Ciattarelli Final Push in Tight NJ Governor Race

Republican Jack Ciattarelli is making a final push in New Jersey’s tight gubernatorial race, calling it a “change election” and blaming outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy’s policies for high taxes, rising state spending, higher electricity costs, housing problems and increased nonviolent crime. Once a long-shot, Ciattarelli has closed a large summer deficit against Democrat Mikie Sherrill and recent polls show the contest within the margin of error, prompting Sherrill to deploy high-profile surrogates while Ciattarelli ramps up rallies and a statewide bus tour. In the campaign’s closing days he has promised lower taxes and energy bills, a smaller state government, revisions to the school funding formula and more latitude for law enforcement. On the eve of the election his son Jake, an Army captain deployed to Kuwait, surprised him at a tavern event and energized supporters. High early turnout and national attention have intensified both campaigns’ ground games ahead of Election Day.