Election Notes

Although his name did not appear on any ballot, New Jersey Governor Jim Florio was one of the week's biggest losers. Elected by a landslide two years ago, the tough-talking Democrat won praise for his willingness to use political capital to eliminate a $600 million budget deficit and introduce $2.8 billion in new state and income taxes. Florio believed increased spending on education and a soak-the-rich progressive tax structure would appeal to the middle class. Instead, outraged voters rejected his program.

Democrats lost 21 seats in the assembly and 10 seats in the senate, providing the Republicans with vetoproof majorities in both houses. According to an election-eve poll, more than half of those questioned said Governor Florio's policies were the major issue in the campaign. Republican leaders immediately announced a rollback in the sales tax from 7% to 6%. But faced with a potential deficit next year, they are unwilling to make any additional promises.