This weekend, I attended a campaign event for New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester. His campaign against Jon Corzine has been surprisingly close with the election now less than three weeks away. Polls still show Corzine leading the race, but the numbers have been tightening day by day. John McCain showed up for the event, which took place in a packed room at Brookdale Community College on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Forrester told the packed room:

“We all need to think of ourselves as the same family. When we think of ourselves as being part of the same family, we have to realize that many stand throughout New Jersey. There are many out there who are hurt in NJ and there are some family members out there tonight who are hurting tonight, some heavier and more so than others. When some of the family hurts, all of the family needs to feel that hurt. In order to make sure that we bring ourselves together as family, irrespective of what town we come from, we need to take back New Jersey from the political bosses. We need to take it back from those who would use the power of government just for their own gain and for the gain of their political cronies. That’s what we need to take it back from. We’re taking it back for the taxpayers and those who are most vulnerable in New Jersey.”

After Forrester spoke, McCain addressed the crowd:

“I thank you for being here in support of this good and decent American who is willing to serve the state of New Jersey. A man dedicated to this country, the state of New Jersey, his community and his family. One of the things I know absolutely, the first priority of this good and decent American will be for our veterans. Today, as you know, young Americans are in harm’s way. I know of no one who is more committed to the veterans in our country and in the state of New Jersey than Doug Forrester. I’m very proud that when he becomes the governor of this state, veterans will receive the attention and care that they have earned and deserve.”