War Over Waistlines Erupts In N.J. Race

PHILADELPHIA - Republican Chris Christie clings to his lead in the New Jersey governor's race on the eve of the candidates' second debate, but he's accusing Gov. Jon Corzine of starting a war over waistlines.

Watch Online: Candidates Debate Friday At 7 P.M.

Our new Rasmussen Reports poll shows Christie leading the incumbent Democrat, Corzine, 45 percent to 41 percent, with independent Chris Daggett at 9 percent.

Christie was firing back Thursday night, at what some view as a subtle, "under the radar" attack on his waistline. Call it the politics of pounds.

A Corzine ad used an interesting phrase to criticize Christie's driving record. The announcer says, "In both cases, Christie threw his weight around as US Attorney, and got off easy."

Then there's a Web video from Daggett that features an unflattering pose by an actor portraying Christie.

During a campaign stop in Westville, Gloucester County, on Thursday, Christie aimed his anger specifically at Corzine.

"What we've seen is a relentlessly negative, personal campaign," Christie said. "You know, I'm going to let you in a little secret. I know most of you didn't know this, but the governor's been whispering this to the press for months and months and months, and now he's trying to be a little cute about talking about it, too, through his TV ads. And I want to make sure you're all seated and OK before I let you in on a secret: I'm overweight."

Christie said he has been battling weight issues for years. He claims the Corzine camp is making an issue of it to deflect attention from the state's flagging economy.

On Friday, the candidates face off in our Fox 29 New Jersey Gubernatorial Debate. Watch it streaming live on MyFoxPhilly.com at 7 p.m. Or see it on Fox 29 at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Viewers can submit questions for the debate by clicking here.