I wonder how the ABC-9/11 flap will affect the NJ Senate Race

[LynneSin]

One of the technical advisor for the ABC 9/11 'docudrama' was Thomas Kean Sr - former governor of New Jersey and chairman of the 9/11 Commission. It seems that Kean was the only one on board from the 9/11 Commission advising the people behind the movie.

In case you don't know, there is another Thomas Kean out there - Thomas Kean Jr. He's hoping to displace Bob Menendez, the democrat that Gov. Jon Corzine picked to complete his senate term. It's been a very tight race with Menendez, a former US House member who voted both against the IWR and Patriot Act, with Menendez having a slight edge.

So I'm curious how this flak will play out. New Jersey can turn on a dime on their politicians but they have been pretty solidity blue these past years even with the McGreevey issue. But one thing is for sure about New Jersey. According to SurveyUSA, Bush is rating about a 33% in the Garden State.

I'm hoping the fact that Tom Kean Sr. was a part of this docudrama controversy trying to blame everything on Clinton (a man who is actually popular in that state) will ultimate hurt Kean's son

[SteppingRazor]

1. Let's hope so, cause one solid negative push against Kean...

and this race should be just about locked up.

[monarch]

2. I've had the very same thought and

your post is the first place that I've seen the issue raised.

[vi5]

3. I think it will have no impact....

People who were inclined to pay attention to this whole flap over this movie were not going to vote for Kean anyway. As much as we like to believe this is a huge deal and lots of people know about it, the fact is that people who don't read political blogs or watch cable news gab fests (which in actuality is a massive majority of the population) have no idea any of this is going on. And the people who do know about it are already entrenched on one side or another.

The latest Menendez issue regarding his collecting of rent from a non-profit is probably going to have more of an impact on the NJ race.

[Tarheel_Dem]

6. thanks for that "sobering" analysis....

but i respectfully disagree. This movie is officially an issue, if used properly can expose the movie's agenda, and kean's (the elder) connection to it. I'm not suggesting politicizing, but after all, they started it.

[vi5]

7. I'm not saying not to politicize it....

As far as that goes, I say go for it. I'm just saying that as a lifelong NJ resident following the race closely and watching, reading, and listening to NJ media coverage of the race I can tell you that people here get more riled up over corruption or perceived corruption as they do anything else. So that is going to have more of a direct impact on the race then a movie which will be forgotten after next week. Even if people are aware of the brouhaha surrounding this movie (which I still maintain few outside of the internet and cable news shows (ie. political junkies whose minds are already made up and sides drawn), I'm sure they are only peripherarlly aware of it and definitely aren't aware of Kean's connection to it all.

[karynnj]

4. That is not well known outside partisan circles

Kean Sr has a good reputation as a moderate governor here. I follow state issues reasonably well - but can think of very little he actually did - other the "NJ and you, perfect together commercials". The reputation I think comes from everyone repeating that he was a good governor.

He was governor before Jim Florio. When Florio came into office, he found that Kean and the Republicans had hidden the true economic state of NJ. Rather than let NJ's bond rating decline, possibly multiple steps, Florio greatly raised the state income taxes - and has yet to be forgiven. Whitman followed him and gave tax cuts. Now, the state is again strapped for money.Sounds just like the national level!

I can't see how Menendez could use this - first Kean jr is not responsible for his dad and it would mostly work with people already Democratic. It might motivate Clinton to really make a lot of appearances here.

[ramapo]

5. It will be a close race, down to the wire

Kean will be relentless, attacking Menendez for alleged corruption and ties to the Democratic machine. That feeds voters' general perceptions.

Kean has a clean image. His father is well regarded. NJ is by no means solid blue and voters like to mix things up. That in itself gives Kean a bit of a plus.

Menendez was in Congress a long time but I don't think that is viewed as a positive.
He will benefit from a strong anti-Bush sentiment.

No way anybody should think this race is locked down or even close to it.

[vi5]

8. I still wish Codey would have taken the position...

....I like Menendez and have been pleased with how he's voted since being appointed. But Codey was perceived as being much more above board and people tended to like him more. I think he would have been a shoe in. Of course I also think he would have taken it if offered but stepped aside gracefully so Menendez could make the ascent.

[ramapo]

9. You are so right

Menendez had the machine and their money....exactly what people don't like about him

Everybody likes Codey