Because Gov. Jon Corzine is not accepting public financing for his re-election campaign, he is not legally obligated to participate in the two official debates sponsored by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). That could mean a two-way debate between the Republican nominee – either Christopher Christie or Steven Lonegan – and Independent Christopher Daggett, if the former state Environmental Protection Commissioner raises the $360,000 needed to qualify for matching funds.
Refusing to debate could be an issue in the race for Governor, although it didn't seem to affect the 2008 campaign for U.S. Senate. In that race, debates were held during the final days of the campaign.
An official debate between the candidates for Lt. Governor will not happen unless the Legislature passes a bill that requires it, and if Corzine signs it. Some insiders think this ought to be done before the gubernatorial candidates pick their running mates, so the decision to have a debate won' be made based on whether legislators think it favors, for example, Barbara Buono or Thomas Kean, Jr.
