New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states that hold their gubernatorial elections in the year following a presidential election, with the result that these elections tend to get more than the usual share of national attention and are often seen as referenda on the party of the sitting president. So sure enough, this year there is considerable national attention on the New Jersey contest between Democrat incumbent Jon Corzine and Republican challenger Chris Christie, and considerable commentary on how this election may reflect on President Obama.This time around the principal issue confronting the candidates is the financial condition of the state, and financial considerations are coloring the debate on all issues, from school funding to stem-cell research to gay marriage to property tax relief.
But while New Jersey’s off-year election tends to turn the spotlight on the state, New Jersey is by no means alone in the choppy financial waters. California, of course, has been in the news because its financial crisis reached the point that the state began issuing IOUs for state debts. New York has been in the news because its own financial woes have been exacerbated by a paralyzing struggle in the legislature for party control. All states and cities nationwide are battling the financial demons.
Sadly, the campaign advertising we have seen so far – from both sides – has been less about the economy or other issues and more about whether the other guy is trustworthy. It looks like this campaign will be just another exercise in mutual character assassination. Is this really what we want to do while the spotlight is on us?
