RNC Chairman Campaigns in Westfield

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele thanked GOP phone bank volunteers Thursday morning during a campaign stop for Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie in Westfield.

Appearing at the Union County Republican headquarters on North Avenue, Steele campaigned alongside Republican lieutenant governor nominee Kim Guadagno, Senate Minority Leader (R-Westfield) and several county Republican dignataries. During the event, Steele took time to thank the volunteers for their work.

"I want to take a moment to say how much I love you and thank you for what you're doing," he said. "This is a labor of love. Some of you have been in the trenches for a long tie, hoping against hope."

Switching to his role as the party leader, Steele used his remarks to deliver what amounted to a pep talk for the Christie supporters packing the room. He said that Christie is one of the best candidates he believes New Jersey has had run statewide. He noted that he does not think Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine should be running for reelection, based on his record in office.

"Corzine should be embarassed for wanting to run for reelection," Steele said. "It is not for me a sign of responsible leadership when you let a state like New Jersey, that has so much to offer, wilt on the vine."

He said his beliefs, which echoed many of the Christie campaign's main talking points, come from the current economic situation in the state and Corzine's record on taxes. Steele's remarks were similar to comments delivered by Guadagno during a speech to the Westfield Rotary Club on Tuesday.

In an interview following his remarks, Steele said he remains upbeat about New Jersey and Christie prospects. One of two governor's races in the country this year, the polls have shown Christie's once double digit lead shrink to a dead heat in recent weeks. A Rasmussan poll released Tuesday shows Christie with a two point lead, 43-41, over Corzine with independent Chris Daggett trailing behind. In the Virginia governor's race, Republican Bob McDonnell retains a solid lead over Democrat Creigh Deeds for the open seat.

Steele said he does not think Christie's campaign will be hurt by the Corzine camp's latest push to bring in a series of big names in the Democratic Party to campaign alongside the governor and his running mate, State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen County). In recent days, Corzine has campaigned with President Obama, Vice President Biden, former President Bill Clinton and Caroline Kennedy. Christie has had very few national GOP celebrities campaigning with him, with Steele being the biggest name in recent days.

"All of that is not enough to help Jon Corzine overcome his failed leadership," Steele said. "We don't need to flood the state with celebrities and superstars."

During a press availability seperate from Steele, Guadgano said similar things about Corzine's helpers, noting that Kennedy and others left the state after the appearance and would not be staying around to work on state issues. Both said the election would be won based on volunteers like the ones in the Westfield office.

During his remarks, Steele, a former Maryland lieutenant governor, took time to recognize Guadagno, who with Weinberg is running to be New Jersey's first lieutenant governor. He said it is unique job and he is confident that Guadagno, the Monmouth County sheriff, will do well.

"She is an accomplished leader," he said.

Steele, in a humerous remark, also paid complement to Guadagno's looks.

"I must admit that if I had sheriffs like this in Prince George's County, I'd stay in trouble, just so I could go to the sheriff's office," he said.

The remark was greeted by laughter from Guadagno and the largely female audience.

The phone bank was packed with volunteers making calls while Steele appeared. The Republicans sent out e-mails earlier this week to ensure a crowd for the national party chairman. The phone bank is being coordinated by Summit resident Dorothy Burger. Several Westfield politicos including Councilmembers Joann Neylan and Jim Foerst were on hand to greet Steele.

"Michael Steele coming shows that we can win this election," said Neylan, a regional head of Women for Christie. "He is a dynamic and genuine man. The words that would describe this campaign are dynamic and genuine."