The World Observer:

Victory reigns as democracy ails

Although democracy is still standing tall after the intense gubernatorial election, it has been left battered. Indeed, Democrat Jon Corzine scored victory Tuesday night, garnering 53.4 percent of the vote, compared to his Republican opponent Doug Forrester’s 43.3 percent. The Chairperson of the Political Science Department, Dr. David Rebovich, said that voter turnout was approximately 45 percent, marking a decrease from the previous governor’s election. This has to leave a sting and, according to Rebovich, at the very least, it means that Corzine does not have a definitive mandate to begin his term. After the celebrations and smoke clear, Corzine must understand the harsh realities of a campaign that turned very negative in the home stretch and alienated certain segments of the electorate.

“People who feel they have a vested interest voted in the election,” said Rebovich. In other words, senior citizens, union members, college graduates and homeowners were among those who were most likely to cast their ballots, he explained. Most New Jerseyans are desperately seeking property tax relief. Other important issues such as health care and education were sidelined for most of the campaign or left unmentioned.

Above all, it is imperative that Corzine enact swift changes and reforms to bring trust back to the state government and gain the support of New Jerseyans. The debacle and resignation of former governor James McGreevey left a bad taste in the mouths of many residents. In fact, Republican challenger Forrester drew parallels between Corzine and McGreevey’s administration to attack his opponent’s character. Corzine was also painted a strong supporter of corrupt political bosses. However, this potentially damaging personification may not have impacted the mindsets of New Jerseyans. Corzine is going to have to hit the ground running and spend some time early on in his governorship to repair that image with the voters.

One of the most damaging blows to democracy and the electorate came from the constant mudslinging and negative ads that permeated the airwaves. In fact, they caused potential voters to turn away from this election and not even take part in the political process. For instance, it was in the home stretch that Forrester used a quote from his opponent’s ex-wife to question Corzine’s potential loyalty to voters. Ads like this only distract attention and are used to attack a candidate on a personal matter that has nothing to do with politics. In fact, that negativity grew so tiresome that many wanted the election to be over so the ads would stop.

As ugly and bitter as the race may have been, it is the future of New Jersey and its residents that is at stake. As a college student, I look to the governorship to help with the ever-increasing costs of college tuition, and to stimulate economic growth that will bring the jobs we have worked four long years to obtain. Unfortunately, these concerns received very little attention in the race and may prove to be the reason many young voters stayed away from the polls.

“Young people do not simply want to see a political ad or read a brochure,” Rebovich said. “They want [candidates] to come to campus and community events.” In other words, this segment of the electorate wants proactive political officials that offer clear and detailed solutions that impact their lives.

This demographic was simply overshadowed, and this alienation can only cause further political apathy. Forrester and Corzine should have taken more time to visit college campuses throughout the state and discuss the concerns of younger voters. Imagine the number of votes the candidates could have received appealing to our generation. This is a clear failure of the democratic process.

Nevertheless, this was a crossroads election and the fact that more voters did not turn out is stunning, according to Rebovich. As governor-elect, Corzine faces stiff policy challenges ahead, such as putting together a balanced budget and cleaning up government corruption, said Rebovich. The top priorities need to be repairing and bandaging the wounds this election has had on democracy and preparing a solid policy framework for the Garden State.

—Jamie Papapetros