Buono Misses Deadline For Bio Information On Sample Ballots
PARAMUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono said it was a mistake that her campaign missed a deadline to get a statement about her included in sample ballots now being mailed out.
The Democratic candidate's campaign missed an Aug. 19 deadline to submit a 500-word statement about the candidate to be printed in sample ballots mailed to every registered voter before the Nov. 5 election. The sample ballots are going out to 5.5 million people.
The Middlesex County state senator downplayed the error Tuesday. While campaigning at a picnic for seniors in Paramus, Buono told The Record, calling it a "mistake on the part of the campaign," but also calling it essentially meaningless.
"Quite frankly I never knew of anyone who made their decision in an election based on what was printed on the back of a sample ballot," Buono was quoted by the newspaper.
She said voters will choose between her and Gov. Chris Christie, based on the issues and the gubernatorial debates.
Christie and six unknown candidates all submitted the statements.
In 2009, Christie used his five paragraphs to make his case to voters. He talked about his family and New Jersey roots, and outlined his political ambitions. He promised to ``change the way Trenton operates from the outside in,'' vowing to create jobs, shrink government and lower taxes.
Amy Davis, a compliance officer with the Election Law Enforcement Commission, said it's rare for a candidate not to submit a statement.
Buono has struggled to get her name and her message across to voters. She trails Christie by 20 points in polls.
Her campaign did not return an email message seeking comment on Tuesday.
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