"It's all hogwash," said Walter Fields, the state Republican Party's consultant in their bid to undo the redistricting plan backed by the Democrats.

"Most kids are not involved," said Walter Fields, a spokesman for the Irvington School District.

"Millions of dollars in slick commercials cannot hide the truth," said Walter Fields, a spokesman for Mr. Florio.

The most controversial move in the industry's campaign was the decision to hire Walter Fields, the former N.A.A.C.P. political action director.

"This party has to mature to where we understand it means supporting an individual in the general election despite your personal differences," said Walter Fields, a Democratic political consultant.

"It's the maturing of black politics," said Walter Fields, vice president for political development at the Community Service Society, a liberal research and advocacy group.

Field was born in Hampstead in 1872 to Walter Field, a landscape painter.

His sons Basil and Allen followed the legal profession, Walter Field devoted himself to art.

"If the mayor had left this alone, none of it would have mattered," said Walter Fields, a political consultant who is not involved with either campaign.

Walter Fields, a Democratic strategist, said the slim majority would give New Jersey Democrats a psychological boost.