One of the races I’ll be watching next Tuesday is Jon Corzine’s attempt to be re-elected governor of New Jersey. Corzine, a Democrat, is in a very, very tight race with Republican Chris Christie, but independent Chris Daggett is polling in double digits and could give Corzine the win. Former New Jersey governor James Florio, a Democrat, commented to the Washingtion Post about the similiarities between his 1993 loss and the Corzine situation.

“Virtually identical,” Florio said in an interview. “But this recession is worse. The situation he’s had in terms of deficits makes the problems I was dealing with look like pocket change.”

But is the recession Corzine’s big problem? Or, could it be his high-tax, big-government policies are seen as a failure even in a state where, reportedly, voter registrations run 4 to 3 in his favor? More from the Post:

In much of the state, however, Corzine remains associated with New Jersey’s heavy tax burden, especially the onerous property levies that he promised to reduce when campaigning four years ago. Those plans were largely undone by the recession, which left the state with a $7 billion shortfall and the governor’s approval ratings mired in the low 30s.

“He’s a failure,” said Bob Armstrong, 63, an engineer from Howell. “He made promises that he hasn’t kept. The state has, if not the highest taxes in the country, we’re right there. Property taxes are through the roof.”

This is going to be fascinating political drama. Keep your eye on this one Nov. 3rd.