Nov 4, 2009 6:19 am US/Eastern
Suburban Voters Likely Lowered The Boom On Corzine
Outgoing Governor Didn't Spend As Much, Was Overwhelmed By Property Tax Debate In Loss To Republican Christie
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBS) ―
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Outgoing New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine greeted voters at the PATH train station on Nov. 2, 2009 in Hoboken.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Despite a last-minute push from President Barack Obama incumbent Jon Corzine's campaign just couldn't muster enough momentum to beat Chris Christie.
It was a very somber mood at Corzine headquarters in East Brunswick. The former governor conceded and then said, regardless of the outcome, he sees a bright future for New Jersey.
For Corzine, it was an uphill battle. The Democrat faced the toughest challenge of his political career from Republican Christie.
On Tuesday the voters spoke and decided that four years of Corzine were enough.
"You guys have been cheering me on and given me courage and strength throughout this campaign, and I love you all and I thank you all very much being here," Corzine said.
The nation watched the race in New Jersey closely, so did President Obama, who came here several times to stump for Corzine, knowing the results in the Garden State would indicate what voters think of his administration.
Not all agree.
"I think people input too much into what it means nationally," Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said. "I think it had a lot more to do with the state and its candidate."
Corzine, a multi-millionaire, spent more than $20 million, much less than he did in the last election. Political analysts said he may be second-guessing that decision.
"Jon Corzine has spent a lot of money. By the time the evening is over, he may have wished he spent a lot more money," said Peter McDonough of the Eagleton Institute.
In the end, political analysts said voters in the suburbs and counties like Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean, disgruntled over rising property taxes, who made their voices heard.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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