Voters cited taxes as most important factor in going with Christine Whitman over Jim Florio, first incumbent ever to lose a general election in New Jersey. NOW claims its “recommendation” of Mrs. Whitman put her over top, but Stephen Salmore, of Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute, claims it reduced her total. Taxes and crime, he said, helped her “get enough men to overcome her weakness among women.” Florio won among women, 54 to 46. . . . New Jersey Republicans lost three seats in State Senate and five in Assembly, but still hold solid majorities. … In Virginia, GOP gained four seats in House of Delegates, giving Gov-elect George Allen a working majority. … Of 90 open-seat legislative races held since 1992 general elections, the GOP has picked up, net, 14 seats previously held by Democrats. . . . Republican House leaders wrote to Bill Clinton asking him to condemn anti-religious bigotry used by Democrats against lieut. gov. candidate Mike Farris in Virginia. So far—no comment. . . . Initiatives to limit terms of city officials in New York and state legislators in Maine passed overwhelmingly, with over 60 per cent. (House leaders have finally allowed hearings on term-limits bill; they begin Nov. 18.)
It’s tradition that party not in White House holds its national convention first. However, RNC Chairman Haley Barbour has decided on August 10— 16. 1996—later than normal end-of-July date in order to avoid conflict with summer Olympics. This gives Democrats just two weeks before Labor Day Rep. Dick Zimmer’s decision not to enter Republican primary to see who will challenge New Jersey two-term Sen. Frank Lautenberg next year leaves Assembly leader Chuck Haytaian as front runner. Conservative Haytaian strongly urged Christine Whitman to push her tax cut plan (when many were advising otherwise), and will likely get her blessing. . . . Each of the two Bush sons running for governorships (Jeb in Florida and George Jr. in Texas) has stated publicly, on different occasions, that he is running not because of who his parents are, but because of who his children are. . . . Just as approval rating of Gov. William Weld falls, so do his Democratic challengers. Two formidable potential opponents— Attorney General Scott Harshbarger and former State Sen. Patricia McGovern—have opted out, leaving no threat—for now.
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