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For the final 22 days of their campaign, Republican gubernatorial challenger Chris Christie and his lieutenant governor running mate Sheriff Kim Guadagno plan to travel around New Jersey discussing what they see as the struggles New Jerseyans face because of Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine's high taxes and failed economic policies, their campaign announced Monday.

Christie and Guadagno will hold Corzine accountable by highlighting the potential property tax increases communities are facing because of Corzine's policies, said Brittany Brammell, a campaign spokeswoman.

On Monday, they campaigned in Linden and Camden.

Christie is telling potential voters that in 2005, Corzine promised 40 percent property tax relief in four years and despite the pledge, New Jersey continues to have the highest property taxes in the nation, with the average property tax bill going up by $1,000 over the past four years. Christie is also telling them New Jersey ranks as the state with the highest tax burden in the country.

"The numbers are clear,'' Brammell said, "New Jerseyans' property taxes are not only unbearable but they have gotten progressively worse under Jon Corzine.''

"It's simple,'' said Bill Stepien, Christie's campaign manager. "If Jon Corzine had kept his promise to the people of New Jersey and lowered property taxes by cutting wasteful spending and controlling the bloated state government, the people of our state would have more money in their pockets to help deal with these difficult economic times.

"As Chris travels across the state, we will highlight Jon Corzine's increases on property taxes because Wall Street Millions cannot hide his broken promises and failed policies."

At a town meeting in Linden Monday, Christie said residents have sustained a 25.2 percent property tax increase due to Corzine administration policies. In Camden, he said property taxes rose 8 percent under Corzine.

– TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM