Corzine, Christie honor firefighters in Wildwood
Firefighters watch the big screen as Gov. Jon S. Corzine speaks Friday at the annual New Jersey firefighters convention in Wildwood. A mix of cheers and boos greeted both Corzine and rival Chris Christie at the event.
Photo by: Dale Gerhard
By MICHAEL MILLER Staff Writer, 609-463-6712 | Posted: Friday, September 18, 2009 | 0 comments
WILDWOOD - Firefighters cheered (and booed) Gov. Jon S. Corzine as he approached the stage Friday at the Wildwoods Convention Center for the annual New Jersey firemen's convention.
And then they cheered (and booed) Republican candidate Chris Christie.
The Republican received a far more enthusiastic reception at the annual meeting of firefighters. But both candidates paid tribute to the firefighters and their dangerous jobs in a scene that plays out every election year......Continue Reading
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U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, who also spoke to the delegation, said candidates campaign before this demographic because firefighters hold positions of influence and esteem in their communities.
"I think they epitomize all that's good in society," he said. "They're involved in all aspects of the community. They're politically astute. Their opinion is very respected."
Lavallette firefighter and Republican Jim Borowski said the convention is influential if only for numbers alone. An estimated 8,000 firefighters packed the hall for the speeches. Thousands more take part in other convention activities on the island.
"I think the fire service is a significant voting bloc," he said.
John Weingart, associate director of Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics, agreed.
"Firefighters, police and teachers have been seen as good public servants," Weingart said. "There are some in every community. Everyone knows someone with one of those jobs. They know there's a certain selflessness and dedication to the public involved in taking that job. They're generally thought of as honorable people."
Weingart said the firemen's convention is an attractive campaign stop for candidates because it concentrates these influential voters in one place.
"If you have people in every town speaking well of you, that's a step up," he said.
That might explain why Christie practically completed a "tour de stad" at the cavernous convention hall, climbing the stairs in every section to greet well-wishers after his speech.
Both Corzine and Christie called the firefighters heroes and promised to sign a bill providing benefits to the families of volunteer firefighters who die on the job if the Legislature approves it.
But Christie disputed the notion that his speech - in which he made promises about what he would do if elected - was a campaign stop.
"I'm not here to court firefighters. I'm here to honor firefighters," he said. "That wasn't a political speech up there."
E-mail Michael Miller: MMiller@pressofac.com
Posted in Cape_may on Friday, September 18, 2009 10:05 pm Updated: 10:08 pm.
