Amy Giubilo - Lead Mallory Pazder – Supporting Mood Of

Amy Giubilo - Lead Mallory Pazder – Supporting Mood 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 Angeloni’s 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. We’re 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 year’s 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.”

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 Independent’s 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.”

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, it’s 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 Corzine’s election in 2005. However, some Republicans were

concerned with Corzine helping the Independent candidate Chris Daggett financially. “The Democrats subsidized Independent candidate, Chris Daggett’s 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 Jersey’s 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; it’s 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.

“If people don’t want to vote, they won’t, 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 didn’t 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 state’s income tax situation,” said Kristal Koncz, a 29-year-old Hamilton Republican. “It’s 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.