Corruption and the November Election

A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that nine out of ten New Jersey voters believe that corruption is a “very serious” or “somewhat serious” problem. However, a sizeable majority of voters polled said that the issue would not sway their vote to the Republican column despite the announcement of several recent high profile corruption cases against prominent Democrats. What does this mean for New Jersey residents?

First, we can expect that there will be no Republican landslide in November’s legislative elections. Rather, it would not be surprising if the Democrats pick up a few seats in districts that have been trending blue yet are currently held by Republican incumbents.

Second, there will be a good deal of posturing by candidates from both parties attempting to claim the mantle for being a reformer or for being more ethical or honest than their opponent. This posturing is unlikely to lead to positive legislative changes after the election.

Third, don’t be surprised to see the Democrats unveil a reform plan in the next few weeks that will severely undermine the Republican Party’s ability to use the issue of corruption as a sledgehammer against the Democrats.

Lastly, we can expect an endless barrage of negative print, radio, and television ads with candidates attacking their adversaries for every real or exaggerated transgression and attempting to make their opponents out to be the poster child for corruption in New Jersey.

Despite the findings of the poll that corruption will not sway voters from one party to the other, both political parties would make a catastrophic mistake by ignoring the fact that so many New Jersey voters believe corruption is a problem. While New Jersey voters may not yet be ready to exact vengeance on politicians for corruption in our State, the number of citizens upset about this issue continues to climb. It is only a matter of time before New Jersey voters decide that enough is enough.

Michael M. Shapiro, founder of ShapTalk.com, is an attorney who resides in New Providence, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Chairman of the New Providence Democratic Party and as Editor of The Alternative Press Contact Mike at mike@shaptalk.com