Hours later, at a senior citizen complex in Camden, across the river from Philadelphia, Corzine said he would have preferred that his campaign use New Jersey workers. But he said the decision to recruit in Philadelphia was made during the primary, when his opponent, former Gov. Jim Florio, enjoyed the support of South Jersey Democratic organizations, including the one in Camden County. Both parties have ample reason to work hard Tuesday to get their voters to the polls. In addition to the Senate race, New Jersey has three closely contested House campaigns this year. And while polls have consistently given Al Gore a significant lead in New Jersey, George W. Bush is scheduled to pay a visit here Saturday to indicate he believes he can pull out a win.
Democratic officials describe their effort as larger than in previous years.
It includes hiring college students and members of union and minority organizations to staff phone banks and drive people to the polls. Lautenberg defended his would-be successor as someone who supports campaign finance reform but is entitled to do what it takes to win under current rules. He earned it the old-fashioned way, the American way. The New York Times first reported Friday that dozens of Pennsylvania residents have been pouring out of homeless shelters and drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinics to board campaign buses to New Jersey. Williams said campaign vans have arrived at her shelter since April, offering workers a day's pay and lunch for a full day of campaigning.