Sax Vs. Sex

Many people think all politicians are alike.

And in New Jersey, an eleven-term incumbent congressman may be concerned that he and his opponent are too alike, though his foe would say, in name only.

Eleven-term Republican Rep. Jim Saxton should be a shoe-in for re-election, says CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston.

But some vowel-play by his Democratic challenger could create confusion at the polls, and is already providing fodder for comic such as fake Comedy Channel news pundit Stephen Colbert.

During a recent show, Colbert began an interview with Rich Sexton by saying (tongue-in-cheek, no doubt!), "Congressman Saxton, what is it you would like to… "

Colbert was interrupted by Sexton, who said, "I'm Rich Sexton!"

"Excuse me?" Colbert replied.

"I'm Richard Sexton. I'm running against James Saxton."

"Did we know this?" Colbert asked, feigning annoyance with his producers.

But, says Pinkston, none of this is funny to Rep. Saxton's campaign.

With a sign in blue with the "A" in Saxton's name in red in the background, Saxton campaign manager Jeff Sapnig Hollendonner told Pinkston, "The real reason we're focusing on the 'A' is that we're proud of the congressman's record on the one hand, and on the other, it's the main difference between the last names."

Democrat Sexton says their names may be similar, but their positions are very different.

"Jim Saxton's been a rubberstamp for George Bush," Sexton asserted. "He's voted with him 85 percent of the time over the last six years."

Still, Pinkston points out, the voters might not know that.

After showing some on the street photos of Sexton and Saxton, Pinkston concluded, "Some wouldn't be able to pick the congressman out of a lineup."

Colbert even had Sexton do a mock concession call to Saxton.

But, concludes Pinkston, it remains to be seen who will get the last laugh on Election Day.