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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Tax Backer Wins New Jersey Primary

Associated Press

State Sen. Jim McGreevey, who voted for the infamous 1990 tax increase that doomed the state’s last Democratic governor, won the party’s primary on Tuesday to challenge Gov. Christie Whitman.

Backed by most of the state’s Democratic leaders, McGreevey defeated Rep. Robert Andrews and former prosecutor Michael Murphy for the chance to take on the popular, tax-cutting Republican governor.

Whitman’s promise to undo Democratic Gov. Jim Florio’s tax increase helped her narrowly defeat him four years ago. Despite the lack of primary opposition, she spent $3 million on advertisements reminding voters she delivered a 30 percent income tax cut a year ahead of schedule.

McGreevey, 39, won the support of party leaders in 12 counties and campaigned as the only Democratic candidate with chief executive experience. He has been the mayor of Woodbridge since 1992.

“Fiorello LaGuardia used to joke there isn’t a Republican or Democratic way to fill fix a pothole. I know how to get things done,” he has said.

McGreevey, however, is viewed by many in his party as vulnerable on the tax issue: In addition to voting for Florio’s tax increase, he also voted for Whitman’s tax cut.

“McGreevey has more support from power brokers in the party. That will make it easier for him to raise money,” said Whitman campaign spokesman Tom Wilson. “But he’s also the guy who walked lock step with Jim Florio down the plank and into the sea.”