Barbara Buono Bashes Democratic Party Bosses [VIDEO/AUDIO]

NEW JERSEY 101.5

State Senator Barbara Buono, the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor, delivered the most powerful and passionate speech of her entire campaign on Tuesday night.

The speech came minutes after incumbent Governor Chris Christie was declared the winner in the race.

As she conceded defeat, Buono thanked supporters for believing in the vision of hope and opportunity. She then lashed at her own party.

"We took on the bosses and the political machines that have defined New Jersey politics for far too long," Buono said. "We rose above the political system that too often requires surrendering ones values, a system where back room deals fueled by greed and self interest are just the order of business."

"The Democratic political bosses, some elected and some not, made a deal with this Governor, despite representing everything that they're supposed to be against," Buono continued. "They didn't do it to help the state, they did it out of a desire to help themselves politically and financially."

Buono added New Jersey represents the last vestiges of the old boy machine politics that used to dominate states across the nation.

"Unless more people are willing to challenge it, New Jersey's national reputation will suffer among families that might otherwise move here, among businesses, and among those honest and qualified candidates who might come here and run for office," Buono said.

During the campaign, many political observers felt Buono was unable to raise significant funds because she did not have the backing of Democratic Party power-brokers.

She also urged more young women to become involved in politics, telling them they will be questioned, but offering a piece of advice.

"Stand up to the name calling, look them dead in the eye and declare firmly and confidently once and for all, enough is enough," she said. "Their attempts to marginalize or dismiss you is never an acceptable excuse to back down."

"View it as a challenge, view it as a call to action, a call for you to stand up and fight for what you believe in."

She also said she will continue to stand up and speak out, defending the downtrodden and disenfranchised, and continue the struggle that her campaign embraced.