Forrester favored by most local voters

Gets biggest support in Millstone and Upper Freehold. (Nov. 10)

By: Lauren Burgoon
   He might have lost Tuesday’s gubernatorial election, but Republican Doug Forrester was the favorite choice for governor among voters in The Messenger-Press’ coverage area.
   Mr. Forrester, a former West Windsor mayor, carried the vote in Allentown, Plumsted, Upper Freehold, Millstone and Washington, all typically Republican strongholds for local and state elections.
   Mr. Forrester enjoyed his biggest margin of victory locally in Millstone and Upper Freehold, where he garnered nearly 70 percent of the vote in both towns. Mr. Forrester outpaced Democratic victor Jon Corzine by 2,175 to 972 in Millstone and 1,577 to 701 in Upper Freehold.
   Plumsted residents voted 1,563 to 744 in favor of Mr. Forrester.
   Votes were more evenly split in Washington and Allentown. In Washington, 2,086 people voted for Mr. Forrester, compared to 1,559 votes for Mr. Corzine. Allentown’s results were the closest margin. Mr. Forrester won by 332 – 294 in the borough.
   The governor’s race and a series of local elections did not muster much excitement among the electorate this year. Approximate turnout percentages were Allentown, 53; Millstone, 51; Plumsted, 58; Upper Freehold, 56; and Washington, 54.