-- A pair of big-spending, notably nasty races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey entered their final hours Monday, as candidates made last-minute blitzes and brought in political heavy-hitters to help campaign.
In New Jersey, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine and Republican Doug Forrester spent the day stumping for votes in coffee shops, train stations and senior citizen centers after a week dominated by allegations of infidelity and corruption.
A Quinnipiac Poll released Monday gave Corzine a slight edge, 52 percent to 45 percent. The Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers Poll had Corzine leading 43 percent to 37 percent.
Asked at a Jersey City rally why people should vote for him, Corzine replied: "I want them to believe I have a vision for the state of New Jersey."
Forrester, who swept through diners and coffee shops with New York Gov. George Pataki, described his mood as "pumped."
"I was told a year ago if we came into the final week in single digits, we'll win. We are going to do this tomorrow," he said.
President Bush touched down briefly in Virginia on his return from a South American trade mission for a final rally with Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore. Democrat Tim Kaine campaigned with Democratic Gov. Mark Warner, who is barred by state law from seeking a consecutive term.
"He's got a clear agenda, and that's what you have to have to be governor," Bush told a crowd at the Richmond International Airport.
Recent polls show a deadlocked race between Kaine, the lieutenant governor, and Kilgore, a former attorney general.
"We're going to win this election _ we're going to sweep it," Kaine told several hundred gathered at the downtown Farmer's Market. "We're at the lead of this race because Virginians are asking themselves this basic question: 'Who can we trust to keep Virginia moving forward?' That's why the momentum is with us."
The two gubernatorial races are the most prominent in this year's off-year election. New York, Detroit, Houston, Boston, San Diego and Atlanta have mayoral races on Tuesday's ballot. Seven states are considering ballot issues.
In New York, Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg held onto a clear lead against Democratic underdog Fernando Ferrer. Both were out at dawn, greeting commuters in an effort to boost turnout.
