Response by Stephen Salmore

On the ballot or off, Bob Torricelli is shaping the dynamics of this year's race for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey.  Although virtually unknown, Doug Forrester was building a sizeable lead over Torricelli by pointing out to voters that he was NOT the ethically challenged Torricelli.  Even many Democratic voters were prepared to vote for the Republican Forrester, or just not vote, endangering down ballot Democrats running for county and local offices. Facing a November debacle, the Democrats engineered the candidate swap that brought former Senator Frank Lautenberg into the race as Torricelli's replacement.  Now Frank Lautenberg is leading Forrester as Democrats unite behind him, happy to vote for a candidate who is NOT Torricelli.

see also:
Larson's Analysis
Thigpen's Analysis
Tabular Results
Survey Details

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Professor of Political Science, Stephen Salmore (Ph.D., Princeton University). Steve specializes in both national and New Jersey politics and presently operates Raritan Associates, Inc., a political consulting firm that works with Republican candidates. He is co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics. Dr. Stephen Salmore can be reached at 973-292-3633."