Turned off after latest 'political episode'

Kudos to New Jersey's Gov. Jon Corzine and state Attorney General Anne Milgram for breaking up one of the biggest and oldest pay-to-play schemes in state history. I am talking about the selling of raffle tickets during bowling leagues that involve thousands and thousands of New Jerseyans both young and old, both Democrat and Republican.

The governor pledged to put an end to pay-to-play, and I guess he really means it. The oh-so-clever attorney general sent out operatives in September 2008 to infiltrate and monitor bowling leagues throughout the state, watching quietly as someone would spend a couple of dollars for a chance to win a raffle of $30 or $40. The nerve of these people. The rest of this money would go to helping leagues defray costs of banquets and holiday parties.

Since this is an election year, the governor is leaving no stone unturned in his battle against corruption. This evil practice has been going on for more than 50 years, and Corzine knows that if he wants to win re-election, he must put a stop to it. Bowling establishments, which so graciously allowed this to go on, now face fines up to $3,000. There is no word from the attorney general's office as to how much this undercover operation cost the taxpayers, but I'm sure the governor will reassure us that it was money well-spent and we will be able to sleep easier tonight. As for the fines, they will help the governor to balance his budget.

I have been on the fence about who to cast my vote for this November, but after this political episode my mind is made up. The law that was supposedly broken is a stupid law and should be abolished. This governor has got to go, and any politician who backs him on this should also be shown the door. If you think the attorney general did this on her own, think again. She doesn't do anything unless she has the approval of the governor.

Give me a break. If this doesn't turn you off to this governor, I don't know what will.
Ken Bjornsen
Monroe