African Americans For Christie Co-Chairman Jeffrey Booker Releases Statement On Gov. Corzine's African American And Hispanic Support

TRENTON – Citing a study published this month by the Economic Policy Institute that reveals disproportionately high levels of unemployment among African Americans and Hispanics in New Jersey, Jeffrey Booker, statewide Co-Chairman of African Americans for Chris Christie, today released the following statement regarding Governor Corzine’s support among these minority groups:

“While Governor Corzine’s policies and broken promises have hurt families and communities everywhere in New Jersey, these new figures confirm that African Americans and Hispanics are suffering disproportionately from Jon Corzine’s failures as governor. Our communities are hard-hit and in need of the positive change and renewal offered by Chris Christie. It’s no wonder then that African Americans and Hispanics are supporting Chris’ campaign at exceptionally high levels.”

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Corzine’s “Has Some Work To Do” Due To Lower Than Expected Support Among African Americans And Hispanics In New Jersey

“One are where Corzine particularly has some work to do is among minority groups that are usually supportive of Democratic candidates. Even though 92% of blacks in the state approve of Barack Obama’s job performance, only 64% of them are currently saying they’ll vote for Corzine. And while 67% of Hispanics approve of Obama, they’re currently going for Christie by a margin of 50-33.” (“Christie Holds Double Digit Lead,” Public Policy Polling Press Release, 7/28/09)

NJ Unemployment At 9.2%, Highest In 32 Years

“New Jersey's unemployment rate reached its highest level in 32 years in June.” (“New Jersey Unemployment Reaches 9.2 Percent In June, Highest In 32 years,” Associated Press, 7/16/09)

African American Unemployment In New Jersey Is At 13.6% (Algernon Austin, “Unequal Unemployment,” Economic Policy Institute Issue Brief, 7/21/09)

Hispanic Unemployment In New Jersey Is At 11.5% (Algernon Austin, “Unequal Unemployment,” Economic Policy Institute Issue Brief, 7/21/09)