NJ governor makes campaign pitch at Indian mela

Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula meet and greet constituents on a walking tour of the Indo-American Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Mercer County Park

NEW JERSEY: Continuing to reach out to Indian American voters in New Jersey, state governor Jon S. Corzine visited the Indo-American Festival held at the Mercer County Park in West Windsor, over the Labor Day weekend.

Governor Corzine was accompanied by his running mate Senator Loretta Weinberg, candidate for New Jersey's first-ever Lieutenant Governor, as he lit the ceremonial lamp to kick off the two-day event on Sept 5.

"New Jersey's Indian American community has made invaluable contributions to our great state," Corzine said. "I'm always proud to have the opportunity to celebrate the Indian culture and traditions. I believe that New Jersey's diversity and pluralism is one of our greatest strengths." 

"Diversity is the fabric of this great state," said Sen. Weinberg. "There is little that we cannot accomplish if we fight for our shared values together. I am proud to stand with the Indian-American community to re-elect Governor Corzine in November."

Calling on Indian Americans to support the Corzine-Weinberg ticket, Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula called for the re-election of Governor Corzine.

"Governor Corzine has been a great friend of the Indian-American community," Chivukula (D-Somerset) said. "In all my years as a legislator, I have yet to see a Governor as dedicated to multicultural issues as this governor. We must work hard to get him re-elected."

Also batting for the governor was Jigna Rao, Director of Drumthwacket, the Governor's official residence, who accompanied Gov. Corzine to the weekend event.

"In my experience, Governor Corzine has attended more South Asian events than any Governor of New Jersey," said Rao. "This demonstrates his commitment to this community and to diversity."

The Indo-American Festival was the sixth such event held at West Windsor's Mercer County Park. Organizers say the annual event draws a crowd of an estimated 50,000. The festival's goal is to share and promote Indian culture with all Americans.

India Post News Service