"Dux femina facti"

("The exploit was led by a woman")

Aeneid - Book I

Closing out next month’s gubernatorial election, Democratic nominee U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill and Republican nominee and ex-state lawmaker Jack Ciattarelli, must now know that things turn sour, and quick, when the battle for the top turns into a race for the bottom.

Of course, after the June primaries, expectations were different: two seasoned office holders, victors of spirited campaigns, squaring off before a statewide audience hungry, or perhaps starved, for meaningful debate.

As for managing the business of state and the question of who would be best at it, there was a lot to talk about and, yes, a lot to argue about.

But an overarching lamentation for the race so far is the loss of momentum for the candidates to excel. And, basically, the fault lies with the Ciattarelli campaign.

Trading charges, “one is for higher taxes,” and “one is for higher utility costs,” or just the lack of civility, for example, hasn’t exactly elevated the quality of debate.

Unfortunately, it’s almost what voters expect to see and hear and often enough simply ignore, as best they can, and the voter is left bereft of insights as to how either candidate plans to manage and govern the state.

Where clumsy campaign accusations fail voters dramatically though are when they are so unfounded and out of line, they require apologies and retractions.

When a branch of the National Archives released an unredacted version of Mikie Sherrill’s military record, which included her social security number and other personal data, it changed the dynamic of the gubernatorial campaign.

Ultimately, the Sherrill campaign ‘righted the ship’ when the attempted smear, labeled a “politically motivated disclosure,” morphed into an opportunity to expose the tactic as a cheap shot and call out those responsible.

Although bogged down for more than two weeks in a 24/7 news cycle fighting off unwarranted smears, the Sherrill campaign now has a path forward to excel as planned.

When the campaign focuses on critical concerns such as New Jersey affordability issues and the loss of critical federal infrastructure funds, it all resonates.

By advocating for policies aimed at alleviating financial costs for people young and old, Mikie Sherrill demonstrates that she understands the New Jerseyan with everyday concerns.

Consequentially, her candidacy also offers a pivotal moment in New Jersey’s political landscape especially for female leadership.

She emerged from the crowded male dominated democratic primary as a compelling candidate with a proven record demonstrating she has the skill and experience needed for modern-day leadership. Her aim is to make life more affordable for New Jersey families.

In her bid to be New Jersey’s 57^th governor, as a Navy pilot, former prosecutor, and a well-respected four term Congresswoman, she offers broad regional and demographic appeal.

Her bio-centric primary campaign illuminated what many consider to be the most impressive credentials in the entire United States Congress.

Voters are earnestly looking for leadership and the willingness to stand up for the state and the country, someone to fight for the people of New Jersey.

Opportunity abounds. Circumstances are challenging.  History doesn’t favor either candidate.

The party in power in the White House isn’t usually given a leg up in the following year’s statewide race here in New Jersey. (One of only two in the nation).

That said, perhaps Jack Ciattarelli would feel more confident this time, his third try, if Kamala Harris occupied the White House.

At the same time, neither political party has enjoyed three consecutive terms in the Governor’s seat since 1961, the year when Democrat Richard Hughes succeeded two-term Democrat Robert Meyner.

In a complicated landscape, both for our state and the nation, make no mistake: Mikie Sherrill will be a warrior for New Jersey.

She’s made a career of defying the odds. It’s time to make history. Put Mikie Sherrill in charge.