N.J. Rejects Joke Slogans

The Washington Times ^ | 26 December 2005 | Reuters

[COBOL2Java]

New Jersey, trying to overcome its reputation for corruption, traffic and toxic waste dumps, has rejected dozens of sardonic and sarcastic entries in a contest for a new tourist slogan.

A list of five possible slogans released last week leaves out "New Jersey: We can always use another relative on the payroll," and "Come to New Jersey: It's not as bad as it smells."

Voters get to pick the winner in the competition launched after acting Gov. Richard J. Codey threw out "New Jersey: We'll Win You Over."

"It makes me think of when I was young and single and asked a girl out," Mr. Codey said of that slogan, created by a consultant who was paid $260,000. "She turned me down. I said "Give me a chance, I'll win you over."

Nearly 7,800 entries were submitted to promote a state not widely known for its pristine countryside and sun-soaked beaches.

[COBOL2Java]

What are the five finalists?

1. "New Jersey: Expect the unexpected."
2. "New Jersey: Love at first sight."
3. "New Jersey: Come see for yourself."
4. "New Jersey: The real deal."
5. "New Jersey: The best kept secret."

N.J. voters have until Jan 1 to make their selection.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

New Jersey Turnpike. We'll pull you over.

[COBOL2Java]

I grew up in NYC. I can always remember the reply when someone said they were from NJ. "Oh, you're from New Jersey? What exit?"

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

New Jersey.....not enough ocean to wash it clean

[goldstategop]

New Jersey: "The Best Dem Whorehouse East Of Philly."

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[freebilly]

New Jersey: Just like Cleveland. Only Bigger.

[zarf]

Why do they call New Jersey the Garden State?

[SmithL]

Wisconsin tried doing the samw thing a few years ago. I wasn't a Wisconsinner, so they wouldn't let me vote for "Eat Cheese or Die!"

[freebilly]

New Jersey: Where Harlem meets Love Canal....

[sam_paine]

I grew up in NYC. I can always remember the reply when someone said they were from NJ. "Oh, you're from New Jersey? What exit?"

Oh, well, as if NY'ers aren't identical with the LIE. Ah, but "The City" folk are superior to Jerseyites and Lahngislanders.....

[socal_parrot]

promote a state not widely known for its pristine countryside and sun-soaked beaches

How about...

New Jersey: Come and visit our pristine countryside and sun-soaked beaches!

Can I have my $260k please?

[USS Alaska]

"Why do they call New Jersey the Garden State?"

It's covered with manure.

Corruption grows in NJ.

Dems can harvest votes from the ground.

[wireman]

New Jersey: Because they had to put the road from New York to Philadelphia somewhere.

[freebilly]

I grew up in New Jersey. Actually it was a great place to grow up. I played in the woods and meadows (until the developers came), spent a lot of time camping and hiking in the Watchung Mountains, went to Lake Hopatcong and Kemah Lake. My Dad still lives in Andover which is absolutely beautiful.

New Jersey: A Good Place to be from....

[Swanks]

New Jersey: Discover the State the mob runs.

[harpu]

"Why do they call New Jersey the Garden State?"

Because there are a lot of 'waste management' people planted there.

[andy58-in-nh]

"New Jersey: When you're here, you're Family. Or else."

[Alouette]

New Jersey: "Too Dumb To Pump Our Own Gas"

[tflabo]

New Jersey....Welcome to the Garden state. Now fork over your $$ and enjoy your govt. screwing you over and again.

[NJRighty]

...acting Gov. Richard J. Codey threw out "New Jersey: We'll Win You Over."

"It makes me think of when I was young and single and asked a girl out," Mr. Codey said of that slogan, created by a consultant who was paid $260,000. "She turned me down. I said "Give me a chance, I'll win you over."

He paid $260,000 of our tax dollars to come up with a slogan, then rejected it because it reminded him of a time he couldn't get laid as young man.