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August 13, 2001
The Free Congress Commentary
The 21st Century's "New Idea" Candidate
By Steve Lilienthal
Back in the early decades of the 20th Century, progressivism was considered
to be the coming political movement. In New Jersey, prominent leaders of
this movement, including a Jersey City mayor named Mark Fagan, became known
as "New Idea" Republicans. In this new century, New Jersey may once again
draw attention for becoming part of a coming movement. Only this time it is
being led by a Gary Hart Democrat turned Republican who realizes that
conservatism not only offers `new' ideas but superior ones at that.
Former Jersey City mayor Bret Schundler's biggest test as a vote-getter
comes this fall, but his record indicates that he is up to the challenge of
waging a winning general election campaign in the Garden State. Schundler
upset Jersey City's Democratic establishment by becoming mayor. Then, he
proceeded to reduce the tax burden, reduce crime, and spur urban
revitalization. At the heart of Schundler's beliefs is that it is the people
- not bureaucrats - who should be empowered to make the choices that matter.
This Harvard educated, former Wall Street businessman had once been a
Democrat. But as he explained in a recent interview with Newark Star-Ledger
columnist John McLaughlin it "became abundantly clear to me that the core of
the Democratic Party, the groups that call the shots, had no interest in
reforming government programs, because they were largely government
employees. It seemed to me that the core interest in the Republican Party
was taxpayer interests. The Republicans were saying: `We don't mind if you
actually make the programs work as long as you don't make them more
expensive.' I could find a more appropriate home for myself in the
Republican Party."
But though Schundler may feel comfortable in the Republican Party, the
establishment that runs the GOP did not feel particularly comfortable with
him. So the Republican Party establishment rallied around the state's
acting governor Don DiFrancesco, who replaced Christie Todd Whitman when she
became administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
DiFrancesco's candidacy imploded due to the news media's scrutiny of his
financial dealings. Eventually, the acting governor exited the race and
ex-U.S. Rep. Bob Franks entered. Franks had name recognition based on his
unsuccessful race against Jon Corzine in last year's U.S. Senate race and
inherited the support of the party establishment who bent the state's rules
to give his campaign more time and public money to run a primary campaign.
Franks tried presenting himself as a reformer. But he really proved to be
just another Northeastern moderate Republican more comfortable with the
status quo than really shaking things up.
Schundler prevailed because he ran on a campaign that placed trust in New
Jersey voters rather than the hew to the conventional politics favored by
the party's power brokers. Even last-minute desperation attacks by Franks
could not thwart Schundler's growing momentum. The "new idea" Republican
ended up winning the nomination in a stunning come-from-behind victory.
Now, Schundler is matched against the Democratic nominee, Woodbridge mayor
Doug McGreevey. It's McGreevey's second try. So far this summer, he's been
more interested in trying to tear down Schundler than in talking about his
own ideas about where New Jersey should be going. To his credit, Schundler
did not back down when challenged on his avowed pro-life position or his
sincere Christian faith.
Elites may disparage those beliefs, but voters usually appreciate the
sincerity with which they are held, even if they do not always share them to
the letter. They also appreciate a candidate who speaks directly to their
problems and offers ideas that can work rather than dishing out more of the
failed policies of the past. That is why a Ronald Reagan could win the
support of voters even in northeastern states.
Right now though the latest poll released last week by Quinnipiac University
shows McGreevey leading by nineteen percentage points. Schundler is not
fazed by the uphill nature of the fall campaign. After all, the polls showed
him down by 37 points against DiFrancesco and then 26 points behind Franks.
Most voters are not paying attention to the campaign yet. New Jerseyans rely
heavily on the New York and Philadelphia TV stations for their political
information. The newspapers and TV stations though tend to give the state's
politics tends to get short-shrift until the fall. There is a history of
candidates closing fast in New Jersey as exemplified by the victories of Tom
Kean (R) in the 1981 governor's race, Frank Lautenberg (D) in the 1982 U.S.
Senate race, and Christie Todd Whitman in the 1993 governor's race. The
Quinnipiac poll shows McGreevey still below the majority mark. In fact,
sizable numbers responding to the poll lack strong knowledge of both
candidates. The unfavorable ratings for both are only in the teens. So the
race is still very much open.
What's more Schundler has a record as a candidate able to cross party lines,
winning votes from people that most Republicans would just write off. But
the real difference this fall may turn out to be Schundler's sincere belief
in a conservatism that offers new approaches for New Jersey through an
agenda built around school choice, ensuring greater teacher accountability,
reducing highway tolls, less taxes and medical savings accounts.
"I went out there and explicitly laid out how I would solve the problems
that the people think need to be addressed," said Schundler in explaining
his primary victory. That commitment to conviction can work in the general
election too. If Schundler sticks to his game plan and holds fast to his new
ideas then do not be surprised if there is an upset this fall in New Jersey.
Steve Lilienthal directs media relations for the Free Congress Foundation.
For media inquiries, contact Steve Lilienthal [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For other questions or comments, contact Angie Wheeler
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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