Changes

In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor [[Steve Lonegan]].

In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor [[Steve Lonegan]].

Public opinion polls in late October show Christie's once comfortable lead has evaporated, leaving him tied with incumbent Governor [[Jon Corzine]] in the general election; Chris Daggett, a liberal Republican and former regional administrator for the [[Environmental Protection Agency]], is running as an independent and is polling at 15%. For the latest polls see [http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2009/governor/nj/new_jersey_governor_corzine_vs_christie-1051.html Real Clear Politics]

Public opinion polls in late October show Christie's once comfortable lead has evaporated, leaving him tied with incumbent Governor [[Jon Corzine]] in the general election; Chris Daggett, a liberal Republican and former regional administrator for the [[Environmental Protection Agency]], was running as an independent.

Despite being an overwhelmingly Democrat state, Christie pulled ahead while advocating the need to downsize state [[government]] and reduce property taxes. Corzine remains unpopular because of the state's weakened economy, high budget deficit and high tax burden.     

Despite being an overwhelmingly Democrat state, Christie pulled ahead while advocating the need to downsize state [[government]] and reduce property taxes. The state had faced a weakened economy, high budget deficit and a high tax burden.     

In July, Chrisite endorsed [[President Obama]]'s nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." <ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html</ref>

In July, Chrisite endorsed [[President Obama]]'s nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." <ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html</ref>