The big argument going into the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary this coming Tuesday is just who is the legitimate conservative -- or more precisely, whether the establishment frontrunner Chris Christie is a legitimate conservative.

The latest Rasmussen poll has Christie, a former U.S. attorney, ahead of right-wing insurgent Steve Lonegan, a former Bogota mayor, by 46%-35%. But in a low turnout primary, of course, anything can happen. So Christie has brought in a true-believing, genuine conservative politician to be his advocate: Mitt Romney.

"Chris Christie is a strong conservative voice for balanced budgets, low taxes and more jobs," Mitt said.

Lonegan fired back in two ways. First, he called B.S. on Romney: "Mitt Romney was rejected by Republican Primary voters because he was a moderate trying to pass himself off as a conservative just in time to win an election." Next, he rolled out his own right-wing endorsement from the legendary activist Phyllis Schlafly.

Incumbent Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine is not exactly popular right now, but he can still potentially win re-election through the time-honored method that has worked for many New Jersey Dems before him: Relying on the Republicans to wage a right-wing campaign that alienates all the suburban voters in this blue state.