SD, NJ House Results
SD AL
State Rep. Kristi Noem (R) won a come-from-behind victory in SD-AL, defeating a better known candidate (Sec/State Chris Nelson) and better funded challenger (NRCC "On the Radar" candidate/state Rep. Blake Curd), 41%-35%-23%.
Noem outraised underfunded Nelson, but was nearly doubled up by Curd, who spent heavily on TV advertising to introduce himself to voters. But Noem's TV ads were very well done, and allowed her to rise above the pack.
Curd was in the NRCC's "Young Guns" program, but some GOPers are also excited about Noem's potential, and they believe she's the party's best matchup against Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D). In this heavily GOP-leaning state, if Noem and her profile as a rancher can neutralize Herseth Sandlin's strengths, she has a very good shot at taking down the incumbent.
There won't be any bitter GOP fued to worry about here. The campaigns, for the most part, avoided all negative attacks. The GOP will be united for a very winnable race against Herseth Sandlin.
NJ 03
It may be an anti-establishment year, but the machine came through for the two party picks. Ex-Philly Eagle Jon Runyan (R) -- who was backed by all 3 county GOP organizations -- easily defeated '08 candidate Justin Murphy (R), 60%-40%. Murphy ran to Runyan's right on abortion and attempted to rally anti-establishment support, but came up short in his bid.
Rep. John Adler (D), meanwhile, dispatched with a challenge from his left from Lacey Twp. Dem Chair Barry Bendar (D), 75%-25%. Bendar hit Adler on his vote against the health care overhaul, but had little support (financially or otherwise), and didn't gain much traction.
This CD blows with the political winds. In '08, Pres. Obama won it with 52% (Adler won it with an identical score), while in '09, Gov. Chris Christie (R) carried it by 17%. If Adler faces the '09-type enviro, he's in huge trouble.
Will Runyan be a strong candidate? The primary proved his campaign is nimble enough to swat away a grassroots-fueled, but underfunded, challenger. But he'll face a dominating fundraiser in Adler, and Runyan will need to kick up his fundraising if he expects to take advantage of the expected GOP wave.
NJ 07
Rep. Leonard Lance (R) spent heavily and campaigned vigorously in the primary to ward off three Tea Party challengers, and in the end he topped the field with a subpar 56%.
The challengers, particularly businessman David Larsen (R), attacked Lance for his vote on cap-and-trade. But Lance spent generously on cable TV ads that depicted him as a fiscal conservative, and that apparently allowed him to weather the anti-incumbent storm. It didn't hurt that the anti-Lance vote was split three ways, not allowing one GOPer to direct all their fire at Lance.
He'll face Rep. Honda aide Ed Potosnak (D) in the general, but is the huge favorite to win a second term.
NJ 06, NJ 12
The GOP got potentially mixed news in two longshot races. In an uphill challenge to Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ 06), the NRCC granted "On the Radar" status to self-funder Diane Gooch (R). But she trailed slightly -- with 99% reporting -- in her primary to Highlands Mayor Anna Little (R), despite the fact Gooch held most of the machine endorsements. A longshot bid against Pallone with Gooch as the nominee will likely move off the radar for the GOP should Little win.
But in NJ-12, self-funder/"On the Radar" candidate Scott Sipprelle (R) eked out a victory, and may have the funds to make Rep. Rush Holt (D) sweat. Christie also won this CD, and if the enviro continues to favor the GOP, Sipprelle could catch lightning in a bottle. Still, it's a very tough race.
Does anyone have any experience with plasma vs LCD vs LED digital signage? I'm going to revamp my bar with new advertising and want to get the best long term solution.
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
That’s Too nice, when it comes in india hope it can make a Rocking place for youngster.. hope that appear true.
don't forget the independent in NJ's 12th district Kenneth Cody. He's a real dark horse and has a strong grass roots effort.