Black Ministers' Support for Corzine in N.J. Governor's Race Brings Questions on Gifts
Mood:  chatty
Topic: Lib Loser Stories

Black Ministers' Support for Corzine in N.J. Governor's Race Brings Questions on Gifts

TRENTON, N.J. - Black clergy who endorsed Sen. Jon Corzine (left) for governor Monday found themselves on the defensive over $2.5 million in donations the senator's foundation has made to their churches.

Corzine's opponent in the governor's race, Republican businessman Doug Forrester (right), mentioned the wealthy Democrat's generosity to black churches during a news conference earlier Monday, implying that Corzine's gifts might have influenced the ministers' endorsement.

"I don't know which particular ministers will be casting their lot with Sen. Corzine and don't know what individual relationships they may have in terms of financial ones with the Corzine campaign," Forrester said before the ministers announced their support of Corzine.

The two candidates addressed the Black Ministers' Council of New Jersey on Sept. 12. Though the group does not make endorsements, 15 ministers who belong to the group came to the Statehouse Monday to stand with Corzine and give individual testimonials on his behalf.

Asked whether the donations - $1.8 million to the Rev. Calvin McKinney's Calvary Baptist Church in Garfield for a new church and more than $700,000 to other black churches, according to published reports - make it appropriate for them to endorse a candidate, the ministers bristled.

McKinney said he was endorsing Corzine for his stance on the issues and his vision for New Jersey, not because of a contribution to his church.

Corzine said the donation to Calvary Baptist was made in 2003, before he contemplated a gubernatorial run.

"The goal of what I have done with my charitable contributions is the same as it is in my public life: to try and make the world a little bit better," Corzine said.

Forrester has made one donation of more than $1,000 to a black church, said his spokeswoman, Sherry Sylvester.

Blacks make up about 11 percent of the New Jersey electorate.

Tampa Bay Online ~ Associated Press Breaking News - Angela Delli Santi ** Black Ministers' Support for Corzine in N.J. Governor's Race Brings Questions on Gifts