United States Senate special election in New Jersey, 2013

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## Contents

* 1 Candidates
* 1.1 General election
* 1.2 Democratic primary
* 1.3 Republican primary
* 1.4 Declined to run
* 2 Election results
* 2.1 General election
* 2.2 Primary Elections
* 2.2.1 Democratic Primary
* 2.2.2 Republican Primary
* 3 Race background
* 3.1 Race background
* 3.1.1 Reimburse counties
* 4 Polls
* 4.1 Polls
* 4.1.1 General election
* 4.1.2 Democratic primary
* 4.1.3 Republican primary
* 5 Media
* 5.1 Media
* 5.1.1 General election
* 5.1.2 Democratic primary
* 6 Campaign donors
* 6.1 Campaign donors
* 6.1.1 October 2013
* 6.1.2 July 2013
* 7 Endorsements
* 7.1 Endorsements
* 7.1.1 General election
* 7.1.1.1 Cory Booker
* 7.1.1.2 Steve Lonegan
* 7.1.2 Democratic primary
* 7.1.2.1 Cory Booker
* 7.1.2.2 Rush Holt
* 7.1.2.3 Frank Pallone
* 7.1.3 Republican primary
* 7.1.3.1 Steve Lonegan
* 7.1.3.2 Alieta Eck
* 8 District history
* 8.1 District history
* 8.1.1 2012
* 8.1.2 2008
* 8.2 See also
* 8.3 External links
* 8.4 Footnotes

New Jersey held a special election for the U.S. Senate in 2013. The general election was held on October 16, 2013, which followed a primary election on August 13, 2013.[1]

The special election was held to fill the vacancy left by the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) on June 3, 2013.[2] His seat was filled with a temporary replacement appointed by Governor Chris Christie until the special election elects a permanent successor.[3]

Christie announced at a press conference on June 4, 2013, that he had opted against appointing a successor to Lautenberg to serve until the 2014 election, and instead announced the special election.[4] Christie also said he would appoint an interim Senator to serve between June and November. On June 6, 2013, Christie announced New Jersey Attorney General Jeff Chiesa would serve as the interim Senator.[5][4][6]

New Jersey has a mixed primary system -- registered Democrats and Republicans can only vote in their own party's primary, but previously unaffiliated voters may declare a party at the polls. Independent voters may also vote in either party's primary. The registration deadline for voting in the primary was July 23, 2013, 21 days before the primary.[7]

Turnout in the primary election was low, with about 9% of the state's registered voters actually casting a ballot.[8] Only the 2006 U.S. Senate primary had lower turnout, with approximately 8%.[8] Low-turnout was predicted, with around 1.2 million voters — less than half the New Jersey electorate in 2012, expected to vote in the primary elections.[9]

Democrats were heavily favored to retain the seat as New Jersey had not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate in 40 years.[10]

Candidate Filing Deadline  |  Primary Election  |  General Election

|
|

June 10, 2013[11] |  August 13, 2013 | October 16, 2013

## Candidates[edit]

### General election[edit]

Cory Booker[12]a
Steve Lonegan
Robert Depasquale
Eugene Martin Lavergne
Stuart David Meissner
Pablo Olivera
Antonio N. Sabas
Edward Stackhouse, Jr.

### Democratic primary[edit]

* Rush Holt: Representative from the 12th District[13][14][15]
* Cory Booker: Mayor of Newark[16][17][18]a
* Frank Pallone: Representative from the 6th District[13][19]
* Sheila Oliver: New Jersey Assembly Speaker[20][21]

### Republican primary[edit]

* Steve Lonegan: Former Bogota Mayor and 2009 gubernatorial primary loser[22]a
* Alieta Eck: Physician[23]

### Declined to run[edit]

* Rob Andrews: Representative from the 1st District[13]
* Beth Mason: Hoboken Councilwoman[24]
* Michael Doherty: State senator[22]

## Election results[edit]

### General election[edit]

U.S. Senate, New Jersey Special General Election, 2013

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Cory Booker | 54.9% | 740,742
| Republican  |  Steve Lonegan  | 44% | 593,684
| Independent  |  Edward C. Stackhouse  | 0.4% | 5,138
| Independent  |  Robert DePasquale  | 0.2% | 3,137
| Independent  |  Stuart Meissner  | 0.2% | 2,051
| Independent  |  Pablo Olivera  | 0.1% | 1,530
| Independent  |  Antonio N. Sabas  | 0.1% | 1,336
| Independent  |  Eugene LaVergne  | 0.1% | 1,041
Total Votes | 1,348,659
Source: Official results via New Jersey Division of Elections[25]

### Primary Elections[edit]

#### Democratic Primary[edit]

U.S. Senate, New Jersey Special Democratic Primary, 2013

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Cory Booker | 59.2% | 216,936
Frank Pallone  | 19.8% | 72,584
Rush Holt  | 16.8% | 61,463
Sheila Oliver  | 4.3% | 15,656
Total Votes | 366,639
Source: Official Election Results from New Jersey Division of Elections[26]

#### Republican Primary[edit]

U.S. Senate, New Jersey Special Republican Primary, 2013

Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Steve Lonegan | 80.1% | 103,280
Alieta Eck  | 19.9% | 25,669
Total Votes | 128,949
Source: Official Election Results from New Jersey Division of Elections[27]

# Race background[edit]

## Race background[edit]

Christie's decision to call a special election was challenged in the state's Supreme Court.[28] Opponents argued the law required the special election to be held the same time as Christie's gubernatorial election three weeks later, rather than October 16, 2013.[29] Challengers argued that voters could be disenfranchised as a result of the election date.[29]

The state Superior Court ruled against the plaintiffs and said that Gov. Chris Christie acted properly when he decided to hold a special election on October 16.[30] The court cited NJSA 19:27-6, which provided that if a vacancy occurs in the U.S. Senate the election shall take place at the general election next succeeding unless the vacancy occurs within 70 days next preceding the primary election prior to the general election.[30]

"Without question, the Governor was authorized to call a special election in this circumstance, where the vacancy occurred one day prior to the primary," the court's decision said.[30] The court held that there was no evidence a separate election would generate voter confusion.[29] Opponents attempted to seek an appeal of the decision,[29] but on June 20, 2013 the state Supreme Court denied a request to hear the appeal.[31]

When asked whether he planned to endorse Steve Lonegan (R) in the Senate race, Gov. Christie responded by saying, “I’ve got my own campaign to run, first off. And so to the extent that I can be helpful to the Republican nominee, whoever that turns out to be, I’m sure that I’ll find some time to be helpful, but I have my own campaign to run at the same time and so my focus will be on my campaign.”[32]

### Reimburse counties[edit]

Gov. Chris Christie announced in July 2013 that counties will be reimbursed for the additional costs of holding two special elections to fill a Senate seat in New Jersey in 2013.[33][34]

The Office of Legislative Services estimated the cost for renting polling places, transporting voting machines, printing and mailing ballots and hiring additional staff to be close to $24 million.[35] At a news conference, Christie said he was still not sure the actual costs to each county.[35]

“As soon as they send in their bills, we'll audit them, look at their books to make sure no one is trying to play games with us and get something for nothing,” Christie said.[35]

The Division of Elections expected to reimburse counties before December 31, 2013.[35]

# Polls[edit]

## Polls[edit]

### General election[edit]

Special election general election match-up

Poll | Cory Booker | Steve Lonegan| Undecided| Margin of Error| Sample Size
Conservative Intel
October 13-14, 2013
| 52%| 41%| 5%| +/-3.5| 778
Quinnipiac University
October 10-14, 2013
| 53%| 41%| 6%| +/-2.4| 1,696
Rutgers-Eagleton
October 7-13, 2013
| 58%| 36%| 3%| +/-4.3| 513
Monmouth University
October 10-12, 2013
| 52%| 42%| 6%| +/-2.6| 1,393
Rasmussen Reports
October 7, 2013
| 53%| 41%| 5%| +/-3| 1,000
Stockton Polling Institute
October 3-8, 2013
| 50%| 39%| 11%| +/-3.6| 729
Quinnipiac University
October 5-7, 2013
| 53%| 41%| 6%| +/-3.3| 899
Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind
September 30-October 5, 2013
| 45%| 29%| 26%| +/-3.7| 702
Monmouth University
September 26-29, 2013
| 53%| 40%| 7%| +/-4.1| 571
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org
Special election general election match-up

Poll | Cory Booker | Steve Lonegan| Undecided| Margin of Error| Sample Size
Quinnipiac University
September 19-22, 2013
| 53%| 41%| 6%| +/-3.2| 948
Richard Stockton College
September 15-21, 2013
| 58%| 32%| 8%| +/-3.4| 812
Rutgers-Eagleton
September 3-9, 2013
| 64%| 29%| 7%| +/-3.4| 433
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind
August 21-27, 2013
| 50%| 22%| 27%| +/-3.7| 700
Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press
August 15-18, 2013
| 54%| 38%| 8%| +/-3.7| 696
Quinnipiac University
August 1-5, 2013
| 54%| 29%| 17%| +/-2.2| 2,042
Quinnipiac University
July 2-7, 2013
| 53%| 30%| 13%| +/-3| 1,068
Rasmussen Reports
June 12-13, 2013
| 50%| 33%| 17%| +/-3| 1,000
Monmouth University
June 10-11, 2013
| 53%| 37%| 10%| +/-3.9| 636
Quinnipiac University
June 7-9, 2013
| 54%| 27%| 19%| +/-3.4| 858
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

### Democratic primary[edit]

Special election Democratic primary candidates

Poll | Cory Booker | Rush Holt| Frank Pallone| Sheila Oliver| Undecided| Margin of Error| Sample Size
Quinnipiac University
August 1-5, 2013
| 54%| 15%| 17%| 5%| 9%| +/-2.2| 2,042
Monmouth University
July 11-14, 2013
| 49%| 8%| 12%| 3%| 28%| +/-4.9| 403
Quinnipiac University
July 2-7, 2013
| 52%| 8%| 10%| 3%| 26%| +/-3| 1,068
Kean University
June 18, 2013
| 49%| 9%| 6%| 9%| 22%| +/-3| 1,000
Rasmussen Reports
June 12-13, 2013
| 54%| 11%| 8%| 5%| 18%| +/-3| 1,000
Monmouth University
June 10-11, 2013
| 63%| 10%| 8%| 6%| 13%| +/-3.9| 636
Rutgers-Eagleton
June 3-9, 2013
| 55%| 9%| 8%| 0%| 28%| +/-3.3| 888
Quinnipiac University
June 7-9, 2013
| 53%| 10%| 9%| 0%| 23%| +/-3.4| 858
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Note: The Quinnipiac University poll from June 7-9 and Rutgers-Eagleton poll from June 3-9 were concluded prior to the filing deadline for candidates.

### Republican primary[edit]

Special election Republican primary candidates

Poll | Steve Lonegan | Alieta Eck| Undecided| Margin of Error| Sample Size
Quinnipiac University
August 1-5, 2013
| 74%| 10%| 13%| +/-2.2| 2,042
Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

# Media[edit]

## Media[edit]

### General election[edit]

"A Senator to Get Things Done."

American Commitment Action Fund's October 2013 ad, "#BookerFAIL: A Record of Failure."

American Commitment Action Fund released a $130,000 buy ad on October 9, 2013, that responded to Bloomberg’s ad. The ad said money Booker secured from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg did not go to Newark school classrooms and the schools were still failing.[36]

New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg's super PAC, Independence USA, announced on October 6, 2013, that it spent $1 million to air an ad in support of Booker.[37]

### Democratic primary[edit]

Rep. Rush Holt released his first video of the campaign on June 19, 2013, in which he started the video by admitting that he is no Cory Booker.[38] “I’ll be the first to admit, I’m no Cory Booker. I don’t have a million Twitter followers, I’ve never run into a burning building, and I’m not friends with Mark Zuckerberg, though I did like him on Facebook.”[39][38] Many believed that the video was a smart move for Holt, who many believed had no chance of competing with Booker’s massive online following, the millions of dollars he raised and the celebrity status he attained.[38] As the video made clear, Holt was not going to try. Instead, he embraced the role of quirky underdog in his primary bid for Senate seat.[38]

Holt released an introductory campaign video on June 19, 2013, in which he made clear that he is not Cory Booker, the Democratic frontrunner in the special election.

Cory Booker released his first ad of his Senate campaign on June 26, 2013, "Run"

Democratic frontrunner Cory Booker launched his first TV ad as a Senate candidate, which played up his accomplishments as mayor of Newark.[13] The ad, "Run," began on June 26, 2013, and featured the mayor speaking directly to camera, where he argued that he made progress on issues like guns, education and business. “I’ve proven that by bringing people together even with big problems, we can make big progress and improve people’s lives,” Booker said in the ad.[13] The ad was part of a reported $400,000-plus ad buy.[13]

Booker's second ad, released July 9, 2013, repeated much of his first ad, and highlighted his record as mayor of Newark.[40]

In his third television ad, Booker focused on Social Security, and the ad featured him addressing a series of issues including equal pay, a higher minimum wage and ending child poverty to promote equality.[41]

“No matter what your background, race, culture, gay or straight, North Jersey or South Jersey, rich or poor, are lives are interconnected. We cannot have politics that divide instead of bringing us together,” Booker said[41]

Booker's insistence that he would stand up for Social Security followed Oliver's accusations that he was not answering her questions on the issue. Oliver, who lagged in the polls, attacked Booker for taking to Twitter to answer questions about the movie "Snarknado," yet failing to respond to her.[41]

Frank Pallone released his first ad of his Senate campaign on July 21, 2013, "You can Count on Frank"

Cory Booker released his third ad of his Senate campaign on July 21, 2013, "People"

On July 21, 2013, Frank Pallone, who unveiled a series of online videos, stuck with his theme of being an average New Jersey resident in his first ad of the campaign.[41] It featured shots of Pallone campaigning in New Jersey, interspersed with clips of supporters that touted Pallone's work.[42]

"The son of a cop, Frank Pallone knows working New Jersey," a narrator says, adding that the "middle-class father of three…gets things done."[42] The ad credited Pallone with steering the health care overhaul through Congress and preventing the Tea Party from dismantling Social Security.[42]

In the final week leading up to the Democratic primary, Rush Holt launched a $350,000 ad buy.[43] The buy started on August 6 in the New York City media market, one of the two major ones that stretch into New Jersey, and the Philadelphia cable market. It ran until the day of the primary, August 13.[43]

As part of the ad buy, Holt launched an ad blasting Newark Mayor Cory Booker as “no progressive.”.[44] The ad listed Holt's experience as a scientist and teacher and featured him in a chemistry classroom, talking about policy proposals he said Booker opposed, including a carbon tax, breaking up big banks and banning government surveillance programs.[45]

Rush Holt's August 12, 2013, appearance on The Colbert Report's, "Know a District" segment.

Rush Holt's ad released in the final week prior to the Democratic primary, "Rush Holt for Senate"

"I approved this message because Cory Booker may be the frontrunner in this race, but he's no progressive," he said at the end.[45]

Hoping to benefit from the "Colbert bump," Rep. Rush Holt appeared on Comedy Central's, "The Colbert Report" the day before the U.S. Senate primary, as part of the show's 435-part series "Better Know a District."[46][47]

"Why do you want to be a Senator, though?" Colbert asked. "After years of being in a do-nothing Congress, do you want to join a do-nothing Senate?"[48] Holt replied, "I want to make it a do-something Senate."[48]

Colbert jokingly chided Holt over his opponent, Cory Booker, who, if elected, would become the first African-American U.S. Senator from New Jersey.[48] "Tell the people of New Jersey right now why you think that's a bad idea to elect the first black Senator from New Jersey," Colbert asked.[48]

Holt downplayed the historical significance of a Booker victory. “You know, race is something that is losing its meaning, when you realize that most people in America are of mixed heritage,” Holt said.[48]

# Campaign donors[edit]

## Campaign donors[edit]

### October 2013[edit]

As of October 4, 2013, Booker outraised Lonegan 8-to-1, collecting $11.2 million to Lonegan’s $1.35 million.[49]

### July 2013[edit]

Cory Booker (D) announced on July 11, 2013, that he raised $4.6 million in the prior three months for his U.S. Senate campaign, a major showing of financial strength.[50] Booker’s fundraising total for 2013, as of July 11, was $6.5 million. He ended the quarter with $4.5 million in cash on hand. In July 2013 Booker started airing cable ads in the New York and Philadelphia markets, both of which were among the most expensive in the country.[50]

Booker announced on July 16, 2013 that he would be making a campaign fundraising stop in Washington D.C. on July 18, 2013 with five events in one day.[51] The effort is expected to be his only trip to Washington, D.C., before the August 13th primary.[51]

Four of the fundraisers are being hosted by Democratic K Streeters and supporters are asked to contribute between $1,000 per person to more than $10,000 to co-host an evening reception.[51] The fundraising event is a major contrast to the D.C. Society of Young Professionals fundraiser in April 2013 for Booker before he announced his Senate bid. That event was at hipster bar Jack Rose Dining Saloon and asked for just $40 for those under 35 and $100 for general admission.[51]

# Endorsements[edit]

## Endorsements[edit]

### General election[edit]

#### Cory Booker[edit]

* New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg's super PAC, Independence USA, announced on October 6, 2013, a $1 million ad buy in support of Booker.[52]

* The New Jersey State AFL-CIO Executive Board voted unanimously to endorse Cory Booker on August 15, 2013.[53] “Mayor Cory Booker offers a fresh progressive vision for building consensus in Washington while maintaining a staunch commitment to fighting for the core values of our middle class,” said State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “Mayor Booker has built a record as a champion for the Newark community, taking on poverty and crime as well as fighting to foster economic growth and provide good jobs and opportunity to working families. The vision Mayor Booker will bring to the U.S. Senate will be one of compromise, compassion, and fighting for the common good.”[53]

* President Obama endorsed Booker on August 21, 2013, saying if elected he would be “an important partner in our efforts to reduce gun violence, give every American a fair shot in a global economy, and make our country stronger.”[54]
* “Cory Booker has dedicated his life to the work of building hope and opportunity in communities where too little of either existed. Whether as a college student working in East Palo Alto or as mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, Cory has time and again taken on tough challenges, fought for the middle class and those working to join it, and forged coalitions that create progress – and that’s the spirit he’ll carry with him to Washington,” Obama said in a statement.[54]

* Vice President Joe Biden's planned campaign stop for October 11, 2013, was canceled due the government shutdown.[55]

* Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and several other major Hollywood stars hosted a fundraiser for Cory Booker on September 23, 2013.[56] Ron Burkle hosted the event at his house with Matt Damon, with tickets ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Other co-hosts for the evening affair included Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Jerry Weintraub, JJ Abrams and wife Katie McGrath, Michael Eisner, Troy Carter, WME Co-CEO Patrick Whitesell, talent agency head Bob Gersh, Disney exec Sean Bailey, Netflix's Ted Sarandos and former US Ambassador Nicole Avant.[56]
* It was the second big Hollywood fundraiser for Booker, after a star-studded event in April 2013 hosted by Jerry Weintraub, which garnered approximately $500,000 for Booker's run.[56]

#### Steve Lonegan[edit]

* Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) recorded robocalls on behalf of Lonegan in the final days of the campaign.[57]

* Just days before the general election, Sarah Palin attended a Tea Party Express rally in New Egypt, New Jersey, on October 12, 2013, with conservative radio host Mark Levin to rally for Lonegan.[58][59]

Steve Lonegan's (R) appearance on "The John Gamble Show" on August 14, 2013.

* On August 14, 2013, Republican nominee Steve Lonegan told WOR Radio that he was “expecting really the whole National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) to be focusing on this race.”[60]
* “The entire Republican Party is organized behind my campaign,” Lonegan said on “The John Gamble Show.”[60]
* RNC spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski confirmed that the committee planned to help Lonegan through its Victory program in New Jersey.[60] The Victory program provides resources to Republicans from the top of the ticket down, such as funding for offices, staff and volunteers to garner support for Republican candidates.[60]

* Gov. Chris Christie endorsed Steve Lonegan in the special election on August 20, 2013. In the endorsement he said, "Steve, as usual, ran the type of spirited, principled campaign that he has been known for his entire professional career in the primary,” Christie told a crowd sandwiched into a long room where the air conditioning was not working. “And I am proud to have him as our candidate for the United States Senate.”[61][62] “This will not be the only time Steve Lonegan and I will be together between now and Oct. 16,” Christie said. “The apparatus of the Republican Party is going to be behind Steve Lonegan."[62]

* Rand Paul said on August 21, 2013, that he had met with Steve Lonegan and was planning to help him.[63] “We’re considering trying to help him out,” Paul said. “In all likelihood, we’ll go in and either financially or try to help him through an endorsement or something,” Paul added.[63] Paul joined [Steve Lonegan|Lonegan’s]] campaign on September 13, 2013 for an afternoon “Liberty and Victory Rally.”[64][65]

* On September 18, 2013, Lonegan's campaign announced a campaign event that featured Rick Perry on October 1, 2013. Perry also attended a fundraising event for Lonegan while in New Jersey.[66]

### Democratic primary[edit]

#### Cory Booker[edit]

Just weeks before leaving office as the interim Senator in Massachusetts, Mo Cowan endorsed Cory Booker on June 4, 2013.[67] Cowan noted that he was just the eighth black American to serve in the Senate, and continued by saying “As I vacate the hallowed halls of Congress, perhaps he’ll come in not too late after me and continue I hope is a very popular trend in the Congress, particular in the Senate, which is to continue to show representation of all people."[67] On June 9, 2013 Booker received the backing of George E. Norcross III, an insurance executive and hospital chairman who is seen as "the most powerful figure in New Jersey Democratic politics" according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.[68]

Two of the most powerful unions in the state, The New Jersey Education Association and the state branch of the Communication Workers Association of America, announced on June 12, 2013, that they planned to withhold endorsements in the August 13th primary election.[69] “We’re unlikely to endorse in the primary. This is a really politically complicated situation for organizations like ours because we have good friends running against each other, so there’s no advantage for us to get involved in this primary,” said NJEA government relations director Ginger Gold.[69]

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg announced on July 8, 2013, that he planned to host a fundraiser for Cory Booker.[70] The event was held at Bloomberg’s townhouse on July 15, 2013.[70]

The day before the Democratic primary, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria lent support for Booker.[71] She joined Booker at campaign rallies in Plainfield and Newark and introduced Booker at the events.[71] Longoria previously was a national co-chair for President Obama's re-election campaign and spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.[71]

Oprah Winfrey also spoke at a fundraiser for Booker in early August 2013.[71]

Other endorsements included:

* Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator[72]
* Joseph DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive[73]
* Beth Mason, Hoboken City Councilwoman[74]
* George Norcross[75]
* Jim Whelan: State Senator[76]
* Mo Cowan, Interim U.S. Senator[77]
* Martin O'Malley: Governor of Maryland[78]

#### Rush Holt[edit]

* Mercer County Democratic Committee[79]

#### Frank Pallone[edit]

* Vin Gopal: Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Committee[80]
* Family members of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg said on July 8, 2013 that they were backing Rep. Frank Pallone in the August 13 Democratic primary to fill the seat.[81] A statement from the family said, “Frank Pallone knows that gimmicks and celebrity status won’t get you very far in the real battles that Democrats face in the future… While it may not always attract glamorous headlines, Frank knows that to be effective you must put New Jersey and your principles first, not your own glory.”[81]

### Republican primary[edit]

#### Steve Lonegan[edit]

Endorsements included:[82]

* Leonard Lance: Rep. from District 7
* Scott Garrett: Rep. from District 5
* Rivieri Del Mundo: Middlesex County Committeewoman
* Carey Pilato: Mayor, Bound Brook Borough
* Chris Rogers: President, New Jersey Taxpayers' Association
* Robert Luban: Council Woodbridge Twp
* John Meeks: President, Midland Park Republican Club
* Thomas Banca: Councilman, East Rutherford
* Mark Padula: Atlantic City Republican County Committee Chairman
* Michael J. Sanchelli: Jefferson Twp Council Vice President
* John Cesaro: Morris County Freeholder
* Ann F. Grossi: Morris County Freeholder
* Matthew C. Moench: Bridgewater Township Council
* Joseph A. Vicente: Councilman, Rockaway Borough
* Gregory Newton: Jamesburg Municipal Chairman
* Richard LoCascio: Mayor, Chesterfield Township
* Johncito F. Peraza: President, Metro Los Angeles Conservative Club
* Montclair Republican Club
* Frank D'Arcio: Committeeman, Woodbridge TWP
* Edward J. Smith: Warren County Freeholder
* Michael Patrick Carroll: Assemblyman
* Adelia Recchia: Republican Committee, Bergen County
* Robert B. Yudin: Bergen County Chairman
* Thomas T. Booth, Jr.:Camden County Chairman
* Thomas J. Mastrangelo: Morris County Freeholder
* John Krickus: Morris County Freeholder
* Hank Lyon: Morris County Freeholder
* Michael Donohue: Cape May County Chairman
* Robert G. Walton: Hunterdon County Freeholder
* Patrick Cassio: Rahway Republican Municipal Chairman
* Louis Fligor: Atlantic Highlands Councilman
* William Budesheim: Riverdale Mayor
* John DiMaio: Assemblyman
* Phil Morin: Union County Republican Chairman
* Henry Kuhl: Hunterdon County Republican Chairman
* Dave Scapicchio: Morris County Freeholder
* Doug Cabana: Morris County Freeholder
* Danielle DiPaola: Councilwoman - Borough of Emerson
* Ronald Perry: Area V.P., National Black Republican Council
* James A. Mathieu: Councilman, Borough of Garwood
* William Schmidt: Bergen County Prosecutor 1997 - 2002

On August 1, 2013, it was announced that Lonegan met with the Club for Growth and was scheduled to meet with the National Republican Senatorial Committee.[83]

Lonegan said in interviews that he also planned to meet with Rand Paul in an effort to secure an endorsement.[83] He was endorsed by five of the state’s six Republican members of Congress and hoped to secure the backing of remaining Rep. Christopher Smith.[83]

#### Alieta Eck[edit]

* Brian Levine, Franklin Township Mayor[84]
* Joseph Rudy Rullo: Independent candidate[85]

# District history[edit]

## District history[edit]

Candidate ballot access

* * *

Find detailed information on ballot access requirements in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

### 2012[edit]

See also: United States Senate elections in New Jersey, 2012

Bob Menendez won re-election in 2012.[86] He was unopposed in the June 5 Democratic primary and defeated Joe Kyrillos (R) and Jeff Boss (I) in the November general election.

U.S. Senate, New Jersey, General Election, 2012

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Robert Menendez Incumbent | 58.9% | 1,987,680
| Republican  |  Joe Kyrillos  | 39.4% | 1,329,534
| Libertarian  |  Kenneth R. Kaplan  | 0.5% | 16,803
| Green  |  Ken Wolski  | 0.5% | 15,801
| Jersey Strong Independents  |  Gwen Diakos  | 0.3% | 9,359
| Totally Independent Candidate  |  J. David Dranikoff  | 0.1% | 3,834
| America First  |  Inder "Andy" Soni  | 0.1% | 3,593
| Responsibility Fairness Integrity  |  Robert "Turk" Turkavage  | 0.1% | 3,532
| Socialist Party USA  |  Gregory Pason  | 0.1% | 2,249
| No Slogan  |  Eugene Martin Lavergne  | 0.1% | 2,198
| Reform Nation  |  Daryl Mikell Brooks  | 0.1% | 2,066
Total Votes | 3,376,649
Source: New Jersey Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

### 2008[edit]

On November 4, 2008, Lautenberg was re-elected to the United States Senate for a fourth non-consecutive term. He defeated Dick Zimmer (R), Jason Scheurer (Libertarian), J.M. Carter (God We Trust), Daryl Mikell Brooks (Poor People’s Campaign), Sara Lobman (Socialist Workers) and Jeffrey Boss (Boss for Senate).[87]

United States Senate, New Jersey General Election, 2008

Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes
| Democratic  | Frank Lautenberg Incumbent | 56% | 1,951,218
| Republican  |  Dick Zimmer  | 42% | 1,461,025
| Libertarian  |  Jason Scheurer  | 0.5% | 18,810
| God We Trust  |  J.M. Carter  | 0.5% | 15,935
| Poor People’s Campaign  |  Daryl Mikell Brooks  | 0.5% | 15,925
| Socialist Workers  |  Sara Lobman  | 0.3% | 10,345
| Boss for Senate  |  Jeffrey Boss  | 0.3% | 9,187
Total Votes | 3,482,445

## See also[edit]

* Special elections to the 113th United States Congress (2013-2014)
* United States Senate elections, 2012
* United States congressional delegations from New Jersey
* United States Senate elections in New Jersey, 2014
* Frank Lautenberg (D)
* BP News: Booker and Lonegan defeat challengers in New Jersey special election
* BP News: Voters in New Jersey to decide nominees in special election primary

## External links[edit]

* General Election Unofficial candidate list (dead link)
* New Jersey Division of Elections
* New Jersey 2013 Election Information
* Writ of Election
* Important dates for candidates
* Important dates for voters
* Official list of primary election candidates
* Campaign finance summary from Open Secrets

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Politico, "Chris Christie calls August, October special elections in New Jersey" accessed June 4, 2013
2. ↑ Huffington Post, "Frank Lautenberg Dead: New Jersey Senator Dies At 89," June 3, 2013
3. ↑ Washington Post, "Sen. Frank Lautenberg dead at 89" accessed June 3, 2013
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 NBC News, "With special election decision, Christie helps himself too" accessed June 4, 2013
5. ↑ Yahoo News, "Christie appoints N.J. attorney general to replace Lautenberg" accessed June 6, 2013
6. ↑ Reuters, "N.J. governor calls special election to fill Senate seat" accessed June 4, 2013
7. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Important Dates for Voters" accessed June 10, 2013
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 WNYC, " NJ Senate Primary Turnout Wasn't the Lowest. But Almost.," accessed August 14, 2013
9. ↑ Roll Call, "Special Election Underdog Meets With Club for Growth #NJSEN," accessed August 8, 2013
10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `fends`
11. ↑ New Jersey Board of Elections, "Notice to Candidates" accessed June 10, 2013
12. ↑ NY Times, "New Jersey Senate 2013," accessed October 16, 2013
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Washington Post, "Booker’s first ad highlights record in Newark" accessed June 26, 2013
14. ↑ Washington Post, "Rep. Rush Holt to run in New Jersey special election" accessed June 5, 2013
15. ↑ Roll Call, "Rush Holt Confirms Senate Bid #NJSEN" accessed June 7, 2013
16. ↑ Politico, "Cory Booker announces New Jersey senate run" accessed June 8, 2013
17. ↑ WNYC, "Election 2013," accessed August 13, 2013
18. ↑ NBC 40, "2013 Special Election Results," accessed August 13, 2013
19. ↑ Huffington Post, "Frank Pallone Running For Senate In New Jersey" accessed June 10, 2013
20. ↑ NJ.com, "Sheila Oliver 'seriously considering' run for U.S. Senate in special election" accessed June 10, 2013
21. ↑ NJ.com, "Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver tells Dems she's running for U.S. Senate" accessed June 10, 2013
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Politicker NJ "Lonegan running for US Senate; Doherty backing him" accessed June 6, 2013
23. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Special Election" accessed June 11, 2013
24. ↑ NJ.com, "N.J. Politics Roundup: Booker, Oliver, Pallone join special U.S. Senate race" accessed June 10, 2013
25. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Special Election General Election Results," accessed November 7, 2013
26. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Unofficial Primary Special Election Results," accessed November 7, 2013
27. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Unofficial Primary Special Election Results," accessed November 7, 2013
28. ↑ New Jersey Judiciary, "Election Opinion" accessed June 17, 2013
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 NJ.com, "N.J. Supreme Court to hear Democratic challenge to special U.S. Senate election" accessed June 17, 2013
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Politcker NJ "Judges reject objection to Christie decision on U.S. Senate special election; say governor acted properly" accessed June 17, 2013
31. ↑ Politicker NJ "Supreme Court won't hear challenge to special election" accessed June 21, 2013
32. ↑ NJ.com, "Christie on endorsing Lonegan: 'I've got my own campaign to run'" accessed June 19, 2013
33. ↑ State of New Jersey, "Memorandum from Governor Christie," accessed August 7, 2013
34. ↑ WNYC, "Special Election Will Cost NJ Taxpayers - But How Much?" accessed August 7, 2013
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `electioncost`
36. ↑ Politico, "Anti-Cory Booker super PAC releases ad," accessed October 9, 2013
37. ↑ NY Times, "Anxious Allies Aiding Booker in Senate Bid," accessed October 8, 2013
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 Washington Post, "Rush Holt is no Cory Booker. And he’s just fine with that." accessed June 20, 2013
39. ↑ YouTube.com, "Rush Holt for Senate" accessed June 20, 2013
40. ↑ Roll Call, "Cory Booker Launches second TV ad" accessed July 23, 2013
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Huffington Post, " New Jersey Senate Race Features New Ads From Frank Pallone, Cory Booker" accessed July 23, 2013
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 The Hill, "Pallone launches first ad in New Jersey Senate race" accessed July 23, 2013
43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 Politico, "Rush Holt buys ads in New Jersey Senate race" accessed August 5, 2013
44. ↑ Politico, "Rush Holt blasts Cory Booker in ad" accessed August 5, 2013
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 The Hill, "Holt hits Booker as 'no progressive' in first ad" accessed August 5, 2013
46. ↑ Huffington Post, "Colbert Interviews Rush Holt, NJ Senate Hopeful, And Things Get Awkward (VIDEO)," accessed August 13, 2013
47. ↑ Daily Kos, "NJ-Sen: Check Out Rush Holt's (D) Interview On The Colbert Report," accessed August 13, 2013
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 NJ.com, "Holt appears on 'Colbert Report' in election eve interview," accessed August 13, 2013
49. ↑ NJ.com, "Booker raises 8 times more cash than Lonegan in U.S. Senate race," accessed October 14, 2013
50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Politico, "Cory Booker raises $4.6 million in 3 months" accessed July 11, 2013
51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 Politico, "New Jersey Senate race 2013: Cory Booker hits D.C. for fundraising blitz" accessed July 16, 2013
52. ↑ NY Times, "Anxious Allies Aiding Booker in Senate Bid," accessed October 8, 2013
53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Politicker NJ, "NJ AFL-CIO votes to back Booker for U.S. Senate, Lagana in LD38," accessed August 16, 2013
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Washington Post, "Obama endorses Cory Booker for Senate," accessed August 21, 2013
55. ↑ Washington Post, "Shutdown scraps Biden’s plans to stump for Cory Booker," accessed October 8, 2013
56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 Politico, "Affleck, Damon to boost Booker," accessed August 28, 2013
57. ↑ Philly.com, "Booker wins U.S. Senate seat," accessed October 16, 2013
58. ↑ Politico, "Sarah Palin to campaign with Steve Lonegan," accessed October 10, 2013
59. ↑ NY Times, "Palin Endorses Lonegan in New Jersey Senate Race," accessed October 14, 2013
60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 60.3 Roll Call, "Lonegan: National Republicans Support My Special-Election Campaign | #NJSEN," accessed August 19, 2013
61. ↑ NJ.com, "Christie endorses Lonegan for U.S. Senate," accessed August 28, 2013
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Newsmax.com, " Christie Endorses Steve Lonegan in US Senate Race," accessed August 28, 2013
63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 Politico, "Rand Paul mulling Steve Lonegan endorsement," accessed August 28, 2013
64. ↑ Roll Call, "Rand Paul to Stump for Republican in New Jersey Special | #NJSEN," accessed September 4, 2013
65. ↑ Politico, "Rand Paul to campaign for Steve Lonegan," accessed September 4, 2013
66. ↑ Buzz Feed Politics, "Rick Perry To Campaign For Steve Lonegan In New Jersey," accessed September 19, 2013
67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 Politico, "Mo Cowan endorses Cory Booker run" accessed June 6, 2013
68. ↑ Philly.com, "Norcross backs Booker for Senate" accessed June 11, 2013
69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 Real Clear Politics, "Unions' Choice to Avoid Primary Will Aid Booker" accessed June 13, 2013
70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 Politico, "Michael Bloomberg hosts Cory Booker fundraiser" accessed July 8, 2013
71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 Politico, "Longoria stumping for Booker," accessed August 12, 2013
72. ↑ The Grio, "Cory Booker formally enters NJ Senate race, endorsed by Bill Bradley" accessed July 8, 2013
73. ↑ Politicker NJ "DiVincenzo in with Booker at kickoff" accessed July 8, 2013
74. ↑ NJ.com, "Beth Mason" accessed July 8, 2013
75. ↑ Politicker NJ "Norcross says Booker will win Senate race" accessed July 8, 2013
76. ↑ Politicker NJ "Whelan backs Booker for U.S. Senate" accessed July 8, 2013
77. ↑ [www.politico.com/story/2013/06/mo-cowan-cory-booker-senate-92247.html Politico, "Mo Cowan endorses Cory Booker run" accessed July 8, 2013]
78. ↑ NJ.com, "Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley endorses Booker for Senate" accessed July 8, 2013
79. ↑ Politicker NJ "Mercer Dems back Holt for U.S. Senate" accessed July 8, 2013
80. ↑ Politicker NJ "Monmouth County Dems going with Pallone in special election" accessed July 8, 2013
81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 Politico, "Frank Lautenberg family backs Frank Pallone, knocks Cory Booker" accessed July 8, 2013
82. ↑ Lonegan for Senate, "Endorsements" accessed July 8, 2013
83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 83.2 Roll Call, "Special Election Underdog Meets With Club for Growth #NJSEN" accessed August 1, 2013
84. ↑ Politicker NJ "Former gubernatorial candidate Levine backs Eck early over Lonegan in Senate race" accessed July 8, 2013
85. ↑ Examiner, "Alieta Eck gains key endorsement" accessed July 8, 2013
86. ↑ Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; no text was provided for refs named `cnnr`
87. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008"

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[show]

New Jersey's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Cory Booker (D)

Bob Menendez (D)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Norcross (D)

District 2

Jeff Van Drew (R)

District 3

Andrew Kim (D)

District 4

Chris Smith (R)

District 5

Josh Gottheimer (D)

District 6

Frank Pallone (D)

District 7

Tom Malinowski (D)

District 8

Albio Sires (D)

District 9

Bill Pascrell (D)

District 10

Donald Payne (D)

District 11

Mikie Sherrill (D)

District 12

Bonnie Coleman (D)

Democratic Party (12)

Republican Party (2)