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Amy Giubilo - LeadMallory Pazder SupportingMood of the Parties
Christie wins gubernatorial election
HAMILTON, N.J As the polls came to a close and the final votes were
tallied Tuesday night, many Republicans celebrated while Democrats gave
support to their new governor, Chris Christie.
The Republicans of Mercer County convened in the newly opened
Hamilton Manor, where spirits were high. The Mercer County Democrats chose
Angelonis Cedar Gardens on Route 33 in Hamilton to watch the results of the
race for governor.
Each political campaign party was filled with optimism, hope and support
while the polls and mail-in vote results came in throughout the night. The
Democrats were aware of the numbers, but that did not dash their hopes for the
campaign or their candidate.
This year has been a great turnout, said Democratic Mercer County
Freeholder John Cimino on Tuesday night. The numbers are looking good state
and county level wise, but not local. Were still giving hope because our local
numbers are not as high as we would like them to be.
Compared to previous political campaigns, Cimino deemed this years
turnout a success, in terms of supporters.
It is a very strong turnout, but I cannot compare it to last year, he said.
Last year was historical with President Obama running and his winning the
election was a once in a generation type of event.
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While the Democrats attempted to remain optimistic about low numbers,
Mercer County Republicans had much to celebrate. Republican Councilmen Tom
Goodwin, Dave Kenny and Dennis Pone beat their Democratic opponents and
were re-elected, stating the promise that not only would Hamilton residents not
see a raise in taxes, but also that a new budget plan is in order. Pone made it
clear to the attendees of the party that he and his running mates were thrilled
with the results and cannot wait to serve another four years on the council.
As people gathered around tables and discussed the numbers, many
Democrats waited patiently.
Waiting for the results sometimes is like waiting for the World Series to
end, said Bonnie Geibil of Hamilton Township. It is too early to tell about the
numbers and who will win this election, but I know we have to be hopeful. I would
like [Democratic incumbent Gov. Jon] Corzine to win against Chris Christie
because he stands for what I think is right.
According to some polls, this election has seen a surge in the number of
people who consider themselves Independents, and the mainstream support for
the party seems to be growing.
We as Democrats understand that it is easier to sway an Independents
vote, and if we do, we can win them over, said Aileen Thorton, a Democrat from
Hamilton Township. Democrats outnumber Republicans in New Jersey, but if we
have more Independents voting for us, it just betters our chances.
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As the Democrats counted votes and hoped for the best, they paid close
attention to the numbers rolling in from Bergen County, a deciding county in the
gubernatorial race.
We could have done more in Bergen County to be honest, Thorton said.
Whoever wins Bergen, will win this race, and I am hoping that even though we
should have done more, that it does not affect our numbers.
Numbers in general were a concern for individuals from both parties, as
Republicans seemed disappointed with the voter turnout. Increasingly, New
Jerseyans have become less interested in politics due to a lack of leadership
from both parties, according to Republican Dave Fried, mayor of Robbinsville,
N.J. Fried also claimed that more than 80 percent of New Jersey residents
believe the state is headed in the wrong direction.
If there is one thing both political parties can agree on, its the importance
of voting and understanding politics at every level.
Understanding politics is important on each level, but understanding it on
a local level is more personal and direct, Thorton said. Whether you are a
Democrat, Republican or have just recently become an Independent, it is very
important to just be involved in your local politics.
With updates every 20 minutes, the Republicans found themselves
leading the polls throughout the night in the race for governor. These results
thrilled Republican Party loyalists, who have been lobbying for a change in
leadership since Corzines election in 2005. However, some Republicans were
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concerned with Corzine helping the Independent candidate Chris Daggett
financially.
The Democrats subsidized Independent candidate, Chris Daggetts
campaign, said Republican Mayor John Bencivengo of Hamilton Township.
Financial support was a heavy topic for the Republican Party, because
Corzine had spent a large amount of money for his campaign. Fried and
Bencivengo, as Republicans, were rooting for Christie to be elected New
Jerseys governor. Regardless of their party affiliation, both men reiterated the
fact that they are disgusted by the money Corzine has spent on his campaign
over the past year.
He spent $25 million of his own money; its embarrassing, Bencivengo
said.
According to both men, the excessive spending of Corzine outweighed the
$9 million that Christie spent on his campaign.
Fried also claimed that this extreme spending is what causes people to
believe that only the rich are able to become elected officials, when, in the past,
every individual had an equal opportunity.
According to New Jersey Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, the state
has 5.22 million registered voters, which is a decrease from the 5.35 million that
voted in the 2008 presidential election.
Bencivengo blames the decline in voting on the negativity races tend to
focus on today.
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If people dont want to vote, they wont, plain and simple, Bencivengo
said. People are appalled with the races and the negative campaigns have
become out of control. They discourage people from practicing their right to vote
in American society.
While some are disappointed with the recent campaign practices, it didnt
fully discourage New Jerseyans from voting. The numbers were slowly coming in
and at the end of the night the next governor of New Jersey was announced.
The celebration is the climax of the campaign, said Geibil. I wish
Corzine did win, but now I just have to hope that Christie will live up to his
potential that the Republicans say he has.
Young Republicans also voiced their delight in finding that their candidate
had prevailed, and they hope that his potential will also come to light.
Maybe there will finally be some positive changes in this states income
tax situation, said Kristal Koncz, a 29-year-old Hamilton Republican. Its about
time something is done to improve living here.
Chris Mazzella, a young Christie supporter, agreed.
Corzine has absolutely ruined the state of New Jersey, he said. I am
graduating from college this year, hoping Christie is able to make a turnaround
with the unemployment rate.
One thing was made clear to Christie from both political parties he will
receive nothing but support from his fellow citizens.
No matter who wins this election tonight, we must support them and
support New Jersey, said County Executive Brian Hughes, a Democrat.