A Tale of Two Sister State Politics: New York Mayoral and New Jersey Governor Elections
When one quickly analyzes the Tuesday November 4, 2009 mayoral and governor elections in the sister states of New York and New Jersey, it could rightfully be argued that a shift along the political spectrum of the two sister states gradually took shape. Even though Mayor Bloomberg’s victory was expected, the stunning performance of democratic contender; Mr. Thomson, that narrowed the Republican lead by only a 4% margin, indicates a comeback and a democratic unwavering quest of capturing the New York City Mayoral seat.
No one can deny that Mayor Bloomberg positively contributed towards the socio-politic and socio-economic development of New York City. The charismatic Mayor responsibly led the city in tough times, and made tough decisions at a time when the US economy was undergoing a downturn. Notable examples are the lay-offs from city jobs and the MTA fare hikes. How that has impacted the population remains to be unknown. What is certain is that the state of the economy may have contributed towards a slow shifting to a democratic control of the Mayoral seat. Many others have attributed the shift to the introduction of a legislation that has given him the incumbent Mayor a mandate to run for a third term in office.
As New Yorkers battled to reelect the incumbent Mayor with a slight 4% margin, a major political backlash at the sister state of New Jersey was the culmination of divergent political views. The heavily embryonic democratic state ousted its incumbent Governor Corzine in what could best be characterized as an electoral coup d’état. Even President Obama’s campaign support that was geared towards bolstering the Corzine campaign failed to avert the political pitfall.
Amidst corruption scandals that marred the New Jersey Political Landscape, rising unemployment of up to 10%, and a battered economic landscape as a result of the global economic crisis, citizens of New Jersey voted across party lines to get Governor Christi elected, according to pundits and analysts. Even though most of us advocated for a Jon Corzine ticket, the votes of November 4, 2009 vote indeed represents a “CHANGE” that New Jersey has long being paddling, and the Victory of Governor –Elect Chris Christi represents that change.
The elections across both sides of the Hudson River are two political variables and concrete political lessons. In both states, we have seen two prominent politicians battered by political forces beyond control. With the test of time, Mayor Bloomberg could have confessed to his Democratic Contender, just as Jon Corzine did following announcement of the results. The concrete lessons are twofold; Firstly New Jersey citizens wanted change and the electoral victory of Governor Elect Christi represents that change; Secondly New Yorkers have sent a signal that they may slowly, but certainly, be creeping towards a change by electing Mayor Bloomberg with only a 4% margin of victory. The political variables of the elections are indeed a historic tale. What else could one say?
CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH GOVERNOR ELECT CHRISTI AND MAYOR BLOOMBERG FOR THE ELECTORAL VICTORIES
