As the New Jersey gubernatorial campaign winds down, I'm left to reflect on yet another down and dirty Democrat versus Republican battle.

This year's campaign was dominated by scare tactics and the deceptive wording of campaign messages, something not new to New Jersey politics.

What was new this year was a formidable Independent candidate, who didn't catch the attention of the trade associations and the public early enough to garner the support he deserves.  

For example, even though the Independent received public campaign financing, the New Jersey Association of REALTORS (NJAR) did not include him on their gubernatorial website.  (You'll need your NERDS # to log in and view this site.)  

When contacted about the omission, I was told that the NJAR developed its site before the Independent qualified for public financing or was considered a contender.

This is not to say NJAR is the only one at fault, most newspapers with any circulation at all haven't given us all the information.  That said, I must note the state's largest newspaper endorsed the Independent for Governor and that caused other media outlets to expand their coverage.

If New Jersey voters really want to control government spending and bring down taxes, we need to demand information on ALL the candidates.  The Democrats and Republicans have failed New Jersey time and time again...perhaps there is another option.

Tomorrow's Election Day and the debate will turn to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) tactics, which is why we say here in New Jersey...