Chris Christie Unseats Corzine in New Jersey
Christopher J. Christie, a Republican former United States attorney who said he would vanquish corruption from the halls of New Jersey government, won the New Jersey governor’s race on Tuesday, defeating the incumbent, Gov. Jon S. Corzine, and striking a blow against the Democratic party on a national stage.
Mr. Christie, who accused Mr. Corzine of leading the state into economic turmoil, edged out Mr. Corzine by about four percentage points.
Mr. Christie’s victory was a surprising outcome to a bruising and bitterly fought race that often descended into personal attacks by both candidates. Although the campaign focused mainly on local issues, including a statewide corruption scandal, Republicans across the country were quick to portray Mr. Christie’s win as a defeat for President Obama, who was in the state campaigning for Mr. Corzine just a few days ago.
