NORTH BRUNSWICK – Held on the off day of Oct. 16th, the Senate election is a base election, argue the forces of Republican challenger Steve Lonegan, who this week trotted out the endorsement of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who gave establishment Republicans the jitters in the 2008 election.
Democratic nominee for Senate Cory Booker is counting on that same panic attack revisiting Garden State voters.
“That’s a spark for us,” said the Newark mayor, referring to the Palin shout-out for Lonegan as he exited an IBEW union hall where he spoke in support of increasing the minimum wage.
“Sarah Palin is on the fringes of even the Republican Party,” Booker added, noting that Palin and others among Lonegan’s supporters are big contributors to the problem.
“They’re the ones shutting down government,” Booker said before climbing into an idling SUV. “This is the clearest choice possible.”
Lonegan’s unleashing Palin, while Booker has Vice President Joe Biden coming in for the homestretch, he added.
Anchored by AFL-CIO Leader Charles Wowkanech, the union hall food-fest for a minimum wage hike sat a small crowd of 50 people, who listened to both Booker and Democratic nominee for Governor Barbara Buono.
“I’ve got a debate tomorrow and I’ve had six hours of sleep this week,” said a hoarse Booker, riding the government shutdown as the crux of his campaign message with two weeks until Election Day.
