Perth Amboy Councilman Ken Balut, a retired police officer and former president of PBA Local 13, is preparing to challenge Gov. Jon Corzine in the June 2 Democratic primary election.The Democratic Councilman said that he is disappointed that a more prominent candidate has not emerged to mount a progressive challenge to the former Wall Street CEO, but immediate responses from political observers suggest Balut could be tapping a strong current.
An online poll conducted by the political news website POLITICKERNJ.COM showed that 57 percent believe Balut would win the Democratic nomination, compared to just 43 percent who said Corzine would prevail. "For a host of reasons, Jon Corzine should not be re-elected and I believe most Democrats agree with me on that," said Balut. "That means New Jersey needs a Democrat to challenge the former Wall Street CEO and his money has scared away some of the people who we might expect to make this effort."
Balut struck familiar Democratic themes, recalling arguments much like those made by Barack Obama last year and Bill Clinton in 1992.
"Just as Barack Obama told America last year, this election is not about me, it is about you," said Balut. "Somebody has to stop the corruption that is hurting every resident of this state. Somebody has to make our tax system fair, assure every child a quality education and keep our community hospitals open."
"If Jon Corzine will not use his power to do good for the people of New Jersey, then we must nominate someone who will," said Balut. "I will be running a grassroots campaign, the kind for which Democrats are known."
"I do not believe Mr. Corzine's obscene wealth, nor his flagrant use of that ill-gotten money to buy the support of special interests and power brokers, should be a primary topic of discussion in this campaign," said Balut. "What New Jersey neds to know is how we turn around the economy for millions of middle-class working people; when we are going to do the right thing by fully funding public education; and who has the courage to stand up against organized crime and power brokers."
"I am asking my supporters to help me gather the required petition signatures and reach the donation threshhold for public financing," said Balut. "If we can let Democrats know they have a choice in this election, then we will no longer need to endure a governor who is so out of touch with the average person's needs."
"Just as Barack Obama told America last year, this election is not about me, it is about you," said Balut. "Somebody has to stop the corruption that is hurting every resident of this state. Somebody has to make our tax system fair, assure every child a quality education and keep our community hospitals open."
"If Jon Corzine will not use his power to do good for the people of New Jersey, then we must nominate someone who will," said Balut. "I will be running a grassroots campaign, the kind for which Democrats are known."
"I do not believe Mr. Corzine's obscene wealth, nor his flagrant use of that ill-gotten money to buy the support of special interests and power brokers, should be a primary topic of discussion in this campaign," said Balut. "What New Jersey neds to know is how we turn around the economy for millions of middle-class working people; when we are going to do the right thing by fully funding public education; and who has the courage to stand up against organized crime and power brokers."
"I am asking my supporters to help me gather the required petition signatures and reach the donation threshhold for public financing," said Balut. "If we can let Democrats know they have a choice in this election, then we will no longer need to endure a governor who is so out of touch with the average person's needs."
No comments:
Post a Comment