Battle for the State Assembly: Democrats Confident in Dominance

As the highly publicized race for governor captures much of the attention in New Jersey, a quieter contest for the 80-seat state Assembly is underway, where Democrats are poised to maintain their nearly decade-long majority. Despite underfunding and relative anonymity, Republican challengers are struggling to gain traction, with few expecting Democrats to relinquish control of the lower house. Republicans, however, are running an anti-incumbent campaign, emphasizing Democratic support for Governor Jon Corzine and his policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Democrats hold a 48-32 majority in the state Assembly and are confident in their dominance.
• Republicans are struggling to gain traction in Assembly races, with underfunding and relative anonymity hindering their efforts.
• GOP State Chairman Jay Webber emphasizes the party's focus on picking up seats rather than defending incumbents.
• Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce emphasizes the need for changing leadership in Trenton to address the state's financial woes.
• Joseph Cryan, chairman of the Democratic State Committee, dismisses Republican claims as part of the "politics of no."
• Rider University political scientist Ben Dworkin believes that Assembly candidates are unlikely to ride Chris Christie's coattails if he wins.

Statistics:

• Democrats have raised $6.8 million in campaign funds and spent $4 million, while Assembly Republicans have raised $2.9 million and spent $1.2 million. (Source: Latest finance reports)
• Republicans are focusing on six sitting Democrats in three districts: the 36th, 14th, and 1st districts.
• In the 36th district, Republicans Carmen Pio Costa and Don Diorio are seeking to unseat Frederick Scalera and Gary Schaer.
• In the 14th district, both parties consider this a "classic swing district" currently represented by Linda Greenstein and Wayne DeAngelo.
• In the 1st district, Republican challengers Mike Donohue and John McCann are vying against Democratic incumbents Nelson Albano and Matt Milam.

Sources:

• CHRIS MEGERIAN, STATE HOUSE BUREAU, The Star-Ledger
• Associated Press
• Latest finance reports