TRENTON, N.J. – If you were pulling for “New Jersey: You Got a Problem With That?” as the new state slogan, forget about it, buddy. The winning entry in the slogan contest was: “New Jersey: “Come See For Yourself.”

The new tag line is aimed at drawing more tourists to a state often associated with mobsters, traffic-choked highways and refinery odors that cause drivers to roll up windows on the way through.

“Our catchphrase should hint at our true beauty,” Gov. Richard J. Codey said.

The slogan was the top choice among 11,227 telephone and online votes cast by residents for five final entries.

In the end, voters decided it was better not to tell people to “Expect the Unexpected,” have “Love at First Sight,” enjoy “The Real Deal,” or discover “The Best Kept Secret.”

The contest was launched after Codey rejected a marketing company’s proposal, “We’ll Win You Over.” He said it reminded him too much of when he was single and asked girls out on a date.

His office and tourism officials chose the finalists from about 8,000 ideas, including “You Got a Problem With That?” and “Most of Our Elected Officials Have Not Been Indicted.”

The winning slogan’s author, state transit agency worker Jeffrey Antman, won two tickets to a New Jersey Nets or Devils game and a two-night stay at a golf resort — in New Jersey, of course.

Source: Yahoo! News

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