The Real Meaning behind New Jersey Election since the 'political pundits' get it wrong...AGAIN

Undoubtedly if you listen to all the 'Political Pundits' who apparently know everything this week, you'll have the impression that the NJ gubernatorial election was this big referendum on the Obama presidency and healthcare reform. Given all of the blovating and hyperventilating from the DC correspondants that because NJ and Virginia we're won by the GOP, one could assume that conventional wisdom signals doom and gloom for Obama'a agenda.

So allow me to do David Gregory's job for a moment and lay out the real deal:
Obama won the state in 2008 by 57% and guess where his approval rating currently stands at: 57% (Gallup Polling)

Huh, so clearly not about Obama so here are the top 5 reasons Corzine the incumbent Democrat lost:
1. The state has been perpetually broke since 2004, and every year around summertime, the State legislature does this Kabuki dance around 'Ahh, we have no money, what shall we do?' Corzine's response: 'Oh lets raise income and sales taxes and raise fees on everything from driver's licenses to home phone use, but just this once.

So the state was like your deadbeat cousin who always borrowed money and never paid it back. Every time the same, 'Oh it will be the last time I promise' line.

2. New Jersey is possibly the most corrupt state in the country behind Louisiana, where here 'pay to play' is actually still LEGAL. In most states you go to prison for it. Thus the annual budget woes stems from money disappearing down questionable black holes littered around state gov't without any accountability or transparency. Corzine response to reform consisted of two parts: Jack and Squat, much to the delight of Tony Soprano types in North Jersey.

3. Corzine ran radio ads making fun of his opponent's weight which even by Jersey standards was considered a low blow.

4. Before his illustrious career in politics, Corzine was CEO of Goldman-Sachs which was one of the Wall Street architects of the sub-prime mortgage calamity that has hit Jersey hard. So combine increasing property taxes with decreasing home values and foreclosures and you have the perfect storm of taxpayer anger.

Didn't help Corzine's response was one of the dumbest moves in state political history. He cancelled the Property Tax Rebate that many lower and middle income families came to rely on, so he could balance the budget.....again. And when did rebates normally get paid out? In October, two weeks before election day. Forest Gump could tell you that was along the highest order of stupidity.

5. Corzine was flat out a lousy governor. Period.

I wish Governor Elect Christie the best of luck, though realistically we're probably swapping out one corrupt bastard for another. Though because New Jersey is actually a decent state to live in despite it's poitical leaders, I'll hold out hope. That and moving to Delaware or Pennsylvania is always an option.