New Jersey 2005 Governor Race
...Forrester had the entire nation watching. The arguments resembled high school girl fights more than political debates. New Jersey's scandal filled political system mirrors the days back in the early 19th century. A look at New Jersey's culture, economically and politically, and the structure of their government, powerful counties, helps clear the smoke a little on this unique state.
Culture
"New Jersey is a keg tapped at both ends," once stated by Benjamin Franklin in reference to New Jersey's geographical positioning between two major cities, New York and Philadelphia (Connors 3). New Jersey is divided into two areas, North Jersey and South Jersey. North Jersey is the counties within New York City's general sphere of influence with many of its residents commuting into the city for work. It is considered highly urban, densely populated and heavily industrialized. South Jersey is the counties within Philadelphia's sphere of influence. This area is considered to have a very high standard of living, be more open and spacious and be more agricultural. This is the area that has the majority of the farmland and wilderness. Some would say there is a Central Jersey. This would be the counties not quite in either major cities arena; however, because of New York City's rapid development, Central Jersey is now considered part of North Jersey (Pomper 9). New Jersey is the ninth largest state in the United States according to population but is the fourth smallest state in area, making it the most densely populated state in the nation with 1,042 persons per square mile (Connors 12). The six counties surrounding New York City have half the states population (Connors 11). New Jersey is largely a suburban state with only 4 cities with populations over 100,000. It also is the only state in the nation to not have any counties classified as rural; all...
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