Menendez celebrates victory

The subdued excitement that had pervaded the Grand Ballroom all night suddenly and loudly gave way to joyful exuberance as Menendez supporters raised their placards in the air and shouted at the top of their lungs upon hearing of Tom Kean, Jr.'s concession of the Senate race. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine took the stage minutes later and addressed the gathered crowd. "New Jersey chose well, and I am proud of you," he said, introducing Menendez minutes later along with the candidate's two children and Sen. Frank Lautenberg.

Taking the stage, Menendez opened with a long string of "thank yous," waved at the crowd and even jumped in the air to celebrate his victory. "I have walked by faith and not by sight," he said, referring to his belief that he would emerge victorious despite close polls and predictions otherwise by commentators.

"A few minutes ago, I received a call from Tom Kean, Jr., who conceded the election," Menendez told his assembled supporters, who erupted into simultaneous booing that nearly equaled the earlier cheering in volume and intensity.

Addressing his supporters, his opponents and "especially those who didn't vote at all," Menendez promised to wake up every morning with the intent to "fight for what is right for the people of New Jersey." Turning to Corzine, he said, "it's your victory," as Corzine had originally selected Menendez to fill his Senate seat upon ascending to the state governorship.

As the crowd continued to cheer, Menendez reiterated his key talking points, namely his opposition to President Bush on the war and on domestic issues, his stance against "justices who would have voted against a woman's right to choose" and his refusal to shift with political opinion.

"I didn't wait to see which way the political winds were blowing," he said, "and I never will."

Menendez then went on to deliver the beginning of his speech again in Spanish, to tremendous applause and, eventually, unison cries of "si se puede" (yes it is possible).

He and Corzine then descended from the stage and shook hands with the supporters crowding around the platform.

Earlier in the night, Menendez supporters had cheered loudly when a staffer projected upon the wall USA Today's online edition declaring him victorious. New Jersey ex-governor Jim Florio walked past soon afterward, declaring "tonight's the night, and an early night!" However, the crowd died down, earnestly awaiting the official announcement of Kean's concession.

-- Jonathan Zebrowski, in East Brunswick at the Menendez victory celebration