Cover STORY
Rising taxes have incumbent Jon Corzine facing a tough
battle with challenger Chris Christie
The race for the governor’s office has begun, and because of some of the vexing problems the state faces, such
as the revenue shortfall and rising taxes,
the incumbent Democrat is feeling the
heat. In a poll on the upcoming gubernatorial race posted on GlobeSt.com and
sponsored by Real Estate New Jersey, Republican challenger Chris Christie handily
beat Democratic
Gov. Jon Corzine
by a margin of
64% to 22%, with independent candidate
Christopher Daggett receiving roughly
14% of the vote.
About three-dozen respondents took the
poll, which asked who they were supporting
By Maria Wood
in the upcoming race as well as about some
of the major issues the state faces.
“It’s time for a change, and Corzine’s
much too chummy with the unions and
inner-city cronies who back him,” said a
vice president with a brokerage firm in
the state.
Others, however, were not sold on Christie. “Chris Christie would be a terrible
choice for New Jersey,” said one respondent. “I don’t see any budget or any other
experience that would allow him to take
on the financial issues that will dominate
the next four years.”
Daggett drew some votes as well. “He
has a plan, is not party controlled and
would be a fresh voice with government
experience,” said one participant, referring to the state’s former Department of
Environmental Protection commissioner.
For some, the incumbent has done well
in the face of some daunting challenges.
“Corzine has probably done what he can
in a difficult economic environment,” said
one participant.
In conjunction with the poll, RENJ
spoke to members of the publication’s
editorial advisory board. David T. Houston
Jr., president of Colliers Houston & Co. in
Teaneck, has thrown his support behind
Christie. “We need a change in leadership,” he declares.
The primary challenge New Jersey faces,
Houston maintains, is a stagnant economy
