Bush campaign opens Jersey headquarters

SOMERVILLE — A press conference room filled beyond capacity and smelling of freshly prepared popcorn was suddenly quiet as the crowd anxiously awaited Bush's entrance to open officially the New Jersey Bush campaign headquarters.

Flanked by Gov. Christie Whitman and New Jersey state Republican leaders, Dora Bush, George W. Bush's sister, entered the crowded room to roaring applause and cheers as if she were the candidate himself.

Hundreds of supporters and local officials turned out last night to join the state party leadership and show their support for Bush.

In recent weeks, political pundits have questioned whether candidates facing election or re-election in swing states such as New Jersey would want to be associated with Bush because of his weakening position in the polls.

Bush trails Gore 39 percent to 46 percent in a Reuters/Zogby National survey released last week with a margin of error of 3.2 percent.

But Whitman said in an interview during the event that Bush remains strong in New Jersey and predicted that a partnership between local candidates and Bush would lead to a Republican ticket victory in November.

"There is a great chance [for victory]," she said. "State candidates have grassroots networks that will help Bush, and he can energize the party to support the local candidates."

Republican Dick Zimmer, who is running in a highly contested race for United States Congress from the 12th district, said a stronger presidential candidate than Bush would have been a greater help to local candidates.

"Though [the new headquarters] is a way to get the Republicans involved, there is no better way than a strong presidential candidate at the top of the ticket," he said.

Nevertheless, Speaker of the New Jersey State Assembly Jack Collins said Bush will be an asset to the ticket and will in no way hinder local candidates' efforts.

"He is definitely going to help. He will . . . support the congressmen and state officials," Collins said, noting that voters who choose Gore may still vote for local Republican candidates. "The people of New Jersey are known for crossing party lines."

The office complex on Route 206 in Somerville, Somerset County, is a prime location for a presidential campaign headquarters, New Jersey counsel for the Bush campaign Chris Christie said.

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"It is centrally located at the heart of New Jersey," he said. "Somerset County is a great Republican area. There are many Bush supporters, and people who will volunteer."

The central location of the office will also allow easier access to many local candidates throughout the state. "Locating his office near my district will help," Zimmer added. "It is a partnership and we can help each other."