Response by Rick Thigpen

The Democrats' farm system is well-stocked with strong potential candidates to succeed Jon Corzine as soon as he is elected Governor.  Governor Corzine will be blessed with several interesting and different options to consider appointing as his successor.  The ultimate test of Jon's judgment will be maintaining that seat in Democratic hands in November of 2006 election.  One thing that we all agree upon is that there are already too many Republicans in the United State Senate.  The other point that we agree upon is the Republicans are likely to field a very strong candidate to contest for that seat.  Jon will be tempted to use that appointment to make a statement, but his options will be limited by the standard of general election electability.

Not since 1972 when Richard Nixon carried New Jersey has this State voted to elect a Republican to the United States Senate.  Jon's first priority in making that appointment will be to ensure that we extend that record. 

see also:
Survey Analysis
Republican Analysis
Tabular Results
Survey Details

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.