No One To Blame...

After the 2005 New Jersey gubernatorial race, Doug Forrester blamed the POTUS for his lackluster performance at the ballot box. This was incorrect and a sad display from a desperate man who had lost his second statewide race, ending any lofty political aspirations. His campaign had two issues and they talked about them while answering every question (taxes & corruption). That was the entire depth of his campaign. (cough)

New Jersey is a sophisicated state with a perceptive electoriate. They saw one terrible campaign & one superficial (and equally terrible) campaign. NJ chose the former. I offered Mr. Forrester an assortment of tidbits on a variety of topics.

Example: (written 6/4/2005, during the primary)

Mr. Forrester: We will encourage the best and brightest to reside in New Jersey by promoting cutting edge science and technology. In addition to state bonds to fund stem-cell research (Mr. Forrester had a nuanced position on stem cells), my administration will sponsor a state-wide effort to modernize the way our communities and homes consume power. I am calling on universities and corporations to develop efficient production methods for the wide dissemination of solar paneled roofs. By expanding the use of solar panels in each individual home, we will begin an era of lower extraneous energy consumption which will be a model for the nation. It is critical these panels be durable and cost friendly. The ultimate goal of our state will be to reduce the consumption of outside energy consumed by homes 50% in 10 years. These residential solar-systems may one day turn individual residences into "Zero-Energy" consuming homes, allowing our technological advantages to turn into profits for every home which produces more energy than it consumes. It is through the individual efforts of each family and household that we can begin to lead the country in an “energy independence” policy. My administration will offer tax credits and incentives for those leading the charge to help clean our environment and our state.

I was largely ignored on this and many other topics.
I guess that kind of idea wouldn't play in a blue state.

BTW - Thursday (1/12/2006) California energy regulators approved $3 Billion over the next 10 years from consumer rebates to encourage citizens to install solar panels on their roofs.

Author's Note: Forgive my curtness, but I am awake past 3 am because of soreness (back to slinging silver and plates).