AP Photo/Mel Evans
Governor Jon Corzine has selected State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) as his lieutenant governor running mate. Weinberg is a veteran lawmaker from Bergen County, and her selection seems designed to help the governor appeal in the most populous county in the state. Corzine introduced Weinberg at a rally on Saturday.
It was clear that the ongoing corruption scandal and the arrests of forty-four politicians and politically connected defendants earlier in the week weighed heavily on Corzine's selection. "I've picked a fighter," Corzine said. "Loretta and I may not always do what is politically correct, but we will always do what we believe is right." Weinberg echoed those sentiments, stressing her reputation as a good-government politician. "Now is one of those times when good people in government must stand up," Weinberg said.
Republican challenger Christopher Christie did not personally react to the announcement of Weinberg. Rather , the campaign released a statement calling Weinberg a "Trenton insider."
Weinberg is a safe choice for Corzine. She is well known, has a clean reputation, and is popular in her home district. But in going for the safe pick, Corzine may have lost the opportunity to make a splash and change the dynamic of the governor's race. Trailing by as much as 15 points in recent polling, Corzine needs a big bump from Weinberg's selection, and soon. It remains to be seen whether selecting her will excite the Democratic Party base enough to propel Corzine back into the race.
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