial candidatePerennial candidateA perennial candidate is one who frequently runs for public office with a record of success that is infrequent, if existent at all. Perennial candidates are often either members of minority political parties or have political opinions that are not mainstream. They may run without any serious hope...
of the Socialist Workers PartySocialist Workers Party (United States)The Socialist Workers Party is a far-left political organization in the United States. The group places a priority on "solidarity work" to aid strikes and is strongly supportive of Cuba...
, is running a write-in campaign.
- Eddie McOwskey, a candidate since 2005, ran a write-in campaign on a Balance Ya Taxes platform.
- John Meehan, former mayor, deputy mayor, and current committee member of Bethlehem TownshipBethlehem Township, New JerseyBethlehem Township falls under the 'Northern New Jersey' climate zone. According to the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers University, the Northern climate zone covers about one-quarter of New Jersey and consists mainly of elevated highlands and valleys which are part of the...
ran a write-in campaign.
- Uncle Floyd, a popular comedian, announced in April that he would run a write-in campaign.
- Carl Peter Klapper, a populistPopulismPopulism can be defined as an ideology, political philosophy, or type of discourse. Generally, a common theme compares "the people" against "the elite", and urges social and political system changes. It can also be defined as a rhetorical style employed by members of various political or social...
poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
, frequent letter writer to The Washington PostThe Washington PostThe Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
and columnistColumnistA columnist is a journalist who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions. Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs....
at the Johnsonville Press has been writing about the issues of New Jersey and the country from the Popular Capitalist View since early 2009. In discussing the premier issue of this campaign, he has called for sweeping educational and civil service reforms, as well as the abolition of the property tax. Mr. Klapper is running a write-in campaign.
Campaign
Corzine kicked off his campaign in June criticizing his Republican opponents and tying them to former President George W. BushGeorge W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
. Corzine also released the first two television campaign ads, both were 30 second spots, released on January 5. One of the ads compared the two candidates' positions on social issues. The Republican Governors Association
Republican Governors Association
The Republican Governors Association is a Washington, D.C.-based 527 organization founded in 1963, consisting of U.S. state and territorial governors affiliated with the Republican Party.Its Democratic Party counterpart is the Democratic Governors Association...
shot back, releasing two of its own television ads showing how Corzine has broken campaign promises on June 16.
Corzine was criticized by GOP leadership for granting contract concessions to state workers, by granting them an additional seven paid days off, after threats were made to protest the primary election night event where Vice President Biden was the keynote speaker. It is estimated that these concessions will cost the state $40 million.
The election became a three-way race on July 7, when independent candidate Christopher Daggett
Christopher Daggett
Christopher Jarvis "Chris" Daggett is a former regional administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection...
announced that he had raised enough money to qualify for public funds and to qualify for participation in the debates.
On July 15, the New Jersey chapter of a liberal environmental group, the Sierra Club
Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892, in San Francisco, California, by the conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president...
, released a report critical of the Corzine administration's environmental record, with New Jersey Executive Director Jeff Tittel stating that group believes "this will go down as the worst environmental administration in state history." The state organization formally endorsed Daggett on August 17, its first endorsement of an independent candidate.
Corzine was the target of a vigorous advertising campaign funded by the Christie campaign and the Republican Governors Association
Republican Governors Association
The Republican Governors Association is a Washington, D.C.-based 527 organization founded in 1963, consisting of U.S. state and territorial governors affiliated with the Republican Party.Its Democratic Party counterpart is the Democratic Governors Association...
, attacking his record as governor, tying him to corrupt officials, and assailing him for failing to deliver on his campaign promises. The RGA set up a mock newspaper website, "The Corzine Times", collecting newspaper articles critical of Corzine.
One of Corzine's main lines of attack involved Christie's ties to the unpopular former President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
, who appointed Christie to the U.S. Attorney's office in 2001. In August 2009, Bush political strategist Karl Rove
Karl Rove
Karl Christian Rove was Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to former President George W. Bush until Rove's resignation on August 31, 2007. He has headed the Office of Political Affairs, the Office of Public Liaison, and the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives...
revealed that he had held conversations with Christie about a potential gubernatorial run during Christie's time as U.S. Attorney. U.S. Attorneys are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities by the Hatch Act of 1939
Hatch Act of 1939
The Hatch Act of 1939 is a United States federal law whose main provision is to prohibit federal employees in the executive branch of the federal government, except the President and the Vice President, from engaging in partisan political activity...
. Corzine quickly incorporated this into his advertisements targeting Christie.
The Corzine campaign filed requests under the Freedom of Information Act
Freedom of Information Act (United States)
The Freedom of Information Act is a federal freedom of information law that allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government. The Act defines agency records subject to disclosure, outlines mandatory disclosure...
since March 2009 seeking records of budgets, travel expenses, and no-bid contracts from Christie's tenure as U.S. Attorney. The U.S. Attorney's office did not release the requested documents before election day. Christie Facts, a website paid for by the Corzine campaign, attacks Christie on many fronts, including for not demanding an end to the "stonewalling" by the U.S. Attorney's office. On August 12, Christie's successor, Acting U.S. Attorney Ralph J. Marra, Jr.
Ralph J. Marra, Jr.
Ralph J. Marra, Jr. is an American lawyer who served as the Acting United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. He held this position from the resignation of Chris Christie in December 2008 until the appointment of Paul J. Fishman in October 2009...
, issued a press release defending the office:
On August 18, 2009, Christie acknowledged that he had loaned $46,000 to First Assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Michele Brown
Michele Brown
Michele Mary Brown is an Australian athlete, who competed mainly in the high jump during her career.She competed for Australia at the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan where she won the silver medal in the women's high jump event. She was the second female athlete ever to jump over six...
two years ago, while serving as her superior as the state's U.S. attorney, and that he had failed to report the loan on either his income tax returns
Tax return (United States)
Tax returns in the United States are reports filed with the Internal Revenue Service or with the state or local tax collection agency containing information used to calculate income tax or other taxes...
or his mandatory financial disclosure report to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. In response to the disclosure of the financial relationship between Christie and Brown, Weinberg called on Brown to recuse herself from the task of retrieving U.S. Attorney’s Office records requested by the Corzine campaign under the Freedom of Information Act. On August 25, Brown resigned from her post, stating that she does not want to be "a distraction" for the office. Although the Corzine campaign sought to make the loan a major campaign issue, a Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac
This article is about the Native American nation. For the university, see Quinnipiac University.The Quinnipiac — rarely spelled Quinnipiack — is the English name for the Eansketambawg a Native American nation of the Algonquian family who inhabited the Wampanoki This article is about the Native...
poll showed that only 43% of voters believed that the loan controversy was a legitimate attack, while a plurality of 49% called it an unfair attack.
As of September 20, Corzine had put out 4,806 television advertisements to Christie's 1,393 ads.
Debates
Corzine, Christie, and Daggett debated each other three times by the election. Two debates were sanctioned by the state's Election Law Enforcement Commission; Christie and Daggett were required to participate in these debates, as they received public financing. Corzine did not seek public financing but appeared in both ELEC debates. The first debate, sanctioned by the ELEC and sponsored by NJNNew Jersey Network
The New Jersey Network, or NJN, was a network of public television and radio stations serving the U.S. state of New Jersey. NJN was a member of the Public Broadcasting Service for television and the National Public Radio for radio, broadcasting their programming as well as producing and...
, Gannett New Jersey, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, was held on October 1 in Trenton
Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is the capital of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Trenton had a population of 84,913...
. It was televised on NJN. It was widely reported by mainstream media that Chris Daggett won the first debate.
The second ELEC-sanctioned debate, sponsored by Fox News, The Record
The Record (Bergen County)
The Record is a newspaper in northern New Jersey. It has the second largest circulation of New Jersey's daily newspapers, behind The Star-Ledger. Owned by the Borg family since 1930, it is the flagship publication of the North Jersey Media Group. Stephen Borg is the publisher of The Record...
, WWOR-TV
WWOR-TV
WWOR-TV, virtual channel 9 , is the flagship station of the MyNetworkTV programming service, licensed to Secaucus, New Jersey and serving the Tri-State metropolitan area. WWOR is owned by Fox Television Stations, a division of the News Corporation, and is a sister station to Fox network flagship...
out of Secaucus
Secaucus, New Jersey
Secaucus is a town in Hudson County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town population was 16,264. Located within the New Jersey Meadowlands, it is the most suburban of the county's municipalities, though large parts of the town are dedicated to light manufacturing, retail, and...
, and WTXF-TV
WTXF-TV
WTXF-TV, virtual channel 29 , is an owned-and-operated station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Broadcasting Company, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...
out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
, was held on October 16 at William Paterson University
William Paterson University
William Paterson University is a comprehensive public institution located in Wayne, New Jersey serving nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students through five colleges: , , , , and ....
in Wayne
Wayne, New Jersey
Wayne is a Township in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States, located less than from midtown Manhattan. As of the United States 2000 Census, the township had a total population of 54,069....
. It was televised on WWOR-TV and WTXF-TV.
All three candidates appeared in a third debate, which was not sanctioned by the ELEC, that was held on October 22. The debate was broadcast on the radio on WBGO
WBGO
WBGO is a public radio station broadcasting from Newark, New Jersey. The station primarily plays jazz music. In addition the station airs public affairs programming, locally-produced newscasts, traffic reports from Metro Traffic during morning and afternoon rush hours, and NPR-produced newscasts...
, a Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
-based jazz station, and was simulcast on WNYC
WNYC
WNYC is a set of call letters shared by a pair of co-owned, non-profit, public radio stations located in New York City.WNYC broadcasts on the AM band at 820 kHz, and WNYC-FM is at 93.9 MHz. Both stations are members of National Public Radio and carry distinct, but similar news/talk programs...
out of New York City, New York, WHYY-FM
WHYY-FM
WHYY-FM is an NPR member station serving the Delaware Valley area, which is the metro area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The station is located in Philadelphia. Its transmitter is located in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia.-History:...
out of Philadelphia, and public radio stations throughout the state of New Jersey. Christie and Daggett agreed to participate in a fourth debate, broadcast on the radio on New Jersey 101.5; Corzine declined to participate.
There was also a debate between the three major candidates for lieutenant governor: Loretta Weinberg
Loretta Weinberg
Loretta Weinberg is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served as a member of the New Jersey Senate since 2005, where she represents the 37th Legislative District...
, Kim Guadagno
Kim Guadagno
Kim Guadagno is the first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, having won the 2009 election as the running mate of Governor Chris Christie. She is also concurrently the Secretary of State of New Jersey.-Early life:...
, and Frank Esposito
Frank J. Esposito
Frank John Esposito is an American historian, educator, and university administrator. He is the Distinguished Service Professor of History at Kean University in Union, New Jersey...
. This debate, sponsored by Leadership New Jersey, was held at Monmouth University
Monmouth University
Monmouth University is a private university located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, United States.Founded in 1933 as Monmouth Junior College, it became Monmouth College in 1956, and later Monmouth University in 1995 after receiving its charter....
in West Long Branch
West Long Branch, New Jersey
West Long Branch is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,097. It is the home of Monmouth University....
on October 8. It was televised on News 12 New Jersey
News 12 New Jersey
News 12 New Jersey is a 24-hour cable news television channel reaching more than 1.8 million television homes within the New York City metropolitan area. The channel operates as an independent unit of News 12 Networks, the first, largest and most watched regional news network in United States...
and broadcast on the radio on New Jersey 101.5.
Lieutenant governor factor
This was the first gubernatorial election since the position of lieutenant governorLieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is a position that has existed since January 2010, following conjoint election with the Governor of New Jersey. The position was created as the result of a Constitutional amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution passed by the voters on November 8, 2005...
was created. As such, this year's candidates were the first gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey history to pick running mates. All 12 candidates for governor appearing on the ballot selected their running mates by the July 27, 2009 deadline.
Christie, as the Republican nominee for governor, selected Monmouth Beach
Monmouth Beach, New Jersey
Monmouth Beach is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 3,279....
's Kim Guadagno
Kim Guadagno
Kim Guadagno is the first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, having won the 2009 election as the running mate of Governor Chris Christie. She is also concurrently the Secretary of State of New Jersey.-Early life:...
, the sheriff of Monmouth County
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
, as his running mate. Others mentioned for the post had included New Jersey Senators
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
Diane Allen and Jennifer Beck, as well as Bergen County
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
Clerk Kathleen Donovan
Kathleen Donovan
Kathleen A. Donovan is an American Republican Party politician, who is currently serving her first term as County Executive of Bergen County, New Jersey. She previously served as County Clerk for four terms, one term in the New Jersey General Assembly...
.
Corzine, as the Democratic nominee, selected Teaneck
Teaneck, New Jersey
Teaneck is a township in Bergen County, New Jersey, and a suburb in the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 39,776, making it the second-most populous among the 70 municipalities in Bergen County....
's Loretta Weinberg
Loretta Weinberg
Loretta Weinberg is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served as a member of the New Jersey Senate since 2005, where she represents the 37th Legislative District...
, a New Jersey Senator
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
and former New Jersey General Assembly
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
woman, as his running mate. Other mentioned for the post had included Newark Mayor Cory Booker
Cory Booker
Cory Anthony Booker is the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Booker is a former Newark City Councilman...
, New Jersey Senator Barbara Buono
Barbara Buono
Barbara Buono is an American Democratic Party politician, who has been serving in the New Jersey State Senate since 2002, where she represents the 18th Legislative District....
, New Jersey General Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Bonnie Watson Coleman is an American Democratic Party politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1998, where she represents the 15th Legislative District....
, and wealthy businessman Randal Pinkett
Randal Pinkett
Randal D. Pinkett is a business consultant who in 2005 was the winner of season four of the reality television show, The Apprentice...
.
Daggett, having qualified for matching funds, selected Ocean Township
Ocean Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey
Ocean Township is a township located in east central Monmouth County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 27,291.Oakhurst and Wanamassa Ocean Township is a township located in east central Monmouth County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census,...
's Frank J. Esposito
Frank J. Esposito
Frank John Esposito is an American historian, educator, and university administrator. He is the Distinguished Service Professor of History at Kean University in Union, New Jersey...
, a longtime professor and administrator at Kean University
Kean University
Kean University is a coeducational, public research university located in Union and Hillside, New Jersey, United States. Kean University serves its students in the liberal arts, the sciences, and the professions with a dedication to intellectual and cultural growth and is best known for its...
who served as an advisor to the Commissioner of Education
New Jersey Department of Education
The New Jersey Department of Education administers state and federal aid programs affecting more than 1.4 million public and non-public elementary and secondary school children in the state of New Jersey. The department is headquartered in Trenton.The Department is responsible for ensuring that...
in the Thomas Kean, Sr. administration, as his running mate. Others mentioned for the post had included Edison
Edison, New Jersey
Edison Township is a township in Middlesex County, New Jersey. What is now Edison Township was originally incorporated as Raritan Township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 17, 1870, from portions of both Piscataway Township and Woodbridge Township...
Mayor Jun Choi
Jun Choi
Jun H. Choi is an American politician and the former Mayor of Edison, New Jersey, a community of over 100,000 people and the fifth largest municipality in the state. He was sworn in on January 1, 2006 as the youngest mayor in Edison history...
and Passaic County
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
freeholder James Gallagher
James Gallagher (American politician)
James Gallagher is an American Democratic Party politician, who was elected to the Passaic County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders for three-year terms in 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006. He served as Deputy Freeholder Director in 2005 and as Director of the Freeholder Board in 2003...
.
Other Lieutenant Governor candidates on the ballot:
- Gloria Leustek of Gladstone ran with Jason Cullen (People Not Politics)
- John Paff of Somerset ran with Kenneth Kaplan (NJ Libertarian Party)
- Joanne Miller of Newark ran with Joshua Leinsdorf (Fair Election Party)
- Eugene Harley of Wenonah ran with Alvin Lindsay, Jr. (Lindsay for Governor)
- Noelani Musicaro of Hillsborough ran with David R. Meiswinkle (Middle Class Empowerment)
- Costantino Rozzo of Vineland ran with Greg Pason (Socialist Party USA)
- August Petris of Jackson ran with Kostas Petris (For The People)
- Nancy A. Pennella of Towaco ran with Gary T. Steele (Leadership, Independence, Vision)
- Cynthia Stein of Mullica ran with Gary Stein. The Steins used a different slogan in each county, for example: "Love And Marriage" in Warren County.
Regional factors
In New Jersey, Republicans tend to be strongest in the Northwest and Shore regions of the state, Democrats tend to be strongest in urban areas, and suburban areas such as those in Mercer CountyMercer County, New Jersey
As of the census of 2000, there were 350,761 people, 125,807 households, and 86,303 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,552 people per square mile . There were 133,280 housing units at an average density of 590 per square mile...
, Middlesex County
Middlesex County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile...
, Union County
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
, Passaic County
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
, and Bergen County
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
are considered "toss-ups." In the Democratic primary, Corzine got over 70% of the vote only in the urban areas, doing relatively poorly among suburban Democrats. His weakest performance was in Warren County
Warren County, New Jersey
Warren County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 108,692. Its county seat is Belvidere...
, where he won with just 55% of the vote. On the other hand, Corzine performed strongly in Bergen County, winning with almost 87% of the vote. In the Republican primary, Christie lost some key Republican strongholds, such as Hunterdon County (where he received 45.8%) and Warren County
Warren County, New Jersey
Warren County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 108,692. Its county seat is Belvidere...
(where he received 46.9%) to Lonegan.
According to a September 1 Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university located in Hamden, Connecticut, United States at the foot of Sleeping Giant State Park...
poll, Hudson County
Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey and one of the most densely populated in United States. It takes its name from the Hudson River, which creates part of its eastern border. Part of the New York metropolitan area, its county seat and largest city is Jersey City.- Municipalities...
and Essex County
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
were the only counties where a majority of voters viewed Corzine favorably. Corzine had upside-down ratings in all 19 other counties in that poll. In contrast, Christie had upside-down ratings in those two counties but was viewed favorably by pluralities of voters in every other county except for Atlantic County
Atlantic County, New Jersey
-National protected areas:* Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge * Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
, Ocean County
Ocean County, New Jersey
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 510,916 people, 200,402 households, and 137,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 803 people per square mile . There were 248,711 housing units at an average density of 151/km²...
, and Monmouth County
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
, where a majority of voters viewed him favorably.
Political factors
Taxes and the economy were overwhelmingly the top issues in this campaign. Corzine’s strongest issue was on educationEducation
Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, but it was the most important issue for only 4% of likely voters. Christie attacked Corzine's record of raising taxes, failing to deliver property tax relief, and presiding over a period of unusually high unemployment in the state. Corzine pointed to the global economic recession as the reason for the state's economic troubles. However, Republicans contended that Corzine's policies led to over-taxation and economic decline, causing an out-migration of residents documented in a report by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.
Christie also campaigned on the issues of ethics, reducing corruption, and ending fiscal waste. These issues were brought back to the forefront of the debate after 44 individuals, including several public officials in New Jersey, were arrested by the FBI in July 2009 in Operation Bid Rig
Operation Bid Rig
Operation Bid Rig is an ongoing, long-term investigation into political corruption in New Jersey conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey since 2002...
. Corzine was not a target of the probe; however, the office of a member of his cabinet, Commissioner of Community Affairs
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs is a governmental agency of the U.S. state of New Jersey. The department is headed by Commissioner Lori Grifa...
Joseph Doria
Joseph Doria
Joseph V. Doria Jr. is an American Democratic Party politician, who served as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in the cabinet of Governor Jon Corzine from 2007 until his resignation in July 2009...
, was raided by the FBI in connection with Operation Bid Rig. Governor Corzine asked for, and accepted, Doria's resignation on July 23. Doria has not been charged with any crime. Although Corzine has not been accused of any wrongdoing, the corruption sting, which resulted in the arrests of mostly Democratic officials, nevertheless further injured Corzine's reputation. Former EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg predicted in his July 23 column that the corruption scandal would doom Corzine's re-election bid, as ethics would become a major issue again, thus helping Christie. State Senator Ray Lesniak, a prominent Democrat, acknowledged that "If it’s about ethics, Corzine loses. Not because Jon Corzine’s weak on ethics, but because it’s Chris Christie’s strength, and now it’s national news." Paul Mulshine, a conservative columnist for The Star-Ledger
The Star-Ledger
The Star-Ledger is the largest circulated newspaper in the U.S. state of New Jersey and is based in Newark. It is a sister paper to The Jersey Journal of Jersey City, The Times of Trenton and the Staten Island Advance, all of which are owned by Advance Publications.The Newark Star-Ledgers daily...
, wrote in a July 28 column that the excessive "red tape
Red tape
Red tape is excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making...
" prolonged by the Corzine administration contributed to the corruption, further harming Corzine's campaign.
As the Democratic nominee, Corzine was considered to have an inherent advantage in the "blue state" of New Jersey. No Republican has won New Jersey's electoral votes in a presidential election since George H.W. Bush in 1988
United States presidential election, 1988
The United States presidential election of 1988 featured no incumbent president, as President Ronald Reagan was unable to seek re-election after serving the maximum two terms allowed by the Twenty-second Amendment. Reagan's Vice President, George H. W. Bush, won the Republican nomination, while the...
. Furthermore, prior to the 2009 election, no Republican had won a statewide election in New Jersey since 1997
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 1997
The New Jersey gubernatorial election of 1997 was a race for Governor of New Jersey. It was held on November 4, 1997. In the Democratic primary state senator and Woodbridge Township mayor James McGreevey defeated pre-primary front-runner Rep. Rob Andrews by 9,993 votes. Polls during the last month...
, when Governor Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd Whitman
Christine Todd "Christie" Whitman is an American Republican politician and author who served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey from 1994 to 2001, and was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. She was New...
won re-election with 47.1% of the vote. The last Republican to win a statewide election in New Jersey with over 50% of the vote was incumbent Governor Thomas Kean
Thomas Kean
Thomas Howard Kean is an American Republican Party politician, who served as the 48th Governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990. Kean is best known globally, however, for his 2002 appointment as Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, widely known as the...
in 1985, who won with 71% of the vote. No Republican has won a U.S. Senate election in New Jersey since liberal Republican Clifford Case in 1972.
Between February 2009 and the end of his term, Corzine's approval ratings ranged between 33% and 42%. His disapproval ratings ranged between 46% and 66%.
Some thought that Corzine would benefit from the popularity of President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
, who carried the state in 2008 with 57% of the vote and had higher approval ratings than Corzine had. However, Obama's approval ratings in the state varied, ranging from as high as 68% in a June Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac
This article is about the Native American nation. For the university, see Quinnipiac University.The Quinnipiac — rarely spelled Quinnipiack — is the English name for the Eansketambawg a Native American nation of the Algonquian family who inhabited the Wampanoki This article is about the Native...
poll to as low as 53% in a PPP poll, which is lower than what he obtained on election day in 2008. Another poll in July gave him 55% approval in the state, also less than what he obtained on election day. In the same poll 47% believed Obama would help Corzine's numbers in the election by campaigning with him.
After Vice President Biden's June appearance at a "poorly attended" Corzine primary-night event, the Barack Obama administration approached President of the New Jersey Senate and former governor Richard Codey
Richard Codey
Richard James Codey is an American Democratic Party politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey from November 2004 to January 2006. He has served in the New Jersey Senate since 1981 and served as the President of the Senate from 2002 to January 2010. He represents the 27th Legislative...
to consider running in the governor's place if the incumbent withdrew from his reelection bid, citing polls showing that Codey led Christie. Obama held a campaign rally for Corzine on July 16. Originally the rally was set to be held at Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
, but ultimately it was held at the PNC Bank Arts Center
PNC Bank Arts Center
The PNC Bank Arts Center is a modern amphitheatre located in Holmdel Township, New Jersey, USA. About 17,500 people can occupy the amphitheater; there are 7,000 seats and the grass area can hold about 10,500 people. Concerts are from May through September featuring 35–45 different events of...
instead.
Newspapers
- The Star-LedgerThe Star-LedgerThe Star-Ledger is the largest circulated newspaper in the U.S. state of New Jersey and is based in Newark. It is a sister paper to The Jersey Journal of Jersey City, The Times of Trenton and the Staten Island Advance, all of which are owned by Advance Publications.The Newark Star-Ledgers daily...
endorsed Daggett - Recorder Newspapers endorsed Daggett.
- The Philadelphia InquirerThe Philadelphia InquirerThe Philadelphia Inquirer is a morning daily newspaper that serves the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area of the United States. The newspaper was founded by John R. Walker and John Norvell in June 1829 as The Pennsylvania Inquirer and is the third-oldest surviving daily newspaper in the...
endorsed Corzine - The RecordThe Record (Bergen County)The Record is a newspaper in northern New Jersey. It has the second largest circulation of New Jersey's daily newspapers, behind The Star-Ledger. Owned by the Borg family since 1930, it is the flagship publication of the North Jersey Media Group. Stephen Borg is the publisher of The Record...
endorsed Corzine - The Times of Trenton endorsed Corzine
- The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
endorsed Corzine - Courier NewsCourier News (New Jersey)The Courier News, headquartered in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, is a daily newspaper serving Somerset County and other areas of Central Jersey...
endorsed Christie - Courier-Post endorsed Christie
- Asbury Park PressAsbury Park PressThe Asbury Park Press is a daily newspaper in Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey and has the third largest circulation in the state...
endorsed Christie - Home News TribuneHome News TribuneHome News Tribune is a newspaper of New Jersey, serving the Middlesex County area of Central Jersey. The paper has an average daily weekday circulation of about 49,000. The newspaper is the result of a mid 1990s combination of The Home News of East Brunswick and The News Tribune of Woodbridge...
endorsed Christie - The Jersey Journal endorsed Corzine
- New York Daily News endorsed Corzine
- The Press of Atlantic CityThe Press of Atlantic CityThe Press of Atlantic City is a daily newspaper based in Pleasantville, New Jersey. It is the primary newspaper for most of southeastern New Jersey and the Jersey Shore, publishing regional editions for Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Cape May County, and southern Ocean County...
endorsed Christie - The Daily RecordDaily Record (Morristown)The Daily Record is a seven-day morning daily newspaper located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. Sometimes called the Morristown Daily Record because of its historical ties to nearby Morristown, New Jersey, the paper serves the greater Morris County area of northern New Jersey. It is owned by...
endorsed Christie - New York PostNew York PostThe New York Post is the 13th-oldest newspaper published in the United States and is generally acknowledged as the oldest to have been published continuously as a daily, although – as is the case with most other papers – its publication has been periodically interrupted by labor actions...
endorsed Christie - The Trentonian endorsed Christie
- The Express-TimesThe Express-TimesThe Express-Times is a daily newspaper published in Easton, Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on local news. It has won awards in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.-Ownership:...
endorsed Daggett - Burlington County TimesBurlington County TimesThe Burlington County Times is a daily newspaper located in Willingboro Township, New Jersey, USA. The Times is owned by Calkins Media....
endorsed Christie
Interest groups
- The New Jersey chapter of the Sierra ClubSierra ClubThe Sierra Club is the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892, in San Francisco, California, by the conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president...
endorsed Chris Daggett. - The New Jersey Restaurant Association endorsed Chris Christie.
- The Family Research CouncilFamily Research CouncilThe Family Research Council is a conservative or right-wing Christian group and lobbying organization formed in the United States in 1981 by James Dobson. It was fully incorporated in 1983...
endorsed Chris Christie. - The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance endorsed Chris Christie.
- The New Jersey Environmental Federation endorsed Chris Christie.
- The National Federation of Independent BusinessNational Federation of Independent BusinessThe National Federation of Independent Business is a lobbying organization with its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee and offices in Washington, D.C. USA, and in all 50 state capitals...
of New Jersey endorsed Chris Christie. - The Latino Leadership Alliance endorsed Jon Corzine.
- The New Jersey Education Association endorsed Jon Corzine.
- The New Jersey Police Benevolent Association endorsed Jon Corzine.
- The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Jon Corzine.
- The New Jersey Action Committee of Planned ParenthoodPlanned ParenthoodPlanned Parenthood Federation of America , commonly shortened to Planned Parenthood, is the U.S. affiliate of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and one of its larger members. PPFA is a non-profit organization providing reproductive health and maternal and child health services. The...
endorsed Jon Corzine. - The Human Rights CampaignHuman Rights CampaignThe Human Rights Campaign is the United States' largest LGBT advocacy group and lobbying organization; according to the HRC, it has more than one million members and supporters...
endorsed Jon Corzine. - The Service Employees International UnionService Employees International UnionService Employees International Union is a labor union representing about 1.8 million workers in over 100 occupations in the United States , and Canada...
endorsed Jon Corzine.
Polling
| Source | Dates Administered | Corzine (D) | Christie (R) | Daggett (I) | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | October 31–November 1, 2009 | 41% | 47% | 11% | – |
| SurveyUSA/WABC-TV | October 30–November 1, 2009 | 42% | 45% | 10% | 3% |
| Monmouth University/Gannett | October 30–November 1, 2009 | 43% | 41% | 8% | — |
| Democracy Corps | October 29–November 1, 2009 | 41% | 37% | 15% | 8% |
| Quinnipiac | October 27–November 1, 2009 | 40% | 42% | 12% | 6% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | October 22–November 1, 2009 | 43% | 41% | 8% | 5% |
| Monmouth University/Gannett | October 28–30, 2009 | 42% | 43% | 8% | 5% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 29, 2009 | 43% | 46% | 8% | 3% |
| Zogby | October 27–29, 2009 | 40% | 39% | 14% | 6% |
| Neighborhood Research | October 27–29, 2009 | 35% | 42% | 8% | 15% |
| Democracy Corps | October 27–28, 2009 | 43% | 38% | 12% | 7% |
| SurveyUSA/WABC-TV | October 26–28, 2009 | 43% | 43% | 11% | 3% |
| Research 2000 | October 26–28, 2009 | 41% | 42% | 14% | 3% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | October 22–28, 2009 | 39% | 41% | 14% | 4% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 26, 2009 | 43% | 46% | 7% | 4% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 23–26, 2009 | 38% | 42% | 13% | 6% |
| Quinnipiac | October 20–26, 2009 | 43% | 38% | 13% | 5% |
| Suffolk University | October 22–25, 2009 | 42% | 33% | 7% | 14% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | October 21–22, 2009 | 42% | 39% | 19% | — |
| SurveyUSA | October 19–21, 2009 | 39% | 41% | 19% | 1% |
| Rutgers-Eagleton | October 15–20, 2009 | 39% | 36% | 20% | 5% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 19, 2009 | 39% | 41% | 11% | 8% |
| Monmouth University | October 15–18, 2009 | 39% | 39% | 14% | 8% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 14, 2009 | 41% | 45% | 9% | 5% |
| SurveyUSA/WABC-TV | October 12–14, 2009 | 39% | 40% | 18% | 3% |
| The New York Times | October 9–14, 2009 | 40% | 37% | 14% | 9% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 9–12, 2009 | 39% | 40% | 13% | 8% |
| Quinnipiac University | October 7–12, 2009 | 40% | 41% | 14% | 5% |
| Neighborhood Research | October 6–8, 2009 | 35% | 36% | 11% | 18% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | October 6–7, 2009 | 41% | 38% | 14% | 7% |
| SurveyUSA | October 5–7, 2009 | 40% | 43% | 14% | 2% |
| Penn, Schoen & Berland Assoc. | September 30-October 5, 2009 | 38% | 43% | 13% | 6% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 5, 2009 | 44% | 47% | 6% | 3% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | September 28 – October 5, 2009 | 38% | 37% | 17% | 8% |
| Research 2000 | September 28 – 30, 2009 | 42% | 46% | 7% | 5% |
| Monmouth University | September 24 – 29, 2009 | 40% | 43% | 8% | 9% |
| Quinnipiac | September 22 – 28, 2009 | 39% | 43% | 12% | 6% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | September 22–23, 2009 | 39% | 40% | 11% | 10% |
| Strategic Vision | September 18–20, 2009 | 38% | 46% | 8% | 8% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 14–17, 2009 | 41% | 48% | 6% | 5% |
| Neighborhood Research | September 14–17, 2009 | 33% | 40% | 7% | 20% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 11–14, 2009 | 35% | 44% | 13% | 7% |
| Monmouth University | September 8–10, 2009 | 39% | 47% | 5% | 7% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | September 8–9, 2009 | 38% | 41% | 10% | 10% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 9, 2009 | 38% | 46% | 6% | 10% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | August 26–30, 2009 | 42% | 47% | 1%* | 6% |
| Quinnipiac University | August 25–26, 2009 | 37% | 47% | 9% | 6% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | August 25–26, 2009 | 41% | 43% | 7% | 9% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 25, 2009 | 36% | 47% | 7% | 11% |
| Neighborhood Research | August 12–21, 2009 | 36% | 39% | 6% | 19% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | August 11–12, 2009 | 35% | 40% | 10% | 15% |
| Quinnipiac University | August 11, 2009 | 42% | 51% | 7% | 6% |
| Research 2000 | August 5, 2009 | 40% | 48% | 3% | 9% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 4, 2009 | 37% | 50% | 5% | 8% |
| Monmouth University | July 29–August 2, 2009 | 36% | 50% | 5% | 4% |
| Public Policy Polling | July 24–27, 2009 | 36% | 50% | — | 14% |
| Strategic Vision | July 17–19, 2009 | 38% | 53% | 5% | 4% |
| Monmouth University | July 9–14, 2009 | 37% | 45% | 4% | 13% |
| Quinnipiac University | July 8–12, 2009 | 38% | 47% | 8% | 7% |
| Basswood | July 7, 2009 | 33% | 48% | – | 19% |
| Rasmussen Reports | July 7, 2009 | 39% | 46% | 5% | 10% |
| Public Policy Polling | June 27–29, 2009 | 41% | 51% | – | 9% |
| Strategic Vision | June 19–21, 2009 | 39% | 51% | 2% | 8% |
| Quinnipiac University | June 3–8, 2009 | 40% | 50% | 1% | 9% |
| Rasmussen Reports | June 3, 2009 | 38% | 51% | 5% | 6% |
| Research 2000 | May 25–27, 2009 | 39% | 46% | – | 15% |
| Rasmussen Reports | May 14, 2009 | 38% | 47% | 6% | 9% |
| Monmouth University | April 23–25, 2009 | 35% | 39% | 2% | 18% |
| Quinnipiac University | April 14–20, 2009 | 38% | 45% | 2% | 14% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | April 5, 2009 | 33% | 42% | — | 25% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 10, 2009 | 34% | 49% | 7% | 10% |
| Quinnipiac University | March 4–9, 2009 | 37% | 46% | 1% | 15% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | February 25–March 2, 2009 | 32% | 41% | — | 27% |
| Quinnipiac University | January 29–February 2, 2009 | 38% | 44% | 2% | 16% |
| Monmouth University | January 12–14, 2009 | 38% | 36% | 2% | 21% |
| Rasmussen Reports | January 2–7, 2009 | 40% | 42% | 5% | 13% |
| Fairleigh Dickinson | January 2–7, 2009 | 40% | 33% | — | 26% |
| Quinnipiac University | November 17, 2008 | 42% | 36% | — | — |
| Research 2000 | September 11, 2008 | 43% | 41% | – | 16% |
| Zogby | August 11, 2008 | 45% | 36% | — | — |
| Quinnipiac University | August 10, 2008 | 40% | 41% | 1% | 17% |
"*" denotes voluntary response only. In the August 26–30 FDU poll, 4% also responded "neither" or "other."
Results
County results
| County | won by |
Christie % |
Christie votes |
Corzine % |
Corzine votes |
Daggett % |
Daggett votes |
Other % |
Other votes |
| Atlantic Atlantic County, New Jersey -National protected areas:* Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge * Great Egg Harbor Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:... | align="center" |R | 48.53% | 35,724 | 45.32% | 33,360 | 4.91% | 3,611 |
1.24% | 913 | |||||||
| Bergen Bergen County, New Jersey Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack... | align=center|D | 46.26% | 121,446 | 48.52% | 127,386 | 4.74% | 12,452 |
0.48% | 1,262 | |||||||
| Burlington Burlington County, New Jersey There were 154,371 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had... | align=center|R | 48.41% | 66,723 | 45.79% | 63,114 | 4.59% | 6,333 |
1.21% | 1,669 | |||||||
| Camden Camden County, New Jersey -Demographics:As of the 2010 Census the population of Camden County was 60.28% Non-Hispanic white, 18.45% Non-Hispanic black, 1.12% Hispanic blacks, 0.17% Non-Hispanic Native American, 0.15% Hispanic Native Americans, 5.07% Non-Hispanic Asian, and 0.14% non-Hispanics reporting some other race... | align=center|D | 39.29% | 52,337 | 54.93% | 73,171 | 4.63% | 6,166 |
1.15% | 1,526 | |||||||
| Cape May Cape May County, New Jersey -Climate:Being the southernmost point in New Jersey, Cape May has fairly mild wintertime temperatures. Contrary to that, the summertime has lower temperatures than most places in the state, making the county a popular place to escape the heat. It is in zone 7a/7b, which is the same as parts of... | align=center|R | 54.34% | 18,992 | 38.28% | 13,379 | 6.08% | 2,126 |
1.29% | 451 | |||||||
| Cumberland Cumberland County, New Jersey Cumberland County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population is 156,898. Its county seat is Bridgeton. Cumberland County is named for Prince William, Duke of Cumberland.... | align=center|D | 41.75% | 14,079 | 50.69% | 17,092 | 5.82% | 1,962 |
1.74% | 586 | |||||||
| Essex Essex County, New Jersey Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's... | align=center|D | 27.53% | 50,240 | 67.31% | 122,640 | 4.52% | 8,240 |
0.74% | 1,357 | |||||||
| Gloucester Gloucester County, New Jersey Gloucester County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 288,288. Its county seat is Woodbury.... | align=center|R | 47.26% | 39,815 | 43.99% | 37,066 | 8.04% | 6,777 |
0.70% | 593 | |||||||
| Hudson Hudson County, New Jersey Hudson County is the smallest county in New Jersey and one of the most densely populated in United States. It takes its name from the Hudson River, which creates part of its eastern border. Part of the New York metropolitan area, its county seat and largest city is Jersey City.- Municipalities... | align=center|D | 26.08% | 30,820 | 69.44% | 82,075 | 3.40% | 4,017 |
1.08% | 1,280 | |||||||
| Hunterdon Hunterdon County, New Jersey Hunterdon County is a county located in the western section of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 128,349. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Flemington.... | align=center|R | 65.75% | 33,360 | 25.41% | 12,893 | 8.08% | 4,098 |
0.76% | 387 | |||||||
| Mercer Mercer County, New Jersey As of the census of 2000, there were 350,761 people, 125,807 households, and 86,303 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,552 people per square mile . There were 133,280 housing units at an average density of 590 per square mile... | align=center|D | 39.27% | 39,769 | 54.51% | 55,199 | 5.36% | 5,424 |
0.86% | 874 | |||||||
| Middlesex Middlesex County, New Jersey -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 750,162 people, 265,815 households, and 190,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 2,422 people per square mile . There were 273,637 housing units at an average density of 884 per square mile... | align=center|R | 47.42% | 94,506 | 45.02% | 89,732 | 6.54% | 13,034 |
1.02% | 2,023 | |||||||
| Monmouth Monmouth County, New Jersey Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with... | align=center|R | 62.24% | 129,039 | 31.19% | 64,672 | 5.76% | 11,952 |
0.80% | 1,658 | |||||||
| Morris Morris County, New Jersey Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown.... | align=center|R | 60.04% | 99,085 | 31.26% | 51,586 | 8.07% | 13,321 |
0.62% | 1,031 | |||||||
| Ocean Ocean County, New Jersey -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 510,916 people, 200,402 households, and 137,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 803 people per square mile . There were 248,711 housing units at an average density of 151/km²... | align=center|R | 65.73% | 124,238 | 28.44% | 53,761 | 4.80% | 9,068 |
1.03% | 1,955 | |||||||
| Passaic Passaic County, New Jersey Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson... | align=Center|D | 43.78% | 48,500 | 51.46% | 57,010 | 3.87% | 4,288 |
0.89% | 981 | |||||||
| Salem Salem County, New Jersey -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 64,285 people, 24,295 households, and 17,370 families residing in the county. The population density was 190 people per square mile . There were 26,158 housing units at an average density of 77 per square mile... | align=center|R | 47.18% | 9,599 | 40.91% | 8,323 | 9.88% | 2,011 |
2.02% | 411 | |||||||
| Somerset Somerset County, New Jersey Somerset County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. In 2010, the population was 323,444. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Somerville.... | align=center|R | 56.23% | 57,481 | 34.33% | 35,089 | 8.72% | 8,911 |
0.72% | 740 | |||||||
| Sussex Sussex County, New Jersey The County of Sussex is the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey. It is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Federal decennial census, 149,265 persons resided in Sussex County... | align=center|R | 63.69% | 31,749 | 25.82% | 12,870 | 9.15% | 4,563 |
1.33% | 664 | |||||||
| Union Union County, New Jersey Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in... | align=center|D | 42.15% | 56,769 | 51.13% | 68,867 | 5.94% | 7,999 |
0.79% | 1,058 | |||||||
| Warren Warren County, New Jersey Warren County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 108,692. Its county seat is Belvidere... | align=center|R | 62.35% | 20,174 | 26.10% | 8,446 | 9.97% | 3,226 |
1.58% | 510 |
External links
- New Jersey Division of Elections - Official General Election Results
- 2009 New Jersey Gubernatorial General Election: Christopher Christie (R) vs Gov. Jon Corzine (D) chart of aggregated poll results from Pollster.com (includes Daggett starting in July)
- New Jersey 2009 Governor campaign contributions from FollowTheMoney.org
- Elections from NJ.com
- New Jersey Elections from USElections.com
Current candidates
- Chris Christie
- Jon Corzine
- Jason Cullen
- Chris Daggett
- Gary Steele
- David Meiswinkle
- Weekly polling update and analysis at VoteForAmerica.net
Former candidates