Normally the give-and-take of a tough political campaign means voters learn a great deal about their candidates for high office.
But not in New Jersey.
Polls suggest that Cory Booker, who began this race more than 30 points in front, will still prevail in his campaign for Senate when the votes are counted Wednesday. But longshot Steve Lonegan has been closing the gap with a relentless campaign focused on Booker’s tenure as mayor, as well as how he would likely vote if he joins Bob Menendez as the state’s other Democratic senator.
Back when Booker defeated the corrupt Sharpe James to become Newark’s mayor in 2006, The Post hailed his victory as “a breath of fresh air.”
But years later, he leaves office having made little dent in the dismal status quo — with its murder rate still high, its schools still failing and its taxes still oppressive. Yes, he inherited a mess, but we had hoped for some steak to go with all that Booker sizzle.
Instead we’re finding new questions.
About his tax returns and the $700,000 he got from his old law firm while it was doing business with two Newark city agencies.
About his “urban legends” — stories he’s been telling on the campaign trail about people and events that aren’t entirely grounded in truth. And about the house he bought and then allowed to lapse into disrepair before selling it off to a non-profit.
With each passing day, more of what we thought we knew about Cory Booker is being called into question. Unfortunately, it looks as if we will have to wait until after the votes are counted to get any real answers.