I think it will be a local outcome; it's a local fight. |
I understand they have the discretion to make a declaratory ruling, but they chose not to make this definitive. By choosing not to make a definitive ruling, that means the door's still open in the legal process and the issue drags on in the governor's campaign. |
Not only is it early in the election cycle, but neither of these candidates has ever mounted a statewide race. Both will have to introduce themselves to voters around the state. |
One month ago, people were on the fence. A month later, people are off the fence and forming hard opinions. A month ago, people were waiting to see what the governor would do. Now they've seen some of it and their initial reaction is negative. |
Raising the gas tax will take some explaining. In a state where people have seen their property taxes rise sharply, they have become sensitive to other taxes as well. |
That is Forrester's issue. If he can't win on that question, I don't see how he can win. |
That is the power of incumbency, to get on the daily news because you are the office-holder. |
The numbers are pretty good for a New Jersey governor heading full tilt into an unprecedented budget crisis. He is going to need some of that good will to get through the budget season. |
The party line is the cue for most rank-and-file voters at the local level. Let's face it: Most voters don't follow politics on a day-to-day basis so many are going to follow the party organization. |
What Forrester really needed was for them to make the declarative ruling and shut the door. It's sucking the air out of the room in the Forrester campaign. |