In early November, two states that play a key role in America’s freight industry will hold elections for Governor. While there are no candidates running for office with a background in trucking on the state and federal level, it is still worthwhile to take a look at the big-picture, transportation-focused promises from the top candidates in New Jersey and Virginia.

Both states (Virginia, technically a Commonwealth), of course, lie in the path of Interstate 95 – a key artery in the Eastern seaboard’s transportation system. Both New Jersey and Virginia are also two of the country’s most populous, and hold plenty of sway when it comes to influencing the federal government on transportation and freight issues.

In New Jersey, Jon Corzine (D) is running for a second term for Governor. His opponent is former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie (R).

Corzine has touted his record of investment in transportation infrastructure, including upgrades to highways, bridges, and tunnels, which his team says has created thousands of new jobs. “He accelerated $2.8 billion in transportation projects, generating an estimated 26,000 jobs directly (and 45,000 jobs indirectly),” says JonCorzine09.com.

Christie, who currently leads Corzine in the polls, says he will tackle transportation issues in New Jersey with “better management.” According to his campaign website, Christie will take advantage of “innovative procurement methodologies like Design/Build/Operate/Maintain” to help keep the cost of transportation and construction projects down. Christie also pledges to reform state government, and will do that in part by eliminating “blatant conflicts of interest on New Jersey's boards and commissions,” including the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.

Speaking of the New Jersey Turnpike, whoever wins this election, the Governor will have to deal with a massive $7 billion capital improvement plan for highway. Earlier this month, construction began to widen a section of the road. On a daily basis, the Turnpike carries almost 700,000 vehicles, making it one of the most heavily trafficked – and congested – highways in the U.S.

In Virginia, the Governor is limited to serving consecutive terms, so voters will be guaranteed a fresh face at the State Capital come November. The candidates are former State Senator Creigh Deeds (D) and former Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell (R).

A large part of Deeds focus on transportation is on making improvements to mass transit as well as investment in biofuels. In the past, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee has also supported a higher gasoline tax to shore up the Commonwealth’s transportation budget.

For McDonnell, transportation is – or should be – a key issue for the Commonwealth. As Governor, McDonnell says he will initiate a number of state highway improvement projects, including widening Interstate 66 inside the Northern Virginia beltway, widening Interstate 64 in Hampton Roads, and widening Interstate 81 – a major trucking pathway in the western quadrant of Virginia.

For more information on where the candidates stand on transportation and how that may affect the trucking industry, visit each candidate’s campaign website:

Ÿ         Jon Corzine

Ÿ         Christopher Christie

Ÿ         Creigh Deeds

Ÿ         Bob McDonnell

So what do you think the candidates need to be doing or saying to show support for the trucking industry?