Lautenberg Wins N.J. Seat

Lautenberg beat Republican Douglas Forrester, a businessman who spent at least $7 million of his own fortune hoping to end a GOP losing streak that now numbers 30 years.

"I can't wait to get back to work," Lautenberg told jubilant supporters in New Brunswick.

Lautenberg, 78, retired two years ago after three terms marked by battles against corporate polluters, tobacco companies, airlines -- and even Torricelli. The two men fought bitterly and sometimes publicly during their years together in the Senate.

"My commitment is to do for your children, for your family, what I want to do for these children," Lautenberg said in his victory speech, standing at the podium with his children and grandchildren.

"Lautenberg, dismissing claims by opponents who said he might be to old for the job, joked that he drank warm milk so he could stay up past his bedtime. Lautenberg vowed repeatedly during his truncated campaign that he would serve a full six-year term.

Democrats gathered amid red, white and blue balloons in a hotel ballroom that featured two large television monitors. Cheers arose when vote totals were posted, with a large lead shown shortly before 8:30 p.m.

With 88 percent of the precincts reporting, Lautenberg had 975,457 votes, or 54 percent, and Forrester had 787,455 votes, or 44 percent.

Lautenberg never mentioned Torricelli by name, but promised to avoid the problems that caused his downfall.

"I'm going to obey the rules and put the people of this state first," Lautenberg said. Forrester conceded shortly after 10 p.m., and called Lautenberg.

"I wish him well, genuinely, as he resumes his seat in the Senate," Forrester told GOP faithful gathered at a hotel in East Brunswick. "I trust that as he resumes his position, he will work to represent New Jersey honorably."

Four weeks ago, Democrats tapped Lautenberg to run again days after an ethically tainted Torricelli dropped out of the race.

Forrester, 49, had been leading in the polls against Torricelli. The Republican was forced to recreate his campaign with just weeks to go in his bid to become the first Republican to win a Senate seat in New Jersey since Clifford Case won in 1972.

Lautenberg now becomes the first senator since Case to win a fourth term. His margin of victory was the largest of his political career and the biggest for a Senate candidate since Bill Bradley won his second term by 19 points against Mary Mochary in 1984.

Some voters said Tuesday they were concerned by the decision to allow Lautenberg on the ballot in Torricelli's place.

"I didn't like that last-minute switcheroo. I think that was kind of sneaky," said Ed Lind, an unaffiliated voter from Northfield in Atlantic County. "The last-minute switch made it even more important to cast a negative vote against the Democrats."

Voters, however, backed Lautenberg, despite some early concerns about his age.

It has nothing to do with age," said Robert Edge Jr., 40, a state worker from Willingboro. "It's the ability to get the job done."

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Author: www.NBC10.com