Bob Franks, who goes up against Schundler in the June 26 primary, is the moderate who wants to reform state government. But some say that after two terms of Christie Whitman and a decade in power, voters might be tired of the Republicans. Now is the time for the Garden State GOP to redefine itself, or face more of a challenge than just Democrat Jim McGreevey in November, analysts contend. As the party in control and trying to stay there, Republican candidates are telling voters they are not the same as the GOP leaders already in the Statehouse. New population figures show a New Jersey becoming more ethnically diverse and growing in suburban areas.
Analysts contend the numbers show a population leaning more to traditionally Democratic bases.
Last year New Jersey voters chose Democrat Al Gore for president and Jon Corzine in the U.S. Senate contest over Franks. To combat that and the perception that voters are looking for change, Franks needs to promote his experience and push his populist message, Baker said. Republicans can then point to McGreevey's resume, he said. But Republicans might not be able to avoid an early retirement from the Statehouse, says Acocella. Franks spent four terms in Congress.