Kerry effort feels shorted by N.J. party

[Mandate My Ass]

Kerry effort feels shorted by N.J. party

Gov. McGreevey controls about $2.5 million but has freed $25,000. Low voter turnout is a campaign fear.

By Tom Turcol
Inquirer Staff Writer


Despite repeated pleas from the campaign of Sen. John Kerry, Gov. McGreevey has refused to release more than a token amount of state Democratic money for voter-turnout efforts on behalf of the party's presidential ticket in New Jersey.

With control over an estimated $2.5 million in state party funds, McGreevey has agreed to release only $25,000 to the Kerry campaign - infuriating New Jersey surrogates of Kerry and of his running mate, Sen. John Edwards.

The money shortage has severely undercut the Democrats' planned grassroots effort this fall and could impair their ability to get voters to the polls Nov. 2 in a must-win state for Kerry.

Already, just three weeks before the election, it has resulted in a notable absence throughout the state of lawn signs, bumper stickers, phone banks, and other traditional signs of an active campaign. And with little money to hire people, the Kerry campaign has had to rely almost exclusively on volunteers.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/9888967.htm

What gives?
:shrug:

[blm]

1. NJ folks, get busy. Round up volunteers.

In NC we have very few party dollars and we are busting our asses.

We can do it gang.

[Kahuna]

2. Fear not. I'm am seeing a lot of motivated voters in NJ. Even..

among the 20 and 30 somethings. In my circle they watched F911, which peaked their interest. (good job, Michael Moore). They're even watching the debates. So, hopefully, Democratic turnout will be higher in NJ this year.

[Mandate My Ass]

3. I'm glad to hear that

Kerry enjoyed a substantial lead in N.J. earlier this year but if the polls are to be believed, it's now nearly a tie. However, I'd think your demographic is probably underrepresented in the polls.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. McGreevey...

Is not all he's cracked up to be. He may have to answer for his actions, to fellow dems, at some point. He is hardly a "much-loved figure".

[jerseygirl]

5. NJDSC$$

NJ was not supposed to be a battleground state - I still don't think it is one, despite what some bad polls have said - and the DSC has/had less than $10,000 in their federal campaign account. They're saving it all for next year's guv race, I suppose. But I've heard a lot of complaints from rank and file types about not being able to get lawn signs and the like. I'm not a fan of the state chairwoman for other reasons, but this just boils down to poor management.

[Doosh]

6. I don't see many lawn signs at all in NJ

and it's depressing, the few I see are Bush, I see a few Kerry bumper stickers, mostly around college campuses.

what is up with that? free the 2.5 mil McGreevey!!!! We need to take every precaution to make sure we win this state!