Both McDonnell and Christie attracted support from independents, who voted in large numbers for Mr.Obama last year.

VOA: standard.2009.11.03

In New Jersey, Democratic Governor Jon Corzine was rejected in his bid for a second term,losing to Republican Christopher Christie, a former federal prosecutor.

VOA: standard.2009.11.03

Christie used New Jersey's struggling economy as the focal point of his campaign.

VOA: standard.2009.11.03

A close race is being held for governor in New Jersey where the Democratic incumbent, John Corzine,is trying to hold off Republican challenger Chris Christie and independent candidate Chris Daggett.

VOA: standard.2009.11.02

The president made a recent campaign swing to New Jersey where the state's incumbent Democratic governor, John Corzine,is locked in a tight race with Republican candidate Chris Christie and independent contender Chris Dagget.

VOA: standard.2009.10.23