Corzine Expects Positive Job Growth-"Don't Blame Me For State's Troubles"

Gov. Jon Corzine said today he expects positive job growth when the state releases new unemployment statistics on Wednesday. "It wouldn't surprise me," he said during an interview on MSNBC's Morning Joe program. "I think actually the stimulus has done a lot to begin to turn a massive ship." New Jersey's unemployment rate rose to 9.2 percent in June, although the loss of 2,100 jobs was the smallest decline since February 2008, according to the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state's economic situation has been a central issue as Corzine fights a tough reelection campaign against former U.S. attorney Chris Christie. "I actually think that the number one, two and three issue is the economy," Corzine said. "People are really, really challenged in the world that we live in right now." The governor admitted it's a tough time to run for reelection. But he said his administration and the state is not to blame for the state's economic troubles. Star Ledger