Conservative Principles Now

Three long-shot Assembly candidates today accused Gov. Jon Corzine of using his personal wealth to silence influential members of the black community on an issue they say they are their allies on: school vouchers. "We strongly believe that school choice is the way out.  Many of these ministers have advocated the same thing, and ultimately you've seen the damaging impacts of Corzine's money," said Barry Funt, a Republican running for assembly in District 27 who has organized a group of mostly Republican Assembly challengers called "Citizens for Assembly." Funt was joined by two black Assembly candidates - Herbert Glenn, a Republican running in District 28; and Rev. Clenard Childress, a Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent who is running in District 34.  Districts 28 and 34 are heavily Democratic. At issue were the recent revelations that Corzine's philanthropic foundation last year gave $87,000 to the church of influential Reverend Reginald Jackson - who heads the Black Ministers Council and endorsed Corzine this month -- and $1 million three years ago to the Camden County nonprofit organization and church run by Rev. Bishop David G. Evans, who is a member of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority's board.  "When you have a job that basically appears to be appointed by Democrats in New Jersey already and you're receiving cash grants or whatever loan funds from the governor, how much can you stand up and point to the gross negligence of African-American leadership, and leadership in this government," said District 28 Republican Assembly candidate Herb Glenn, referring to Evans.  Still, the candidates were careful not to go out after the black religious leaders too forcefully.  Glenn, who sat next to a photo of himself holding an umbrella over Jackson while he spoke at a July school choice rally in front of the State House, tempered his language on the Jackson.  Jackson sits on the board of E3 (Excellent Education for Everyone) - a group that supports school vouchers, and has been an outspoken proponent of the idea.  Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie even engaged in a public flirtation with Jackson for his support.

Tags: African American Leadership, Assembly Candidate, Assembly Candidates, Bishop David, Camden County, Cash Grants, District 34, Funt, Gov Jon Corzine, Gross Negligence, Jon Corzine, Loan Funds, Ministers Council, New Jersey Politics, New Jersey Turnpike, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Personal Wealth, Philanthropic Foundation, Republican Assembly, S Board, School Vouchers