What criteria should be used to choose the Lt. Gov?

by: Jason Springer

Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 12:15:00 PM EDT

I'd like to start off the week with a question. There has been talk about names and possible running mates for Governor Corzine. If you take away the names, I wonder what people think are the most important qualities in the potential candidate?

Should the Governor make his decision by adding diversity to the ticket choosing a woman or minority running mate? Should he forget any of those factors and make a decision based on who will get him the most votes given his current position in the polls and the makings of a difficult campaign? Should he look for someone with policy expertise to sure up any perceived weaknesses in his campaign? Should he consider geography in making the decision? Do you think there is a candidate that encompasses any or all of these qualities?

From reports, the Corzine campaign believed that Cory Booker filled the bill, but he has rebuffed repeated overtures. I would argue that choosing someone based on policy expertise doesn't matter if they don't get enough votes to implement the policies. Now if you can tell me there is someone that brings votes with that expertise, I'm open to hearing it, but I don't really see it.

Senator Weinberg endorsed the idea of Buono, Sweeney and Watson Coleman. Sweeney wouldn't qualify as a woman or minority, but definitely falls under regional considerations. I don't think Sweeney would want it and don't think the Governor is going in that direction, but the name is out there. Ron Rice wants a minority candidate to be the choice, but given that Cory Booker said now, you wonder whether he can say I offered and it was turned down. Former Party Chair wants Bonnie Watson Coleman to be the choice, saying she has the issues, leadership, and would help with the urban base.

Ultimately, I think the choice will either be Barbara Buono or Bonnie Watson Coleman. I think the calculation is that the race will be about the Governor and his policies, regardless of who the running mate is. I wonder not only who you think it will be, but why you think they should be chosen.

Jason Springer :: What criteria should be used to choose the Lt. Gov?

Tags: Bonnie Watson Coleman, Doug Palmer, Jon Corzine, Lieutenant Governor, (All Tags)

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What criteria should be used to choose the Lt. Gov? | 3 comments

The Problem with the LG spot.... (4.00 / 2)

is that it is the weakest LG in the country. They are not the President of the Senate like in most states, and have no clearly defined role.

Buono, Watson-Coleman, and Booker are more powerful in their current roles then as LG. The only allure is that you will develop a statewide profile.

by: Matthew Jordan @ Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 17:08:33 PM UTC

this is a party that relies on women's votes (0.00 / 0)

All else being equal, it would be good to see some payback in the form of a woman for Lt. Governor -- and while everyone is unique, I do think women bring a different perspective to policy choices than men. I just think it would be healthier for our party and our state.

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

by: Hopeful @ Mon Apr 06, 2009 at 22:39:03 PM UTC

What about an attorney or proven administrator? (0.00 / 0)

Jason, I agree on the importance of it being someone who can bring both policy expertise and votes. And it's true that the LG's role is not very influential -- unless the governor delegates power, which I believe he will.

The LG should be about oversight oversight oversight. A backstop to make sure the policies of the administration are being implemented and a watchdog to ferret out abuse. I'd support a prosecutor like AG Milgram. Or perhaps Coach Stringer (also a 2009 inductee to the Basketball Hall of Fame).

by: JRB @ Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 14:49:58 PM UTC