Let's try this again - US Attorney Chris Christy Stepping Down (Hoboken: bill, kitchen)

[tahiti]

how did kean and whitman get voted in then?

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by tahiti

how did kean and whitman get voted in then?

By the skins of their respective teeths, and as "Rockefeller" Republicans. In 40 other states, both would be to the left of most Democrats.

I think Kean beat Florio by something like 1788 votes in 1981. Whitman won by about 6,000 votes in 1993, and that was only after a three years PR campaign against Florio began to wane after 1992. For the better part of 1990-91, he was the most unpopular person in NJ. And yet, he was STILL almost re-elected. As it stands, both Kean AND Whitman were just barely elected.

NJ hasn't had one US Senator that was Republican since Clifford Case. Millicent Fenwick was the last to come close. People who actually bank a paycheck in the Garden State should be ashamed of themselves.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by mike0421

By the skins of their respective teeths, and as "Rockefeller" Republicans. In 40 other states, both would be to the left of most Democrats.

I think Kean beat Florio by something like 1788 votes in 1981. Whitman won by about 6,000 votes in 1993, and that was only after a three years PR campaign against Florio began to wane after 1992. For the better part of 1990-91, he was the most unpopular person in NJ. And yet, he was STILL almost re-elected. As it stands, both Kean AND Whitman were just barely elected.

NJ hasn't had one US Senator that was Republican since Clifford Case. Millicent Fenwick was the last to come close. People who actually bank a paycheck in the Garden State should be ashamed of themselves.

maybe the republicans should take a page or two from a successfully run campaign then? i don't recall seeing or hearing any ads from zimmer's campaign. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR FAILED CAMPAIGN (politician you).

[mike0421]

Campaigns are a backdrop to core issues. Democrats believe in giveaways, food stamps, welfare, free housing, health care, etc. Republicans believe in the power of the individuals. On an issues basis, NJ residents feel more attracted to the former philosophy, even if it means higher taxes. However, most of those who feel that way don't make enough money that such tax increases impact them. And Democrats know this, so their game plan continues to work in the Garden State. A successful Republican campaign in the Garden State would have to appeal in some measure to those who vote, but benefit by big government (think unions, public sector workers etc). That's just counter to Republican philosophy of less government. Most Jerseyans, I fear, favor large government, on the local, county and state level. It goes back generations to the FDR era, and that philosophy has been handed down.

[doc1]

Originally Posted by tahiti

how did kean and whitman get voted in then?

I wasn't in NJ for the Kean election but I believe it was Florio's additional tax hikes that did him in.

IIRC, Whitman's victories were squeakers.

I know her second one was for sure.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by mike0421

Campaigns are a backdrop to core issues. Democrats believe in giveaways, food stamps, welfare, free housing, health care, etc. Republicans believe in the power of the individuals. On an issues basis, NJ residents feel more attracted to the former philosophy, even if it means higher taxes. However, most of those who feel that way don't make enough money that such tax increases impact them. And Democrats know this, so their game plan continues to work in the Garden State. A successful Republican campaign in the Garden State would have to appeal in some measure to those who vote, but benefit by big government (think unions, public sector workers etc). That's just counter to Republican philosophy of less government. Most Jerseyans, I fear, favor large government, on the local, county and state level. It goes back generations to the FDR era, and that philosophy has been handed down.

i'm really surprised, you, of all people, would use such a broad brush to pigeonhole all democrats. i wouldn't dare to paint all republicans as warmongering, religious bigots.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by doc1

I wasn't in NJ for the Kean election but I believe it was Florio's additional tax hikes that did him in.

IIRC, Whitman's victories were squeakers.

I know her second one was for sure.

the point is, republicans CAN win - they need to run a more effective campaign, but it's much easier to place the blame elsewhere.

[EEEPNJ]

Originally Posted by tahiti

maybe the republicans should take a page or two from a successfully run campaign then? I don't recall seeing or hearing any ads from zimmer's campaign. Take responsibility for your failed campaign (politician you).

agreed.

[EEEPNJ]

Originally Posted by tahiti

i'm really surprised, you, of all people, would use such a broad brush to pigeonhole all democrats. i wouldn't dare to paint all republicans as warmongering, religious bigots.

I might.... just kidding... really I don't.

But I agree... I'm SICK to death of everyone assuming that is what ALL Democrats are....it just shows how closed minded our nation has become.

[EEEPNJ]

The Republican party, by large, has damned itself. It is NOT the party of Fiscal responsibility anymore... as evidenced by our current Administration in Washington. And their pandering to the religious right ONLY sells in areas that are loaded with members of this group - all it does is alienate in others. NJ is a little more progressive and open minded than some other states of the union, only a Whitman type Republican would have a chance here. And with good reason, I may add.

Personally, I would consider voting Republican more if they were the Republican party of old... stressing fiscal responsibility but leaving personal issues alone.

I DO NOT believe that the Republican Party believes in the power of the individual...only CERTAIN individuals. THAT is a big problem I have with the current GOP, and I feel a LOT of New Jersians share my opinion. Perhaps not too many on this forum, but many in general as evidenced by our elections.