5 Things to Watch in NJ

Turnout is pivotal in race between Corzine, Christie

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2009 1:23 PM CST

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5 Things to Watch in NJ — New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine emerges from the booth after voting at the Elks Club in Hoboken, N.J., Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

It remains a tight race for governor in New Jersey between Democrat Jon Corzine and Republican Chris Christie. Jonathan Martin of Politico offers five things to watch:

Turnout: If it's below 48% or so, that means trouble for Corzine. It's a sign he hasn't mobilized the Democratic base, particularly minorities, to vote.
Corzine's key areas: He needs a combined margin of victory of 100,000 votes in the Camden, Newark, and Jersey City regions.

Christie's key areas: He needs to take 60% in his native Morris County, along with Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Chris Daggett: If the independent candidate, a former Republican, can get 10%, it's good news for Corzine.
Bergen and Middelex: These are bellwether counties. If Christie does well, it's a sign that voters aren't happy with Corzine's tenure.

(More New Jersey stories.)

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