More Debate Reaction

by: Jason Springer

Thu Oct 01, 2009 at 10:29:49 PM EDT

"Tonight, Governor Corzine demonstrated clearly that he is the candidate who will fight for what matters to New Jersey in these tough economic times. He's fought every day for New Jersey families- expanding health care coverage for almost 100,000 additional children and passing paid family leave. These are the right choices for New Jersey and the right priorities for the next four years.

Chris Christie, on the other hand, is more concerned with lining the pockets of insurance companies than protecting the families and children of New Jersey. Christie has repeatedly said that he would give insurance companies free rein to drop coverage for critical procedures like mammograms and autism treatments.

Time and time again, Christie shows he continues to be wrong when it matters most."

"Tonight's debate highlighted the very clear choice facing New Jersey voters in November. While Governor Corzine has fought for what matters for New Jersey families over the past four years, Chris Christie has been wrong when it matters most.  He said he'd reject President Obama's stimulus funds, driving up property taxes by $2 billion and now he says he still backs the Bush policies that got our country into this mess."

"Governor Corzine proved tonight that he is the right man for the job. He succeeded in passing  the nation's first economic recovery plan and worked with President Obama to bring over $17 billion in new federal stimulus funds into New Jersey, helping to balance our budget and generate and save over 40,000 jobs. Chris Christie once again showed he would rather score cheap political points than fight for what matters to New Jersey."

"New Jerseyans saw a clear distinction between Governor Jon Corzine and Chris Christie at tonight's debate," said State Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Red Bank).  "While Chris Christie spoke to the concerns of all New Jersey families and reaffirmed his commitment to fixing our great state, Governor Jon Corzine deflected from his weak leadership and record of failure with more of the same broken promises. Chris powerfully demonstrated that New Jerseyans have a brighter future to look toward once he's governor."

"We saw the key difference between the candidates tonight. Governor Corzine has increased spending and raised our taxes by $9 billion, and he will raise them again if he gets a second term. Chris Christie is running to cut spending and reduce taxes," said Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains).  "Under Jon Corzine, New Jersey's unemployment is the highest in 33 years. Chris Christie will create jobs and bring businesses back to New Jersey. Where Jon Corzine has failed, Chris Christie will succeed, and he will restore hope to our state's hard working citizens."

"As tonight's debate showed, the stakes of this election could not be higher for New Jersey voters. While Chris Christie would move the state backward by promoting the same, failed Bush economic policies that got us into this economic mess, Governor Corzine will continue to fight for what matters."

"While Governor Corzine continued to distort and misrepresent Chris Christie's healthcare plan, thousands of New Jerseyans have lost their jobs and healthcare in the governor's economy. Try as he might, the governor cannot hide his poor record with millions in negative ads and attacks," said O'Toole.  "Families across New Jersey are struggling, and Chris spoke directly to their issues and concerns - creating jobs, fixing our economy and bringing a brighter future to New Jersey. New Jerseyans are ready for the needed change Chris Christie will bring."