A Corzine Loss Could Be Detrimental To President Obama, Who Has Stumped For The Incumbent Several TimesHigh taxes, high unemployment, and high stakes this Election Day. Voters are forced to make tough choices, with the most contentious race occurring in New Jersey in what's expected to be a tight race for the governor's chair.
The nation is watching the race where Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine is being challenged by Republican Chris Christie, a former U.S. Attorney, and independent Chris Daggett. The White House is paying close attention too. President Obama has come to New Jersey several times to stump for Corzine, knowing the outcome could indicate what voters think of his administration.
The incumbent has been criss-crossing the state with last-minute campaigning.
"I feel like we've got a lot of momentum to come from behind and I think we're still moving positively," he said.
Polls show the governor is in a tight race with Christie in a state that tends to vote for Democrats. Some say Daggett could spoil the face for Christie.
"I think now the voting is in the hands of the independents frankly," Daggett said.
Christie's been reaching out to disgruntled property owners across the state.
"We feel really good about the message we've given to the people of New Jersey. Today is the day for change. I think the public is ready for that," he said.
Many New Jerseyans are eager for change in a state where property taxes are causing so much unrest.
"I'm struggling to pay my rent. I couldn't stay in my house, I couldn't afford it, not with the taxes the way they were," said "Jeanie," a Paramus resident who withheld her last name.
Ken Torsland, a Vietnam vet, told CBS 2 he's voting Republican across the board, save for a Democrat who is a friend. It's a referendum, he says, on President Obama's administration.
"I think Democrats are showing a total disregard to what I hear from friends, family, and people who surround me," he said.
Other say they want to keep the status quo during tough economic times.
"I think Mr. Corzine is more equipped to handle it," one voter said.
The race for governor of New Jersey is one of three bitter battles the White House is monitoring. The other two are the race for governor of Virginia, and a duel for Congress in upstate New York.
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