FYI

For Immediate Release:August 24, 2009
Contact: Elisabeth Smith, 609-695-7190

CORZINE ’09 CAMPAIGN, VICTORY 2009, AND “YES WE CAN 2.0” ANNOUNCE CAMPAIGN CHAIRS

TRENTON--The Corzine ’09 campaign today announced its campaign chairs and co-chairs in an event at the Trenton Marriott.

Governor Jon S. Corzine and Leutenant Governor candidate, Senator Loretta Weinberg, announced that the Campaign Chair for Corzine '09 is Congressman Frank Pallone. The Honorary Chairs are Senator Robert Menendez and Senator Frank Lautenberg. The co-chairs for Corzine '09 are Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney and Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“This year's election is not about me and it is not about my opponents, it is about New Jersey,” said Corzine. “I could not be more proud of the leadership we have joining us as we stand for re-election and we try and get Democrats across this great state elected in November," said Corzine. "Our first in the nation economic recovery and assistance program put New Jersey in position to navigate the global economic recession and be able to take advantage when it turns around, and we are starting to see signs of the recovery every day. Most recently, we saw the creation of 13,000 private sector positions last month. We were able to do this while remaining focused on protecting education funding and expanding healthcare access for people across the state. We have a lot more work to do but, with our partners in Washington and all across New Jersey, we are fighting for a better future.”

"I have always been proud of our governor and all that we have accomplished, but I have never been more so than today," said Weinberg. "I am proud to stand with our governor and fight to make sure New Jersey continues to have strong leadership for the next four years. Jon Corzine has been working to keep New Jersey working, and we are seeing the impact with the creation of 13,000 private sector jobs last month. We have a lot more work to do, but we have the governor in place to get it done. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to start now."

Campaign Co- Chair Frank Pallone, Honorary Chairs Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez highlighted the high stakes of election, emphasizing they would do everything they could to get Governor Corzine re-elected:

“This is more than a campaign for Jon Corzine, this is a campaign for New Jersey. We literally can't afford to revert to the policies and practices of the Bush era that caused so much damage to the economy and inflicted so much harm to working people,” said Pallone. "We need to continue to work together with President Obama, Governor Corzine and Congress to rescue New Jersey from the meltdown of the national economy and to lay the foundation for economic growth for the years ahead. It is the Democrats who possess shared priorities with the people of New Jersey on a wide array of issues beyond the economy, including education, the environment and the needs of children. It is Jon Corzine who possesses the experience, the ability and the record of success to get the job done right in the days and the years ahead.”

“I am honored to serve as a co-chair of Governor Corzine's campaign,” said Lautenberg. “Governor Corzine is my partner and the leader of our state, and I will do all I can to make sure he continues in that role. By acting quickly and decisively, Governor Corzine has positioned our state to rebound quickly when the global economic recession ends. We share the same values of a brighter future for our children and future generations by improving education, protecting our environment, and making sure the most vulnerable in our society have a chance at the American Dream."

“This election is critical for the future of our state," said Menendez. “Governor Corzine has exhibited tremendous leadership in getting New Jersey’s fiscal situation on track so we can best take advantage when the global economic recession turns around. We have already begun to see private sector job growth in the past couple of months as a result of the programs put in place by the Governor, in coordination with President Obama’s economic recovery legislation. Switching course now would have a devastating impact on New Jersey residents. Chris Christie has never created a job, and he has no plan to create any now.”

Corzine and Weinberg went on to announce Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer as the Chair of the Mayor's Council, along with co-chairs Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, East Orange Robert Bowser, and Assemblyman John Burzichelli. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVencenzo was also named Chair of the County Elected officials.

"Governor Corzine has been a partner with Trenton and a leader for this state," said Palmer. "The Governor has a shared commitment to making our children's future bright, and a vision to accomplish it by keeping our streets safe. This election is about making sure we continue to have a leader with vision in the Governor's office for the next four years, and not someone with the same warmed over George W. Bush ideas practicing the same Republican insider tactics"

Today's announcement also saw the introduction of the Victory ‘09 leadership team. Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts were named Co-Chairs, while Senator Barbara Buono and Newark Mayor Cory Booker were named Honorary Co-Chairs. Co-Chairs announced today are Congressman John Adler, Congressman Rush Holt, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman William Pascrell, Congressman Albio Sires, Congressman Robert Andrews, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Senator James Whelan, and Freeholder Tahesha Way.

“I'm proud to help lead the Democratic campaign to elect individuals from the local level on up to the state level who are dedicated to strengthening our education and healthcare systems, helping businesses thrive, and making government more efficient and accountable,” said Codey. “No one has been more committed to these values than Governor Corzine. His leadership and vision have helped position our state to rebound from this recession and thrive. Now that we finally have a partner in the White House who is equally committed to helping our state, it's more important than ever that we continue to elect officials who will work together to protect New Jersey values.”

“It is an honor to be named to this position and I look forward to continuing to do everything I can to help the Governor get re-elected,” said Roberts. “Governor Corzine’s first in the nation economic recovery plan is working, and thanks to the strong partnership between Governor Corzine and the Democratic Legislature, New Jersey is primed to lead the pack as the economy rebounds.”

“Yes We Can 2.0,” a Democratic organization aimed at reaching out to new Obama voters, also announced its leadership team, including Dr. Randall Pinkett as Chair. Co-Chairs named today include Congressman Steve Rothman, Senator Dana Redd, Assemblyman Upendra Chivakula and Paterson Mayor Jose Torres.

“I am excited to be a part of this campaign and the ‘Yes We Can 2.0’ program because we need a leader like Jon Corzine who is willing to stand up for New Jersey’s families, even when the choices aren’t always popular or easy,” said Pinkett. “We have a partner in President Obama who gave our country hope for a brighter future and I have no doubt that Jon Corzine and Loretta Weinberg are the right team to work with the White House in leading New Jersey to renewed prosperity.”

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