The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 11/1/06 Section: Top Stories

The 2006 New Jersey Senate race is in full force with elections less than a week away. After months of political mudslinging, the two candidates, Republican Thomas Kean and incumbent Democrat Robert Menendez are still at a near deadlock, according to the latest Qunnipiac University poll.

The key to the race will be the undecided voters, many of whom happen to be young adults. In this particular election year, it is their votes that may determine the winner.

In a recent William Paterson University lecture, Michael Principe, political science professor and constitutional law expert, explained to the attendees that they too have a voice in the political arena, especially at the state and legislative level.

The framers (of our Constitution) meant for the people to be educated and critical of our government," he said. "It is our job and right as citizens to light a fire under the toes of our representatives."

The first step in exercising the right to vote is to register, something many students neglect to do.

"It is important for students to register to vote," said senior Greg Stoklosa. "Many people feel that their votes don't matter, but if everyone felt that way, nothing would ever get done. We wouldn't have a democracy."

Many professors encourage students to register, and actually provide students with voter registration cards; junior Lindsay Bulmer said her American government professor did.

"I believe that I was given the right to have a say in the world," she said. "Many years ago people fought to have the right to vote and we should use it today."

Another problem is that students who are registered do not exercise their privilege.

"I am registered to vote," said junior Gerard Fisicaro. "I don't really like politics, and I feel that New Jersey is overly corrupt. I haven't voted since the 2000 election."

Unlike the presidential election, where the winner is determined by electoral votes, the senatorial elections are open to direct popular vote, which means that citizens' voices are heard much louder.

Senators propose the largest impact on legislation, which amplifies the importance for citizens to voice their support for either candidate.

Menendez and Kean have similar viewpoints on key issues that affect WPU students and could affect them in the future. The key issues in this year's election are enhancing educational funding, the War in Iraq, stem-cell research and the issue of already high and rising NJ property taxes.

This election has been smeared with political slander, which could potentially turn many voters away from the ballot boxes. The most controversial aspect of the Kean campaign has been a recent television spot, spoofing "The Sopranos." Entitled, 'The Politicos,' the commercial portrays a potential mob member in an alley talking nervously on a cell phone about a political scandal to which Menendez's name has been linked.

This election comes at a critical juncture for the U.S. Senate. For the past six years, the Republicans have enjoyed a majority rule in the Senate and House, allowing them to pass legislation in favor of their faction.

"Both Menendez and Kean are bashing each other," said Bulmer. "How are we supposed to know who will be good in office when all they are trying to get dirt on each other? It is important for people to know the issues and vote based on them rather than by party or who has the best slander."

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