Spotlight on Chris Daggett
Posted October 9, 2009

In past weeks, we've highlighted the respective positions of Democratic Governor Jon Corzine and Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Christie on the critical issues of abortion and same-sex "marriage," but Corzine and Christie are not the only two candidates vying for the New Jersey governor's office. Independent Candidate Chris Daggett is also running and held a seat at last week's NJN debate.

Where does Daggett stand on these key issues?

Yesterday, the Star Ledger published a series of direct responses from the candidates on issues including abortion and same-sex "marriage." Unfortunately, in his statements Daggett revealed not only an anti-marriage, anti-life philosophy but also an appalling ignorance regarding current legislation.

Consider the following from the Ledger:

Q: Does New Jersey's current civil union law give gay couples the same rights and protections that marriage gives heterosexual couples? Should gay marriage become legal in New Jersey?

Daggett: "I'm not familiar with all the rights and protections that they are afforded under New Jersey law. I think it's pretty close, probably. It may even be the same, I don't know. If a bill is passed to allow gay marriage I would sign it. Recognizing the separation of powers of the different branches of government, I respect the Legislature's process and would be patient with it but at the same point if it languishes for too long a time I would become active on it."

Q: New Jersey does not currently restrict abortions with waiting periods, mandated parental involvement or limitations on publicly funded reproductive services. As New Jersey's next governor, would you change the state's current policy toward abortion? If so, how?

Daggett: "I am pro-choice and I believe in a woman's right to choose. I am not familiar with all the various restrictions or other issues. Generally speaking, I am very much a pro-choice person. I am not interested in changing the current laws."

While it's naive to believe every candidate will be fully informed on every piece of legislation currently on the books, it's disturbing to say the least when a candidate is not familiar with the basic components of laws governing some of the foremost issues facing our state today.

As the election rapidly approaches, it's critical that we as voters research the candidates, learn where they stand on the issues, and cast votes that match our values.

The NJFPC has just released our 2009 New Jersey Voter Guide to help you do just this. Visit www.njfpc.org today and scroll down to click on "2009 New Jersey Official Voter Guide." From there, you'll be able to access a voter guide for your particular legislative district.

Just because a candidate is uninformed doesn't mean you have to be. Check out our Voter Guide today, and then vote your values on November 3.

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