Frank LoBiondo: The Man for South Jersey

For the past 17 years, Frank LoBiondo has been the congressman for New Jersey's 2nd District^[1], covering most of southern New Jersey.  Although he is a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, he still has sound victories over his opponents, winning every year with over 20% more votes than his opponents.^[1]  His home-style feel and relate-ability in conjunction with his fairly moderate stances make him the perfect candidate for the people in his district. 

One only needs to look at the demographics to understand why LoBiondo does so well.  Being Catholic and Italian in a district filled with a large amount of Catholic Italians^[2] makes a huge difference in public perception.  The social divisions in society tend to have a large effect overall in the outcome of an election.^[6]  On this alone, LoBiondo has a leg up over the competition, and with trying to oust an incumbent being an uphill battle, its unlikely that will change in the next few years.  His name doesn't win elections by itself, however.  LoBiondo works hard to get his name out to the masses in a favorable light, and he does that quite well.  He often makes person visits to animal shelters, local farms or bogs, or even helping out with scholarship opportunity in high schools.^[3]  This was extremely effective, and I know from first hand experience.  When I was in elementary school, I won some state level award for high scores in school.  As a result, I was able to meet with LoBiondo, and even at age 9 I started to like the guy.  He was kind, and willing to take the time out of his schedule to shake hands and take a few pictures with a small boy.

This still doesn't make a lot of sense, though.  A republican being elected in a democratic district and state seems strange.  This is misleading, because the more rural southern part of New Jersey is slightly less liberal than the cities.  Also, LoBiondo is a fairly straightforward moderate.  Many of his economic stances on the environment or oil are more liberal than his Republican name might suggest.  Recently he voted in favor of the Cash for Clunkers organization, or giving federal workers paid leave for parental leave, as well as enforcing limits on CO₂ emissions, all typically democratic views.^[4] This moderation on issues like education, energy, environment and health care as well as his conservative stance on family issues, gay rights, or gun control give him the support he needs among the unique rural democrats that gives him the edge over his opponents. 

Being an incumbent, his advantage over his opponents does support his chances at winning, however he still actively meets with those in his district.  He has attended meetings with veterans, environmental clean-ups, or even small scholarship opportunities for the local children in high school.  He attended the local Super Bowl Breakfast party, and enjoys taking his two dogs out to the park in Ocean City.^[5]

Connecting with those he represents is critical to LoBiondo, and he does an excellent job.  Sometimes his conservative views do hurt his public opinion, such as his vote against embryonic stem cell research or his vote against reforming bankrupcy rules to prevent more foreclosures or his vote against monitoring TARP funds to ensure they're used properly.^[4]  These stances do hurt his public opinion, but with such a strong base of support built up from the rest of his career, he is still well liked among his constituents. 

In his last election he gained over double the votes of his opponent, and there does not appear to be any strong contender to face him in the upcoming election.  It would seem as though despite being conservative on certain issues, his more moderate stance is more appealing than someone who will always vote for their party.  Because he stands more liberal on those issues important to those in South Jersey, he shouldn't have a problem getting re-elected.  That's why Frank LoBiondo isn't just some political figure above the population, but one of the masses supporting the common man, perfect for South Jersey.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_LoBiondo#Electoral_history
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey#Demographics
[3] http://lobiondoforcongress.com/
[4] http://www.issues2000.org/NJ/Frank_LoBiondo.htm
[5] http://www.house.gov/lobiondo/
[6] Dr. Monson Class Lecture, March 1-17, 2011, W111 BNSN Brigham Young University, class lecture
[7] http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/L000554/votes/page2/ (second source for voting records)