Debate again turns to ethics (Forrester Torches Torricelli)

Gloucester County Times ^ | September 13, 2002 | Terrence Dopp

[PJ-Comix]

TRENTON -- Removed from popular incumbent to trailing a political newcomer, U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli, in the second debate of a bitter campaign, again warded off claims he is a dishonest candidate unfit for office.

Thursday's face-off came the same day Quinnipiac University released a poll showing Republican Douglas Forrester leading Torricelli 48 to 44 percent among 1,341 New Jerseyans surveyed. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

[PJ-Comix]

"Almost two years ago those outrageous and false allegations were investigated. We cannot spend an entire United States Senate campaign discussing issues that have already been settled," he said. "I've apologized for it. I've answered for it. It's time to move on.

False? I thought the Ethics Committe found the charges to be TRUE.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I have to admit that Torricelli scored some points by bringing forth evidence that Forrester's firm had accepted what amounted to kickbacks from pharmaceutical firms in return for promoting their products.

Forrester had numerous opportunities to rebut the allegation, but never did so flatly. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from the Torricelli campaign about this.

[Coop]

Forrester had numerous opportunities to rebut the allegation, but never did so flatly. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from the Torricelli campaign about this.

Of course you will. Torricelli only has two straws to grasp here - Forrester's ties to pharmaceutical firms (fairly easy to rebut, IMHO, since some of Torricelli's biggest contributors are drug companies); and the "Don't give the Pubbies the Senate" argument - IMHO this is his best chance in a Dem leaning state with an electorate that likes to split power between the Executive and Legislative branches.

I'm amazed this article didn't even mention abortion, given how much our FReeper reports said Torch was harping on it last night.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

He rebuffed claims by Forrester he took $100,000 from a Baghdad-based group, saying at times "the enemy of your enemy is your friend." The group has only recently been taken off a list of terrorist organizations.

LOL! Being as ignorant as your average NJ voter on this particular issue, that defense sounds about as convincing as trying to redefine 'alone'. Taking money from a Badhdad group? LOL!!!!

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

There is a possible weakness in the Toricelli campaign. Has the Torch one time shmoozed with the Big Creep recently? Clinton was condemned by the Senate in '99 by a vote of 95 for pardoning bomb terrorists. If the Torch has made any moves toward Bubba since then, said anything on Bubba's behalf, then he isn't taking terrorism seriously.

[LonePalm]

"Almost two years ago those outrageous and false allegations were investigated. We cannot spend an entire United States Senate campaign discussing issues that have already been settled," he said. "I've apologized for it. I've answered for it. It's time to move on.

Excellent, now the Torch is appologizing for 'false' allegations. Yea, right.

NJ, it's time to put out the Torch!

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)

[Politico2]

He rebuffed claims by Forrester he took $100,000 from a Baghdad-based group, saying at times "the enemy of your enemy is your friend." The group has only recently been taken off a list of terrorist organizations.

> LOL! Being as ignorant as your average NJ voter on this particular issue, that defense sounds about as convincing as trying to redefine 'alone'. Taking money from a Badhdad group? LOL!!!!

It wouldn't surprise me that Torricelli is proud that his letter writing campaign to the State Department was successful. Read this post to learn more about this terrorist group.

[Skeptical constituent]

"Almost two years ago those outrageous and false allegations were investigated. We cannot spend an entire United States Senate campaign discussing issues that have already been settled," he said. "I've apologized for it. I've answered for it. It's time to move on.

If the charges were "outrageous and false", what did he apologize for? He is such a snake.

[dead]

The National GOP better start sending cash to NJ by the truckload. We can't let this opportunity to extinguish the Torch (and regain control of the senate) slip away.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

The National GOP better start sending cash to NJ by the truckload. We can't let this opportunity to extinguish the Torch (and regain control of the senate) slip away.

I tuned into the debate last night just to see who this Forrester fellow is.

I was impressed with his cool composure and adult wit.

He thoroughly thrashed Torricelli.

Torricelli thoroughly humiliated himself.

First thing this morning I sent Mr. Forrester a note and a check!!

Here's the address to contribute:

FORRESTER 2002, INC.
3535 QUAKERBRIDGE ROAD
SUITE 400
HAMILTON, NJ 08619

[San Jacinto]

Republican Douglas Forrester leading Torricelli 48 to 44 percent

Good news, but probably not a big enough margin at this point to overcome Democrat fraud at the precinct level. If the race is real close as the votes are being counted, watch out for the late arriving ballot boxes from precincts where Torch will get 95% of the vote. The "turnout" in those precincts may be amazing.

[Politico2]

The National GOP better start sending cash to NJ by the truckload. We can't let this opportunity to extinguish the Torch (and regain control of the senate) slip away.

It's my understanding the RNC has maxed out their legal contributions to the campaign.

[dead]

Good! The rest is up to us.

What's the deal these days (after McCain-Feingold) with special interest group advertising?

I'm thinking that some "Committee to Keep Felons Out of the Senate" might run a few ads (if airing a political opinion is actually still legal for people who don't own a network.)

[Politico2]

The National GOP better start sending cash to NJ by the truckload. We can't let this opportunity to extinguish the Torch (and regain control of the senate) slip away.

>It's my understanding the RNC has maxed out their legal contributions to the campaign.

Upon re-reading my statement, a lot is open to interpretation. What I meant to say is that it is my understanding that the the RNC has donated the maximum amount to the campaign allowed by law.

It was not my intention to leave open the interpretation that the RNC is donating anthing other than legal contributions. They abide by the strict spirit and letter of the law in ALL of their contributions.

[Politico2]

>Has the Torch one time shmoozed with the Big Creep recently? Clinton was condemned by the Senate in '99 by a vote of 95 for pardoning bomb terrorists. If the Torch has made any moves toward Bubba since then, said anything on Bubba's behalf, then he isn't taking terrorism seriously.

"Snyder also said that former President Clinton will be in the Garden State for Torricelli 'at some point' during the fall campaign." (PoliticsNJ.com)