Christine Todd Whitman made history as New Jersey's first female governor, serving from 1994 to 2001. Her political career in the state was marked by significant policy decisions, closely contested elections, and a distinct political identity that often placed her within the moderate wing of the Republican Party. Whitman's time in office saw her implement key campaign promises, navigate various controversies, and ultimately shape the political landscape
of New Jersey for nearly a decade. Her governorship remains a notable period in the state's history, characterized by both fiscal reforms and social debates.
The Path to the Governor's Office: Elections and Early Promises
Whitman's journey to the governorship began with a successful Republican primary. In the 1993 general election, she challenged incumbent James Florio. The election was remarkably close, with Whitman winning by a single percentage point, securing a plurality of the votes. This victory made her the first woman to hold the state's highest office. Her campaign was not without controversy; charges of minority vote suppression were raised, stemming from claims made by her campaign manager, Ed Rollins, who later bragged about spending money to suppress the black vote. Whitman denied these claims, demanded an apology, and an investigation found no wrongdoing.Four years later, in 1997, Whitman sought re-election. She again faced a tight race, narrowly defeating Democrat Jim McGreevey, then the mayor of Woodbridge Township. Her margin of victory was once more just one percentage point, securing her a plurality of the votes. A Libertarian candidate, Murray Sabrin, also played a role, finishing third with five percent of the vote. These two elections underscored Whitman's ability to win in closely contested environments, solidifying her position as a significant figure in New Jersey politics.
Defining Her Tenure: Policy and Political Identity
During her time as governor, Christine Todd Whitman was often described using various labels, including a Rockefeller Republican, a liberal Republican, and a moderate Republican. The Washington Post, in 1995, characterized her as an "East Coast blue blood" with roots in the patrician Republican politics of earlier decades, noting her pro-choice stance. This identity set her apart from the party's shifting base towards the South, West, working class, and religious right.One of Whitman's central campaign promises in 1993 was to lower state taxes by 10% a year for three years. Upon taking office, she fulfilled this pledge by reducing income taxes. This move was intended to improve the "well-being of the New Jersey family," as argued by Jim Saxton in a report to the federal congress, who also contended it would not lead to an increase in property taxes. Beyond tax cuts, Whitman also instituted education reforms and repealed a one percentage-point increase to the state sales tax imposed by her predecessor, reducing the rate from 7% to 6%. She also removed excise taxes on professional wrestling, which led to the World Wrestling Federation resuming events in New Jersey, earning her an honorary WWF Champion title and a replica belt.
Navigating Controversies and Social Issues
Whitman's governorship was also marked by several controversies and her engagement with social issues. In 1995, she faced criticism for comments about young African-American males playing a game called "jewels in the crown," which she claimed involved having as many children as possible out of wedlock. She later apologized for these remarks and expressed opposition to Congressional Republican efforts to bar unwed teenage mothers from receiving welfare payments.In 1996, Whitman rejected a recommendation from the Governor's Council on AIDS to fund a needle exchange program aimed at reducing HIV infections. Later, in 1999, she vetoed a ban on partial-birth abortion, though her veto was overridden. However, the statute was subsequently declared unconstitutional by the judiciary. Another significant event occurred in 1999 when she fired Colonel Carl A. Williams, the head of the New Jersey State Police, after he made controversial statements linking minority groups to cocaine and marijuana trafficking, and white biker gangs to the methamphetamine trade. These instances highlight the complex social and political landscape Whitman navigated during her time as governor.
