Ledger DC Journal - News, Politics & Crime

Governor posts in New Jersey and Virginia are said to be key races for the 2009 off year election. Should Democrats be worried? Is this a referendum on the first year of the Obama Administration? It depends on whom you listen to and which party they are from.

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine in Dead Heat (Image: WENN)

Democrats say if they lose - it is nothing more than a slow off year election. Republicans say if they win, it is a big deal and will be an early snapshot of the satisfaction with the policies of President Barack Obama.

"The results will be taken by some as a referendum on President Obama's first nine months in office," the BBC said in a report, according to Press TV.


In Virginia, Democratic party candidate Creigh Deeds is battling a former attorney general, Republican Bob McDonnell, for the post of governor.

A hot race in heavily Democratic New Jersey, Jon Corzine -- the incumbent governor and liberal Democrat -- is fighting desperately to avoid defeat by former Republican prosecutor Chris Christie. President Obama pleaded with supporters this weekend at a rally to vote for Corzine.

"He's one of the best partners I have in the White House. We work together," Mr. Obama said. "We know our work is far from over."


The race in New Jersey is said to be a dead heat, according to political pollsters. In Virgina, most analysts are predicting a win for Republicans and Bob McDonnell.