Response by Rick Thigpen

The 2003 elections were clearly a victory for the Governor when the voters delivered to his party majorities in both houses of the State Legislature. This poll makes clear that, notwithstanding the election results, the voters have not yet relinquished their reservations about the McGreevey administration's performance. I am sure that the Governor would rather face bad news from the polls than from the polling places.

The election proved that the public is still willing to work with the Governor and has in fact (in their minds at least) given him the tools he needs to succeed. Now, all he needs is some success. Furthermore, the Republicans have not offered any politically viable alternatives. As the battle for hearts and minds in New Jersey begins to heat up, Governor McGreevey firmly holds the initiative.

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind Academic Associate, Rick Thigpen (J.D., Columbia University Law School). Rick is a former Executive Director of the New Jersey Democratic Party and now a partner in The Strategy Group and is a campaign coordinator for the Essex County Democratic Party. Rick Thigpen, Esq. can be reached at (609) 394-0888.