State of New Jersey Archives: on Principles & Values

Chris Christie: The New Jersey Comeback: stop blaming; start building

How do we know it has begun? Just look around you. In the last two years, we have come together to address the mess that was our budget. The decline, deficits, and departures that plagued our State just two years ago have been reversed. The budget is balanced. Our unemployment rate is no longer going up, it is coming down. Job growth has been restored--in the private sector, where we want it. New Jersey is back.

We have restrained the growth of property taxes. We have put our pensions on a more stable and sustainable footing. And in doing all this, we have restored confidence and pride in NJ.

For New Jersey, the corner has been turned. Today, the debate is not about who to blame for our failures, it is how to build on our successes. It is no longer about how to deal with devastating decline; it is now about how to push New Jersey even further ahead. To be better than we thought we could be.

Cory Booker: Money to cities is ok: we're one state with one destiny

"Oh my God," Booker said.

In another exchange, Lonegan said the state has poured countless dollars "into a big black hole in Newark."

Booker called Lonegan's tone "insulting" and, in a theme he repeated throughout the debate, said Lonegan needed to stop "talking down to New Jersey's cities."

"We're one state with one destiny," Booker said

Dick Zimmer: Lautenberg is too old to serve another six-year term

Lautenberg disagreed, saying, “age has nothing to do with whether or not you are effective. It’s well-known I produce regularly. What counts is your knowledge, your experience and the respect your colleagues have for you.“

Lautenberg retired from the Senate after four terms, but returned after Bob Torricelli dropped out of the race in 2002. Zimmer said that since Lautenberg’s colleagues did not restore his prior seniority, he remains one of the more junior members of the Senate.

Lautenberg said he chairs two important subcommittees, on environment and commerce, and that he’s earned the respect of colleagues.

Frank Lautenberg: Age has nothing to do with whether or not you are effective

Lautenberg disagreed, saying, "age has nothing to do with whether or not you are effective. It's well-known I produce regularly. What counts is your knowledge, your experience and the respect your colleagues have for you."

Lautenberg retired from the Senate after four terms, but returned after Bob Torricelli dropped out of the race in 2002. Zimmer said that since Lautenberg's colleagues did not restore his prior seniority, he remains one of the more junior members of the Senate.

Lautenberg said he chairs two important subcommittees, on environment and commerce, and that he's earned the respect of colleagues.

Joe Kyrillos: If you think things are just fine, choose my opponent

Kyrillos's campaign has appealed broadly to voter frustration with Washington. "If you think things are just fine, that things are O.K. here in New Jersey and across the land, well, then you'll choose my opponent again," he said. "But if you think that unemployment doubling under his watch, the deficit quadrupling, our national debt doubling is unacceptable," he added, "then you're going to make a change." (National unemployment figures reported on Friday showed the rate dropping below 8%, to 7.8%.)

Echoing Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, Mr. Kyrillos added: "I believe in America. I believe we can do better."

Joe Kyrillos: Introduced to his wife by Gov. Christie

Former Gov. Chris Christie introduced Kyrillos to the woman he would marry. He has been a loyal soldier for the governor, supporting a property-tax cap and initiatives to reverse the effects of a court ruling that requires the state to help equalize spending between rich and poor school districts.

Robert Menendez: Elected mayor of Union City at 32

Steve Fulop: Youngest elected official on the Jersey City council

For the first two years on the City Council, Steven donated his council salary to the York Street Project, a non-profit that helps women and children break the cycle of poverty. During that first term, he also earned both his master's in Business Administration from New York University's Stern School of Business and his master's in Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs

Steve Fulop: Son of immigrants; grandson of Holocaust survivors

Phil Murphy: NGA: More respect and friendship; less partisanship

There are few states more different than New Jersey and Utah. Yet over the past six months, Spencer and I have come to respect each other not just as colleagues, but even more so as friends. This is what we need more of in our politics. Definitely at the national level, but right here at home, as well.

Phil Murphy: It's okay to admit it: it's cool to be from New Jersey again

It is okay to admit it--it's cool to be from New Jersey again. It's cool because we are once again leading in all the right things. And, because in 2026, we get to host the World Cup.

Spencer Cox: Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association