by KYW's David Madden
One question that didn’t come up at Thursday night’s debate (see related story) between the three major New Jersey gubernatorial candidates -- whether they like the Yankees or Phillies in the baseball playoffs. So what if the two teams face off in the World Series? How does that affect the campaign?
Compared to property taxes, political ethics and the economy, baseball loyalties are probably not on the Corzine, Christie or Daggett short list these days.
But should the issue come up, Rowan University political science professor Larry Butler suggests they just be honest.
"People understand that if you’re a fan, you’re a fan for life and you need to stick to it. If you start trying to play games and say “Well, I kind of like both teams”, it just makes you sound like a wishy washy politician."
And, in a way, they might be better off if neither team gets to the World Series. Think about all the attention fans and news managers would pay to baseball instead of politics, particularly since game 5 is scheduled on the night before the election.
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