Response by Stephen Salmore

2005 is not shaping up as a good year for politics. The dramatic drop in the public’s perception of the direction of the state does not bode well for those in elective office. When the public become this cranky, they look for someone to blame and their favorite targets are those they see as being in charge. Acting Governor Codey has managed to convert many of those undecided when he first took office into negative perceptions. But those who are seen as manipulating politician fare even worse. George Norcross, South Jersey’s power broker, although not universally known, is a good example. Although he holds no elective office, half the people in South Jersey know who he is and half of those who know him don’t like him. With the Democrats controlling the legislature, voters in this year’s mid-term elections may be unkind to them.

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Professor of Political Science, Stephen Salmore (Ph.D., Princeton University). Steve specializes in both national and New Jersey politics and presently operates Raritan Associates, Inc. He is co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics. Dr. Stephen Salmore can be reached at 973-292-3633.