>By ANGELA DELLI SANTI – 1 hour ago
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie (KRIS’-tee) has won the Republican nomination for New Jersey governor and will face incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine (KOR’-zyn) in November.
Christie defeated former Bogota (ba-GOH’-tah) Mayor Steve Lonegan (LON’-eh-gan) and Assemblyman Richard Merkt (merkt) in Tuesday’s primary. The Associated Press called the race based on an analysis of partial election results.
Christie is trying to become the first Republican elected in a New Jersey statewide race since 1997.
The 46-year-old Mendham resident built a reputation as a corruption fighter during the seven years he spent as the state’s top federal law enforcement official under President George W. Bush.
Corzine faced token opposition in the Democratic primary. Vice President Joe Biden appeared with the 62-year-old former U.S. senator to formally launch his re-election bid after polls closed Tuesday night.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Incumbent New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (KOR’-zyn) has won the state’s Democratic gubernatorial nomination and will seek his second term in November.
Corzine easily defeated three little-known competitors Tuesday in a low-key primary election. The Associated Press called the race based on an analysis of partial election results.
The 62-year-old will have a tougher challenge in November. Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie (KRIS’-tee) and former Bogota (ba-GOH’-tah) Mayor Steve Lonegan (LON’-eh-gan) are battling for the Republican nomination.
Corzine is a former U.S. senator and ex-CEO at Wall Street investment firm Goldman Sachs. The wealthy Illinois native spent $40 million on his first gubernatorial campaign in 2005.
He kicked off his campaign in West Orange on Tuesday night with Vice President Joe Biden. Another rally is planned Thursday with rocker Jon Bon Jovi.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
