Menendez supporters react to announcement

With several television channels and the Associated Press newswires having called the race for Menendez, there is surprisingly little reaction from the assembled supporters. As only about 7 percent of votes have actually been counted, the prediction is based on statistical analysis of exit polls, which leaves some in the room still skeptical while others smile widely.

"It is what it is," Democratic New Jersey Senate president Dick Codey said of the announcement. "They've only been wrong once [in the Florida election]."

When asked why Menendez should be re-elected, Codey glanced at the television screen as he said "He already was. He's the best candidate."

"Tom didn't define himself," Codey added. "This is a Democratic state, and they voted the traditional way."

Some still feel the election may be too close to call, like Robert Polakowski, vice president of the Association of Independent College and Universities in New Jersey, an organization of which Princeton is a member.

"We've been here before," Polakowski said, referring to close races and recounts. A veteran of the electoral process, having worked on campaigns for over twenty years, he still remained optimistic and confident in Menendez's eventual victory. "Tom Kean has name recognition, but he doesn't have the same experience as Bob Menendez," Polakowski said. "I think experience wins tonight, and Tom Jr. may have his day another day."

-- Jonathan Zebrowski, in East Brunwick with the Menendez campaign