No Primary Surprises As Romney, Kyrillos Win

It was a night of no suprises as Mitt Romney and Joe Kyrillos claimed victory in New Jersey’s primaries on Tuesday.

Romney Menendez faced no opposition for his party’s nomination for a second six-year term.

ARTICLES: June Primary

State Senator Kyrillos, of Monmouth County topped three little-known challengers on the Republican side and takes on incumbent Robert Menendez in the November election.

In his victory speech Kyrillos said policies that Sen.  Menendez supports have led to a struggling economy, unemployment and soaring national debt.

“Some would use much harsher words, but even Democrats think that Bob Menendez is mediocre,” Kyrillos said,  “We deserve much better.”

PASCRELL WINS A BITTER BATTLE

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell won a bitter battle of incumbents, easily besting fellow U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman in the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s newly drawn 9th Congressional District. “We did it,”

Pascrell said in a victory speech.

“My parents always taught me not to start fights but to know how to end them. Tonight we did just that.” Pascrell then ceremoniously rolled up his sleeves, indicating that he was ready to continue the “real

work” of representing the district.

In a concession speech, Rothman called Pascrell his friend and said he would help the Democratic ticket in the fall.

Donald Payne Jr. defeated five other challengers to win a Democratic primary to succeed his late father in Congress. He also won a special election to finish out the 12th term of his father, who died in March. Payne Jr. beat fellow Newark Councilman Ron Rice, state Sen. Nia Gill and three others challengers.

Payne said he ran because he knew best what his late father wanted for the people of the district. “I’m trying to do the things I saw my father do over the past 23 years,” Payne said.

INCUMBENTS FEND OFF CHALLENGERS

Democrat Robert Andrews  won  in the 1st Congressional district despite recent problems with campaign spending. Frank LoBiondo (R)  won in the 2nd Congressional district and  Albio Sires (D)  won  in the 8th Congressional district.

Scott Garrett has won the GOP primary in the 9th Congressional district while Republican Christopher Smith took the 4th district primary. In the 7th District, encompassing Hunterdon County, two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance of Clinton Township fended off a challenge by conservative David Larsen of Oldwick.

In the 6th District, Republican Anna Little won the right to a rematch against Rep. Frank Pallone in November.