So why the heck should Christie be scared about appearing on the same ballot as Booker? Not only would Christie not be facing Booker head to head, Christie would be at the top the ballot for the Republicans, which should, if Christie had as much confidence in himself as he seems to exude, provide "coattails" for the GOP Senate nominee. Oops, maybe Christie doesn't think that helping that GOP nominee is such a good idea after all.
The prospect of the first black senator from NJ will bring blacks out in droves. Blacks vote 9 to 1 for Democrats around the nation. In NJ, it's probably 100 to 0 for historic elections like this one. Mid term elections have low turnouts. High black turnout combined with low white turnout could lead to a landslide for the Dems. This why Christie was smart to decouple the historic senatorial race - with Booker running - from the general election. And I'm someone who thinks Christie should just switch parties and be done with it.
The Obama people will show up in droves to vote for booker. If the special election is on separate days they can’t vote D across the line for all candidates. Smart move
Federal races come before state races on the ballot. Booker would be at the top of the ballot.
I at first thought in terms of coattails too, but I think the powerful draw to the polls of Cory Booker could really bite into Christie’s vote. I’m sure Christie and his aides and advisers have thought this out carefully.
Everyone should not be so negative about Christie. New Jersey wants him. We want him to win in Jersey. We should be happy. He’s building his reputation as a statesman, but not at such a great cost. He will campaign with the Republican this year. In 2016 I don’t think anyone’s going to be looking at two-year-old vote percentages to decide about Christie.
A deal must have been made with Obama during one of their hugs.